Posted on Dec 14, 2020
Do I need to render a salute to an officer when my hands are occupied?
217K
3.33K
1.12K
338
336
2
This is the second time I’ve gotten reprimanded for this situation. I was walking with a binder in my hands, and a mug in the other hand. I walked past a CSM and a CPT, greeted both as I was unable to salute. CSM stopped me and demanded that I drop everything to salute the CPT. AR 600-25 states that I am not required to render a salute if I am carrying articles with both hands. What is the right answer?
Customs and Courtesies
Saluting
Officers
Enlisted
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 633
4
4
0
Not required to salute. Continue your mission and offer an appropriate greeting. I would think a CSM would know that. By the time they made it to E-9, I would also think those Command Sergeants Major would have better things to do than to think of lame justification to bust people’s balls. Unfortunately, too often I have seen military “leaders”(?) apply their ego to their positions of authority.
If a Soldier is wrong, by all means make a correction. Quit being so damned insecure and LEAD our troops. <Rant Over>
If a Soldier is wrong, by all means make a correction. Quit being so damned insecure and LEAD our troops. <Rant Over>
(4)
(0)
CPT Kenneth Losey
Sir, I commented previously that the CSM could have "just been being a dick." I also stated that I (we?) don't know all of the circumstances of the incident. But I can also remember soldiers intentionally showing disrespect and being corrected - not by me - but by an NCO accompanying me. Since this is the second incident of this kind, it is possible the sergeant was known to have a disrespectful attitude. Maybe, maybe not, given the brief description. The bottom line is that showing respect to superiors is a necessary part of military life and discipline for many reasons. Superiors, however, also need to show respect to those junior to them. That includes not jacking them up without good reason. We just don't know enough about this particular situation to render judgment.
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
I don't know how things work in the Army outside what my grandfather, dad, and brother told me. But this stands in the Navy. I had a brand new JO fresh outta the academy attempt yo make me salute while I was carrying a very heavy aircraft part to a support vehicle in the parking lot. I kept walking after our encounter, politely explained the article and my current situation and went on my way. I returned later and was told to put on my dress whites because I was being sent to Captain's mast (Commanding Officer's Court). When the JO explained his side, and I gave mine. The CO asked the JO to leave, and dismissed all charges. He also told me, 'Tee" don't worry about that Ivy league A-Hole. I can't stand him either!
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
I believe the CSM was capable of deciding whether your hands were too engaged to render a salute. But the key was that this was the second time you’ve placed yourself in this situation. Apparently, the correction didn’t take the first time. It appears that you may be attempting to evade rendering a military courtesy. As an officer, I never expected a salute from a troop who was appropriately engaged and would be indisposed by having to salute me.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
When I was in, if I had a heavy load in both hands, I would just nod to officers and greet them respectfully.
But if you can't hold a binder and a coffee mug in one hand long enough to render a hand salute, maybe office hallways are too physically challenging for your military might.
Maybe you should look for a transfer into Space Force. In zero gravity, it won't matter when you drop all your stuff.
"Guardians Float the Way, ma'am!"
But if you can't hold a binder and a coffee mug in one hand long enough to render a hand salute, maybe office hallways are too physically challenging for your military might.
Maybe you should look for a transfer into Space Force. In zero gravity, it won't matter when you drop all your stuff.
"Guardians Float the Way, ma'am!"
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
I don't know about the new army as I was a member in the 50s & 60s, but had I not saluted, I'd be digging a hole six by six.
(4)
(0)
PO3 Patrick Whited
The funny part of it all is that NONE of those officers will be demanding salutes in a combat zone..
(2)
(0)
4
4
0
Best thing to do is avoid carrying items in both hands. Chicken-wing that binder and grip the mug in the left hand. Problem solved.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
You are not required to render a salute, but you are expected to render a verbal greeting to the officer as you pass.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
4
4
0
LOL, I remember times when we tried to avoid saluting, crossing the street, ducking indoors, having hands full, etc. Some officers would want to make an example of each situation and other officers had higher higher goals or concerns. I always tried to error on the side of intent and tried not to appear like I was avoiding honoring my superior officers and appreciated when others below my rank gave me respect.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google