Is the salute obsolete? Should we salute at all? Should salutes be voluntary?

SGM (Join to see)

Traditions, customs and courtesies have a place in the military and should remain.

One of the problems with our society today is the degradation of our culture and values. This has crept into the military, as well. We need to stop further degradation and retain the customs, courtesies and traditions that are inherent in the military.

Yes we must salute! It is probably the oldest tradition in military history and one of the most significant signs of respect that one service member can render to another. I don't think saluting could ever really be considered obsolete. It helps us maintain discipline, respect and it is a physical symbol of the code of ethics we live by. Maybe if more of us knew the history and relevance of the salute we would try harder to salute properly and display the proper courtesy to each other as Soldiers.

Yes we should still salute to this day and forever. It goes back to the days of knights and has been rendered ever since. But to stop would be a disgrace in my eyes.