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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Only GENs and LTGs, IF approved by the US Senate, retain their rank. That is because that is an AUS rank. MG is the highest USA rank.
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MSG (Join to see)
No, the highest US rank is four-star General. It was created on July 25,1866 for Gen. Grant. General Grant, for the record, was a horrible human being.
The current four-star General is Gen. Dan Caine who is in charge of the joint chief of staff, however, in total there are 38 active-duty four-star officers.
The current four-star General is Gen. Dan Caine who is in charge of the joint chief of staff, however, in total there are 38 active-duty four-star officers.
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I'd like to throw some branch specific customs into the mix (just to keep it confounding). Marines do not salute when uncovered, in uniform or out.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
The only time You should be uncovered is inside unless under arms. Indoors only salute when reporting to an Commissioned or Warrant Officer. Outdoors except in a combat activity area if Your in uniform You should still salute If on a work detail or formation then only the person in charge would render a salute on behalf of the entire group.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I should add that in accordance with Marine Corps order, MCO 5060-20 if a vehicle is moving the Marine Corps Officer Does NOT have to return a salute but if He stops the salute is required. If otherwise stationary in a vehicle none is required unless He is standing outside the vehicle. Some vehicle situations described here are an exception in the case of Marines only and not any other branch of the service.
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Absolutely yes. They are showing you respect and we should always return the honor.
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I salute them all the time as a courtesy to them and that fact that I may have retired but my oath never has.
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If someone recognizes you as an officer and salutes, return the salute and "Good....." and move on. The person is honoring you. I am veteran, not retired, i still salute our beautiful flag, i salute a Medal of Honor receipiant! And i still salute a Flag rank officer and i call them General or Admiral. It's call showing respect.
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If you are retired military do you have to give a fellow retiree a salute or obey them when they say it's a order? I thought retired military except for Generals/Admirals have no power over us enlisted. I have a E-8 enlisted retired who says I have to do what he says since I am a retired E-7. Please advise.
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A salute is a courtesy... If possible, return the salute regardless of what your status is. Driving is another factor - you are not required to and should not salute if you are driving a vehicle. I have been saluted by young soldiers and I returned the salute before letting them know it is not required to salute a senior NCO. By the way... You will notice some Special Ops officers and enlisted wearing beards. I still salute them! I always found it better to salute when I was not certain if it was required. That's why, during my early years on my Hawaii assignment, I saluted a lot of enlisted sailors... Did so until I took some time to study rank and insignia for the Navy!
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