*Navy specific* I can't find an instruction on this anywhere: Are you required to render a salute to an Officer who is in civilian attire?

From my BJM "Military salute is used when recognizing officers in civilian dress." While the officer saluted will respond with "good morning, good afternoon, or good evening" as the case may be the officer does not salute in return.

I dealt with this on active duty. The answer is no. Generally speaking, we salute (respect/acknowledge) the rank not the individual. Without the uniform this becomes irrelevant. It doesn't not excuse one from normal courtesy i.e. "Good afternoon Captain Smith" etc. however saluting is not protocol. In fact, in certain situations, particularly when overseas, this could create a security risk in that an officer in civilian clothing on the beach may be safer remaining unidentified and a salute might put a target on them.

No, if they are not in Uniform you can say "Good Day Sir" or "Evening Ensign" or not say anything, but you don't have to salute. Anyone who tells you different is probably an Officer.

Sea (land) Story: I walked past a Commander at NOB Norfolk who was walking along, in full uniform, staring at his Blackberry screen, I was in uniform but just strolled by, another officer behind me called out which got the Commanders attention, he called me out for not saluting, I looked at both of them and said "Well if the Commander was watching where he was going I would have saluted, but here, (I then saluted twice) take two they're small." My C.O. chewed my butt (guess someone called, ship's ball cap gave me away and there were only a few Master Chiefs who fit my description) but then he laughed and said the Commander was not setting much of an example.

Wrong, you are supposed to bring your hand down to your belly button and do a proper Navel salute, at least that is what us ARMY types were told in the 70's.

I believe that it is inappropriate to salute an officer who is not in uniform unless it is part of your duties, and depending on where you are, you may be prohibited from saluting an officer in civies, or from saluting PERIOD.
I have been out for awhile now, so don't take any of this as gospel, but I do recall that saluting was covered exhaustively in the BMR and the BJM.

What I found is the same thing that PO2 Ed C found. I do disagree with the when in doubt salute. A hand salute should be returned by the person you are saluting. If they are in civilian clothes they cannot return the salute. I would greet them cordially and with respect of their rank. If they offer a hand shake, give they a firm hand shake in return.

So we render salute when in uniform and are wearing a cover. ( that's why we don't salute inside) You do acknowledge their rank if you know it. If they are not in uniform with a uniform cover on then you do not salute.

Well, after reading all the replies perhaps I'm in the wrong, but I don't think you do. Navy does not salute anyone not wearing cover. If however you are somewhere where everyone else are saluting uncovered officers, then you salute to. When in Rome..... (Think Army base etc.)
And finally, while I don't believe you're required to, probably not a bad idea.

Negative - you're saluting the rank, not the wearer.

I've got a copy of an Ancient Blue Jackets Manual that I traded up for with an Crappy Copy CTO3/2. I'll bet it's in there.