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

I just nod when I am at the gate in my car. If they, "Thank you for your service." I say, "Thank you, too."

Officers aren't important while active, much less retired. NCO's run the military.

If they are recognized, and given the courtesy due their former rank, then yes.

A salute is a courtesy signifying respect for the rank (not necessarily the individual). When I was enlisted I considered it an honor to render a salute. After I gained my commission, I considered it an honor to return a salute. As a career paratrooper living near a Navy installation, I take great pride in saying "Airborne" while returning the gate guard's salute!

Absolutely! Is there someone saying they should not return the salute?

If someone respects you enough to salute you, I think you’d want to return it.

I've always had the impression that RETIRED officers are still on call tot return to active servicer That being said, I believe the officer in question has the choice to either returning the salute OR just give an acknowledgement of the sign of respect from the actor

"All retired military members are permitted to use their military titles socially and in connection with commercial enterprises. Such military titles must never be used in any manner which may bring discredit to the uniformed services.

The use of military titles is prohibited in connection with commercial enterprises when such use, with or without the intent to mislead, gives rise to any appearance of sponsorship or approval by the uniformed services or the Department of Defense.

Military titles will not be a part of the signature block of a retired service member when signing official correspondence as a civil service employee.

Retirees not on active duty will not use their military titles in connection with public appearances outside the United States unless such use is authorized by the appropriate overseas commander.

When military titles are used by members to sign their names to documents that pertain to them personally, they must show that they are in a retired status after the grade. Social and business calling cards must reflect the retired status.

In a military office, retirees using military titles on the telephone could lead to confusion and unwitting misrepresentation, conveying the impression of active-duty status. In any case, common sense is the guide when a retired service member works for the Government. No reasonable retired officer would invite awkwardness when employed in a military office by insisting on being called by a military title if such title outranks the retired service member's active-duty chief.

The retired service member's use of his rightful title in government employment is guided by his acceptance of his civilian status and loyal conformance to the established channels of command. Local customs, practices and conditions of employment are the primary influencing factors."

I am in the same boat, retired and I have a Ponds sercurity guard supervisor who salutes me when he scans my CAC. I return the salute and recognize those who recognize the service we gave to our country.

Please return the Salute. It is courtesy.