Does any guidance exist addressing whether you must salute officers when they are on bicycles?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 19:59:02 -0400

The regulation has a lot on saluting but is there anything out there if an officer is riding by you on a bicycle?

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made May 10 at 2017 8:03 PM

SSG Shavonde Chase — Wed, 10 May 2017 20:03:52 -0400

Check with post policy. To me, riding a bike would have the same rules as driving a car.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 10 at 2017 8:17 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 10 May 2017 20:17:32 -0400

Nope. Then again, I'm retired and don't salute anyone anymore....

Response by SSG Robert Smith made May 10 at 2017 8:41 PM

SSG Robert Smith — Wed, 10 May 2017 20:41:46 -0400

Yes, you still salute if your of lower rank but he won't salute.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 9:06 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 21:06:56 -0400

After seeing the picture you put up, @MAJ Brian LTC Private RallyPoint Member, I think I will start doing so. :|

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 1:07 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 01:07:07 -0400

1984 Camaro base model?

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made May 11 at 2017 1:10 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Thu, 11 May 2017 01:10:37 -0400

I am not up on current regs but in my day the regs said, Upon recognition of an officer of any rank superior to you, you will render a salute until properly returned or until you have passed them by.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 2:43 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 02:43:41 -0400

This is a funny question. If you look in the regulation if an officer is unable to return a salute than a salute is not to be given. You simply give the officer the respect by greeting him/her. On the same note if the officer is more that six paces away or not traveling in your general direction than you would not salute. Last time I checked paces are marked by steps not bike rotations. Now as far as a "GO" there are regulations that cover the salute when the car passes, but he/she is a "GO" they are pretty important!!! AR 600-25

Salutes are not required to be rendered or returned when the senior or subordinates, or both are

In civilian attire. Engaged in routine work if salute would interfere. Carrying articles with both hands so occupied as to make saluting impracticable. Working as a member of a detail, or engaged in sports or social functions where saluting would present safety hazard. In public places such as theaters, churches, and in public conveyances. In the ranks of a formation.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 3:18 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 03:18:13 -0400

Can't answer for army, Marine Corps if you recognize a superior officer he/she is recognized by a hand salute and proper greeting of the day.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 9:56 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 09:56:44 -0400

That Officer on the bicycle is in violation of post policy by not wearing the proper ppe. They are hereby confined to the S-3 to write OPORDs for the next 6 weeks WITHOUT coffee.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 11 at 2017 11:39 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 11 May 2017 11:39:53 -0400

"If in doubt, salute." Don't be surprised if the officer does not return the salute. All services have some sort of "safety clause" in the saluting directive to prevent service members from having to render the salute if it would cause a safety hazard.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 12:39 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 12:39:02 -0400

I would think that if you recognized him/her as an officer you'd go ahead and salute. My rule of thumb has always been "When in doubt, whip it out". As a young enlisted Marine (many years ago) I never got yelled at for saluting when I shouldn't. Caught some crap for not doing it when I should have though.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2017 2:24 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 May 2017 02:24:43 -0400

Recognizing that this particular officer is NOT on a bicycle at the moment, it is, however, appropriate to salute him as he cartwheels past!!!

Response by PVT Mark Brown made May 13 at 2017 4:10 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Sat, 13 May 2017 16:10:00 -0400

I am so far removed from my military service that a lot of these small points of military courtesy and respect that I only recall these things in terms of common sense. It seems to me that it might be downright unsafe. I have no recollection of what to do when not in uniform. I never did get figured out about indoor/outdoor, covered/ uncovered. I also felt when in doubt salute. A friend in tech supply while an E7 was approved CWO. Not but I think CW3. I had no difficulty rendering proper military to him at all times when in public. Admittedly there were a couple officers that made me want to rather than salute.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 1:02 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 13:02:41 -0400

Maj. - on a bicycle would be considered Physical Training. No salute would be required because rank should not be worn. If worn and recognized, maybe you should either 1) go faster or 2) walk.

Response by LTJG Edward Bangor Jr made Jul 1 at 2017 1:51 PM

LTJG Edward Bangor Jr — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 13:51:03 -0400

10th general order in the Navy says "Salute all officers and colors and standards not cased." Even if the officer is in civies, a salute is still necessary. I've seen gate guards chewed out after checking somebody's ID and not rendering a salute at a Marine base before, and been personally instructed by a previous CO to reiterate this particular matter of regulation to one of my sailors when she walked right past him as he was heading up the pier to the ship one morning.

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Jul 1 at 2017 2:36 PM

SSG Waldo Yamada — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 14:36:53 -0400

Not sure sir, I was still a private and saw my commander driving by me one day when walking to the motor pool. My instinct was salute and then continue. Till I learned later on that Lt. Colonel and above with their insignia were to be saluted when they drove by. It's funny that safety does matter but sharing the road matters too. Been seeing a lot of bicycle roads made out here.

Response by SFC Brett Dinkelacker made Feb 13 at 2018 4:20 PM

SFC Brett Dinkelacker — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 16:20:38 -0500

If you recognize the person as being an officer than you should Salute. Don’t expect one in return though. Kind of like saluting the post commanders vehicle as it goes by, you recognize the plaquard on the vehicle and you Salute, doesn’t mean your going to get one in return.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 1:52 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 May 2018 13:52:21 -0400

As an officer who often rides a bike at work (going from office to chapel, and similar), I'd prefer *not* to be saluted while doing so for safety reasons. I'm not trying to get dead if I hit a bump in the road with only one hand on the handlebar. Readiness does not need to suffer due to customs and courtesies when the greeting of the day and a head nod can suffice. Unless there actually is regulatory guidance saying otherwise, of course.

Response by 1SG Charles Rivenburgh made Jun 1 at 2018 11:29 AM

1SG Charles Rivenburgh — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 11:29:11 -0400

Safety was the key. Upon recognizing the officer on a bike, the enlisted soldier renders a salute until the officer passes. You do not expect a return salute to be given for obvious safety reasons. The same goes for an officer driving a car. This was one of the first things the Drill Sergeants teach you in basic.

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Jun 1 at 2018 12:25 PM

Lt Col George Roll — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 12:25:23 -0400

It might require some common sence. All possibilities can not be anticiated by a regulation. A salute is a military greeting if an enlisted person was holdig a baby in theie arms and couldnt free their right arm to salute a pleasent " good afternoon sir" would make more sense.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Jun 1 at 2018 1:01 PM

SGT Patrick Reno — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 13:01:48 -0400

It is hard to tell but that has got to be a 2LT. because the bike is pink.

Response by LCpl Ethan A made Jun 1 at 2018 8:14 PM

LCpl Ethan A — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 20:14:41 -0400

It seems odd to expect someone salute while riding a bicycle. If I recall correctly, you’re not to salute while driving a vehicle, not sure why a bicycle would be any different.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 9:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 21:29:00 -0400

AR 600-25 chap 1-5 part I-4

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 9:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 21:29:31 -0400

I do not salute when the act would be unsafe for u or the officer

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 9:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 21:30:09 -0400

Can’t believe that has to be said

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 9:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 21:31:22 -0400

Would u salute them on a motorcycle, or have them stop running to salute

Response by SN James MacKay made Jun 1 at 2018 9:51 PM

SN James MacKay — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 21:51:00 -0400

It's pretty simple. If the rider is obviously on Officer, salute.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2018 10:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 22:08:12 -0400

Me personally, after reading the comments below, I would say yes but not if it could potentially injure one or both of you. As in if you can slow down and do it I would suggest it but I'm just a private I'm still learning myself I keep forgetting you don't salute indoors.

Response by PO1 Ronald Reece made Jun 9 at 2018 10:56 AM

PO1 Ronald Reece — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 10:56:52 -0400

Don’t know about the regs now but when I was on active duty you saluted all officers you saw—unless it was in your work place and you were uncovered

Response by PO1 Ronald Reece made Jun 9 at 2018 10:59 AM

PO1 Ronald Reece — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 10:59:54 -0400

Remember it’s not the person you are saluting it’s the uniform and the rank—no matter what you might think of them as a person—