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

You are not supposed to salute if carrying a weapon(s) also I written up many times on this one in which I either had to see the first Sgt. or the general over. In fact, after a while when the general would see me he would ask if some dumb captain wrote me up for not saluting again.

If your engaged in performing a vital function I see no reason to stop or drop your items to render a salute as long as you recognize them and give them the greeting of the day. They should know better.

Of you're physicality working, no, but I never ever carry anything in my right hand. A mug is no excuse not to salute.

Sounds like the CMS has a problem. I was taught, in the AF, if your hands were full and could not salute at the least you need to acknowledge the officer so that he or knows that you are not just blowing him or off.

Don't be stupid enough to carry anything in both hands unless you make sure your arms are full. Give me a break, a binder & a coffee cup?!?! I've been out over 30 years & I still carry my purse on my left shoulder! If you see someone you don't want to salute coming your way, shuffle your items so you can salute, walk across the street, or learn by getting in trouble that certain rules in the MILITARY are important!

Yes, you need to salute the CPT. No excuses!!!

Stop carrying things in your right hand, unless it's absolutely necessary.

Grey area. Personally I wouldn't have cared. But that's because I am the laid back chaplain and that the roll I have decided to play. (Some may disagree with me but I have my reasons.).

I will say it when you only have a few things in your hands like that it can look lazy that you didn't try to keep your right hand free.

How I avoid this, I carry a black backpack with my water cup in my left hand.

Better tuck that binder under an arm or stop put your stuff down and then salute, improvise think out side the box. Biggest thing make it happen. Your a soldier improvise adapt and overcome, it doesn't take a whole lot of effort to do this but prioritize and expect to salute at all times, be prepared to salute at all times. Next hint recon during off duty hours look for other routes that are less likely to be used by Officers, so when you recon those routes your gonna time your self so you are where your supposed to be when your supposed to be so when you test those routes you'll know how long it takes and then alternate your routes its not perfect but at least it will give you option but be ready to salute at all times maybe even get a back pack if its authorized.

Yes. Do whatever you can to render that salute. I got busted for the same thing but it was a briefcase and coffee..