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

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.

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.