Should a 2LT salute a 1LT?

you know i hear arguments from many NCO's out there who say that all lower ranking LT's should salute the higher ranking Lt...but there were many instances as a 2Lt that senior NCo's made it obvious that they did not respect my rank...there were also some instances where I had to make NCO's salute me ..because otherwise they would not have rendered due respect for my rank

I was always under the impression the salute was one of respect to the RANK of the person receiving the salute.  Individuality has nothing to do with the salute.  Therefore, I do believe a 2ndLt is required by military standards and traditions, to salute a 1stLt.  As with a LtJG to a Navy Lt.

<font class="Apple-style-span" color="#343434" face="Tahoma"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">Aside from official ceremonies, never have I encountered where a 1LT wanted or demanded a salute from a 2LT, or rarely where a 2LT felt compelled to salute a 1LT. &nbsp;The one awkward time where as a 2LT I saluted a 1LT, the 1LT admonished me, advising we were both LT's. &nbsp;The thing I find most insane is that we are having a conversation about this. &nbsp;Is this how out of touch we've become? &nbsp;How tied to the letter of a policy we are as opposed to the intent? &nbsp;We've degenerated to this? &nbsp;When will we start talking about issues that matter? &nbsp;Like how the last 10 years of COIN operations have destroyed our ability to conduct high intensity conflict (total warfare), how no one knows how to do CASEVAC or a ROM in a HIC environment? &nbsp;How we will train for HIC with limited resources and still remain relevant as the premier tier 1 Army?</span></font><!--EndFragment-->

By saluting you are showing respect to every man and woman that have held that rank. You are saluting the rank, not the person.

I think this is one of those great threads that shows that we all can have varying agreeing and disagreeing opinions and views and still remain professional while having a professional discussion. This is a good recruiting thread to be viewed by many as we are trying to build and emphasize our growing professional network.

Sir I feel that it is just a respect thing i have had Officers and Warrant Officers tell me not to Salute. But as a custom in the Armed forces no matter what the rank should render the proper salute and/or greeting.

Regarless, 2LT should rend a courtesy salute to a senior LT. Courtesy in the Army is an Army Value. Imagine a private adressing a private first class or specialist; he should adress them in parede rest.

Much in the same manner that as NCO's we tell soldiers that regardless of the individual NCO's worthiness you still say sergeant out of respect to the rank, I think the salute also should be given to any officer superior to you in rank. This pains me to say because like many NCO's I believe that the capabilities of a LT whether it be 1LT or 2LT more often than not are not at a level that would truly make them ready to be a leader. However, I believe that with the job responsibilities and the basis within regulation the salute must be rendered.

  Its kind of similar with the junior enlisted E1-E4; they typically treat each other exactly the same, regardless of pay grade, but that varies by organization. But Sir, your case is backed by doctrine, so it is imposed and to be enforced.

Sir, Military Costumes and Courtesies are part of our Profession, so the answer to your question is YES. Soldiers at all levels should ALWAYS enforce those standards. A Master Sergeant by AR is addressed as "SERGEANT" yet I always correct others when they address a MSG by "Master Sergeant" and I have been corrected by a MSG because he didn't appreciate me calling him "SERGEANT" I am a Sergeant First Class, so I am addressed as a "Sergeant" why a MSG should be treated different; of course he is a 1SG. The Hand Salute is render ALWAYS by the Junior Soldier, regardless. Knowledge is power, read the ARs and FMs, Army Doctrine hasn't changed regarding Military Courtesy and Costumes. Basic Standards of Discipline is a Duty of all Soldiers!