Posted on Mar 20, 2015
LCDR Vice President
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This is a long standing debate with a close friend, in the Navy you do not salute uncovered or in civilian clothes but when I go on our local AF bases the military guards salute me. I return the salute out of respect for all of those currently serving. http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/Prep_For_Basic_Training/Prep_for_basic_customs_and_courtesies/the-hand-salute.shtml
Posted in these groups: Female officer saluting SalutingCustoms and courtesies logo Customs and Courtesies
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Capt Retired
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I believe one should return any salute that is given. Not returning a salute is the same as not extending your hand when a person extends his/hers for a handshake.
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Capt Retired
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>1 y
Usually my wife is driving when we we enter the base. From the passenger seat I try to catch the name of the guard. The guards almost always say thank you for your service. I reply with And thank you for serving using their rank and name. If I missed the name I still thank them for serving.
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CW5 Desk Officer
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This retiree does return the salute.
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SPC Operations Sergeant
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In the ARMY we are taught that if the person makes it to be known as (insert rank here) that's the respect they've earned for life. just like if George W. Bush Jr showed up to my office I would respect him as if he was still in office (to a certain extent)
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COL Charles Williams
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I will always return a salute, when entering post, if the MP at the Gate salutes... no matter what I am wearing... I am generally in civilian clothes and have a blue ID...
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Capt Logistics Readiness Officer (LRO)
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I am not retired, but as a Reservist I regularly go on base in civilian clothes on non-duty weekends to hit the commissary. I always return salutes, regardless of attire, if I am saluted, as it is the respectful and appropriate thing to do.
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SPC David S.
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Edited >1 y ago
My father always does. However he's been retired for over 20 years so he is using old military customs and is Air Force. However I feel if someone renders a salute out of respect one should return the salute. I myself salute the flag at sporting events and when I go for a walk I always salute my neighbor's flag around the block, he's the local fire chief and also a retired Marine.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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Hmm.

Generally speaking a simple "Thank you" or "Carry on" is sufficient to acknowledge the salute, and render appropriate respect.

When President Reagan began returning salutes to service members, as a courtesy, the tradition became a bit murkier. Although we are required to salute the President, he is not required to salute us. I think it is a great tradition, and it is appreciated.

Simple instances where President Bush had his hands full and then came back to return the Marine's salute after highlight this. The coffee cup incident inciting the nation's ire do as well. This is not to spark a political debate, just to show that had the President just said "Thank you" or "Carry on," (when his hands are full), there would have been no issue.

All that said, if the guard salutes, and you salute back. It is appropriate even if against "code." Just like it is appropriate for the President to return salutes, even though there is no code for him to do so.
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SGT Carl Blas
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Edited >1 y ago
On Guam they don't and are not required to, but when my wife takes me into the bases, I always say, Thank You Sir.
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MAJ Raúl Rovira
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At Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER) MPs/SPs salute retirees and say "Thank you for your service" If they salute, I salute.
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SFC Collin McMillion
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If I receive a salute, like you, I will return it as respect.
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LTC Jason Mackay
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A properly rendered salute should always be promptly returned.
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SFC Boots Attaway
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It is a very old and honored custom to do so and would be rude not to do so.
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Maj Chris Nelson
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If a salute is rendered, it should be returned.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
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I still salute officers.
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Cpl Rc Layne
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Chesty Puller once told one of his young lieutenants that every salute must be returned, after he observed the young lieutenant making a enlisted Marine practice his salutes for not saluting said lieutenant. If it's good enough for Chesty, it's good enough for me.
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LTJG Ansi Officer
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I do not know the validity of this, but a Master Chief told me that if you salute an enlisted man you wait for the returned salute - likewise, if you ever receive a salute, you return it. It's a sign of respect - even if the salute is not warranted.
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SGT Frank Leonardo
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I think once you are out of any branch if you return the salute it should be optional because your are out of the service but also to return the salute is good for respect in my opinion
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GySgt Training Chief
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I would just give a proper greeting of the day. There is no need to get crazy and start developing a drill manual for 1st Civ Div
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GySgt Training Chief
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>1 y
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I would go with something simple like "good morning devil dog" or "good afternoon air warrior". As for the salute in relation to the Third Reich, is this the salute that they would have to give with their greeting .
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GySgt Training Chief
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>1 y
That's anti-enlightenment at its best J. D.
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SCPO Investigator
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Yes
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Maj Thomas Cox
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It used to be the blue sticker on the DoD decal...if you have one on your car, expect that you will be saluted on an AF base...also, if the installation entry controller sees the rank on your blue ID, again, they will most likely salute. Simply return the salute or extend a verbal greeting...
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