Have you ever seen a Flag Officer stop his vehicle and reprimand a person for not saluting?

2016-05-21T14:20:52-04:00

What happened?

Response by Maj John Bell made May 21 at 2016 2:24 PM

2016-05-21T14:24:54-04:00

I've never seen any officer stop their vehicle and reprimand anyone for anything.

Response by SSgt Trevor Smith made May 21 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-05-21T14:36:59-04:00

Yes. I've seen flag officers stop their staff cars a few times on MAJCOM bases and share some
words with personnel walking that do not stop, come to attention, and salute their vehicle.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made May 21 at 2016 2:42 PM

2016-05-21T14:42:53-04:00

I would bet on the CSM doing this way before the flag officer. It is a standard custom and courtesy, so it could happen.
With this one you have to have aware service members to see the plate and they have to know to salute it. You will also see with flag officers that their presence will stun people and it takes them longer to react.

Response by SSG Rob Schwandt made May 21 at 2016 4:09 PM

2016-05-21T16:09:36-04:00

1992 Fort McClellan Al. a BG stopped at the curb and reprimanded all six of us brand new privates for not recognizing and the vehicle and rendering proper protocol. We all stood at attention an didn't even salute when he left got yelled at again of course we were scared as hell it was a GENERAL. LOL we did later get the shit smoked out of us by the drill sgt

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made May 21 at 2016 5:03 PM

2016-05-21T17:03:59-04:00

Yes, at Please AFB, NH, but granted it was during a sweep about 2 hours before President Bush was scheduled to arrive for a trip to his summer home in Kennebunkport. Really a learning/teaching situation, not a real reprimand. However group cleared the area pretty quickly.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made May 21 at 2016 5:10 PM

2016-05-21T17:10:24-04:00

No shit.... there I was... Fort Sill, OK... 1992.

Hey... its a war story...

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-05-21T17:30:29-04:00

Yes, daily...so what happens is an education, no yelling, just a simple education on customs and courtesies. This is due to a lot of Soldiers just flat don't know. It's a failure on leadership at all levels

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 21 at 2016 7:00 PM

2016-05-21T19:00:30-04:00

Actually saw it play out smartly by the CG of Camp Pendleton. He had his 50's Thunderbird ragtop in front of me at the gate. He'd enjoy doing evening drives in his cardigan sweater. The CPL didn't salute but did ask (an old man) where he was going. The BG said the Ranch House (CG Quarters). The CPL still wasn't getting it and asked why he was going there. The BG just said "They tell me I live there." The SNCO was just coming around the booth wondering why the hold up and just about blew his butt out. Needless to say, the word that got put out to all the MPs was cardigan sweaters in T-Birds were to be saluted.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made May 21 at 2016 7:53 PM

2016-05-21T19:53:24-04:00

Yes, sent his aid down the road after me. I was riding shotgun in a jeep driven by another SFC, we had just passed what looked like a ceremony going on and I was looking to see what it was when the Generals car came toward us, going to the ceremony we just passed. I turned around just in tome to see the 2 stars on the front of his jeep. Not enough time to salute. When this young 1LT caught up to us a mile or so down the road he took all our names even though I told him I was at fault. Later that evening I was lightly told off by the Brigade CSM. Lost a lot of respect for the Commander of Ft Stewart over that. We were only there for a 30 day exercise...

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2016 8:48 PM

2016-05-21T20:48:05-04:00

I was in my car behind a mint green GSA vehicle like a Ford Contour or something like that. It stops in front of me on the base in the middle of the road. The driver gets out. I see its a Full Bird, not a GO. He motions to some people that were walking to come over. They stand at attention while he asks them why they did not salute him. They have them walk in front of the car I presume to look at the plate with the O6 insignia on it. They salute the Col and go their merry way.

To be fair I would have say this was probably the base with a mint green staff car. Most are blue and many have a white top. I always thought because this was a training base with enlisted aircrew trainees and new pilots going through the school house that they did this on purpose to make a point.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made May 21 at 2016 8:57 PM

2016-05-21T20:57:21-04:00

No. I did see a sailor get addressed by another officer after the car passed. The officer did not chew him out but rather counseled the sailor to be attentive when walking on base. Don't know the officer, but I bet he went on to be a flag himself so he was a leader.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 21 at 2016 10:25 PM

2016-05-21T22:25:30-04:00

Once when I was still training at USAF OTS at Lackland I thankfully noticed the commandant driving up the hill from the main class bldg, while I'd been walking down, and managed in time, apparently at least marginally satisfactorily to whip one out in time, which he very promptly returned, passing me as I recall breathing a very distinct and palpable sigh of relief, as I'd heard he was quite strict about such things as others I'd heard about quite promptly found out when they hadn't noticed, lol. That was one of only three occasions when I'd directly interacted with him, all of you might find the other two instances, hopefully, equally amusing. One day I'd been running, I was up to about 8 mi or so, I'd gotten down from mid 170 lbs or so to, amazingly for me, 148 lbs, which, at 5 ft 7 in, I never thought I'd reach. So, I was in the cafeteria that morning, and, visibly starving, proceeded to quite literally grab everything in sight I could find, eggs, bacon, waffles pancakes, oatmeal, fruit dry ceral, chocolate milk, ,OJ, etc., etc. ,etc., till the pile reached positively absurd proportions (I'd found running like that tended to give me a fairly pronouncedly healthy apetite, lol). Just at that marvelously propitious moment, he chances by where I was sitting with some of the others in my group, at which point t he looked at me utterly flabbergasted, and proceeded to quip, "Really packing it away there, son," at which point I rather desperately wanted to find the nearest rock outside I could locate to crawl under, lol. When my dad had been Navy, he'd said there'd been a rule that one could take as much as one wanted, but had to finish all one took. With that thought quite omnipresently in my mind, I proceeded to demolish the entire pile, which,, amazingly, I was in fact able to do, as I really was actually half starved (running in 100 deg F heat tended to do that to me, I found), while those in my group I was with looked on in utter amazement. The third occasion, he'd actually invited one of the Apollo astronauts to speak those of us going for engineering, and, amazingly, I got to ask a few half semblamt questions, making a few intelligent semi intelligent noises, I'd hoped, lol. Then when I got where I was assigned, one day, I was driving on my installation, when the Lt Gen in charge, a ww2 hero, I noticed thankfully, was driving right past me, opposite me. Once again, thankfully, the Force was with me, and I once again whipped one out, which, to be quite candidly, j quite honestly don't think the man expected from a driver in a car going in the opposite direction. Now, amazingly, he did actually notice I'd done it, which I personally found pretty remarkable, in all truth, given the circumstances, and returned it, which was one and only time I'd ever had direct cause to interact with him, apart from one other instance. I'd been asked by my rater, a Capt, to do the spend the day with the commander of my installation, a Col, of whom, candidly, I was quite justifiably in considerable awe of, actually, as I'd been told he was a very serious Vietnam war hero, my rater felt he wanted me to have such exposure, so he submitted my name for that program for that on my installation. While I was driving in the staff car with the Col, at one point, trying my level best to make a halfway decent impression and manage to not do anything either exceptionally gauche, or grotesquely or monumentally stupid, the Col did chance to see an airman with some aspect of his uniform awrg, I can't recall exactly what, as I'd been quite frankly terrified, in all honesty, though I actually found him a very interesting man, in all truth, and we had a fairly interesting discussion throughout the day. However, the poor airman he chances to notice, he called out to ,as I recall, "Young man,...", and I could quite definitely and very immediately see where that whole discussion was going to be headed, quite rapidly downhill. Honestly, I think the poor airman was even more terrified than I was, thankfully, my rater had expressly warned me to look flawless when I met the Col, which warning I can also assure all here I most decidedly took to heart, especially as I also met the dep commander, the chief of staff, and was actually allowed to sit in a mass briefing for the Lt Gen I'd saluted as I'd mentioned earlier while driving. While attending the briefing for the Lt Gen, everyone in the room was apparently expected, one by one, to actually say whether there was anymore any of us there had anything further to say. So, starting from the bottom of the vast ampitheatre I was in with the Col, all started saying, " Nothing, sir," until they got to me, with terror positively coursing through me as I knew I was expected to do the same. The Col, sitting next to me, said, "Nothing, sir,", then I, paroxysmal, likewise belted oit I what I'd hoped was a not overly audible voice (it was quite a big room), " Nothing, sir", after which I once again, as with the OTS commandant looking at my positively gynormous breakfast a cpl of yrs earlier, breathed a collective sigh of palpable relief, just as I had saluting him going up the hill I'm his staff car, as the parade of "Nothing, sirs", moved on past me. Thankfully, I managed to survive that day with the Col, though, quite obviously, I thanked the Almighty for, as I'd said, stopping me from doing anything at least too egregiously stupid, on all of those various occasions, lol. There were other occasions equally memorable, the most pronounced of which was the day the CO of my unit, quite uunexpectedly, in all candor, actually gave me an appreciation plaque. Many years later, I'd read that the Col who was my CO, whod just, I'd learned recently when he did so, had been selected just a few wks earlier for Brig Gen, had evidently flowm over something like 170/combat missions in Vietnam. I mean, what does one say to such a man? What CAN one say, I'd thought, as I sat with him? Needless to say, as I'm quite sure all here can sell imagine, it was a most decidedly unique discussion, one quite permanently and rather indelibly etched in my memory, as I sat there with him for quite literally an hour afterwards after he'd given me the plaque. As I've told many of my friends, and my family, and my wife, some events in this life a life changing, and life altering, such that, when they occur, when they happen, one knows that something really and truly profound has occurred; sitting with the CO of my unit for that solid hour, I can very definitely and positively assure one and all, was, most vividly, just one such occasion. I could feel nothing but the overawing power of the man, like he positively grabbed hold of my psyche, and was rewiring it to good purpose, for my benefit. Of all the many things i saw, and of all that ever happened to me when i was on active, that hour with my CO was, most assuredly, the single most positive and uplifing instance that I most vividly recall, and the one that has, and always will, stand out most profoundly in my memory. I hope all that was of at least some interest, and would be most eager, of course , to hear any thoughts , obviously, as well, many thanks.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 21 at 2016 11:09 PM

2016-05-21T23:09:22-04:00

MAJ David Vermillion No. But I have seen a BDE CDR COL cause his Jet Ranger to land so he could cure a LT of riding in a PC hatch cover. As the screaming COL exited the bird, the LT went up like a rocket and landed at Attention in front of the PC!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 12:41 AM

2016-05-22T00:41:26-04:00

I see this daily. Of course it may have something to do with Soldiers on the sidewalk just trying to get to their destination and the CG riding in a car that is driven by every old Korean dude on post.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 5:13 AM

2016-05-22T05:13:37-04:00

When I was in Vicenza, early 80's, the CG had an unmarked BMW as his car for security. But he still wanted to be saluted, so units were expected to call and make an appointment to have the CG driver bring the car to the unit to familiarize them with which car to look for and salute. Then a CPT in our BN bought a BMW of the same color/make, and whenever he drove on post everyone saluted him. IMO the whole idea of saluting an unmarked car was a case of ego over practicality.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 22 at 2016 3:25 PM

2016-05-22T15:25:04-04:00

Yes!

Response by SSG Terry Back (Martin-Back) made May 24 at 2016 6:10 AM

2016-05-24T06:10:04-04:00

I was a young private, basic training, Fort Lewis Washington, 1971, on a Sunday morning walking back from the Sunday mess hall. I passed a female Major, nurse... didn't know I had to salute a female officer... I was educated quickly... Not that I paid attention to detail but she had 3 fillings on the right side upper molars and a gold cap on a right lower molar and didn't have any tonsils.

Response by SFC Michael Lockwood made May 24 at 2016 8:16 AM

2016-05-24T08:16:51-04:00

During my second tour in Berlin, we had a Deputy Brigade Commander, who seemed to have nothing better to do, than ride around in his sedan and make sure soldiers saluted him as he rode past.
He always drove out the back gate, when leaving McNair Barracks, and my company was the nearest to the gate. If a soldier didn't salute his vehicle, he would get out, make the soldier come to him, berate them, and then make them do push ups. He would do his trolling about 3 times a week.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 24 at 2016 8:17 AM

2016-05-24T08:17:57-04:00

No did see a 1st Lt. stop and yell at someone for not saluting,. and his vehicle was marked as an officer's vehicle.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made May 24 at 2016 8:31 AM

2016-05-24T08:31:11-04:00

Damn Right! Show Respect and Honor to those heros who are not there to salute the flag anymore. Most of all, they died for your freedom.

Response by SSG Willie Means made May 24 at 2016 8:49 AM

2016-05-24T08:49:03-04:00

Yes! Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana Roughly around June 1980. I was at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) going to Journalism School trying to change my primary MOS from 13E (Fire Direction Specialist) to 71Q (Journalist) . I had been struggling and we had to maintain a "C" Average. We were told from Day 1 "You have not passed DINFOS until You have Your Diploma in your hand." I was right at 72 and this Black Army Master Sergeant had told me I was "too damn mean and I didn't belong at 'DINFOS'. We had just began Photography and was told the grade was a "gimme". I got my project back and had received an 'A'. My Advisor told me that would pump my grade back to a 'B' and I got so happy. I was on my way to the barracks, smiling, talking to myself, and just really happy because I knew that I had just purchased at least two more weeks with the 'A' on the Project. This vehicle was approaching me and as it was passing out the corner of my left eye I could see a 'Star' on the front tag. The car stopped, this Brigadier General got out and yelled, "Get Over Here Soldier!" I practically turned in mid-stride and sprinted over to the General with the words yelling at me in the back of my mind, "YOU DIDN'T SALUTE HIS STAR!" I stopped in front of the General and put on a show with my "Military Customs and Courtesy". I stopped at attention, snapped a salute and reported who I was and the Company I was in while there at Fort Benjamin Harrision. I'm sorry to say I was so scared I was spitting on the General in my hurry to correct my mistake. The General gave me a snappy salute and asked why I didn't salute his car. I explained, (still spitting on him and I could see he was trying to dodge the spittle) about the school and my project that had just saved me. The General looked at me, with this First Lieutenant standing by the side of the General with this smile on his face, told me to be more observant in the future, returned my quick salute, got back in the car and they pulled off. Later I had two Marines I had met come to my room and told me they wanted me to see something. We got to the front of the Company and t he First Sergeant had more than ten Soldiers he was marching off towards Post Headquarters. The two Marines told me they saw me earlier when I put on that 'exhibition' of Reporting and Saluting to an Officer. They then explained the First Sergeant had to remain at the Company then march Soldiers and some from the other Branches up to explain to the General why his Soldiers were walking around not saluting his 'Colors'. I dodged a bullet! Those personnel had several days of extra duties and even though DINFOS was intense training, the school could not get the personnel out of the duties.

Response by SSG Neil Hatch made May 24 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-05-24T08:53:21-04:00

While stationed in Ujongbu, Korea in 1974 near Camp Red Cloud, I was in my civilian clothes, off duty and off post. I was just minding my own business walking down a civiian street when out of know where I heared screeching tires. Out of a sky blue car jumped out none other than LTG Howlingsworth yelling at me for not saluting his car. Oh my god he was angry, he called me every name in the book and told his aides, because I failed to salute his car, to have me washed down with a firehose because I was nothing more than an animal. Even though it was Sunday he had his aides drive me to my company to see my company Commander and First SGT and requested that all three of us report to the the General's office at 0800 Monday morning. Needless to say, we got the ass chewing of our life. He also gave the Commander and the First SGT 30 days to get company ready for inspection by him. I think the LTG went a little overboard with this situation, but even to this day I have a lot of respect for LTG Hollingsworth. He was a true American Hero.

Response by SFC Patrick M. made May 24 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-05-24T08:53:42-04:00

I was once stopped for not having a hat on and not saluting a Flag officer on Ft Dix. He thought I was a cook trainee, and stopped his car to have his aide reprimand me. When the Aide reached me I reached my ambulance. The Aide realized what I was doing and returned to the vehicle. The General, his aide and driver all came to assist us. When we transported the Pt to the ER the General followed us and actually apologized to me. Best General I ever met. He realized somethings are more important then his getting a salute.

Response by SSG Brian L. made May 24 at 2016 9:05 AM

2016-05-24T09:05:14-04:00

I spent most of my career around combat arms units and never witnessed a flag officer do this. However, I have seen a couple of spouses do it. For some reason they felt that they deserved it just as much as their husbands. At this point, I've seen Soldiers deliberately turn away from the spouse and salute the car before walking off.

Response by SSG Karl Fowler made May 24 at 2016 9:48 AM

2016-05-24T09:48:54-04:00

seen this happen a few times and the officer will stop and make a on the spot corrections, but got to admit I have not seen this happen in the past 10 yrs or so

Response by SGT Eric Reibsane made May 24 at 2016 10:40 AM

2016-05-24T10:40:40-04:00

General Palastra was notorious for this at Ft. McPherson - he also had a radar gun in his POV and would chase you down for speeding on base. If you didn't see his vehical, you'd be in front of FORSCOM HQ saluting for a few days. He had an impressive career, but these types of things made him seem whacked and took away from the dignity of his position as well as the respect of the soldiers serving under him.

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made May 24 at 2016 10:52 AM

2016-05-24T10:52:54-04:00

One time! It was the Flag Officers mistake. When I first came in, a lot of Vietnam vets were still on active duty. I saluted, the E-5 with me was a Medal of Honor recipient. So it was a learning experience for the Officer.

Response by SFC Timothy Snapp made May 24 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-05-24T11:33:39-04:00

Back in Bremerhaven, GE in 1985 the commanding general stopped his car after he passed a PV2 and an E-5 on the street. The PV2 saluted the car with the flag and plate and the E-5 did not. The E-5 got an Art 15 and demoted to E-2 and the E-2 received a promotion to E-3, E-4, and E-5 on successive days once the paperwork was done.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made May 24 at 2016 12:16 PM

2016-05-24T12:16:55-04:00

My Grandfather was stationed at Kaneohe during WWII and he has told me stories of having to salute the Admiral's horses.

Response by PO2 Patrick Dwyer made May 24 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-05-24T13:10:40-04:00

I never had Gate duty. While in the Navy and following with a 20 year career on USAF & Navy bases it was always the spouse that stopped and reprimanded some Security person about " Ettiquette". At Eglin a Capt's wife(O-3) Demanded a salute to the insignia on the windshield or bumper. I was working on the AC Unit for a Guard responsible for 2 lanes of oncoming traffic. When she dressed him down about not saluting I pointed out to the AP Touchant " Hey That base sticker is expired "....Needless to say We had fun...

Response by SFC Christopher Van Loon made May 24 at 2016 5:45 PM

2016-05-24T17:45:29-04:00

Yes. It happened to me. I was a new Private (E-1). New to Germany. Walking along on-post NOT paying attention. He gained my attention and pointed out my shortcoming. Behavior was corrected!

Response by TSgt Forrest Kimmel made May 25 at 2016 7:42 AM

2016-05-25T07:42:15-04:00

As a matter of fact, I did actually see that happen. I was walking down a sidewalk at Kirtland AFB and the base commander's flagged car drove up from behind me and about 500' ahead there was an airman walking in the opposite direction. He did not salute and the car immediately stopped and the commander got out and verbally reprimanded the airman on the spot. I don't know what happened to him as I was too far away to hear the exchange, but I am sure that it wasn't good.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 7:49 AM

2016-05-25T07:49:30-04:00

Early 80's Ft Stewart Ga. Gen Schwarzkopf would drive around post a couple times a week. had his adjutant in a veh behind stopping and getting the names of all who didn't render proper respect.

Response by MSgt Terry Zimmerman made May 25 at 2016 7:50 AM

2016-05-25T07:50:11-04:00

I actually had this happen to me. But difference is I saluted but was such a quick reaction still had cigarette in my right hand. I was walking to work and the staff car turned towards me right at a corner. Reflex said salute, common sense said drop the cigarette. Reflex won out.

Response by CPO Gary Gainous made May 25 at 2016 8:02 AM

2016-05-25T08:02:20-04:00

Personally I have not. Although a salute should be rendered, consideration should be considered if the Sailor, Soldier, Airman or Marine was in clear view and could actually see the vehicle and the command. (E.g. RTC, NTC)

Response by SFC James Pritchert made May 25 at 2016 8:29 AM

2016-05-25T08:29:59-04:00

No, but once at Ft Bragg I saw a PFC rear end a BG's new sports car with his pos. I could not hear the entire conversation but I imagine there were some useful teaching points in that discussion.

Response by SP5 James Van Meter made May 25 at 2016 8:32 AM

2016-05-25T08:32:47-04:00

Yes. A very long time ago at Fort Rucker. General Richardson vehicle passed by. I saluted but the private 100 yards back did not. Vehicle stopped and the driver jumped out and started yelling.

Response by SSgt Stephen Mills made May 25 at 2016 8:46 AM

2016-05-25T08:46:04-04:00

While it was only a Capt in the USMC, it happened to me. Back in the 90's the POV register to an officer had on the 2220 ( the little sticker on the windshield ) had a few little strips of color. The blue meant Ofc and at Camp Pendleton the driver got a salute. Kinda makes it freakin hard to walk around looking for that and collars all the time. My buddie and I had just left medical getting our eyes dilated. We got paper sun glasses that made us look like the Blues Brothers. We stuck out like a nuts on a hog. We are waiting for the shuttle to pick us up and take us back to our unit. All of a sudden a Jeep Cherokee pulls up to us and I hear " I guess an officer don't rate a salute from you two A$$ Holes!" still unable to see clear due to the blinding and painfull sunlight all we saw was a blur. He said didn't you see me and my blue sticker drive right past you. I said no sir we just came from the eye doc and had our eyes dilated. That's why we have these paper sunglasses on, and our heads down. From what I could see, his face looked as if we kicked his puppy. We took his fun of picking on the enlisted away. We saluted and he said well shit, returned it and drove away. This O-3 was a D!CK just looking for somebody to give him a salute. I hope he remembers this 60 sec of his life as a time when others saw him for what he was. A spoiled rotten crank, with nothing else in his life to do than pick on two E-2's that could not see him and his little blue sticker driving at 45 mph in a Base full of other guys trying to get from one place to the other. Well sorry Sir, your little sticker just ain't that important in the over all world. You sir proved that not only are you an O-3 but a certified D!CK!!

Response by LTJG Don Biscoe made May 25 at 2016 9:24 AM

2016-05-25T09:24:12-04:00

I never met any that petty - now their staff is another matter!

Response by SGT Brendan McGrath made May 25 at 2016 9:29 AM

2016-05-25T09:29:53-04:00

The only time I have seen this was in Iraq. We were on Marez/Diamondback in Mosul. The two sides of the compound were separated where RTE Tampa runs North/South out of the city. Two of my soldiers were on guard duty (not a normal posting for us). Our BDE CDR (a COL), came through in his *unmarked* Ford Explorer FOB runner and passed through with no problem. He had his driver back up to the checkpoint so he could berate my soldier, a senior E4, for not saluting on the way by.

Two things about this: one, in the brief time that you roll from one side to the other, you are technically outside the wire. Two, just that week they had issued a possible sniper warning for that specific spot. Even if my soldier had realized who it was, saluting would have been the wrong thing to do.

After the COL finished chewing him out, he said "now I have to go give a Purple Heart to some other asshole because he was out fucking around." That other "asshole" was a member of our CAV SQN who had been hit by an RKG-3 attack. The RKG punched a hole through their MAXPRO door and almost took the kid's leg off. I'm not quite sure how the COL thought that was the soldier's fault, or how it could be considered professional conduct for him to make these comments to a junior enlisted. Just one of the many things on that deployment that made us doubt that particular command.

Response by Sgt John Koliha made May 25 at 2016 9:39 AM

2016-05-25T09:39:39-04:00

Oh, Lordy yes!

Happentedto me, 1 November 1965. Had come from ITR to my unit with Headquarter Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Had uniformed up and was walking to the bus station carrying clothing bag and a suitcase, really loaded down. Saw staff car with flag on the fender, and remembered that if you had armlod of gear a salute wasn't necessary.

Car drove about 10 feet and slammed on the brakes. Driver jumped out, rear window rolled down, and himself leaned out and proceeded to chew ass. "You're not in Boot Camp anymore, here we do things right!"

Dropped gear and rendered probably the best salute the man had ever received. He returned it and with a look of mild disgust signaled the driver to go on.

It was Brigadere General Simpson, Division Commanding General.

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made May 25 at 2016 10:05 AM

2016-05-25T10:05:50-04:00

In Orlando Florida, Bootcamp circa Jun1976'. We were marching to chow and a Captain's car passed and our RCPO did halt us to salute as the car passed our platoon. The car stopped and I guess the Flag LT got right out of that car and right on the RCPO's butt about the history of saluting and the proper protocol for platoon and RCPO's when being passed by any senior officer, the RCPO got a chit pulled out of the book and we all learned a valuable lesson from that. That was all that happened.

Response by SFC Robert Bower made May 25 at 2016 11:03 AM

2016-05-25T11:03:56-04:00

I've done it myself! It's direspectful to ignore the flag!

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 25 at 2016 11:07 AM

2016-05-25T11:07:46-04:00

Short answer yes. Long answer it doesn't happen often but it does happen. The most common occurance is that the General noticed, mentions it his aide, chief of staff, admin chief or directly to the Sgt Maj. Afterwards shenanigans ensue.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-05-25T11:38:31-04:00

I once saw an unfortunate CPT salute a 2 star while he had a toothpick in his mouth. The GEN said, "CPT, a moment please". Warrior Ethos be damned, I definitely left my soon to be fallen comrade behind. He came dragging back to the office about 15 minutes later.

Response by PO1 Paul Ziegler made May 25 at 2016 1:52 PM

2016-05-25T13:52:22-04:00

Many years ago, while stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., I watched as a Second Class (E-5) was placed on report by a LCDR (O-4) for not saluting the Admirals car, even though the Admiral was not in the car. The reason was that the driver had not stowed the 3 star fender placard in the trunk of the car, as was required when the Admiral was not in the car. It seems this particular Seaman (E-3) got his jollies from being saluted when he was driving around base.

The Second Class Petty Officer, requested a full Courts Martial. When the facts of the case came to light, the Seaman was reduced to Seamen Recruit (E-1), loss of half his pay for six month, and six months brig (stockade) time, which the brig time did not count toward his contracted service. The Second Class Petty Officer was exonerated of all charges and the LCDR was required to undergo retraining in proper etiquette for "Rendering Honors." Not to mention, it really pissed the Admiral off because his name was associated with the Courts Martial in a negative manner.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made May 25 at 2016 3:30 PM

2016-05-25T15:30:28-04:00

Yes. Now if I was a flag officer and some lowly enlisted swine didn't salute me in my car I'd just run them over. That would teach them. :D

Response by SGM Harvey Boone made May 25 at 2016 4:12 PM

2016-05-25T16:12:02-04:00

Jes a one star at mac used to pull that crap in his own vehicle which bore no marking, But we all knew he was just a little man with the little man syndrome

Response by CPO Mike Anderson made May 25 at 2016 4:57 PM

2016-05-25T16:57:45-04:00

Some new general officer and n an army base in Korea, the sailor involved told him that naval personnel did not salute in civvies or uncovered. A new instruction came out directing that navy personnel should salute flag officers in their staff vehicles

Response by MSG Don Burt made May 25 at 2016 6:07 PM

2016-05-25T18:07:42-04:00

Never! The only time I ever thought about NOT saluting, was if president clinton or obama was passing by....what a couple of disgraceful humans....

Response by SSG Leroy Farmer made May 25 at 2016 8:26 PM

2016-05-25T20:26:37-04:00

Never even heard of it happening.

Response by SGM Garett Savard made May 25 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-05-25T21:43:43-04:00

It was Summer of 1976, Fort Lewis, WA. I was walking with my E-5 supervisor when the DCG rolled-by in the passenger (TC) seat of the jeep. One-star flags were flying front-left and right, and the Aide-de-Camp (CPT) was mounted high on the back seat, head on a swivel.... My SGT rendered a snappy salute and that was that -- not.

The DCG happened to be headed to my 2/39th Infantry HQ so he dismounted there, and the Aide with driver came wheeling back to us to engage. The Aide raved for a couple of minutes, building his case. When he finally asked why he shouldn't prefer charges for disrespect, etc., my SGT Jenson calmly replied that, as he understood the regulation, the senior Soldier only was required to render a salute, since we were moving as a 2-man team.

That's when I began to relax a bit. To his credit the Aide said he would check that, admonished us both to salute in the future, and was on his way. Nothing further; Whew!!!

Response by PO2 David Allender made May 25 at 2016 10:09 PM

2016-05-25T22:09:47-04:00

No! But I have seen the Marine driver stop the car and dress down enlisted personnel for not saluting. It is mandatory to salute all officers all the time. In the Navy, it isn't required to salute in doors and uncovered. Outside, you are responsible to watch for any and all officer.

Response by CMDCM Kermit Cain made May 26 at 2016 1:57 AM

2016-05-26T01:57:16-04:00

YEARS ago, 1974. Three star (ComNavAirPac) stopped and REAMED a individual at 0800 (actually 0805 after colors were completed) for continuing to play golf during morning colors. Had his driver do a U-turn, got out of the vehicle and walked over to the green and smoked the guy like a cheap cigar. I know because I was on communications staff and typed out the message follow-up.

Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made May 26 at 2016 1:36 PM

2016-05-26T13:36:11-04:00

I saw a two star generals aid start to lay into a gentleman that was walking near us in PT uniform for not saluting. I could hardly contain myself while watching this happen and I almost felt sorry for the Lt. if it wasn't for the fact I couldn't stand the little turd. The gentleman who was in PT gear was working in my HQ as an advisor, because he was a recently retired Four Star General. He let the Lt run his mouth, and when the Lt asked for his ID, that is when I almost soaked my pants from laughing. The look on the Lt's face was priceless, and when he tried to pull rank on me for laughing so hard, he was asked by the Lt Col that was with me if there was a problem? All I can say is that retired four star was one of the coolest people I have ever met in the army, he said since he retired he had no stress, and like hanging out with NCO's.

Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made May 26 at 2016 1:45 PM

2016-05-26T13:45:35-04:00

I did once get slightly reprimanded for saluting a general outside. Some of the details are classified, but the general was real cool about it, and pointed to a young man outside the compound that had been identified as a spy for a terrorist group. He politely explained the situation, and started laughing and joking like we were old friends. I was just an E-4 at the time, but I learned all about the Sniper Check rule first hand that day. I had only been in the compound for 3 hours and we had not been briefed on protocols yet.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 11:11 PM

2016-05-31T23:11:38-04:00

Only once, when I was at NAS Millington (mid-1989). Both I and the sailor I was walking with stopped to salute the car with the flag. It continued along and we started walking again (opposite direction). I distinctly remember hearing the car screech to a stop then the driver AND his passenger came towards us quickly. I stood VERY QUIETLY thankful that I was not the one getting the ass-chewing.... apparently the officer had noticed that sailor I was walking with had "Fuck You Sir" tattooed along the outside of his right hand. Didn't see that kid for much longer - but will NEVER forget that day!

Response by SP5 David Cox made Jun 2 at 2016 6:09 PM

2016-06-02T18:09:26-04:00

No, but I do remember once at Ft. Huachuca seeing a small group of enlisted leaving a building just as a small group of officers left a building across the quad. They were headed towards each other, and both groups spotted the "enemy" at about the same time. Both groups executed 90 degree turns (fortunately in opposite directions) and continued walking - but it was obvious that neither group wanted to bother with salutes. It was funny to observe, since both groups reached the same conclusion independently and at the same time, and turned before reaching "engagement" distance.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jun 2 at 2016 6:38 PM

2016-06-02T18:38:46-04:00

This didn't happen to me exactly. It was the early 1980's, and my base/wing was in the middle of a joint Nato Tac Eval and Nuclear Surety Inspection. On the third day of the exercise, during a relative down time, several of us drove a GOV to the post office to check our mail. As we were leaving the post office, a staff car with a BG Flag pulled to a stop right in front of us. Everyone in our group saluted but my boss (a MSgt). Instead of saluting, he bent down at the waist, looked in the rear of the vehicle, saw the general, and waved. Almost immediately, the stunned General waved back, kind of like the Queen.. I'm not kidding. It was absolutely hilarious. At the end of the exercise we all attended the mass outbrief at the Base Theater. Throughout the briefing they were showing slides/pictures of the major events that the inspection team was commenting on. Again, I kid you not, the very last slide they showed was of my boss bent over looking at the general in his staff car and WAVING.

Response by BG Richard M. Tabor made Jun 28 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-06-28T12:33:08-04:00

Yes, I did. About a year ago in front of the PX in Vicenza, Italy, MG Daryl Williams, then CG, U.S. Army Africa did indeed chew out an individual who did not exit his vehicle, stand at attention, and face the colors. Good job, MG Wialliams.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2019 8:25 PM

2019-06-16T20:25:48-04:00

Oh yes, I was at Fort Bragg when a BG stoped his keep and chewed to E5 that were walking on the sidewalk and they didn't slaute him.

Response by CPT William Jones made Aug 9 at 2019 5:39 PM

2019-08-09T17:39:11-04:00

Yes basic training at ft Polk. Base CG had his official car marked with oversized plates and flags to insure trainees would be able to recognize it. He would drive around and see who noticed and saluted. If he wasn’t he made the block to insure he had been seen. Second pass if not saluted. He picked up offenders and returned them to their unit and explained to COand 1sgt what happened and how were they going to fix their training. Boots or to be punished and he would’ve back to check on things. Happened to a couple buddies in next barracks. I saw them get picked up.

Response by PO3 Mike Bek made Aug 20 at 2019 3:07 PM

2019-08-20T15:07:58-04:00

I have a funny story about that. When I was just out of boot and in my first week of school, I was wakling in front of HQ when the admirals car pulled out. Now im scared s$#@less cause I know im going to mess up my first salute out in the fleet. So I snapped what I thought was a perfect salute and looked directly at the car. Then proceeded to walk face first into a street light pole and knock myself unconscious. Now I was rendered aid and taken to the er in the admirals car. I don't remember seeing him but I do remember his aid. Wanna feel like an idiot. The next day I received a small gift in class from the Admiral. A large box of bandaids and a notd that said "Thanks for the memories"

Response by PO1 Anthony Sam made Sep 29 at 2019 1:50 PM

2019-09-29T13:50:53-04:00

Nope but then again I tend avoid Flag Officers.

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Oct 5 at 2019 12:29 PM

2019-10-05T12:29:02-04:00

Lackland, went to see the ex for her basic graduation. after the cluster fuck was over I met up with her and we walked back to her barracks to get her stuff. we were standing there talking and she didnt notice a butter bar walk behind her. I saw him and said 'hey sir' to give her a heads up. she turned and saluted him. he then preceded to ream her out for a PDA because there wasnt 2 feet or something between us. I stood there flabbergasted as he did that. He then asked me who I was and who I thought I was. Im her husband, she was facing me and I greeted you. we were talking and you walked up behind her. I greeted you so whats the problem. asked what unit I was in. I was in the Army and I etsed 4 yrs ago. it was a very polite ass chewing we gave our butterbars all the time. he just walked away.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 6 at 2019 10:27 AM

2019-10-06T10:27:31-04:00

I only actually had to do it twice...once, while I'd been at USAF OTS at Lackland, before it got moved to Maxwell, the Commandant, obv an O-6, made a habit of driving around in his car with the eagle plates, often just to check to see if we, the OTs, would all notice...once, I was walking down the hill from the main class/library bldg, when I'd seen him driving up...having seen him, thank God, I whipped one off properly, he whipped one back...the other time, I was where I'd been assigned after that, the O-9 of the installation, whom I'd seen only once before that, when I'd spent a day with the base commander, an O-3 I'd been under had wanted me to do it as orientation, happened to be driving past me, as I was in the car I had then...I'd seen him, again, thank God, whipped one off from inside the car, as I'd seen the 3-star plates, he again whipped one back...he'd been a WW2 B-17 tail gunner and war hero, who'd gotten into West Point while Army enlisted, after WW2...as I'd said, those were the only two actual instances I'd needed to do it for real, thankfully, I hadn't bollixed them up...the day I'd been in the car of the base commander, as we'd gone to a briefing in the command bldg for the O-9 I'd mentioned, he'd seen a new younger airman walk out, something was wrong with his uniform, he'd called out, with finger raised in the kid's direction, "Young man", then walked over, and spoke with him, as I'd just stood by the right-hand front door of the staff car, while he corrected him, I'd found how he'd done it quite interesting (needless to say, I was thankfully immaculate that day, again thank God)...I'd only had to reprimand twice, once at USAF OTS while walking around with my parents and younger fraternal twin brothers, just before I'd finished, I'd been showing them the school...another pair of newer OTs walked by, one was wearing aviator sunglasses, that the Commandant I'd mentioned had expressly forbidden for OTs, I had to give that one a demerit, the only instance I'd had to while there...another time, where I'd been assigned, three enlisted guys were in the parking lot of the bldg all the company graders like myself who'd been in the BOQ had to get our mail from...two were relatively senior NCOs staying in the enlisted barracks there, the other was a relatively junior airman who'd been calling across a parking lot, with his fatigue shirt open, tee shirt showing, with an open beer can in his hand...I'd just turned and stared...and stared...and stared...till both of the more senior NCOs took the hint, and told the airman to lose the beer can, and close his fatigue shirt, as well as pipe down on the noise...that was the only other time I'd ever had to do something like that for real, as I'd said....

Response by Ronald Capps made Nov 22 at 2019 3:31 PM

2019-11-22T15:31:25-05:00

At Fort Sill in the mid 80's the Commanding General complained to his CSM that no one was saluting his plate on his vehicle. The CSM rode around with the 2star plate displayed chewing Soldiers out for not saluting. I saluted but some of the Soldiers I was walking with didn't, an ass chewing from the post CSM was the order if the day.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2019 10:34 AM

2019-12-17T10:34:35-05:00

Haven't seen it, but heard a story of the OPPOSITE! lol!
My dad was a dental officer in the 70s (Army, 1st Cav). He was in clinic one day when the CG came in for his appointment. The LTC of that clinic/support battalion was the one to do the dental care for the CG. CG tells him "Oh! That CPT Erwin scared me the other day."
"Ohhh, really, sir?"
"Yes! He passed my car and actually knew to salute!"

Response by MSgt Eric Roseberry made Feb 1 at 2020 9:27 PM

2020-02-01T21:27:01-05:00

DMAFB in the 80, Commanding officer "White Top" with flag plates. He often brought the offender to his office to await their commander.

Response by 1st Lt Tyll Parker made Apr 17 at 2020 12:38 AM

2020-04-17T00:38:28-04:00

When I was a student (Basic Telecomm-Officer) at Kessler AFB I heard that our Base CC (A two star) would stop when 2Lts didn’t salute his car. (It WAS AF and had the two star flag) He would then give the Lt a ride after asking his/her destination. The general then had his driver go the the place furthest from the Lt’s stated destination and drop off the Lt...
...Unless the Lt was pretty and female...

Response by CPT William Jones made May 10 at 2021 3:29 PM

2021-05-10T15:29:50-04:00

Yes. Ft Polk we were peeling potatoes outside back of kitchen with road running close by. The post co was approaching our direction with plates and flag on his car. Two trainees walking on shoulder of road. Car passed them no salute, car stopped somebody got out then soldiers got in car backed up th next building, a company hq stopped and general and trainees got out and went in. Later at formation our CO told us the general was checking training and the other company got in trouble for not saluting and we better. Not forget to salute or else.

Response by MSG Richard Loden made May 27 at 2021 9:17 PM

2021-05-27T21:17:34-04:00

When I at my EOD unit at Ft Polk I was an SP4 and got saluted several times while driving the unit’s M38 jeep. I couldn’t figure it out until I realized that EOD vehicles at the time had red fenders. The jeep also ha a white star on the front of the red fender.

Response by SR Kenneth Beck made Jun 26 at 2021 7:28 AM

2021-06-26T07:28:39-04:00

A staff car pulled alongside me; it was raining. The Rear Admiral lowered his window, and admonished me, “Chief your umbrella wasn’t issued to you”. I stowed my umbrella, with disbelief on my face and saluted. The Admiral, who had a sense of humor and irony, retorted, “Chief, this car and driver was issued to me”.