Posted on Mar 20, 2015
Does a retiree return a salute when entering a military base?
38K
413
55
20
20
0
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: 
Saluting
Customs and Courtesies
Saluting Customs and Courtesies
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 40
33
33
0
LCDR (Join to see), if saluted, I always return it, regardless of regs. If someone thinks enough of me to salute, I think enough of them to return it. Common courtesy.
PO3 Phyllis Maynard
PO3 Phyllis Maynard
(33)
(0)
20
20
0
13
13
0
If the gate guard salutes me, I return it as long as it's safe to do so. I usually bid him/her good morning or afternoon or say thank you. It shows respect for the military member rendering the salute. If I come in at rush hour, I'm careful to not hold up traffic for this routine.
(13)
(0)
LCDR (Join to see)
Luckily I am able to plan my meetings late enough in the morning that there is no traffic at the gate.
(0)
(0)
13
13
0
One of my first posts here was similar (returning salutes while in civilian clothes). I would say that the overwhelming response was "get a salute, give a salute."
(13)
(0)
11
11
0
I was taught that the salute is an act of showing respect. Returning a salute is likewise an act of respect. I don't see how a uniform alters that.Â
Indeed, failing to return a salute is tantamount to refusing to shake hands.
At least, that's my opinion...
Indeed, failing to return a salute is tantamount to refusing to shake hands.
At least, that's my opinion...
(11)
(0)
10
10
0
9
9
0
It may not be required, but its never wrong to do it. I even salute decorated combat vets when both of us are in civilian clothes. Right or wrong, Ill do it, I see it as al fraternal greeting among our fellow comrades-in-arms. By the way, vets in civilian clothes may salute the flag in civvies now. (passed by Congress 5 or 6 years ago)
(9)
(0)
SSG Paul Headlee
Military members rendering the salute in whatever shape or form it takes was done long before the U.S. military developed an opinion on it, or even existed for that matter.
(0)
(0)
8
8
0
LCDR (Join to see)
Absolutely ... Salutes should always be returned, regardless of the status of the person being saluted. Not to do so is very disrespectful and unprofessional.
Absolutely ... Salutes should always be returned, regardless of the status of the person being saluted. Not to do so is very disrespectful and unprofessional.
(8)
(0)
7
7
0
7
7
0
It is never (outside of a combat zone) wrong to render or return a salute.
(7)
(0)
LCDR (Join to see)
You make a good point I have seen where we suspended the wearing of rank and saluting in a combat zone. Not the case here though unless you count the chances of getting car jack outside the base
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google