Should a 2LT salute a 1LT?

I understand that one holds a position of higher commissioned rank for the LTs, but in my interpretation of the regulation and in my humble opinion unless the 1LT is in command all LTs are the same. I believe that LT (Join to see) put it very well when he said that "junior Marines will often give the greeting of the day to senior Lance Corporals." I believe the key word in that sentence is Senior. Leadership is about knowing and understanding your operational environment.

Personally, I would out of respect for the rank itself. I realized that some service members are of the impression that 1LT "dont really know much more" than a 2LT, but there's still the time in service and slight seniority that comes with it. It's not a salute, but junior Marines (Private and PFC) will often give the greeting of the day to senior Lance Corporals.

The rule of thumb I would go with in both situations is keep doing it until you've built a rapport with the senior or they've specifically asked you not to. And this is only in a one on one situation. If you have other superiors or subordinates around you, you should always stick with the regulation to SET THE EXAMPLE.

Within the 1st month after arriving at my 1st duty station as a 2Lt, I saluted a 1Lt. He corrected me on the spot in a very kind mentor-ish way, stating simply that it wasn't practiced among Lt's. We were both nurses and were nowhere remotely close to being In a "leadership" position (i.e. OIC, flight lead, or Commander of anything). A couple years later, I promoted to 1Lt. At that point, I was also saluted by a couple 2Lts and on each occasion I told them the same. Based on our job descriptions, it seemed that I'd be rather narcissistic if I expected 2Lts to salute me.

On my first day as a 2LT, I saluted a 1LT as we passed each other. He laughed out loud. The second one I saluted laughed, but stopped and told me that "rank among LTs is like virtue among whores" and said I needed to stop doing it. I stopped, and never did again. In the Army it just wasn't done, period. And no enlisted soldier or NCO ever questioned it or asked why we didn't.

The real questions should be whether a 1LT should salute a LTjg. I would say yes! (LOL)

It's very clear in our regs and articles. Custom and courtesies. You dhow respect to the higher ranking. I'm sure a general of the same rank would salute the other out of respect for each other. If a 2nd LT doesn't salute a 1st. That not following custom and courtesies and doesn't show lower enlisted the right thing. So yes they should salute per Army Regulations everyone falls under them.

By reg, they should. But IMHO, a 2LT saluting a 1LT is about the same as a SGT standing at parade rest when talking to a SSG. If there are other Soldiers around, they should do it to set the proper example. But if not, I see no compelling reason to stand on ceremony. I get the whole custom and courtesy and respect angle, but being an officer, I always get a little smile on my face when I recognize the person approaching me is another MAJ and neither one of us is required to render a salute. Nothing like walking two blocks from your office to the PX at lunchtime and getting to salute 300 times as everyone and their brother wishes you a "good morning, sir". lol

Depends on who is standing in front of who 1 to 2 or 2 to 1, sorry couldn't resist. lol

Of course. Why not? Mutual respect

If my E-7s stand at parade rest for me, then we lead by example in our unit! Our 2LTs salute our 1LT. I always remind our soldiers and leaders IDT is "Inactive Duty Training"! Hence the word "Training". Soldier up people!