Do I need to render a salute to an officer when my hands are occupied?

That is talking about needing two hands to carry an item - ie a large box. You would have been able to have tucked the binder under your arm - and hold the cup in your left hand. - On the other hand, were you carrying those items as you did, just so you would not have to salute?

If what you wrote is correct, the CSM is a jerk. My problem is a binder and a mug. What are you doing drinking and walking [especially in uniform]. I was taught not to eat or drink outside while walking--it can get messy. Walking down the hall or a "no salute" area is different story.

Whenever I see an officer approaching, I stop what I’m doing. Render the proper salute, then continue on after the officer has proceeded on his/ her way.

Greet them with the proper military respect and move out. That CSM was being an asshat.

Upon seeing the approaching officer he should of stopped and placed the item in his right hand on the ground and come to the position of attention and held the salute till the officer has returned the salute.

Some officers are full of themselves. I had a similar experience. I had books under both arms and got chewed out for not saluting one officer. The other officers I crossed path with never said a word.

Don't argue just salute and keep moving.

Its generally understood that if both hands are being used that you simply acknowledge the officer. Nevertheless, that is an understanding, not a policy. If the officer needs you to render a salute, then you put down whatever you're carrying or stop what you're doing and render a salute. You always follow orders even when its not expected, completely unnecessary, and makes no sense. Some officer and even more NCO will purposely put you in harms way for no good reason other than to satisfy their fragile egos. Just keep in mind the if you're hurt in the process, the service will pay for your recuperation, and you may receive benefits for any lasting ailment caused by doing so.

if you are doing meaningful work and your arms filled , than you can say by your leave. It should show your tribute to the officer, just don't make it a habit. a coffee cup may not be seen as meaningful.

You need an attitude adjustment. If you use this as an excuse to salute which is military courtesy, I am pretty sure it will become something else in the future. Put the stuff down, salute, then move out. It's what soldiers do.

If an officer does not understand that your greeting was in place of the salute due to your situation, then they are in wrong. When in doubt follow the regulations and inform whomever has issue that respectfully you are following the regulations per your training and education. Some trees just never learn that the ground is what supports them!!

You're 100% wrong here, and as a Sergeant you should know better. A coffee cup in the left hand and the binder under your arm, leaves the right hand free for saluting.

"Hands Busy"is using a fire hose, or something that can not be easily carried in another way.

Yes. Even if they see you struggling, put the binder under your left arm and transfer the mug to your left hand and salute. Seems like you would have figured that our after the first ass chewing. Wow.

You know what the real answer is but you just want to justify your lack of common sense .. sorry to be blunt

And binder and a mug .. hmmmn yeah that’s more of an excuse not a reason to render proper respect

Yes, but if the things in your hands could fit, however uncomfortably, in your left hand, you're out of compliance. No reaching at your keys with your coffee in your other hand to avoid saluting people.

Why would you, anyway? "We salute the rank, not the man".

You being respectful is about YOU. It's for YOUR character. Don't let anyone lower your standards.

Good luck.

I was always taught never to carry anything in my right hand. And why are you carrying a mug outside?

From the “Army Officer’s Guide” 53rd edition it states: “Salutes are not rendered by individuals when carrying articles with both hands, or when otherwise so occupied as to make saluting impractical. Still, a “Good Morning, Sergeant” or “Good Afternoon, Sir” is manifestly appropriate”.

I was never called on that. Once in a while as a training NCO (instructor) I'd have hands full and would encounter a LTC, Colonel, or even a General and when they saw me start to try to get right hand free they would wave me off. But I did make the verbal greeting. That was at a training facility where we had mostly higher ranking officers and some foreign officers.

The easy answer would be to tuck the binder under your left arm, shift the mug to your left hand and salute. If that's not practical at the moment, smile a bit and say "Good afternoon, Sir." The acknowledgement is the important aspect; that you're not just ignoring him.