Posted on May 24, 2016
Receiving my direct commission as a civilian (14+ yrs prior service w/ 2 yr break), is it still appropriate to do the "silver dollar salute"?
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I'm about to be direct commissioned into the Army's Medical Service Corps. I have more than 14 yrs of prior service, but I took a 2 yr break to finish the courses I needed to apply to the program. I've always liked the tradition of the "silver dollar salute" and I would like to my brother to be on the other end of the salute,however, I'll be in civies so is it still appropriate to render a salute?
Direct Commission
Prior Service
Customs and Courtesies
2LT
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 26
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Take your oath of commission in uniform and provide a silver dollar for your first salute.
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That is a special moment of respect between 2 Soldiers. I believe it is appropriate.
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
Is the brother currently serving? Will he be in uniform? Don't fight, if it do really matters, do it right and generate an appropriate photograph!
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I graduated from OTS at Lackland AFB. There was a rather long line of willing people waiting to collect. I didn't know any of them.
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Heck yeah! Whip that salute out, you earned it. You'll be an officer and known to the person (your brother) as an officer, we salute in civilians all the time and in Korea it was even 'required'. The 'silver dollar salute' isn't an official 'event' and as such can be improvised as you see fit.
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