Posted on Dec 14, 2020
SGT Intelligence Analyst
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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?
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PO1 Fred Anderson
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A binder? What kind of binder requires both hands?
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SPC Lucid Ifenuk
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Nope. Just turn around and walk the same direction they are going towards.
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SSG Bill McCoy
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Edited 4 y ago
Coffee cup to left hand; binder under left arm ... SALUTE! The "hands occupied" exception is intended for someone actually performing work where stopping to salute would cause an issue, i.e., alligning a part onto equipment, for example. If the part was just a nut or bolt, stop and salute; if a cam shaft that's being placed, continue the job. Carrying a box that requires both hands, no salute; just a verbal greeting. A binder and a coffe cup ... nope!
While still a Medic, I "stretched" the exception to saluting, or even coming to attention. Gen. Westmoreland entered our Health Clinic (Ft. Myer, VA) and I was re-making the ambulance gurney. That and the fact that he was in civilan attire (suit) enabled me to ignore him. Why? I detested his role in Vietnam. Petty, I know, but back for just over a year I was "testy" about Vietnam. I've written about his absurd attitude during his visit before where he expected the on-duty MD to stop treating a child and tend to his cold/sniffles. When it didn't happen, he left in a huff. The guy didn't even carry his ID ... his Aide did!
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CW3 Michael Bodnar
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SGT (Join to see) this just somehow popped up in my feed even though it's over 9 months old. Here's the verbiage straight out of AR 600-25. Pay attention to number (3):

Chapter 2
Salutes and Courtesies
2–1. Hand salutes and salutes with arms
i. Salutes are not required to be rendered or returned when the senior or subordinate or both are—
(1) In civilian attire.
(2) Engaged in routine work if the salute would interfere.
(3) Carrying articles with both hands so occupied as to make saluting impractical.
(4) Working as a member of a detail or engaged in sports or social functions where saluting would present a safety
hazard.
(5) In public places such as theaters, churches, and in public conveyances.
(6) In the ranks of a formation.

Now, if you had items in both hands and they were full, you are NOT required to salute rather provide the greeting of the day. If you had a notebook binder and a drink (depending on how big the binder is) hold everything in your left hand and render a salute. If not, tactfully inform the CSM that according to AR 600-25 for the reasons above. If the CSM still digs in your butt, in my opinion, he is in the wrong.
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Maj Air Liaison Officer
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No
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SSgt Harold Moore
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You give a verbal salute, just let them know you acknowledge them. Hi sir or rank.
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CPL Thomas Rugg
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I just played situations by ear. If something I carried could easily be set down or if I had time to prepare (moving everything to my left hand), I would make the necessary changes and render a salute. More often than not, the officer would acknowledge my effort. When carrying something heavy/large/awkward, I would be sure to offer the proper greeting, half expecting to be reprimanded. If it's a verbal correction, it doesn't matter because saying "Yes sir/ma'am, I was wrong. I should've greeted you properly. Thank you for the opportunity to improve myself." Is an easy, albeit kiss-ass, way to diffuse the situation and move on.
As others have said, just avoid the situation if you can help it.
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Sgt James Garis
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Reprimanded or "talked to". This is Army vs USMC but if you are carrying those items I would assume you are indoor...no salute required (in the USMC) and you are a POG (which is ok). You were following the rules which would indicate you were not officially punished but just talked to by a bored E9 that is trying to keep the Capt happy. Don't stress the dumb stuff and carry on with your mission. Also, if you cannot carry a binder and a coffee mug in one hand, you need to PT a little bit (hehehe)
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COL John Frederick
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Sooo…it’s not the officer demanding the salute, it’s the CSM. That is where we should focus our collective ire.
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SPC Christopher Perrien
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Argue the 670-1 with that moron CSM who obviously doesn't have anything better to do with his time.
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