Should you salute gate guards?

If you are the driver, no...just nod. If you are a passenger, yes. During my active duty time, the driver had to maintain control of the vehicle and was exempt from certain protocols. People like the base commander who was chauffeured to and from work, saluted the gate guard from the backseat.

Each branch of service have different protocols. I remember a time when the driver had to stop the car, put on the emergency brake, exit the car, and stand at attention during morning and evening colors. When I was on active duty in the Corps, we stopped the car but sat at attention in the vehicle. What are the rules for each service now days?

I agree with your surmise. Yes, they acknowledge you...why should you not acknowledge them. They are respecting you for your service..and sometimes your rank while in uniform...you are returning the salute because you respect their uniform and duty.

You always return salutes. It's just good manners.

As a newly commissioned officer I find the salute at the gate awkward, but I will always return it out of respect. A lot of my good friends have worked the gate. It's a rough detail.

Yes Sir. Thank you for showing the respect you do, even though you're not certain whether it is required or not... I worked Security as a Civilian for a Local National Guard Base, even as a Veteran MP I still saluted Officers that came on post. Mostly because most of them knew I was a Veteran MP. Respect is earned not given and you Sir are one of the one's that we would respect. MP's are on the receiving end of a lot of disrespect, when we receive the respect we deserve we truly appreciate it and that might just save you a ticket down the road...lol....

LTC Vincent Stoneking,
I always return a gate guard salute whether in uniform or civvies. It's just plain coutresy whether it's in the regs or not.
Thanks for posting and excellent topic question (and photo)
Rick Ash

All do respect sir, gate guards don't really concern themselves over an officer returning a salute. It's all about moving traffic along and clearing the lanes. Speaking from experience, as long as you have your ID in hand and ready to go, the job is much easier. However, we do appreciate having the salute returned and many of the officers I encountered over my career generally return one.

I was saluted by a Marine when driving through an controlled access gate at the Naval Academy years ago. I was a PFC. I think it is a way of saying, okay you're done here and you can go.

I was taught to always return their salute when in uniform so long as its safe when driving. (Usually not a problem since I am stopped anyway to show my ID) Sometimes even Civilian security personnel salute. i return them as well. In only common military courtesy. I was taught that military courtesy doesn't require saluting when not in uniform. In that case common courtesy of giving a friendly acknowledgement.

I have a tan military ID. I am a 100% disabled combat vet and an officer. I did not retire so that is why I have a DAVPRM ID. My ID does have the designation O5 on it but I rarely get saluted. Why is that? The tan ID is also given to Medal of Honor recipients. I think those of us who have been injured in the line of duty, especially during combat missions actually deserves the respect of a salute. The last time I was on a base (yesterday) a SrA (3 striper) did not salute me. I asked him why? He said that he didn't have to. He only had to salute active duty or retired officers. I thought it was disrespectful.