Posted on Jun 27, 2023
Should retired officers, who are not in uniform, return a salute?
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Should retired officers, who are not in uniform, return a salute?
I see soldiers at the gate salute me when I come through, even though I present my retired ID card -- and sometimes when I show my contractor CAC. I get that it's respect to my retired rank, but only GOs retain their rank when they retire. And, since I now have a beard and am never in uniform, it feels weird returning a salute. What say you?
I see soldiers at the gate salute me when I come through, even though I present my retired ID card -- and sometimes when I show my contractor CAC. I get that it's respect to my retired rank, but only GOs retain their rank when they retire. And, since I now have a beard and am never in uniform, it feels weird returning a salute. What say you?
Saluting
Retirement
Respect
Advice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 152
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Considering the enlisted at the gate are required to salute retired officers please do return it.
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return the courtesy.The men on active duty are responding to your prior service, respond to their respect for your rank by at least acknowledging their salute. Remember officers and not just GO's can always be recalled.
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When I retired, I was placed on the retired list as a LTC. I did not lose my rank. I merely moved from one list to another, as did you. If the gate MP salutes me, I return the salute!
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LTC Dallas Powell You are incorrect, Sir. If you are retired, you still hold that rank forever. You can be involuntarily recalled to active duty either at your retired rank, or at the rank recommended at the time of your retirement up until the 'mandatory retirement age' whatever that is at the time. You can also be asked to return to active duty past that age if you accept that option.
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Return the salute - you earned it. We are told that a salute is rendered not specifically for that person but rather for the rank and uniform earned. The President also returns the salute.
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The salute is not only for those serving Officers and warrant Officers but respect for those that have served and retired. The fact You are no longer in uniform and have a beard, long hair or anything of that sort isn't even relevant. You may not actually as a retiree be required to return the salute that was rendered to show Your respect. In My opinion however the failure to return the salute shows no respect to the person that rendered that salute and is at least bad manners. Why would anyone be bothered by this small symbol of respect from anyone thanking them for their Military Service ?
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