Posted on Nov 3, 2013
CPT Senior Instructor
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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..."
Edited 11 y ago
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Responses: 1296
CPL David Markham
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To me it has always been a sign of respect, and I was always taught as a young boy to always show respect for many reasons this being one of many. I did have an officer personally instruct me on when, who and how to salute. In basic in 1966 on the way to make a phone call home, and these calls were rare so I was pretty excited. I was running towards phones and out of nowhere, dang, there was a 1LT. Seems you are not suppose to salute while running pass an officer. I didn't get to the phones for another 15 minutes, but I did get some extra military training and good short story to tell my children and Grandkids.
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CWO2 Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officer
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I was a Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the Marine Corps (2017), and would only salute field grade and above, with the exception of my company grade detachment commander. This was the generally accepted practice. I do know the LTs saluted the Captains, but I figured it was more of an earn your right time of situation. I once did have a 2ndLt stop me as I walked past him, and ask "Warrant Officer, aren't you supposed to salute Lieutenants." Admittedly, I grinned, chuckled, and walked away.
To answer this specific question. I would say that if you were in a commander type position above him, then he should render the salute. If not, then you all are company grade, junior officers, and maybe you shouldn't be so hung up on that 2nd/1st distinction. After all, isn't it just a matter of time, and not really any accomplishment that separates you.
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MSgt Arvin Stott
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Can't speak for the Army. In the USAF doesn't matter if you are a 2 Lt or a LT. 2 LT's initiate salute the salute to any officer of a higher rank....Period.

Or looking at from another angle as an officer would you ever accept an enlisted member not initiating the salute?
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PO2 Richard Blakey
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first cover you ass at time in us mil.
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LTC John Wilson
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The Regulations say it all and it complied with it is orderly and meaningful.
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MSG John Wear III
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Should a LTC salute a COL, is this not the same argument? Damn straight a 2LT should salute a 1LT.
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SSG Alfonso Pagan
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yes
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CW4 Electronic Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer
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As a warrant officer I salute and I am saluted with each encounter of my fellow soldier, And I'm always proud to render the salute.
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LTC John Wilson
LTC John Wilson
>1 y
And you salute all 2nd lieutenants right?
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LCpl Steve Smith
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Short answer Sir is Yes. You are Officers and need to lead by example and that includes in military Protocols and Disciplines. It may seem like a small thing but it is still a break in military regs and your subordinates see it and that's where you start to have issues with lack of professionalism from them because they think they don't have to take Military Protocol and Standards seriously.
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SPC Brian Stephens
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Yes. If as an enlisted man, I have to salute my platoon leader, he should have to salute my Battery XO. If I were a sergeant in the morning PT formations and I have to salute my First Sergeant, a fellow E-7 filling in, then my butterbar should salute the silver bar.
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MSG John Wear III
MSG John Wear III
>1 y
I dont think a PL should have to salute an XO, unless we are talking about a 1LT vs 2LT. What you are talking about is tradition vs rank. XO is the same as a PL. Unless O1 vs O2.
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LTC John Wilson
LTC John Wilson
>1 y
XO's are various ranks throughout the military. And once upon a time there were no 2nd Lieutenants or Warrant Officers in the Green Berets. However times have changed and they are now part of the green berets because they are less expensive than a 1st lieutenant.
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SPC Brian Stephens
SPC Brian Stephens
>1 y
Special Forces are one thing. Regular Army is another. I was taught it is a privilege to salute anyway. Even today, 25 years removed from the Army, I still catch myself practicing the salute. It's kind of like the tradition of calling "At Ease" whenever Top walks in and no officers are present. When he tells you to "cut that shit out" you. But it sets a bad example and puts the CQ and ACQ in a quandary especially if the Sergeant Major walks in with Top and just confuses the issue. Best to do it anyway.
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