Should you salute gate guards?

A salute rendered requires a return salute. I have a great story about this.

If a gate guard salutes me, I salute back even if I was just an NCO. I'm retired now, they can call me "sir". I don't work for living anymore.

Nothing says, "Im a great officer," like not returning a salute.

Sir, I cannot respond regarding all services, I can only speak about the Army. IAW AR 600-25 Salutes, Honors, and Courtesy, Chapter 2, Paragraph 2-1, Section i states:
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.

So to answer your question, you are not required to return the salute if you are in civilian attire as claimed. However, being not required does not mean that it is forbidden. If you feel like it is appropriate to return the salute, then by all means feel free to do so.

I always do, and as a MMCM, USN, Ret , do not rate one, but the respect is there, and I return it!!

In the Air Force, you return the salute. I’m not sure if it’s in the AFIs or not, but it’s the accepted display of mutual respect. From the Army posts I’ve been to, it seems they do the same thing. That being said, every Sailor and Marine I know are shocked that any officer would return a salute while in civilian clothing, so I’m guessing the custom varies from branch to branch. If you’re ever in doubt, just return the salute: you’re never going to be wrong by being too respectful.

It’s a common courtesy, and is (at least was) in the manual as a subordinate salutes you, you then render a salute. Because technically speaking, a subordinate can’t recover from the salute until the Officer returns his/hers.

Without knowing the regs., at this point in time, I would say the guards are required to salute officers, whether in uniform or not. Because they recognize the respect the rank demands. Returning that salute, whether or not you are in uniform, is a recognition of the respect due their position.

Sir, I always return a salute that is rendered to me. I think it would be rude to not return the salute. As a new 2LT in the reserves, I was put at the gate my first drill. A cocky 1LT pulled up to the gate and I saluted him, his response was “come on bro” then proceeded to drive off accelerating at a ridiculous pace which in turn led him to crashing into a barrier. Karma...

A salute should be returned unless safety makes rendering it a hazard. Subordinates should always salute superior officers no matter the manner of dress. We are soldiers 24/7 We are never truly off duty.