Saluting retired officers (at the gates)...some do it and some don't. Is there something in writing?

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 09:06:48 -0400

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 20 at 2016 9:14 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 09:14:02 -0400

I don't think there is anything in regs, but if you know that they are an Officer that has retired I don't see the issue. Now as far as a custom, I would say more of a courtesy . If they are a retired Flag officer then I would say yes. Never hurt to keep them on your good side. Even if retired they still can call the base commander and have all hell rain down.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Apr 20 at 2016 9:51 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 09:51:30 -0400

It is out of respect. We as a military are questioning our customs and courtesies too much. We are built on traditions. That is what makes us unique. is it really that big of a deal to salute a retired officer? Hell i'm just a retired SSgt. When I go through the gate the guard always says "have a nice day SSgt" I don't expect it, but it is out of respect.
Many years ago when Marines could get gas in town while wearing cammies, I saw a car pull in with blue sticker and an elderly driver at the wheel. I saluted him as he drove by. He walked over to me to thank me. Turns out he was the 1st Mar Div commander years before.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 20 at 2016 1:36 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:36:14 -0400

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member As SFC Mark Merino wrote me a while back; RESPECT! Not that big a deal!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Apr 20 at 2016 2:02 PM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 14:02:31 -0400

What does a salute cost you? 1/10000th of a calorie? Vs. possibly offending someone, and definitely not showing respect that's owed?

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Apr 20 at 2016 6:17 PM

SSG Stephen Arnold — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 18:17:05 -0400

Why should it matter if it is written?

I have no expectation that people will see me and automatically know my (previous) rank. Yet it is an honor to be recognized.

Respect. The best way to get it is to give it away.

Response by Sgt Mark Jennings made Apr 20 at 2016 7:10 PM

Sgt Mark Jennings — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 19:10:17 -0400

Retired or not. They rate a salute.

Response by PO2 Christopher McClintic made Apr 20 at 2016 9:05 PM

PO2 Christopher McClintic — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 21:05:21 -0400

Military customs and traditions state that we are to salute all standards. Since some bases still use decals, they are considered standards, active, reserve, guard or retired, their decal is blue and we salute. When I was working base security in Lemoore, I salute all offices and called them by rank even if retired

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 20 at 2016 9:14 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 21:14:35 -0400

Give me just ONE good reason not to show respect? This is what makes the Brotherhood-of-Arms the largest. I give the common courtesy every time!!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 1:00 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 01:00:03 -0400

I've been to scores of bases, forts, and air bases around the country. Not one did not salute officers at the gates. I don't know where you're witnessing this very unflattering show of disrespect.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 6:41 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 06:41:13 -0400

Officers retain their commission until they resign. Does the regulation / customs distinguish the difference between active or retired? I don't remember seeing a asterisk after the term "commission officer."

Response by SGT Ron Egan made Apr 21 at 2016 6:34 PM

SGT Ron Egan — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 18:34:40 -0400

You salute them, because they earned it. Enough said.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 7:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 19:40:06 -0400

They

Response by CW3 Jeremy Lupin made Apr 21 at 2016 8:50 PM

CW3 Jeremy Lupin — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 20:50:39 -0400

I am working on FT wainwright AK, 70% of the time I get a salute. I don't have much give a shit left so when I don't, I let it go.

But out of the "blue book for Fort Wainwright: " Saluting of retired officers is not required but, should be rendered"

600-25:1–5. Hand salutes and salutes with arms
a.
For instructions on executing the hand salute, see FM 3–21.5, paragraph 4–4.
b.
All Army personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize persons entitled to the salute.
Salutes will be exchanged between officers (commissioned and warrant) and enlisted personnel, and with personnel of
the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard), the commissioned corps
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service
entitled to the salute.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 9:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 21:17:43 -0400

No they are no longer in the service. But why not lets just add on to the ridiculous made up rules. like standing at parade rest for retired NCOs too, and since a lot of officer wives tend to think they where their husbands rank let's make it mandatory to salute officers wives. Bottom line you're out of the service amesome good job but you're now a citizen (veterans are citizens not civilians) now you will be treated with respect but in the sense of yes sir or no sir

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Apr 21 at 2016 10:52 PM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 22:52:25 -0400

I always rendered the salute to retired officers whenever I pulled gate guard duty, and in turn, when I went into the IRR, I still very much appreciated receiving the salute at the gate (even though I wasn't a retiree).

Response by SrA Roy Cooper made Apr 22 at 2016 1:30 AM

SrA Roy Cooper — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 01:30:24 -0400

I've seen TSgt. & SSgt. get hammered by a Maj. one time at Fort Bragg. My son and I were up there because he did a can food drive for Military Families. A car pass the two NCOs first and they waved at the man driving it. Then as it went to pass the Maj. he saluted. Then my son pointed out that the tags on his car indicated Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient. At the same time is when the Maj. was nailing the two NCOs for not saluting.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Apr 22 at 2016 4:24 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 04:24:14 -0400

In the Air Force anyone that has a rank of Warrant Officer or higher gets a salute at the gate. I'm not sure what regulation it would be found in but I'd be willing to bed Security Forces has it somewhere in one of their regulations or manuals.

Response by SMSgt Keith Stephens made Apr 22 at 2016 10:04 AM

SMSgt Keith Stephens — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 10:04:50 -0400

Quite frankly I used to go out of my way to make officers salute. I would cross a street just so that I could salute an officer. It would drive some officers crazy. I loved it and still look very fondly back at those times.

It is a sign of respect, a tradition, as well as a requirement in all branches. I was mentored that way and mentored all the junior enlisted in my career just the same. Just as I did with all customs and courtesies I made sure that I lead with my example. And since I'm old school if I saw enlisted people trying to duck into a building or a car while retreat was playing I would stand my ground and give the proper honors to the flag for all to see. All of the senior NCOs I knew always did the same. If you expect it do it as well. As for retired officers and saluting I have done so and still enjoy it as I always did. Just ingrained I guess.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Apr 22 at 2016 2:48 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 14:48:07 -0400

Technically, a retired officer is still and officer and still holds a commission. They just are now on the retired rolls and have less authorities. So yes, they can still rate a salute if they are recognized as an officer.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Apr 22 at 2016 3:56 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:56:46 -0400

I appreciate someone recognizing my service and rendering a salute, I don't fret when they don't. I know what I did in my 23+ years and do not need anyone's acknowledgement or approval, but I do appreciate it. There are some who feel they deserve it, or earned it, so be it..Bottom line, does it hurt to be respectful?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2016 4:38 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 04:38:06 -0400

It's a sign of respect that all military service member know and practice. The ones who fail to do so are a disgrace to the uniform.

Response by LtCol Mac McCarty made Apr 23 at 2016 8:26 AM

LtCol Mac McCarty — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 08:26:10 -0400

A retired officer is still a commissioned officer. Until the President revokes his or her commission, why would you fail to render a salute?

Response by SFC Phillip Allen made Sep 1 at 2017 11:51 AM

SFC Phillip Allen — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 11:51:56 -0400

Customs and courtesies are just that. And should be followed, nothing difficult or demanding about it. Showing respect goes a long way.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2017 12:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 12:21:13 -0400

I don't mind it. Works out the shoulder muscles. Hashtag sweet wod bro

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Sep 1 at 2017 12:31 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 12:31:04 -0400

Seriously? Somebody's going to bitch about this? Those right arms going to fall off?

Response by SGT Christopher Lachcik made Sep 1 at 2017 1:29 PM

SGT Christopher Lachcik — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:29:18 -0400

You do it out of respect. If they hand you their retired ID, you stand at attention, salute, and if they don't return the salute then drop yours and proceed with the post motto and don't take offense to it.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Sep 1 at 2017 6:55 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 18:55:30 -0400

I was a VA nurse. I gave respect where it was due. Many old vets love to play the rank game though. I was a LTC, you must take care of me first & all of that BS. No, your rank means nothing especially when you rub it in everybody's face, especially when you only have the rank & that's it. I gave much more respect & promptness to the Marine grunt LCPL that survived the Chosin Valley or the full bird who served from WW-II thru Vietnam all in combat roles. If you demand respect, you usually don't actually deserve it. I will be the utmost respectful to all who sacrificed so much. When I am out anyplace, I still call all of my former officers "sir". They hate it too.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Sep 2 at 2017 4:23 AM

MAJ Ron Peery — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 04:23:24 -0400

I once saw a retired General I had worked for. He looked like Willie Nelson. Long gray braided ponytail, ratty clothes, birkenstocks. I still saluted him. It's just respect. If you ever see me out and about, and you salute me, I will return it out of respect. But, just don't. I am just one of the folks now.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2017 5:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 17:29:40 -0400

If one is drawing retired pay, it is actually retainer pay, and they are still in the service. Officers still hold a commission after the retire. As far as the salute goes, it is Soldier's privelge to do so. As a reserve officer, I am similar to a retired one and will not make a big issue if not saluted at the gate.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2017 5:16 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 17:16:03 -0400

Thank you all, Active, Retired, Veterans for sharing your thoughts and opinions with us. Yes, we are all one on the same wavelength and all agreed about respect being earned both ways. Up and down the chain of command. Consider this then, why do we all have to prove to each other or anyone else who we really are and what we really do. We know just being grateful to serve our Country in uniform in some small way, no matter what branch of services. We served period.

Response by SGT Louise Hawthorne made Sep 4 at 2017 4:25 PM

SGT Louise Hawthorne — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 16:25:13 -0400

If the individual is coming through a check point and has credentials of an officer or warrant officer,...
SALUTE.
Just walking around town,...
Full uniform ...Bearing insignia...
Not supposed to do so but should
IT'S CALLED RESPECT.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Sep 4 at 2017 4:58 PM

SGT Eric Knutson — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 16:58:25 -0400

Respect towards the individual is never a bad thing. The Officer has EARNED that privilege at one point in their life, show them that respect. They are where you are going to be at some point (ie out of the service). Many of our brothers and sisters fall on hard times after they leave for what ever reason, good bad or ugly. SOMETIMES that show of respect, to remind themselves that they were once SOMEBODY, can really lift their spirits, or remind them to DUTY, HONOR, and INTEGRITY. Even the best of us need reminding from time to time, to look out for others, or not wallow in self pity. That hand salute that you render, may be the only joy they have received in a long time, and remind them to pick their chin up, things could always be worse.
Lets not forget those who went before, every generation can look back and see they had it harder than we did. It breaks my heart to see a full Col that lives in my complex living hand to mouth, driving a beat up 80's Subaru, we do what we can for him, but his pride stops many from helping, so whenever I see him, I give him a Salute and the greeting of the day, and I see him stand a little taller. It is all that he will LET me do, but by God, I will do it EVERY time I see him.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 9:56 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 21:56:53 -0400

Who cares........if the rules say salute....it's simple salute......as far as if I run into an old commander or officer ....if I respect them they will always get a salute....if i saluted them because of rules/reg while i was active duty.....well sometimes it good to be retired.

Response by John H Green Jr made Sep 5 at 2017 7:39 PM

John H Green Jr — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 19:39:23 -0400

I just retired less than a year ago. I still live on post and still I am saluted and called sir at the gate.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2018 3:30 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 15:30:15 -0400

Aside from the other valid points made, I also consider saluting one of the job requirements. You don't want to salute, get a new job. In other words, get out of the military.

Response by SCPO Rick Hunter made Aug 9 at 2019 12:22 AM

SCPO Rick Hunter — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 00:22:01 -0400

When I was AD any vehicle with a blue window sticker, old timers will know, got a salute regardless of who was driving

Response by SFC Kevin Hathaway made Aug 15 at 2019 3:41 PM

SFC Kevin Hathaway — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 15:41:20 -0400

If you have personal knowledge of the rank Salute.

Response by SFC Pat Mattson made Aug 17 at 2019 9:59 AM

SFC Pat Mattson — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 09:59:37 -0400

As a former MP and standing more gates than I what to count, I have always saluted a blue sticker or if I had the slightest thought the vehicle diver was an officer retired or not I saluted. When I became an NCO that continued with my troops training. Reason is that as a very young E2 out of AIT, I did not salute a vehicle without a placard or sticker that contained the I Corps Commander LTG Pelastera. Needless to say I became a training point for the rest of the post.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 18 at 2019 11:34 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 23:34:57 -0400

Why would it be a bad thing? If a car has a blue sticker you salute.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2019 9:35 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 09:35:05 -0400

It’s a custom and a courtesy. Use your good judgement.

Response by Lt Col Anders Bergmann made Sep 12 at 2019 10:18 PM

Lt Col Anders Bergmann — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 22:18:25 -0400

Saluting does NOT end at retirement. I may be retired, HOWEVER, I do not remember sending a letter to the President resigning my commission! And a commission is for life. If by tradition (or lack thereof) I'm not saluted or acknowledged, I will render the opposing salute (senior to junior), somewhat forcing the issue. Not trying to be an ass, but once traditions are eroded, they are very difficult to be reestablished.

Response by SPC Kim Price made Sep 27 at 2019 8:50 AM

SPC Kim Price — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 08:50:36 -0400

Proper Respect, Honor All that have served faithfully.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Sep 27 at 2019 10:00 AM

LTC Ken Connolly — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 10:00:43 -0400

Saluting has become a sign of respect for one soldier to another. Being a retired soldier does not make the person less of a soldier. It is just another job classification. Make it easy on yourself just salute all retired military. Thereby acknowledging their service, which allowed you to live in the freedom and comfort you are enjoying now.

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Sep 27 at 2019 2:02 PM

LTC Gary Earls — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 14:02:09 -0400

When I go on Dobbins Air Force base, I always get a salute from the airman manning the gate. My IS card identifies me as retired. As a retired officer, I always salute them and tell them to keep up the great job. I always get a thank you from the guards.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Sep 27 at 2019 7:34 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 19:34:12 -0400

You salute them because you know they were officers and its the respect for rank that should motivate you to extend that courtesy to them.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Sep 27 at 2019 10:29 PM

LCDR Mike Morrissey — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 22:29:05 -0400

A retired officer is still in the service in a retired status. We are still referred to by rank in military settings. In fact retirees are actually in a retainer status until 60 yrs old. And while this may sound a bit “lifer-ish”, if upon showing my I.D card and I don’t receive a salute by guard who is a service member, it will be appropriately questioned. A lot has been done to ensure retirees know they are still part of the force though not “active.” In fact a retiree receiving pay is still subject to recall for court-martial and loss of benefits. Even a conviction of a serious felony in a civilian court will result in loss because one is no longer eligible for recall if for no other reason than no longer qualified for a security clearance. A reservist retiree without pay until 60 will also lose out if convicted of a serious felony as they too lose their security clearance eligibility. Note—eligibility is the operative term as we no longer hold one the day we retire. Officers are required to be qualified for a secret clearance or we are worthless...though some of us with clearance are anyway.

Response by PO1 Anthony Sam made Sep 29 at 2019 1:49 PM

PO1 Anthony Sam — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 13:49:51 -0400

I'm not a retired officer I'm a Ret E6 but I'm also a retired Federal Worker & I have a Ret CAC Card & I prefer to use that I like being Mr Sam & not PO Sam that guy left the Buliding Jan 31 2000.

Response by MAJ Fred Peterman made Oct 14 at 2019 4:35 AM

MAJ Fred Peterman — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 04:35:28 -0400

Been a long time since I "entered a gate". When I did as an officer the guard saluted when the officer's "sticker" was on the bumper. If a Col or higher had a "license plate" denoting rank on their staff car, we saluted. Not necessarily the driver, but the symbol of the office. Usually a "commander" of a unit. Perhaps the base commander.

Response by MAJ Fred Peterman made Oct 14 at 2019 4:37 AM

MAJ Fred Peterman — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 04:37:40 -0400

If in an auto and it was noticed/safe I returned the salute after I got "commissioned ".

Response by SSgt Terry Davis made Jan 23 at 2020 8:23 AM

SSgt Terry Davis — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 08:23:36 -0500

SSgt Dan Montague, your are absolutely correct. A military person is military for life, this is something that ever goes away from a person and should always be repeated when possible. Remember, the military makes men and women out of young boys and girls.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Jan 25 at 2020 2:17 AM

LCDR Mike Morrissey — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 02:17:46 -0500

I initially responded down but with a number of comments about base stickers, I thought Id include it here.

The Navy base blue sticker (actually all color stickers) have gone the way of the dinosaurs (w/o an asteroid strike) as the regulation behind it was meant to verify insurance coverage and coincidentally was color coded-officer, enlisted, civil servants, contract employees, etc.

Some bases still issue rank stickers--usually O-5 and above and possibly E-7 and up.

The change came out a few years ago but not much fanfare until a person went in and found out...especially retires. I regret the decision because I enjoyed being able to recognize other Navy personnel out in the community,

Response by Cpl Thomas Kifer made Jan 27 at 2020 12:55 AM

Cpl Thomas Kifer — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 00:55:12 -0500

If the car approaching the gat has a blue decal on the windshield, SALUTE If it's the officers kid driving and no one else is in the car? Oh well, better safe then sorry I always say. If it's an enlisted man in a car with the blue decal, I SALUTE. I Don't see the problem in making a salute to someone who isn't an officer as l9ng as I learn to recognize who's driving the car. Stop the car. If it's not an officer it's your responsibility to know why. Maybe the person just bought the car. Tell them you have to scape the sticker and give and have them sign in. This is on the premise they still have base decals. If theree isn't a decal you have to stop the vehicle regardless. See an office salute. 8f the officer is out of uniform and you don't recognize the office, apologoze while presenting a salute. Am I missing something to the question? If not, you have my answer. If so, please let me know.

Response by Cpl Louie Serrano made May 8 at 2020 1:44 AM

Cpl Louie Serrano — Fri, 08 May 2020 01:44:57 -0400

I do it out of respect for those that came before us. When my brother graduated from College in 1998, I attended in my Dress Blue Bravos, the guest was a retired U.S. Air Force Col. when he walked by me after the ceremony I saluted and he returned the salute. We talked for a bit and he was appreciative of the salute and greeting.

Response by LTC David Howard made May 25 at 2020 5:08 PM

LTC David Howard — Mon, 25 May 2020 17:08:37 -0400

It’s a nice courtesy and much appreciated by us old timers.

Response by PO3 Dale Olson made Oct 21 at 2020 8:38 AM

PO3 Dale Olson — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 08:38:00 -0400

It's not required but I do it out of respect.

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Feb 21 at 2021 11:44 PM

CW3 Michael Clifford — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 23:44:24 -0500

I spent time assigned as an MP at Fort Monroe when it was TRADOC HQs. We had 600 O-5s and O-6s. At the gates we saluted every blue sticker whether it was the officer, their spouse or their brats. I am saluted as a retired officer by the gate personnel at Fort Carson and BY the by the good SPs at Buckley AFB and ignored by the slugs, as they don’t know about warrant officers. When I was a CID Agent, I never showed my ID card and didn’t get saluted much the 12 years as a warrant officer.