Saluting: Have you ever encountered an officer that did not salute you back, although he/she recognized your salute?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 11:13:47 -0400

How did you handle/take this?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 11:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 11:28:01 -0400

The only time I have run into this is when the Officer is carrying stuff and is unable to salute. I did notice a little bit of panic in his eyes because it kind of caught him off guard, but other than that, I have never seen an Officer refuse to return a salute.

If I did see this happening, it would be a simple on the spot correction. I wouldn't expect much push back unless the correction was handled in an unprofessional manner or without tact.

Response by SPC(P) Delcina Myers made Mar 19 at 2014 11:30 AM

SPC(P) Delcina Myers — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 11:30:44 -0400

SSG... Unfortunately, Yes. I stood at position of attention for I think about 30 minutes, her hands were not full, and I was within 6 paces of her. She looked at me, scoffed, then walked away... I was released by (luckily) a higher ranking officer, but I steered clear of her from then on. Knowing my luck, I would have saluted her again, and have been stuck there for god knows how long...

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 11:39 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 11:39:12 -0400

Personally no, but I have seen it happen between a 1stSgt and a Capt in front of our company in formation.  At the conclusion of some type of ceremony we had, the CO called the 1stSgt who moved from his post in front of the CO where he received orders.  The 1stSgt saluted and replied with "aye aye Sir" and the CO just took off.  The 1stSgt probably called for the CO a few times while holding his salute until he yelled "CO" loud enough that the whole company could hear and the CO ran back to return the 1stSgt's salute.<div><br></div><div>If you do not receive a salute back, go get it back.</div>

Response by SrA Zachary Bolling made Mar 19 at 2014 11:41 AM

SrA Zachary Bolling — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 11:41:46 -0400

I actually saluted an ARMY female CAPTAIN that was carrying something but instead of just acknowledging the salute, she saluted with her left hand. When I laughed at the action she then dropped what she was carrying to bring me to attention and began to tell me that a left handed salute is acceptable in certain circumstances. I was just an E-2 at the time so I just stood there and said yes ma'am until she made me salute her again the "correct" way. This happened in a deployed setting to top it off. Is anything she did correct?

Response by 1SG Shane Hansen made Mar 19 at 2014 12:42 PM

1SG Shane Hansen — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 12:42:04 -0400

I have never had this problem with Officers, just Warrant Officers. There are a lot of them, especially pilots, who do not render proper courtesies to include saluting. Drives me up the wall and causes me to have to explain to these individuals about 10 times a day about what saluting means and why we do it.

Haven't had to deal with that recently as I am at Shindand, Afghanistan and it is a no salute FOB except for general officers, which there are none here.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 2:58 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 14:58:08 -0400

It has happened to me several times since I work in an area where we get tons of new 2LTs. What I always do is stop them on their tracks and correct them (while standing at the position of attention). Most times they are just ignorant of the fact. It has happened with a few CPTs also, again, same approach with tact and respect at all times.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 5:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 17:36:36 -0400

This happened to me once with a cocky CPT.  In his defense though, he was busy with his hand in his pocket...

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 8:33 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 20:33:38 -0400

I've seen a lot of "lazy" salutes, some that didn't go past the chin. It is not that hard to do a proper salute.

Response by SSG Robert Blum made Mar 22 at 2014 5:38 PM

SSG Robert Blum — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:38:30 -0400

I was informed as a Private after numerous occasions where I saluted a Navy or Marine Officer while checking their ID cards at the gate and them just nodding and driving off, that they do not salute if they don't have head gear on. I don't know if that's an official thing or not, but it seemed pretty accurate to me. I was upset at first, until the Airmen I was working with told me, and I was fine with it after that, I just kept doing my thing.

Other than that I have never personally experienced it. However, to me it would depend on the rank of the Officer, as an NCO at my level I provide knowledge and guidance to My LT, and my Company CO if he asks for it. So I would say that it would be more than appropriate for me to conduct and about face, approach said Officer, and make a polite correction while standing at the position of attention, and when the conversation was complete Render a Salute and continue on my way.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 5:52 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:52:16 -0400

The only time this ever happened to me was while I was in Army ROTC during college. The Marines were doing a recruiting drive in our student center. Two of their Officers had just exited the building and I was walking towards them. I rendered them a crisp salute, and they looked at me and just kept walking. I held my salute till they were about 6 paces behind me before dropping it.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Mar 22 at 2014 5:53 PM

CSM Michael Poll — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:53:35 -0400

As a MSG while working with the 1ST Army, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting the Commanding General for MEDCOM, unfortunately for me, he was not thrilled with the aspect of training for a hospital unit he had going down range, I being the only person in the area with a First Army patch on caught his, I will say, displeasure that we dared make his Soldiers complete Individual and collective training prior to deployment. After he commenced to voice his displeasure with the fact I was a representative with the First Army, which to this day I still think I have his spittle on my uniform, I saluted him as he stormed off, to which he did not return my salute, then as his car drove away I saluted again, to which he did not return my salute. I immediately pushed his displeasure through my COC. Next day I receive a phone call from the Commanding General of the First Army wanting to know exactly what happened, he then apologized to me for the conduct of that General and praised me for my Military bearing. For me I was like, "Really, like I am going to lose it with a 4 star." I didn't say this, but I thought it. Anyways that's my story.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 6:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 18:47:31 -0400

Never had an officer not salute after recognizing mine, but Ill share gaffes I've seen:

This was back in AIT, we're in the 'field' guy in my platoon salutes an officer with his left hand while holding his rifle at attention while in formation....

Also while in AIT we are all standing in formation after chow. Student 1SG sees a 2LT pretty sure she just got her bar because he calls us to attention and salutes and she just keeps walking past the platoon we're all like WTF is going on? BN CSM runs up and says "Ma'am you forgot to salute" she looks up eyes wide like 40 soldiers just ninja'd a formation behind her back.

Noticed CSM didn't salute though lol.

This one I didn't actually see but buddy of mine said he saw a 1LT throw up the peace sign when he was saluted once.

Response by SSG Shannon Howe made Mar 23 at 2014 10:17 AM

SSG Shannon Howe — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 10:17:02 -0400

I don't think I ever had an Officer not return my salute. However, in 2004 when I was just a lowly PFC in Korea, I actually had a MAJ walk a large box AROUND ME in order to avoid saluting me back! I was crossing a large parking lot on my way to a building with some paperwork in my hand, when I saw someone in uniform coming towards me. Since I couldn't see their rank yet, I went ahead and shifted everything to my left arm just in case, and as we got closer I saw his MAJ rank. I guess by then he saw I was enlisted, b/c he made a stank face and then made a box AROUND ME, as if he were doing land nav and going around an object! Being the green young Soldier I was, I thought perhaps maybe I had a large zit or something about my appearance had offended him, so as soon as I got indoors I quickly checked my reflection in the mirror -- nope. Turns out he just didn't feel like saluting back. Smh lol.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 10:31 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 10:31:12 -0400

I've seen it happen to both myself while a PFC and an NCO in my Platoon. While standing in front of our building, a 1LT approached the doors and we Saluted while with the units motto. The 1LT looked at us and continued to walk past. As I continued to stand their puzzled as a PFC, my NCO approached the 1LT while at the position of attention, and the 1LT isn't that he didn't fell like saluting and told my NCO to move out. My NCO then reported it to our Platoon Sergeant and PL. I heard it happening all around post with other Soldiers but never to me after this experience a few years back.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 10:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 22:58:13 -0400

I'm not going to lie, I am not the worlds biggest fan of being saluted especially since most that salute me have triple the time in service, feels weird for some reason. That being said even if I am carrying something I will always find a way to return the salute or give an acknowledgement (if i am carrying a box or something).

If you take the time to show respect to someone, there is no reason why they shouldn't do the same in return. If an O fails to salute you back, you should most definitely stop him or her and say something. But I wouldn't sweat it to much, those are probably the same officers that are getting boarded out right now...

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 1:14 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 13:14:01 -0400

SSG

Absolutely! I had several of my sailors tell me a certain Admiral on the waterfront refused to return their salute. After hearing of this for nearly a month I decided to see for myself. Taking some time to take care of some ship's business in the area that this Admiral had apparently been ignoring sailors saluting I eventually ran into this Admiral - only this time he had his flag Lt with him. Well, I sighed to myself, in for a ounce, in for the tonnage..... so when I saluted the two of them, the flag LT returned my salute but the Admiral looked me in the eye and refused to salute. So I spoke up.....and the Admiral and I had a quiet conversation. Now I won't tell you the Admiral was happy to be called out by a 1st Class Petty Officer in public reagrding his refusal to return rendered honors. I got my ass reamed for daring to intrude on an Admiral's important business - but I stood my ground and I made my point. I also had to explain my actions to the XO of my ship (obviously the flag LT made a phone call) - but I again stood my ground and made my point. My division Chief decided he had to get in on the gangbang and started in on me - but once again, I held my ground and made my point.

Two weeks later I was on ship's business in the same area where this Admiral was refusing to return salutes - and lo and behold, who was marching down the path? You guessed it - the same Admiral. The difference? The Admiral was returning salutes...and when he got to the general area I was at, he changed his direction of travel and made a beeline towards me. This time his attitude was different, our conversation was proper, but cordial, ending with an invitation to have lunch with him at the officer's club. I made a quick call to the XO of my ship and accepted.

Lesson learned: sometimes leadership is painful, but often the end result is what needs to be done.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 10:48 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 22:48:02 -0400

I find it amazing to hear that so many have experienced officers disregarding their salute.  Salutes are two-way recognition and honor.  To deny a person a returned salute is just disrespectful in my book.<div><br></div><div>I look forward to recognizing Soldiers, NCOs, and subordinate officers.  I believe they deserve it and will always return the salute.  If you see me standing and talking with another person and salute me I will come to attention and salute you back every time, even if I am in the middle of a sentence.  The same is true for walking, standing, or whatever.  I really do not understand why some view subordinates as "beneath" them and not worthy of a returned salute.  I certainly appreciate it when a field grade officer gives me a sharp return salute; it makes me feel respected.  I want to make sure others feel the same way.</div>

Response by SrA Ryan Nave made Apr 16 at 2014 5:49 PM

SrA Ryan Nave — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:49:18 -0400

I ran across this quite a bit while I was in. I figure it was because I was the debt . manager in the finance office and I somehow manged to get on their bad side. I just let it go and go on with my day, a disrespectful officer was not going to stop me from doing the job I was told to do by my commanding officer.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 11:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 23:28:14 -0400

One in particular that I remember well was a major in uniform while I was in civilians in Arifjan. He acknowledged my salute by telling me not to salute him unless I was in uniform. His attitude while telling me that told me only received salutes because of the oak leaf, not the person.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 21 at 2014 11:06 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 23:06:15 -0400

Please don't thumbs down me but even though it rarely happens to me, I will just keep on walking. If that officer does not have even have enough self worth to salute back, that officer is not worth my time to correct.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 2:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:37:17 -0400

One thing comes to mind when I have been in this situation multiple times......."DIRTBAG"....not conduct becoming of an OFFICER or WARRANT OFFICER.

Response by COL Robert White made Apr 27 at 2014 12:28 AM

COL Robert White — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 00:28:51 -0400

Yes. I was brand new and I saluted a Colonel. He looked at me an kept walking. I did the smart thing, I kept walking also! I never forgot how that felt, so I it a point to greet and return all salutes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 9:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 21:09:50 -0400

I have seen it several times. In armor units we just didn't by an unspoken agreement you only saluted and presented the greeting of the day as a way to alert the unit that there was an intruder (the dangerous kind).

That being said the officer is just as obligated to return the salute as the enlisted is to render it. (Chiefs just get a 'Good morning chief' because pissing off a CWO is hust not worth it)

It happens more often than I would like to admit. Enlisted get corrected officers get 'the conversation'. My XO is a great guy, and will engage in 'the Conversation' where the offending officer will hear.

It goes something like this: Officers have the legal authority to order us to die. 'Sergeant move out and draw fire' is a perfectly legal order to which the correct response is "Yes, Sir" and the selection of two privates who don't owe you money. We invest these 22 year old college graduates with a position where their errors will be paid for with our lives. An officer who is unwilling to return the demonstration of respect that is a salute is a pretty sad thing. The conversation is long and flexible but we have fun with it.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 3 at 2014 2:43 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Sat, 03 May 2014 14:43:05 -0400

Well... I was very angry at the time (walking to chow in Iraq) having a heated discussion with one of my peers who was trying to calm me down. As we were coming around the T-Wall, we passed two captains also in a discussion. I reflexively brought it up and gave the greeting of the day. They ignored me. In my now stoked rage, I spun on my heels, still holding my salute, exclaiming, "Excuse me, sir?!" They spun around and one apologized and returned my salute. I could have used a bit more tact in the way I corrected them.

It made me a degree more angry as enlisted are just as entitled to the salute as officers. They just get it first because of their rank. It is equally disrespectful for an officer to not salute an enlistedman as for an enlistedman to not salute an officer.

Response by PO3 Lee Ruple made May 4 at 2014 12:13 PM

PO3 Lee Ruple — Sun, 04 May 2014 12:13:47 -0400

In my squadron most Os didn't like to be saluted,but we felt they deserved the respect. We would make sure we went out of our way to show them that respect they deserved. All but the cool ones we let them slide!

Response by Sgt(P) Christopher Herod made May 23 at 2014 12:26 PM

Sgt(P) Christopher Herod — Fri, 23 May 2014 12:26:31 -0400

Unfortunately there are those unprofessional, usually junior officers, that forget the structure of the military. These arrogant individuals will eventually catch karma in regards of shitty work details or leading a command that in return do not respect them.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 7:18 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 19:18:56 -0400

Well as a Security Forces and working gate guard all the time, i get this all the time. Ive learned to just ignore it but somedays are more annoying then others. If i really want a salute i can just hold the ID till they render one back, so thats fun!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 5:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 05:35:50 -0400

Honestly I love the history and respect of a returned salute. The part that really gets to me is the sloppy and/or improper "knife hand to the forehead"... I've been in for longer than most Company Commanders; but, I ensure that I give their position/rank the respect it deserves. You salute the rank, not the man! Eventually, those reluctant to return in kind, learn the honor and respect established within a snappy hand salute, some need a little more coaching/teaching than others.

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made Jul 27 at 2014 12:18 AM

SGT Steve Oakes — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 00:18:22 -0400

Yes, but only one. A WO2.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 7:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 07:58:06 -0400

I recall a story from when I was a private of an overbearing 2LT that was seen standing in front of a soldier making him salute like 100 times because he had failed to salute him within the customary number of paces.
Apparently a BDE commander was watching from his office and decided to confront the LT . I don't think the LT was happy when although he was commended for correcting the soldier, he was advised that an officer always returns the salute.
I sure it looked pretty funny to see these two standing on the street saluting each other for 30 minutes.
Moral of the story, praise in public, counsel in private.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2014 2:36 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 14:36:21 -0400

Yes. I just walked my six paces past, cut the salute, and continued mission. I was under the impression that an officer was under no obligation to return the salute, even though it is proper, courteous, and respectful.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Aug 24 at 2014 4:19 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 04:19:49 -0400

Oh yea. Fresh out of boot camp. I was on leave heading to medical on a referral at Luke AFB. I had bad knee injuries. An officer was approaching with a leaf, it was black so Im not sure which one it was. Straightened up, snappy salute, "Good morning sir"! His responce, "hey".

I stopped and watched him walk away I was so shocked. Airforce, I said to my self.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 3:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 03:30:36 -0500

I look at it this way SSG Private RallyPoint Member, as long as I am doing the right thing then that is all I concern myself with.

From your photo are you MFF or a Skydiver?

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 16 at 2015 4:57 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 04:57:27 -0500

Only once . . . the situation was corrected in typical Marine Gunnery Sergeant fashion.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 6 at 2015 12:41 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 06 May 2015 00:41:26 -0400

An officer should know better. It shouldn't take a SSG with more than 15 years of service to inform the officer on the correct standard. Call me undisciplined or arrogant but they are not worth my time to inform them on the correct procedure. They get paid entirely too much not to salute back.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 8 at 2015 4:15 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:15:47 -0400

I embarrass the ever living hell out of them and make a scene. What is he going to do go to my commander and say that I was disrespectful to him for not returning salute. My commander would then get disrespectful with him.

I would also put him on blast on social media

Response by SSG John Erny made May 8 at 2015 4:30 PM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:30:21 -0400

Active duty LT from 4th ID, I saluted her and she sort of salute waved and say; "hi, how you doin'. Can you help me with my computer?" I was floored by that and offended but what can an Guard E-6 Tell and Active Butter Bar.

Airborne School, after we all got are wings and were released from the school about 20 officers put their rank back on and about 200 enlisted people standing around. One of them covered his rank and ran for the parking lot, the rest followed suit, one of shouting my arms will fall off.

Response by Cpl Geoff Smith made Feb 24 at 2019 1:57 PM

Cpl Geoff Smith — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 13:57:19 -0500

In Boot Camp we were studying in formation while the DI went to check on the classroom. A Butter Bar approached, but, wasn't noticed, he stopped to correct the situation, and because of this an approaching Major was noticed, the Plt Guide called the formation to attention and saluted. The Butter Bar, noticing the Major, said that wasn't good enough, and this platoon would salute him 50 times, As our first salute wasn't returned, the Major made his presence Known, and reminded the Butter Bar that he is to return each and every salute.

Response by CPO Gregory Wemhoff made Mar 5 at 2019 9:57 PM

CPO Gregory Wemhoff — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 21:57:39 -0500

Proceeded down the pier and talked to my LT about it.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 5 at 2019 8:37 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sun, 05 May 2019 20:37:11 -0400

Warrants do not salute other warrants. So it never happened to me

Response by CW4 John Beebe, BS, DML made Jun 14 at 2019 5:39 PM

CW4 John Beebe, BS, DML — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 17:39:03 -0400

Oh, Yeah! Oddly enough, when I was a Junior NCO, we had a 2LT in my Engineer Battalion who was a great granddaughter of a famous Army General. This Lieutenant thought that she was better than everybody else. It was a very common occurance for enlisted to salute her and she just ignored them. As an act of revenge we set up a gauntlet in front of Battalion Headquarters where the Battalion Commander could see out his office window. As each one of us would pass her and salute and she failed to return a salute, we would stop and yell, "Ma'am, I believe you owe me something!" Shortly after that, she was called into the Battalion Commander's office. We were satisfied, since she started returning the salutes after that.

Response by CPT William Jones made Aug 5 at 2019 5:48 PM

CPT William Jones — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 17:48:07 -0400

I was an O3 for several years long ago and a pet peeve of mine is non reg sloppy salutes. I always rendered a proper salute and corrected every sloppy salute to every person that did it and did not out rank me. Proper salute the upper arm parallel with the deck hand and fingers in straight line with arm finger tips touching eye brow or cover.

Response by PO1 Anthony Sam made Sep 29 at 2019 1:47 PM

PO1 Anthony Sam — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 13:47:23 -0400

Sure but it was after I slid a left handed Salute & kept on walking.

Response by SGT Nel Despradel made Oct 1 at 2019 12:05 PM

SGT Nel Despradel — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 12:05:59 -0400

If the officer acknowledged the salut, it’s ok even if he/she doesn’t salute back. Remember that is the lower rank that needs to salute. So It’s ok to expect a salut back but in some occasion an acknowledgment from the officer is enough.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2019 7:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 07:00:30 -0500

Yes and I made an on the spot correction to that MAJ who thought he was to good to return that salute. He actually said "oh I didn't realize I was required to accommodate YOU (serious emphasis on the YOU) SSG" (at the time I was a SSG).
For this particular Officer, I considered it as more protocol rather than respect for him. Yes he was an Officer, but I definitely don't respect the man behind the rank. I would never follow him into combat.

Response by SSgt Paula L Glover made Nov 22 at 2019 2:18 PM

SSgt Paula L Glover — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 14:18:22 -0500

I went about my business.

Response by MSG Richard Loden made Nov 22 at 2019 8:45 PM

MSG Richard Loden — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 20:45:40 -0500

I have on a few instances where an officer had both hands full. I saluted them and they properly acknowledged my salute. I had no problem either time.