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

If it was me, and I'm not saying this is the correct answer, I would set the items in question down and salute if asked. If I'm not asked I would greet the officer or officers in question and move on. Unless the people involved are totally full of themselves you should have no problem. If they are full of themselves I suggest you contact JAG Defense and see what they say. Although it may be a minor offense it still can impact you in a negative way.

If you can put what you are holding on your right to the left and salute, that would be the best thing to do. However, there are times you cannot, such as when carrying a large item in both hands. So, instead of a salute, give the proper greeting and go about your day. I would not expect anyone to stop walking, put the item down, and salute. That is ridiculous, lacking common sense, and an unreasonable expectation for an officer to have.

This dilema of having both hands full of anything should get clarified and taken into consideration by the Officer. We, the enlisted personnel should at the very least stand at attention in respect of any and all Officers in recognition of their rank.

Absolutely you need to salute. If this kind of thing happens frequently, I'd suggest you invest in a closable coffee container so you can be ready to salute as required.

O-Grades want their hand salutes. You should absolutely know this by now, as an NCO. To me, a coffee cup and a binder don’t really fit what the reg says, and I’m sure your explanation wouldn’t pass a law review. Its an easy adjustment. Had you been carrying a .50 cal base, large box, etc you’d have had a valid reason.

It really depends on the situation and location, on a carrier, in a war zone, in your situation that officer was just an A-Hole. Reminds me of this Capt. who was inspecting rooms in the barrack after field day, he kicked over a trash can that wasn't completely empty, and the NCO went to the SgtMaj and told him if he had done that it would leave a totally different impression, but for an officer to do that was totally disrespectful to the enlisted. The SgtMaj went next door to the CO's office and told him, that Marine Capt. got his butt stomped. Among other things, he didn't get selected for Maj., very bad report!!

You should have learned that in boot camp

I've been out for 40 years and I still.keep my right hand free.

AR 600-25 2-1,
i. Salutes are not required to be rendered or returned when the senior or subordinate or both are—
(3) Carrying articles with both hands so occupied as to make saluting impractical.
Sooooo tell CSM have an all army day and carry on! I swear, they get lobotomies or have to pick out a pet peeve or something at the sergeants majors academy. SSG Gorman on MASH said it best… “God damn army!”

Soooooo, was the coffee still hot when you brought it to the General?