Can a soldier, sailor, airman, marine, or guardian salute another (even if in another Service) while in civilian attire?

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 18:10:14 -0500

At the mall, I met with others who were in other services, but we were all in our civvies. When they discovered that I am a senior-ranked (retired) officer, they rendered a salute. I returned it. Nearly broke into tears.

* Guardian is now the official term for members of the Space Force (a Service of the Department of the Air Force).

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Dec 4 at 2023 12:44 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:44:10 -0500

I have before. Kinda depends on the situation and who the officer is.

There is one retired O-6 in the local area I deal with occasionally in my EMS role. I usually render a salute at the end of our interaction just because I respect the heck out of him.

There's another retired O in the local area I will make a point of referring to him by his first name just because I know it pisses him off and there is nothing he can do about it. He's an unmitigated horse's posterior and I imagine he was just as insufferable when active.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2023 8:09 AM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:09:02 -0500

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis It is a lifetime honor to be able to render a salute to the flag and to veterans.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Dec 4 at 2023 4:42 PM

COL Dan Ruder — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:42:31 -0500

I certainly would...it's an honor to render and return that courtesy/respect to others. Whether still active duty or retired, and regardless of Service, the military salute is our version of a not-so-secret handshake among military members that symbolizes a shared identity and camaraderie. In a setting like you described, a salute with positive eye contact can say more than any spoken word.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 5 at 2023 5:07 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 17:07:58 -0500

Congress finally gave the right to us to salute our own flag, why put down an honor handed to up by others?

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Dec 5 at 2023 9:39 PM

MAJ Jim Steven — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 21:39:07 -0500

I am not saluting anyone I don't have to....

so...if I am in civilian clothes, or you are in civies, my right hand isn't moving.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 6 at 2023 7:22 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 07:22:33 -0500

They chose to show the respect they have for your service. That is an honor and the fact that it made you feel great is a testament to why it is done. RESPECT!

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Dec 6 at 2023 10:40 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 22:40:05 -0500

My younger brother also served (and retired). He achieved a higher grade. I salute him (at least once) during family reunions. He might think it's silly, but I think it's cool.