Is a salute or greeting required when walking behind a superior officer while that officer is unaware of your presence (on phone faced away)?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 10:44:28 -0500

The path that I was walking on was also accompanied by an Air Force O-6 (Col) who was leaning over the railing on his cell phone. He was unaware of my presence as I walked past him to his rear. I was trying to play out my options in my head, but by the time I could think of anything to do I passed him. I thought maybe I would be distracting him from the attention he was giving his phone. Thoughts?

Response by MCPO Mark Durland made Nov 17 at 2016 10:56 AM

MCPO Mark Durland — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 10:56:40 -0500

Navy customs specify a salute accompanied with the greeting, "By your leave, sir/ma'am" if passing an officer moving in the same direction. Generally accepted not to directly interrupt the superior if they're on their phone...don't expect a return if they are.

When in doubt, salute.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Nov 17 at 2016 11:00 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:00:28 -0500

If the officer is not in a position to see and acknowledge your salute, then you did nothing wrong. If the officer is in a position to see and acknowledge your salute, then you should render the proper salute even if he is otherwise pre-occupied, and hold the salute until you passed or it is returned. It wouldn't be proper for the officer to return the salute while engaged on the phone, so he or she should put it down and return the salute accordingly. But more than likely they will just give a half-assed return of the salute to acknowledge or ignore you completely. But, when in doubt, whip it out.

Response by SGT Scott Hutten made Nov 17 at 2016 11:12 AM

SGT Scott Hutten — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:12:13 -0500

If an officer is distracted or busy she's probably not interested in saluting. If you perceive that the officer is simply not looking or not aware of your presence and a simple greeting may be in order then why not pipe up and say "hello sir/ma'am" and salute with a smile. Salute silently anyway if you want...but generally speaking, saluting is a form of respect, right? Another form of respect is not to be annoying if they're on the phone, too.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 11:15 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:15:30 -0500

When in doubt salute.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 17 at 2016 11:36 AM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:36:42 -0500

the Salut and Greeting and courteous Passing...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 12:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 12:21:18 -0500

If he had his back to you and was unaware of your presence, how did you see his rank walking to his rear? I ask because if you saw his rank....then he probably noticed you.....at least that is how my brain thinks.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 17 at 2016 1:20 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 13:20:42 -0500

Hey look SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" another "when should I salute" question.

1LT Private RallyPoint Member, when it comes to saluting, remember the phrase, "when in doubt, salute". If you recognized the person as an officer, on the phone or not, the right thing is to render that salute, greet the officer, and move on.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 17 at 2016 1:24 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 13:24:44 -0500

I personally would salute the officer, and make known that I acknowledged his rank.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 2:03 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 14:03:29 -0500

By your leave sir/ma'am, and depending on the response, cut the salute soon thereafter. Carry on.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 2:15 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 14:15:43 -0500

Navy, custom as I have had to do so in the past they were engaged doing something, would be Salute and say"By your Leave Sir/Ma'am and carry on with your day

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Nov 17 at 2016 2:17 PM

SSG Tom Pike — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 14:17:06 -0500

When in doubt, whip it out!

Response by Capt Chris McVeigh made Nov 17 at 2016 2:59 PM

Capt Chris McVeigh — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 14:59:25 -0500

Customs and courtesies don't go away with the invention of technology. If he was standing outside talking to someone, would you salute as you passed? Yes. A quick "by your leave, good morning sir" or "good morning sir" is all it takes.

Response by SPC Phil Norton made Nov 17 at 2016 3:03 PM

SPC Phil Norton — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 15:03:24 -0500

When in doubt salute it out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 3:12 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 15:12:57 -0500

It is not required if they didn't see you or are in a private conversation

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Nov 17 at 2016 10:16 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 22:16:54 -0500

Yes, I was taught per Army Regulations. Does not matter if they are distracted or have their back turned and if they are on a cell phone you should raise your voice so they hear the greeting and recognize you back.

Response by SSG G Smith made Nov 17 at 2016 10:52 PM

SSG G Smith — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 22:52:14 -0500

In that situation like others said "when in doubt, whip it out". I can't see a scenario where being respectful and courteous would be an issue, but I can see where not being so would be. I have saluted many times in similar situations and never had a negative reaction. It can sometimes be funny watching the fumbling to position phones or whatever for the return salute. I have even been saluted by a O-6 holding a cellphone (saluted with it) and a 2 star with a pipe (in saluting hand).

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Nov 18 at 2016 3:53 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 03:53:11 -0500

We were always taught to render a proper salute and greeting in such a situation. You see the higher rank and are showing respect and courtesy to the rank in doing so. The officer should hear you and return the salute. If s/he doesn't hear you or pretends not to, just salute and continue on. You have honorably fulfilled your responsibility.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 18 at 2016 9:55 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 09:55:00 -0500

It doesn't matter if he was unaware of your presence. You knew he was an officer and that's what counted. You could have rendered a salute and continued on your path all without interrupting him.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2016 4:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 16:41:47 -0500

The real question is what would a 2LT do if approaching another 2LT in this kind of scenario? CPT Private RallyPoint Member , what is your take?

Response by 1LT Rob Bolling made Nov 19 at 2016 9:33 AM

1LT Rob Bolling — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 09:33:32 -0500

Salute without comment if the officer is engaged in a conversation.

Response by PO2 Robert Schultz made Nov 22 at 2016 6:17 PM

PO2 Robert Schultz — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 18:17:56 -0500

Easy, You salute, and acknowledge him by saying "By your leave." You do the same if you are walking past him at a faster pace.

Response by CPO Randy Francis made Nov 23 at 2016 11:17 AM

CPO Randy Francis — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 11:17:59 -0500

A salute is rendered as a gesture between warriors - it goes both ways and the officer owes me a return just as much as I owe him/her the initial one. I never cared whether they were interested or not - they owe me a return salute out of respect for my commitment. A "by your leave ma'am/sir" or even a "good morning ma'am/sir" is due as is the return.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Nov 23 at 2016 12:20 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 12:20:00 -0500

A simple by your leave sir IMO should suffice.

Response by CAPT Dave Woodard made Nov 23 at 2016 12:32 PM

CAPT Dave Woodard — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 12:32:39 -0500

When I was a young white-hat just out of boot camp, that was the "game" in San Diego with the NROTC and other officer candidates.
After my commission, it required constant thought and alertness to ensure that the saluting hand was unencumbered for just this reason. Saw more than one dropped personal item!

Response by TSgt Denise Moody made Nov 23 at 2016 3:56 PM

TSgt Denise Moody — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 15:56:57 -0500

No you don't have to salute a back. Not all officer like to salute so they are as likely to avoid it as enlisted...or at least back in my day. Damn I'm sounding more and more like my grand mother LOL

Response by Sgt Doug Grafton made Nov 23 at 2016 9:52 PM

Sgt Doug Grafton — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 21:52:48 -0500

Salute, greet and carry on smartly. Regardless of whether or not the officer acknowledges.

Response by Pvt Travis Mcnett made Nov 24 at 2016 3:16 PM

Pvt Travis Mcnett — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 15:16:54 -0500

I believe you did the correct thing. If the officer is distracted on his phone, he might get annoyed to have to turn around and salute.

Response by SPC Justin Immerso made Nov 28 at 2016 8:27 AM

SPC Justin Immerso — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 08:27:08 -0500

i would just have popped a quick salute a quiet sir and kept moving

Response by Amn Frederick Vazquez made Dec 1 at 2016 3:20 PM

Amn Frederick Vazquez — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 15:20:10 -0500

It does not hurt and it only takes a moment.

Response by SPC William Biles made Jun 23 at 2018 4:54 PM

SPC William Biles — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 16:54:21 -0400

When in doubt, salute it out. It's not like you'll be reprimanded for being courteous and respectful. And, dont take it to heart if they dont return the salute. Carry on.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 13 at 2018 10:55 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 22:55:12 -0500

My thought is when He is within 6 paces of You approaching and aware You are there then salute, if His attention is elsewhere and unless that changes don't do anything except proceed on Your original path. If Your not within 6 paces and Your in the field of His vision as He is faced then don't worry about doing anything. In this case respect their privacy as they are engaged on a phone call and not even facing or approaching You.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 14 at 2018 12:32 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 12:32:46 -0500

I assume you were out of doors and in uniform. You should have rendered the hand salute. You might have said, "by your leave, sir," or given the daily greeting (an Army thing most Air Force personnel don't understand). Because you recognized him as a superior officer in this environment, the hand salute was the appropriate action. He may or may not have seen you and may or may not have returned the salute. No matter. It was the right thing to do. Also, it was an opportunity to demonstrate correct customs and courtesy to any other Service Members who might have observed you. We teach our junior enlisted, "if in doubt, salute." Not a bad rule for lieutenants.

Response by 1st Lt Chris Neville made Mar 29 at 2019 4:08 PM

1st Lt Chris Neville — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 16:08:57 -0400

When I graduated USAF Basic Training in 1971, I was given a short leave before reporting to my duty station. I flew into National Airport in VA and was waiting outside for my ride. I was aware that the DC area was crawling with brass and only a couple of miles from the Pentagon. I was also aware that I might run into officers of any branch, but wasn't that comfortable with Navy rank insignia. However, I was new and wanted to make sure my first "real" salute was a good one.
As I'm standing there, a couple of Navy officers had moved in front of me with their backs to me. One had 4 gold stripes on his sleeve and the other had 3. (Captain and Commander?)
As I stood there cocked and ready to throw that salute, one of them turned in my direction.
My hand got belt-high before I saw the "Delta Airlines" badge on his cap!