Should retired officers, who are not in uniform, return a salute?

A salute is a measure of respect. As a retired officer I’m appreciative of a Soldier who honors me with a salute. I would return it even if I was in my underwear.

Mo not sure what the regulations are, but i would think at the least you should acknowledge the honor, nod or tip your hat or some other appropriate sign.

I agree with all of the earlier comments. As long as you held it for three years before retiring, you do retain your rank after you retire. And while gate guards aren’t required to salute me when I’m not in uniform, if they do I will certainly return that salute with a big grin and a “Hoo-ah!”

I’ve had Soldiers salute me in all sorts of situations, to include Paratroopers grinning and saluting me as they exited the left door of an aircraft while I was working as a Jumpmaster. I returned every one of those salutes, and I don’t plan to stop returning salutes until I’m pushing up daisies.

If troops recognize you and respect your previous rank show the troops you are appreciative of their respect and return the salute. I still salute people I respect!!

It is polite.

If you can safely return the salute, do so, as a sign of respect. If you have one hand on the steering wheel and the other on a manual gear shift, or perhaps on a motorcycle, it may not be safe to do so. I've never rode a motorcycle thru a checkpoint, so I'm not sure. I choose not to ride motorcycles on a military installation. I can't ride 55!

During my 31+ year career on active duty (4 years US Army enlisted and 27 USAF officer) it was my general impression that once a Colonel/General always a Colonel/General and likewise for E-9's. I would never call a retired Chief Master Sergeant anything other than "Chief".

Until recently when I visit my local AFB as a retired O-6 I was saluted by the SF guard on duty (unless they were a contractor) and I returned the salute- it is the appropriate thing to do in response to this military courtesy.

In the last year however there have been times when the young A1C or SrA on the gate just scans my ID and says "have a good day" without the salute. Times change I guess but if someone salutes me they will be receiving a snappy one in return.

AS A MILITARY OFFICER, MY POSITION ON SALUTING IS TO GIVE A VETERAN OR ANY MILITARY RELATED PERSONNEL THE HONOR. I GIVE SALUTES TO VETERAN'S WHO ARE WEARING A BRANCH OR UNIT DESIGNATED CAP. IT IS AMAZING THE RETURN SALUTES I GET AND THAT GREAT SMILE FROM THE ONE BEING SALUTED. TOO, IT OPENS CONVERSATION CHANNELS AND ACTS AS A POSITIVE PTSD REASSURING TREATMENT FOR THE VETERANS. VIETNAM VETERANS WERE SPIT UPON AND CALLED BABY KILLERS AND THE RESPECT WE CAN OFFER EACH OTHER BY SAYING THANK YOU IN A SALUTE IS WELL WORTH IT.

My gut response is that it's always acceptable to render courtesies to one another. While in uniform I prided myself on knowledge of customs and courtesies of the military. I try to stay abreast of current trends, policies and rules, however, because they do change from time to time. Such as veterans being allowed to render a salute while in civilian clothes during the playing of our National Anthem. You don't have to salute, but you may! That wasn't always the case. Thank you for asking this important question. I enjoyed reading the responses! Hooah!

Not directed to anyone in particular. But It is called respect. Do you have any? Once you retire The only thing that changes is your mission You Still retain the Rank If you are recalled you go back with that Rank.
Now personally If i recognize you as an Officer I will Salute and i expect you to show that Respect Back I am showing respect for the rank not the Individual.
I will Not salute in a combat environment, and i will not salute An officer who has be Discharge with other than honorable Status. That is all. Again i Salute the Rank not the individual. I will also Not salute and officers wife/husband unless they are in my COC or In uniform. JMTC