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I have been dealing with this a lot. I have seen both ways. As per AR 600–25 the junior person should salute. I see a 1LT senior to a 2LT and I salute them. I have seen many instances where this does not happen. Most see a LT as a LT regardless of being a 1st or 2nd. How do you all feel about this?
"B. All Army personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize persons entitled to the salute. Salutes will be exchanged between officers (commissioned and warrant) and enlisted personnel, and with personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States..."
"B. All Army personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize persons entitled to the salute. Salutes will be exchanged between officers (commissioned and warrant) and enlisted personnel, and with personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States..."
Officers
Customs and Courtesies
Army
Saluting
AR 600-25
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 1296
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Well it so happens that someone started the idea that 2LTs didnt have to salute 1LTs and it has spread through the ranks. It has been happening a long time that is why you see it not happening. I was told the same thing ten years ago when I commissioned. I didnt see 1LTs as equals, but I could understand the premise of not having to salute one. If big Army or the military wants it reverted back to 2LTs saluting 1LTs, they just have to give the directive...
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SSG (Join to see)
So did the "big Army" stop having 2LT's saluting 1LT's? What about AR 600-25 Customs Courtesies?
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MAJ (Join to see)
Frankly I don't know how it started. I am only saying what has been passed down for years in the Branch Schools when 2LTs report for training. I reported to AGOBC and it was one of the first things I was told. I didn't believe what I heard initially, then I had the moment of a 1LT telling me that I didn't have to salute her. After that incident, I didnt do it anymore and subsequently, I didnt have any problems with 1LTs for the rest of my time as a 2LT. I didnt demand that 2LTs salute me when I became a first lieutenant. So that's why I use the phrase "big Army". Everyone knows that this is happening, so if leaders say it is a problem, then enact change and it will happen.
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SSG Kevin McCulley
I imagine it is similar to the awkwardness that a newly minted Sergeant feels when interacting with his former peers.. The reflex, though incorrect, is 'aww come on man.. you don't have to do that. We're bros.' Though it eventually bites them in the ass.
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Really, that is an issue today. If you see someone not salute, then correct them on the spot. That is the duty of all leaders to ensure Good Order.
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If the regulation says a 1LT outranks a 2LT, and the regulation also says any commissioned officer of lower rank shall render proper salute to the higher ranking officer, it seems pretty cut and dry to me. However, this situation falls into the same category as officers calling each other by first name in the workplace and around NCOs. I'd say go with whatever is trending in that particular formation, unit, etc.
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I would definitely say yes to this. Give respect where it is due no matter the rank!
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Anyone who has a problem with the regulation has a problem with authority. Why do people make it so personal? It is respect for the rank and adherence to guidelines and discipline. To even debate it opens up to a breakdown of combat teams and unit cohesion. Respect? It is earned. I have served with plenty of people up and down the chain that I could care less for as a person, YET, as a team player, I respected them for their skill set(s), and I am sure the same has been said about me. If that person outranked me, by all means without hesitation salute was rendered with the proper verbal courtesies. Keep it professional, not personal. We have enough stupidity and debates in a day that we can do less with.
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Thats just Customs and Courtesies, whoever is junior should render the salute regardless. There is always someone watching and there should be an example that is being shown to be set.
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Now this maybe "above my paygrade" but I believe a standard is a standard is a standard. Black and white.
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Getting back to CWO Walker's point, when I was stationed at an Army airfield, flight warrants did not want to be saluted. This caused an issue at my next duty station when I walked past an Admin WO1 without saluting. I was careful after that, saluting first and if they preferred NOT to be saluted, they'd let me know.
Getting back to the original question, in public, I believe the proper honors should be rendered to the rank, if only for appearances. What happens in the motor pool or the unit area is different. If you fail to salute, someone of a superior rank, such as a CSM, may notice and trouble could ensue. Or even worse, someone of a LOWER rank may notice and figure it's OK to be selective in their saluting.
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In reference to CWO Walker's comment, most Flight warrants of my experience do not want to be saluted. This caused a problem for me when I walked past an Admin WO1after spending a tour at an installation with an airfield. The WO1 was not pleased. Fortunately my CO at the time had been enlisted, flight warrant and then commissioned, so I went to him for guidance. He said that sounded like a brand NEW WO1, but that technically he was correct.
As for the original question, I guess I'm an old school dude as well. In public, I can see for appearances to render respect to the rank, even if you know the soldier. Otherwise someone of a superior rank, such as a CSM, will notice and there will be trouble. Or worse, someone of a LOWER rank will notice, and become selective in their salutes.
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