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

I was once carrying a rather large coffee pot when I realized a major General was approaching me on the sidewalk. As we neared one another, the General sensed my dilemma and said. " Young man I consider myself saluted. You carry on and have a good day". I know this is not an answer to your question....Just another bit of proof that officers are people too. lol

Put your damn mug away and salute!

Always be prepared to salute. Drop it and Salute. You may not get another chance because of the two reprimanded. It is time to start looking for a new career.

6 years enlisted army here, '85-'91. Unless you can't possibly rearrange the items you're carrying, then yes absolutely. For example, I'm the situation you describe, could you not put the binder under your left arm and hold the mug with your left hand? I did similar things many times during my enlistment. Also had occasions where I was carrying something rather large and encountered officers, in which case you at least acknowledge their presence and rank, i.e. "Good morning, Captain". Unless the binder is just huge, I wouldn't see why you couldn't do that.

My experience in the military under such circumstances were to stop, stand at attention, and nod in the direction of the officer, and then move on. Common sense dictates little else despite a Command Sergeant Major and a Captain's point of view.

If you are the noncom in charge of such a detail in moving things around you would stop and salute.

If the salute would interfere with the performance of a duty necessary for the mission it would not be proper to salute. Otherwise such effort as putting down an object in one hand or temporarily holding in the left hand is an excellent way to show respect for a cherish-able military tradition.

I say go with 600-25I think the CSM was just Showing his authority or didn't read the Ar 600-25

Perhaps the Army is different. Could you reasonably carry both items while leaving your "saluting hand" free? Or, could it be construed that you had both hands "full" to avoid saluting?

It is what AR said yes common sense you give the courtesy and put the bider under your arms witch allow your salute hand to random salute to the officer.. There time the we forget too used common sense by showing courtesy…

Never carry anything in your right hand so you can render a salute, period! If, you are, place it down, hand it to someone, find some where to put it and render the salute.