Do you salute an NCO if getting promoted?

Marcus Jacobs — Thu, 12 May 2022 19:29:23 -0400

If you’re in the army and getting promoted and an NCO, such as the 1SG tells you to post - do you salute even if it’s an NCO, or only if it’s an officer who is promoting you?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 12 at 2022 8:10 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 12 May 2022 20:10:15 -0400

You salute when reporting in. That's why you see the PSG's saluting the 1SG when conducting the morning report.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 12 at 2022 8:31 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 12 May 2022 20:31:45 -0400

When viewing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, you can see the on-coming Sentinel Salute the Sergeant of the Guard before and after the ceremonial rifle inspection. SFC William Farrell SGT Philip Roncari LTC Stephen C. LTC Private RallyPoint Member LTC Stephen F. Lt Col Charlie Brown SFC Private RallyPoint Member MAJ Ken Landgren

Response by 1SG Jon Cobb made May 12 at 2022 9:07 PM

1SG Jon Cobb — Thu, 12 May 2022 21:07:32 -0400

No, bud. You never salute an NCO. Period.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 9:34 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2022 21:34:40 -0400

You are listed as a potential recruit. What questions do you have before enlisting?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 12 at 2022 10:17 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 12 May 2022 22:17:56 -0400

Great question Marcus Jacobs
The salute is a demonstration of mutual respect. The junior salutes the senior and senior returns the salute. The junior holds the salute until the senior returns it. Crisp salutes are better. Although I am long retired, i still return salutes as crisply as possible.

Here are a few instances, when a salute should not be returned.
1. Saluting the national colors passing by in parade.
2. Saluting the raising of the national colors in the morning - Bugle call REVEILLE - salute is held until the bugle call ends.
3. Taking down the national colors at retreat in the late afternoon. [two bugle calls (1) 'Bugle Call Retreat "Retreat" signals the end of the official day.' (2) 'It is usually played just before "To the Colors" or the national anthem, which are played during the lowering of the flag.'

I concur with my friend CSM Charles Hayden response about saluting in the changing of guard.

Daily Sequence of Bugle Calls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBTv4xWwPlQ

1. FIRST CALL .
2. REVEILLE
3. ASSEMBLY
4. MESS CALL (morning)
5. SICK CALL *
6. DRILL CALL*
7. ASSEMBLY
8. FIRST SERGEANT'S CALL.
9. OFFICER'S CALL.
10. RECALL*
11. MAIL CALL .
12. MESS CALL (noon)
13. DRILL CALL*
14. ASSEMBLY
15. RECALL
16. FIRST CALL
17. GUARD MOUNTING (when scheduled) .
18. ASSEMBLY
19. ADJUTANT'S CALL (parade only)
20. RETREAT
21. TO THE COLOR
22. MESS CALL (evening)
23. TATTOO .
24. CALL TO QUARTERS
25. TAPS
* (OPTIONAL)
FYI MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. LTC Private RallyPoint Member LTC Greg Henning MSG Greg Kelly SFC William Swartz Jr SSG William Jones SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL MSG Andrew White CSM Charles Hayden SGM Major Stroupe SGM Mikel Dawson SPC Michael Terrell SPC Nancy Greene SGT Mary G. SGT Tiffanie G.

Daily Sequence of Bugle Calls

This is the daily sequence of bugle calls as you will find them in the United States Army.

Response by LTC John Mohor made May 12 at 2022 11:58 PM

LTC John Mohor — Thu, 12 May 2022 23:58:45 -0400

A newly minted Officer by tradition even pays a silver dollar to the first enlisted Service member that renders them their first salute after commissioning!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2022 10:44 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 May 2022 10:44:04 -0400

When getting promoted, no. Here is what happens. The 1SG calls the formation to attention, then performs an About Face. The Commander of the formation (Officer) will then move to a position right in from of the 1SG. The 1SG then renders Salute to the Commander then either moves to the side or to the back of the formation. Usually to the side since they assist in the pinning of the soon to be promoted. The soon to be promoted is then called out and told to Report to the Commander. The Soldier then moves to a position in front of the Commander and renders a salute to the Commander.

Response by CSM Danny S. made May 13 at 2022 1:06 PM

CSM Danny S. — Fri, 13 May 2022 13:06:21 -0400

Normally the 1SG will turn the formation over to the CDR before you are directed to report to the CDR or his/her designated officer.