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

Why didn't you put the binder under your left arm pit and render proper courtesy? What you did was a slime ball move and the CSM KNEW IT! That's why HE called you out on it.

At least acknowledge them, but no you don't and any officer expecting you to drop everything to salute them doesn't deserve their rank. Officer's should remember that enlisted don't salute during war time or even salute higher ranking enlisted.And remember one key thing. You are only Saluting out of respect for rank. If you ain't in my unit, I don't have to respect you and any officer trying to force you to salute with an arm load isn't an officer, they are power starved POGs.

You are clearly within regulation. However... whenever possible try not to carry anything in your right hand so that you can render a salute when required. Unfortunately, every branch of the service has this issue and it comes down to poor leadership. If you are using it as a crutch so you don't have to salute, you will be called out on it. If you actively and legitimately have your hands full and cannot render a salute, hopefully they will recognize it and let you pass with the greeting. Do Not hand the cup to the CSM to render the salute, that would be bad. If they make a big deal about it, you'll have to come up with a solution. CSM's do this all the time, to inflate their ego and legitimize their importance. Obviously, in their minds they are more important than you are and will require the courtesy being given regardless of the situation.

Sounds like you are looking for an excuse not to salute. Anyone who has worn the uniform knows you should endeavor to ensure your right hand is un encumbered and at the ready to render a salute. Of course civilians do not salute you do have that option.

Yes.

Yes in most cases. The officer will understand the cases that you cannot salute.

I once worked with an airman who was the epitome of a bad fit in the military.
His direct supervisor was a civilian who allowed Airman Snuffy to attend college classes during duty hours, because he was such a PITA. Also, the duty section was 300% manned.
Guess what? Airman Snuffy became 2Lt Snuffy.
I watched him change direction towards me one day as I was walking into the BX. I took my wallet in one hand, my keys in the other, nodded and said “Afternoon, Lou” and went on my merry way.

I won't speak for AR 600-25, but I will speak for myself. Military courtesy is a two way street. I've seen soldiers having your conundrum, hands full, and I "returned" the salute required by military customs and courtesy; I knew the soldier would have saluted, so I returned it.

No, you don't have to salute when your hands are full--under certain conditions. Binders and coffee mugs aren't on that list of conditions. An alternative is to stand at attention and greet the officer. If he gets miffy, pour the coffee on him.

I've known troops that purposefully carry items I both hands to avoid saluting. A binder and a mug? Really? I'll have to agree with the CSM