Should a 2LT salute a 1LT?

I agree and support the regulation when it comes to saluting, but the truth is the salute is a time honored recognition between warriors.  It is rendered out of respect for each other and the tasks we are asked to perform.  We too often see saluting as some obligatory requirement to recognize rank.  Too often I heard Non-commissioned officers stating, "that LT is barely out of school, with my experience he should be saluting me."  When I have encountered this, I have always taken the position of your right...you have a great deal of experience and as the Trainer of Soldiers it is your responsibility to TRAIN that officer and bring him or her up to speed with their duties and skill sets....it isn't about rank...its about creating a survivable combat team.  Recognize the fact that every Soldier took an oath...put on their uniform and understands the responsibility....exchange the salute as kin warriors.

When I was a young 2LT, back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth, my company commander was a 1LT. He was a great leader and a great mentor. I would have considered it disrespectful not to salute him. Less because of his rank, but more because of who he was and the position that he held. Should we feel any different about LTC's saluting COL's or BG's saluting MG's? Of course not. Each is entitled to a salute IAW military regulations and customs and courtesies. I would feel bad if I hadn't rendered a salute to that 1LT who helped me get to where I am today!

The other day I watched our Battalion CSM salute a brand new WO1 who had
just recently returned from WOCS. The WO1 looked surprised, embarrassed and
proud all at once and as for the CSM, he was doing what was right and
respectful and thought nothing else of it. It warmed my little NCO
heart. Be the example.<br>

Why is this really even a question?<br>

I see a lot of responses here, with one commonality: almost everyone who has never been an officer agrees that O1's should salute O2's. While the strict reading of the regulation might be correct, it is almost never practiced and probably never will be. In my view as an officer, LT = LT, always. Many of the reasons already stated are sufficient, but I will add my two cents.<div><br></div><div>If a 1LT is making 2LT's salute and say sir or ma'am, something is obviously wrong with the 1LT. I have seen this in my career, and corrected it when I could. No LT worth his salt should ever expect that from a brother/sister LT.&nbsp;</div>

<span style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px; ">What 2Lt's and 1Lt's do when they are among themselves is between them but when they are around soldiers as per AR 600-25 or Fm 22-5 or FM17-21 Junior Soldiers salute Senior Officers period, To not do so show a lack of respect. How can you as a leader expect your soldiers to show proper courtesy when you are not leading by example. A 1lt out ranks a 2Lt the last time I looked, Would you not salute your company commander if he was a 1LT? Come on gentlemen a regulation is a regulation no matter how much you disagree with it. Show the proper respect. Be a professional.</span>

Sir, a 2LT should always salute a 1LT.&nbsp; Just as a 1LT should salute a CPT and so on.&nbsp; It is the right thing to do.&nbsp;

Sir, although they may consider themselves "peers" and see themselves as Lieutenants, the regulation is clear.&nbsp; It shouldn't be a compromise on the regulation simply because "most see........". If the standard/regulatory guidance is followed each time, you'll see more 2LTs saluting 1LTs.

The best response is to yield to connotation inherent in the regulation. Or, as we were taught,"when in doubt, whip it out". Can't ever go wrong doing so.&nbsp;

<p>The salute should always be rendered to an officer of superior rank.&nbsp; When I was a 2LT over 35 years ago, and on a first-name basis with many friends who were 1LT, I made a point of addressing them properly in all public/official settings.&nbsp;Senior Warrant Officers would do the same for me as a brand new 2LT.</p><p>&nbsp;Over the years I continued to do the same to officers of the same grade but who happened to be in a more senior position; for example, when I was an S-3&nbsp; I always addressed the BN XO (a good personal friend, by the way) by his title or "Sir" in official settings. When I was a COL commander and had several other colonels (also good friends) serving in my command, they did the same for me&nbsp;in official settings.&nbsp; I never had to tell anyone to do so; they were all professional military and knew what to do.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp; By the way, I also observed the same correct degree of deference among the outstanding NCOs with whom I had the honor serve for more than 30 years. I recall many instances of an artillery section chief SSG addressing an SSG acting chief of battery (E-7 position), or an SFC &nbsp;platoon sergeant addressing an SFC in an acting First Sergeant position, by the proper title whenever they were in a situation where subordinates might observe them.&nbsp; Correctly addressing a&nbsp;superior is not only an obligation of service, it is a privilege.</p>