Posted on Oct 29, 2014
1SG Vet Technician
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Half of the time, between holding my purchases, preparing to don or doff my PC, and reaching out towards the door, I find myself making some awkward adjustment for some Officer that just popped into view. (It's not like you can easily see them coming like you would just walking down the sidewalk).

I'm sure that there are officers that have had similar amounts of awkwardness returning (and offering) salutes.

I think the area immediately 10-meter radius from the door should be no salute zones.
Posted in these groups: Female officer saluting Saluting
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 11
COL Jean (John) F. B.
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I know I am probably in the minority with my view, but I look at that as further erosion of military customs and courtesies.

It is just as much an "inconvenience" on officers as it is on NCOs and soldiers. When you start making exceptions for convenience, that starts the slippery slope.

There is no requirement to salute if you cannot do so because you are carrying items. A verbal greeting is all that is required. The moral... buy a lot of stuff (plus it helps the MWR budget, as some of the PX profits goes to MWR). :-)

However, if you have been around some of the PX and commissaries I have ben around, particularly on payday weekend, they could be declared a combat zone/action... therefore, problem solved. No saluting in combat... :-)
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1SG Vet Technician
1SG (Join to see)
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Wonder about hazardous duty pay during pay day shopping trips.

You make a good point though sir that I will remember the next time I spread out troops in a "salute gauntlet"for an approaching officer. Lol
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MAJ Dallas D.
MAJ Dallas D.
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I agree with you COL Burleson - I look at that as further erosion of military customs and courtesies.
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COL Jean (John) F. B.
COL Jean (John) F. B.
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1SG (Join to see)

:-) :-) ... "Saluting gauntlet"... LOL ... I think I have been a victim of a few of those.
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SFC Retired
SFC (Join to see)
9 y
COL Burleson, you are correct Sir. The regulation for customs and courtesies (AR 600-25) does state that a salute does not have to be rendered if Soldier's hands are occupied by carrying items. Here is the excerpt from the reg.

i. Salutes are not required to be rendered or returned when the senior or subordinate, or both are—
(1) In civilian attire.
(2) Engaged in routine work if the salute would interfere.
(3) Carrying articles with both hands so occupied as to make saluting impracticable.
(4) Working as a member of a detail, or engaged in sports or social functions where saluting would present a safety
hazard.
(5) In public places such as theaters, churches, and in public conveyances.
(6) In the ranks of a formation.
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CW5 Desk Officer
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Edited >1 y ago
1SG (Join to see), I like the idea. One problem with this idea - even though I generally like it - is that there could be some "hard-ass" who says you're 11 meters away from the PX and wants to lock your heels for not saluting.
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CW5 Desk Officer
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The center courtyard of the Pentagon is a no salute zone. If it weren't, just about everybody would have their hand at salute the entire time they're in the courtyard.
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1SG Vet Technician
1SG (Join to see)
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I know the Schoolhouse at Leonard Wood is the same, for basically the same reason.
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1SG Mike Case
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Make the salute. If your hands are full, then give the greeting of the day and drive on. If it is that much of a hassle, wait till after work hours and go in civilians. Like COL Burleson stated, once we start making allowances due to inconveniences, then we might as well as become civilians. If we do it for that one, where do we stop?
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
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Amen 1SG Mike Case! In my opinion it just plain laziness.
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