Posted on May 6, 2021
Should you salute an officer when in civilian clothes?
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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.
Customs and Courtesies
Infantry
Officers
Enlisted
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
SPC (Join to see)
PVT (Join to see) - If you want you could, a lot of officers are going to look at you funny. You'll quickly find there are more than a few officers that avoid saluting when possible and that they don't render a salute in quite the same fashion as enlisted do.
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MSG (Join to see)
PVT (Join to see) you'd get some strange looks and probably be told by said Officer not to salute in civvies
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1SG Chad Mcdaniel
I know times have changed, but in 1992/93 in Korea we were required to salute officers that we recognized in or out of uniform. I was a Private then and could care less about reading regulation, I just know what we were briefed apon arriving in country.
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SPC Robert Coventry
When I was in 1983 to 1987, I saluted in Civies and said "Rakkasan" Off point a little I remember heading to a mess hall (in civilian attire) on a Navy base in Panama and saw a chief, or senior chief with rank insignia on his chest saluted said "Rakkasan" he said what I realized it was some "funky" navy rank and said "look it up" we both chuckled and carried on.
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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.
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.
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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".
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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
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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.
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I am tracking that if either party is in civilians that no salute is necessary.
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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.
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