Should a 2LT salute a 1LT?

Higher ranking officers have earned the respect and the right of the hand salute by lower ranking individuals. I this vein, you could make the argument that a Lt. Colonel shouldn't have to salute a full bird. This is not a dilemma. It's another example of someone trying to change something that has worked for many years. Leave it alone.

When I was a Lieutenant, either rank, I was told (erroneously perhaps) that salutes between Second and First Lieutenants were not necessary, but once one was O-3, they were, and of course, we LTs were to expect (and properly return) salutes from any enlisted or WO ranks. But when I was a PL (1LT), my commander was also a 1LT like me though in an O3 position, and I made a point to salute him though we made the same pay and wore identical rank, because his position was explicitly senior to my own.

Regs are really clear on this. Lower ranking officer (O-1) salutes higher ranking one (O-2). You're not saluting the man so much as the rank. That being said, I agree with many comments seen here: it's about RESPECT,

Yes! 2LT should salute a 1LT. Per AR 600-25 and tradition. Other wise the kids enlisting now will start throwing out why should I salute a LT. I've been in xx years longer then they have and you have a break down in discipline in the ranks.

2nd lt=JR 1st lt=senior-------you always salute your superiors

Having been Junior Enlisted, NCO, Commissioned Officer and Warrant, I have a unique perspective on this and it is pretty simple, the Junior Officer should salute any Senior Officer outdoors and when reporting indoors. Of course I had that drilled into me as a private, then again when I made Sergeant and in OCS and WOCS it got raised to a new height. I never suffered any negative consequence from abiding this regulation and it is a just sign of respect.

The only time you shouldn't is under wartime conditions or if you have been requested by the senior officer to not render a salute.

Yes, it is a privilege to salute anyone, as it is a sign of mutual respect, not just a recognition of a superior rank.

Sur, Should a PVT or PV2 stand at parade rest when speaking with a PFC? Should a SGT do these same with a staff sergeant? Very few organizations still apply such. A reminder of rank structure. Should they, yes. Is it enforced everywhere? No. You have set a great example.

It is part of the chain of command and it is part of the regulations yes they should ! Unless they are friends and the 1st tells him it isn't necessary when are in private !

Sir, He should absolutely salute his superior to show the proper courtesy and respect due any superior officer. Our traditions may seem out of step to some, sir. But they are not by happenstance. We salute the uniform and the superior rank 1st because the officer has earned it but we also respect the man as an individual as we engage and work together. This is vital to developing discipline and cohesion in the COC. This means that respect is not given or deserved Respect is either earned or taken No one gives it. So earn it or take, sir, Hooah! PS I once failed to salute a Maj Gen at Ft Ord while running a platoon up artty hill one frosty morning and I never forgot the lesson, sir.
Bayonet!