Should you salute an officer when in civilian clothes?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 May 2021 09:19:31 -0400

So i know this is probably common knowledge but is it appropriate to salute an officer if the officer is in uniform but your in civilian clothes? I just want to make sure i give the appropriate sign of respect to an officer and for it to be allowed.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made May 6 at 2021 9:40 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 06 May 2021 09:40:35 -0400

Unless you are "reporting" to that officer, a salute is not required.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 9:44 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 May 2021 09:44:02 -0400

You are not required to salute while in civilian attire.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 10:35 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 May 2021 10:35:25 -0400

I am tracking that if either party is in civilians that no salute is necessary.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 6 at 2021 11:08 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 06 May 2021 11:08:40 -0400

The general policy is if the person is a known officer and outranks you that you should salute regardless of uniform. That is why if at a military entry control point after providing your ID you get saluted. That is the policy you should know and understand. Will any of my peers expect you to salute us in civilian attire, I do not know one that would. To be honest, my biggest hang up is not enlisted that do not salute officers but officers that do not return the sign of respect. I can tell you that if I see a junior officer not return your salute I will crawl up their ass ten times faster than any enlisted that does not salute.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 11:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 May 2021 11:22:50 -0400

AR 600-25 Chapter 2, para 2-1, i:

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 impractical.
(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.

However, AR 670-1 applies for grooming regulations if you're in civilian clothes on duty. That came up in a discussion yesterday.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 11:25 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 May 2021 11:25:56 -0400

Army Regulation 600-25, Paragraph 2-1(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 impractical.
(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.

You're going to find a lot of your answers by researching the reg.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 6 at 2021 11:43 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 06 May 2021 11:43:20 -0400

You answered your own question, it is respectful.

Response by Brig Gen Rob N. made May 6 at 2021 12:17 PM

Brig Gen Rob N. — Thu, 06 May 2021 12:17:23 -0400

You never go wrong rendering respect to all folks especially if you recognize who they are.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 2:07 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 May 2021 14:07:12 -0400

Not required from my understanding but as CSM ZaGara said it is a sign of respect and if you feel it is an appropriate moment to salute I would go ahead. My CO was always greeted that way even if he was off duty in civilians.

Response by CW4 John Snyder made May 7 at 2021 12:45 AM

CW4 John Snyder — Fri, 07 May 2021 00:45:57 -0400

By regulations you are not required. But when my soldiers saw me in uniform and they were in civies, they always saluted and the greeting of the day. Morning, Afternoon, etc.. Chief.. And I would do the same for any higher WO or commissioned officer. Generally if you recognize them in or out of uniform, greet them by rank atleast. It's a matter of respect.. Just my 2 cents. Take it as you wish.. RLTW

Response by CSM Tony Blair made May 17 at 2021 4:19 PM

CSM Tony Blair — Mon, 17 May 2021 16:19:14 -0400

Nope,
Only if he’s adorned with a MOH.

Response by MSG Brent Voelker made May 25 at 2021 5:51 PM

MSG Brent Voelker — Tue, 25 May 2021 17:51:26 -0400

no. they don't want it either, just give the greeting of the day, "Morning Sir/Ma'am "

Response by COL John Power made Jun 3 at 2021 4:57 PM

COL John Power — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 16:57:43 -0400

It is interesting to read the responses. First response of most is what the regulations require. That wasn't the question. Salutes between military members are simply an exchange of courtesies. Let's see and do what makes sense. I have received a lot of salutes while in civvies and certainly never objected to the courtesy. I've initiated salutes to juniors many times, although not when not in uniform. Every time you go through the gate and show your ID the guard salutes. And I certainly always return that salute. It is a courteous exchange. Try thinking about that as opposed to the "requirement".

Response by SGT Christiphor Ballestero made Aug 1 at 2021 12:50 PM

SGT Christiphor Ballestero — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:50:15 -0400

But you MUST maintain your military bearing with Sir/Maam.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2021 9:13 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 21:13:34 -0500

If the officer knows you from work, salute YES.

Response by SSgt Jimmy Whitaker made Mar 9 at 2023 4:37 PM

SSgt Jimmy Whitaker — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 16:37:18 -0500

As far as I know it is not required but also not prohibited. I believe it is simply a sign of respect and is usually appreciated by the officer.