Do military members salute the VP?

1SG Billy Vance — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 10:25:34 -0400

I saw a photo of the VP arriving at an air station and the airman/NCO was saluting and she was returning his salute. AR 600-25 talks about honors for the President as CinC but not the VP. I tried to think back if I had ever seen or heard of this before. Nothing.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jun 25 at 2021 10:58 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 10:58:59 -0400

My impression is, she is kind of uppity. The main duty of the VP is to inquire daily as to the health of the President. She seems to insert herself into every situation and stalks the POTUS. Otherwise, she should hang out at the Naval Observatory or the Senate, it being so closely divided. I, too, have noticed her saluting, as if she is important. LOL, Perhaps she thinks that she was picked for her smarts, rather than to gather votes for the ticket.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2021 11:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 11:06:18 -0400

There's actually no requirement for the VP or President to return a salute by a SM. We are required to salute the President though.

Reagan was the President who first started returning salutes to SMs.

It seems like the SM who saluted her maybe thought they had to. She didn't have to return it. Maybe she did because last time she didn't conservatives got all pissy.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 25 at 2021 1:39 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 13:39:36 -0400

No the VPOTUS is not in the CoC.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jun 25 at 2021 2:17 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 14:17:26 -0400

I'm not aware of any requirement for military members to salute the VP. POTUS, as CinC of the Armed Forces, but no mention of the VP I don't believe.

Personally, I'd rather we got out the whole "saluting civilians" arena altogether.