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My good friend is graduating from the Naval Academy this weekend and he has asked me to be his first salute. I've seen this done before. One of my friends gave his sister her first salute when she graduated. I don't believe there are any regulations on it, rather a time honored tradition. I also know it's typically performed by NCOs but since cadets are required to salute officers just like any other soldier.... I'm just not sure what is "right."
Posted in these groups: 
Customs and Courtesies
Customs and Courtesies
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
Yes that's totally fine and common. Once your friend is commissioned, you should be there and render a salute. It is also a tradition at some commissioning sources for the 'new officer' to give a gold dollar coin to the first person who salutes him or her. So maybe you will be $2 richer too :)
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CPT (Join to see)
Sir, it was a silver dollar as of a year ago when I was commissioned. All commissioning ceremonies I've attended have called for silver dollars, as per the script.
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
Actually yeah I think you guys are right now that you mention silver. Yeah it's a silver dollar. Thanks for correcting me.
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LTC Stephen C.
As far as silver dollars go, make sure it's a real silver dollar and not one the new dollars that are virtually worthless. Go to a coin shop and you'll be able to get a real silver dollar and it won't set you back too much. I wouldn't want to give an NCO anything but the real deal. CPT Aaron Kletzing CPT (Join to see) SFC (Join to see) CPT (Join to see)
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SGM Erik Marquez
LTC Stephen C. - Many of my cadets chose silver dollars with a specific date that had meaning to them... a birthday, anniversary, loss of a relative, ..ect..
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My cousin just graduated from Army ROTC, and our uncle (retired Army CSM) was his first salute at the ceremony. Other cadets also had military family that were their's. Accompanied with the silver dollar, of course. So yes, it's allowed.
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Once he commissions, would you, in your current status, be required to salute your good friend, were you to pass each other in uniform on the street? If yes, then I don't see any problem.
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Anyone who is required to salute an officer is eligible to be your first salute. Make sure you have your silver dollar ready.
Beat Navy.
Beat Navy.
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I am symbol of respect and long standing tradition. As long as they mean it. Yea it's fine.
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The quote from the movie The Last Castle has always resonated with me. I see it as a sign of respect for that person and I wouldn't begrudge anyone who asked someone in particular to be their 1st salute.
[It comes from medieval times. Two knights would approach each other on horseback. They would raise their visors and show their faces. It's like they're saying, "This is who I am. I'm not the enemy and I'm not afraid." A salute's about respect, son. Respect for yourself, the service and the flag.]
[It comes from medieval times. Two knights would approach each other on horseback. They would raise their visors and show their faces. It's like they're saying, "This is who I am. I'm not the enemy and I'm not afraid." A salute's about respect, son. Respect for yourself, the service and the flag.]
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I do not believe you will find regulatory guidance on this.. That leaves local policy and socially / historically accepted norms.
End of the day its not worng... As you stated, cadets are required to salute commissioned officers.
Talk with the PMS,,, if it is ok with that leader, it should be fine.
End of the day its not worng... As you stated, cadets are required to salute commissioned officers.
Talk with the PMS,,, if it is ok with that leader, it should be fine.
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I've heard both yays and nays. My Professor of Military Science had a junior Cadet render him his first salute when he was commissioned, but our HR Administrator (a retired USAF E-9) said no Cadets and no one who's not an NCO. I'd say that as long as you were specifically asked and that your good friend's chain of command at USNA is aware that his first salute will be a Cadet and has greenlighted it, I'd say go for it. That's awesome that a friend is asking you.
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