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

Same applies to a junior officer.

100% of the time, the correct thing to do is put whatever you are carrying down and render the appropriate salute. Carrying a mug is not a satisfactory reason to not salute. If you are carrying some big or heavy things and is obvious to the approaching Officer that it doesn't make sence for you to put them down just to pick them right back up again, a reasonable person should understand the situation. Remember, that Officers earned that salute and it's proper military customs and courtesies for you to give them the respect. No matter what, make the effort to salute, unless in combat, indoors without a cover on, instructed not too by your chain of command or some competent authority.

Common sense is sometimes required when you are walking. That means planning ahead, like making sure you are not "overburdened" by crap in your hands when you are walking. A cup of coffee is sure necessary to your performance as part of your duties (catch the sarcasm here? am I too subtle?) so maybe you were not quite as handicapped as you thought.

The CSM was trying to train you and maybe you need to listen a bit more closely. Hands in pockets, umbrellas and other bullshit are not reasons for not rendering honors! Get your head out of your binder and pay attention to what you are doing and you will get fewer ass chewings. Not too subtle, was I?

The tradition of the salute began with knights in armor raising the visors of their helmets. It evolved to show the empty hand was not holding a sword (or later, a gun). Over time it became a method of showing respect or deference, subordinate to senior.

Carry in your left hand to keep your right hand free in order to render or return a salute. The salute is meant to be a respectful greeting (and must be returned). If both hands are legitimately full, then a simple verbal greeting will suffice.

Answer is.. Sgt. Gianna M...Back in late 70's I was a young Sgt.holding a large and heavy paper bag with both hands as two Marines Corps Officers walked crossed my path. I stated, Good afternoons Sirs. I did not salute as both Marine Officers began to ream me a new one. One of the officers even called my Gunny as I got another butt chewing from him .So, with that in mind, YES or be ready for Office Hours*** Salute is a respect shown in the military and must be displayed at all times. keep you right hand free in uniform at all times.

You should have learned your lesson the first time. As a private I learned it after my one mistake.

CSM was wrong . with your hands full a verbal acknowledgement is perfectly acceptable . There is no reg or order that says you must keep your right had clear to salute nor is there one that says you must stop and drop what you are carrying to salute . This is just ego and power tripping . You did nothing wrong based on what you said happened .

I see this question so many times and I have to admit that I think discipline in the Army is slacking. I have been on plenty of bases where there have been Marines and Soldiers and I have never had this problem with Marines. WE SALUTE THE RANK! NOT THE MAN! If you are on a work detail, then there is the exception, but you didn’t say that. If you’re walking around on post, why would both of your hands be filled? Bags have straps. Coffee can switch hands. We’re you carrying a giant box? The Army is the only branch I have seen where Soldiers will purposely avoid ranks by turning their backs, walking away, mysteriously getting a phone call, etc. It never irked me before, but the Marines have made it very obvious by their absolute respect. I’m off my soapbox now.

No. Unless you are able to carry the item in your left hand. If both hands are required, No.

I have been Ret for a few Years, but last I looked, you are Required to if at all possible move any and all items from your hand in order to render a hand Salute, while giving the greeting of the day.

If on a work Detail only the person in Charge of the work Detail comes to a position of attention, Gives the Greeting of the Day along with a hand Salute.

if it is imposable to move all the said items from your hands and you see the officer coming your way, you can do one of two things, set the items Down, then come to a Position Of Attention and Give a hand Salute, while Giving the Greeting Of the Day, as the Officers Pass.

or continue walking, and Give the Greeting of the day, with a Short Apology with a Explanation, for example, I always would say Good Morning, Afternoon , Evening Sir, I am so sorry I cannot Salute you, because I have My Hands full of my School Work, Work detail Items, Etc . after I have polity & Courteously Educated and shown the Officer why I could not Render the Hand Salute, Hopefully he or she understands.

Most Do,
yet there are some who get off on a power trip,
yet if the Officer persisted, with his or her demands, that I drop everything while my hands are full and give him or her a hand Salute, I would go ahead and comply with the order until I had a chance to Speake to him or her Privately, I would not get into a public screaming match it will only hurt you. just wait until you have a Opportunity to speak to him or her Privately, in order to show him or her the Rules and regulations on Hand Salutes while walking with your hands full.

If that Does Not Solve the Issue, and you are 100% Correct, and you firmly believe this is the Hill to die on, Then by all means run it up the Flag Pole , Then and Only Then would I take it Further Up the Chain . only if I was 100% this was the hill worth Dying On.

I would take my complaint up the chain of command , showing them why the Jr Officer was being Unreasonable even after you shown him the correct rules and Regulations .

Like I said it been a few years things might have changed .