What are Army rules/regulations for saluting while under / carrying an umbrella?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 13:53:40 -0400

AR 670-1, Paragraph 20–27. Umbrella The umbrella is an optional purchase item. See DA Pam 670–1. a. Type. The umbrella is an optional purchase item. b. Description. The umbrella is black, plain, with no logos or designs, and of a commercial design. c. When worn. Soldiers may carry and use an umbrella, only during inclement weather, when wearing the service (Class A and Class B), dress, and mess uniforms. Umbrellas are not authorized in formations or when wearing field or utility uniforms. Commanders may further restrict Soldiers’ use of umbrellas as appropriate.

http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf

DA PAM 670-1, Paragraph 20–27. Umbrella
a. Type. The umbrella is an optional purchase item.
b. Description. The umbrella is black, plain, with no logos or designs, and of a commercial design.
c. How worn. Soldiers may carry and use an umbrella, only during inclement weather, when wearing the service (Class A and Class B), dress, and mess uniforms. Umbrellas are not authorized in formations or when wearing field or utility uniforms. Commanders may further restrict Soldiers’ use of umbrellas as appropriate.

But I can't find any guidance on how to do things like salute--is this really as simple as holding the umbrella in the left hand and saluting with the right hand, and why do the Army Regulations not spell this out explicitly?

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 22 at 2015 5:40 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 17:40:27 -0400

Interesting question! Since I never encountered this problem in the Marines, I'm curious to hear responses to this one!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 5:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 17:16:22 -0400

good question. I dont know

Response by SPC Travis Grizzard made Apr 29 at 2015 8:44 PM

SPC Travis Grizzard — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 20:44:56 -0400

AR 600-25 [1-5 i(3)]
i. Salutes are not required to be rendered or returned when the senior or subordinate, or both are—

(3) Carrying articles with both hands so occupied as to make saluting impracticable.

So, if you can carry it in your left hand, do so and salute. If not, based on what else you might be carrying, you are exempt from saluting.

Response by SFC Lewis Johnson made May 1 at 2015 1:29 AM

SFC Lewis Johnson — Fri, 01 May 2015 01:29:24 -0400

Why would you carry an umbrella? It's only water.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made May 4 at 2015 3:00 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:00:53 -0400

Never used or use an umbrella to this day - that is what the issued rain coat if for

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 3:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:01:30 -0400

The umbrella, purse, or any other item should be in the left hand as to not interfere when rendering a salute. Oddly, I just had this convo with a CSM friend I had. The only things that preclude the salute are being indoors (unless reporting), actively driving, and arms being full.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 4 at 2015 3:05 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:05:30 -0400

Carry it your left hand and salute as appropriate....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 11:05 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 11:05:06 -0500

According to AR 670-1, Paragraph 3-6. "Soldiers will not walk while engaged in activities that would interfere with the hand salute and greeting of the day or detract from a professional image" So book answer is if your umbrella interferes with the hand salute, don't carry one. MY answer is to salute your umbrella like a guide-on... Or just carry an umbrella in your left hand.