Should NCOs salute each other?

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:22:28 -0400

The proliferation of questions about saluting leads to this comment, based on models from the French Foreign Legion and even the Korean Army, where soldiers once saluted all NCOs of a higher rank. If the salute is a form of respect and courtesy, and if NCOs are in fact "officers" without a commission, would such a thing be disruptive, silly, or a new respectful tradition? American Soldiers do, at times, salute NCOs in formations, promotion boards, etc.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 1:29 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:29:05 -0400

SGM Private RallyPoint Member, thanks for another thought-provoking (and possibly controversial) question. Having been an NCO for a while and an enlisted man for over eight years, my vote on this question is no. I think the "divide" for salutes between enlisted and officers is appropriate. I'm thinking that some folks would have to salute half the day if they were to salute and return salutes to and from all personnel. But the main reason I say no is that I think the practice of saluting only officers is appropriate.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 28 at 2014 1:30 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:30:47 -0400

F K NO WE ARE THE BACKBONE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES....WE ARE THE N.C.O CORPS, LET THE OFFICERS BE SALUTED,CONGRESS RECOGNIZES THEM AS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...........WE ARE THE HARD CHARGERS WE GET THE MISSION ACCOMPLISHED SO THEY CAN LOOK GOOD

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 3:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:24:41 -0400

No more "salutions". I work at a higher hq. I sometimes feel I should just tape my hand up there. Lol. I completely understand the salute and what it stands for. I just don't see the need for lower enlisted guys to salute me unless it warrants it Ina formation.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 5:51 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 17:51:04 -0400

I think we would have to have a standardized enlisted ranks for it to work.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 28 at 2014 9:16 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 21:16:02 -0400

Only with the left hand.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Nov 2 at 2014 10:34 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 10:34:04 -0500

I don't like that idea, personally... unless you are Old Guard at a funeral. We don't want to repeat what the Third Reich had done... Saluting a corporal when you are general is just plain ridiculous.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 27 at 2014 12:41 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 00:41:24 -0500

SGM Coberly, the salutes exchanged during company formations are significant in themselves. That said, after greeting President Gerald Ford in an In-n-Out hamburger joint in Palm Desert, CA; as I exited, I gave President Ford an NCO salute, his secret service agent returned my salute with a similar NCO salute like he had exchanged many!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 4:15 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:15:21 -0500

Not getting wrapped around the axisle on this one....it's too close to "should 2LTs salute 1LTs". Leave Army tradition as it is written in the AR. Maintaining current Army traditions and standards are difficult enough for many....with out coming up with this something new!

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Dec 22 at 2014 5:30 PM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:30:32 -0500

We were taught that it is not completely unusual for NCOs to salute each other, but it is strictly a matter of personal impetus.

Meanwhile, I salute AD personnel I see in the airport and certain other places, and every passing fire apparatus.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Dec 22 at 2014 11:46 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 23:46:43 -0500

I would say no because the value added is questionable at best. Besides... NCOs get salutes in formation... and that's where it should stay. My 2 cents

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 2:09 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 02:09:07 -0500

No changes.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 23 at 2014 9:16 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 09:16:33 -0500

SGM Private RallyPoint Member SGM, in formation, when reporting to the President of a board, and any other currently required time by regulation. No adds, no takeaways.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 7:03 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:03:24 -0500

No they should not salute each other.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 11:58 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 23:58:48 -0500

I would not mind saluting NCOs.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Dec 24 at 2014 5:21 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 17:21:33 -0500

No. The navy is not big on sluteing anyway. As a chief petty officer spending the day on a Marine base I wanted to carry a big sign saying"don't slute me or call me sir,please!" Just call me by my first name"chief"

Response by Sgt Jason West made Dec 24 at 2014 8:47 PM

Sgt Jason West — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 20:47:14 -0500

Each other no, but they should salute the HMFIC, namely me.

Response by PO2 David Hagwood made Apr 5 at 2015 5:30 AM

PO2 David Hagwood — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 05:30:06 -0400

SGM Private RallyPoint Member I believe Senior NCOs, E-7 and above, should be saluted. I wouldn't mind juniors were to start saluting us; but I certainly wouldn't expect it as an E-5 unless it became policy. I doubt there would be anyone in a position who would ever have a strong enough belief that an enlisted person should ever be saluted. I personally believe that because of our level of responsibility to our superiors, and due to the hard work it takes for us to get to where we are, we should at some point deserve such a honor rendered at some point in our career. I'm not trying to be disrespectful in any way; but why should a JO who's barely been in since breakfast receive more honors than say a Chief (or equivalent in other services) of 12-years in service, someone who's worked his butt of helping make his DIVOs and the rest of his chain of command look good with his leadership and accomplishments? After all, I know in the Navy, it's the Chief's job to train these officers.

I know I don't always have the most popular opinion on things; but I have always had a unique way of looking at many things. I believe respect goes up and down the chain. I believe the enlisted person should have a chance to have honors, such as salutes, rendered once they have reached a certain point in their career that they've proved their worth to move in to senior leadership. I've seen several Chiefs, Senior Chiefs, and Master Chiefs that I believe should have salutes rendered because of their quality of leadership.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 10:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 22:27:21 -0400

When you board a ship, you salute the Officer of the Deck or his/her representative who is usually a petty officer, as well as other formal situations that it might occur. While the custom of saluting in passing applies to commissioned and warrant officers (and certain civilians such as the President or Secretary of Defense) I can see maybe the unit 1SG or CSM rating a salute upon first meeting. (If it extends to other NCOs it would get awkward as close to half would be NCOs. I think a 1SG and CSM due to their achievements and responsibilities as deserving of a salute.)

I view saluting not a a superior-subordinate thing but more as a fraternal/brotherhood greeting. It just so happens the junior INITIATES the salute, and the senior returns it. In essence BOTH service members are being saluted. They are honoring each other. I teach customs and courtesies to Sea Cadets or Civil Air Patrol cadets I always remind them of that. I also salute Medal of Honor Recipients and recipients of other high awards. I was in uniform at a Memorial Day Service today and saw a person who was a Vietnam combat veteran. i was in uniform; I initiated a salute to him. (He simultaneously saluted me!) Not required but i want to do it. It is our way of acknowledging each others as Armed Forces brothers/sisters-in-arms!

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Jun 20 at 2015 6:01 PM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 18:01:51 -0400

SGM Private RallyPoint Member , thanks for the reminder that Non-Commissioned Officers are still Officers in the Army.

I frequently read posts about how Officers this or Officers that.

Are they talking about Commissioned, Warrant or Non-Commisioned?

This is why when I refer to a Commissioned Officer in writing I use CO. Commanders are CDR.
Warrant Officers are obviously WO just as Non-Comms are NCO.

I apologize for the thread kidnapping but I appreciate someone reminding us of this basic and so often forgotten aspect.

Response by SCPO Lee Pradia made Jun 20 at 2015 6:43 PM

SCPO Lee Pradia — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 18:43:26 -0400

Regulations state that enlist led shall salute officers, I'd salute a junior enlisted if they're a Medal of Honor recipient, otherwise a simple greeting should suffice. Could you imagine all the saluting that would be going on at a training command? My answer is no.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2015 1:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 01:21:03 -0400

Nope....no NCO saluting each other.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 23 at 2015 2:40 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:40:45 -0400

Not no but...

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jun 23 at 2015 2:58 PM

1LT William Clardy — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:58:27 -0400

SGM Private RallyPoint Member, when I was enlisted, I frequently saluted certain, select NCOs -- usually at a respectable distance, sometimes with as many as 2 fingers....

Response by SSG John Erny made Jun 23 at 2015 4:31 PM

SSG John Erny — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 16:31:49 -0400

Only when you recieve the report

Response by SSgt Mark Robinson made Jun 23 at 2015 6:05 PM

SSgt Mark Robinson — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 18:05:34 -0400

No.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2015 9:17 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 21:17:13 -0400

ONLY if they due it out of respect and it is voluntary.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jun 23 at 2015 9:18 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 21:18:27 -0400

Yes, you should absolutely salute an NCO......when reporting to a board that he's sitting on or he's wearing a blue ribbon with white stars around his neck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 6:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 06:08:04 -0500

Absolutely not, if you want to be saluted, become an officer. There is a certain pride about being a NCO. Every Soldier from the Army Chief of Staff to the newest Privite has been trained by an NCO. Good Non Commisioned Officers do not need to be saluted to know they are professionals, ledgndary leaders of military history such as Patton, Eisenhower, Bradly and the current Army CoS, Gen. Miley let us know we are. Let the officers keep the salute, I'll keep training them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 6:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 06:18:35 -0500

Absolutely not, if you want to get saluted then become an officer. There is a certain pride in being called a Non Commissioned Officer. Every Soldier from the Army Chief of Staff to the newest Private has been trained, and or molded by an NCO. Personally I don't need to be saluted to know what kind of leader I am. Looking back over my 22 years of service to see the junior platoon leaders of yesterday I onced trained and develope into outstanding battalion and brigade commanders today let me know what kind of professional I am and what kind of leader I helped grow. So you can keep your salute, I'll keep training leaders.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 6:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 06:21:42 -0500

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 31 at 2016 11:21 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 11:21:12 -0400

After 31 years and 29.5 being and NCO I would say that the due respect came as Soldiers (usually) respectfully address the most senior and those that the are familiar with. For me the traditions should remain, the military has made too many changes in the past five years greatly affecting policy and tradition. The collective heritage of the NCO Corp in all services is stand alone, ad distinct from the Officer Corp. Having said all of this I would defer to the current senior leadership!

To take the opportunity; I wold only hope and PRAY that we do not stray too far down a path of political correctness.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 12:42 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 12:42:36 -0400

that is part of customes and courtesies, other than that an e5 doesnt salute even an e9

Response by SFC Phillip Smith made Apr 5 at 2016 12:23 AM

SFC Phillip Smith — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:23:01 -0400

I would just leave Saluting to Enlisted to Officer and Officer to Higher Officer. The only time I would salute an enlisted person is if they had the MOH, they deserve the SALUTE

Response by CSM David Litteral made Apr 5 at 2016 9:09 AM

CSM David Litteral — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 09:09:48 -0400

Yes. In the form of a salutation or greeting of the day. "Good morning, First Sergeant!" Is all that's necessary to convey respect and acknowledgement of the senior's rank and presence. It should always be initiated by the junior.

Response by PO1 Dave Porter made Apr 7 at 2016 1:21 PM

PO1 Dave Porter — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 13:21:59 -0400

I don't think that there is a rule against it. Aren't we able to salute women (Civilians) as a sign of respect?

Response by SGT James Colwell made Nov 15 at 2016 10:50 AM

SGT James Colwell — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 10:50:26 -0500

Not in my opinion. There are many things changing in the military these days, maybe even some good things, but not sure what they are as I separated years ago. There is a purpose for traditions, and this is one that I feel needs to stay as it is.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 30 at 2021 3:50 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 30 May 2021 15:50:55 -0400

No, No one should be saluting NCOs period. Making NCOs management leaves the troops without a champion