Posted on Jul 4, 2020
SPC Andrew Murray
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As I understand it Regan was the first president to return a military salute and when questioned by a general about it being improper due to him being a civilian not in uniform he told them to change that rule and every president since has saluted the troops. I'm curious if there was an actual rule change or if it is an unwritten rule?
Posted in these groups: Female officer saluting Saluting
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SSG Intelligence Analyst
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its covered in AR 600-20
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COL Mark Voichoski
COL Mark Voichoski
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Do you know if a Soldier is required to salute the flag when walking past an outside flagpole?
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SSG Intelligence Analyst
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Not a requirement COL Mark Voichoski
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Maj John Bell
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I believe the White House Protocol Officer should teach incoming Presidents the following response to all salutes by military personnel.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=jaz+hands&&view=detail&mid=DDD8EAFC1BC9EA3B6DF0DDD8EAFC1BC9EA3B6DF0&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Djaz%2Bhands%26FORM%3DHDRSC3
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CW2 Brigade Mobility Officer
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No regulation specifies that the president should salute (or return the salute of) military personnel. Military regulations apply to military personnel not civilians. Civilians are free to salute if they wish.

Under the US Constitution the President is a civilian. AR 600-20 prohibits active military personnel from holding elected office. Once discharged, former military personnel are free to hold elected office. Dwight Eisenhower was Supreme Commander of NATO in 1951 and retired to become President in 1952. The intent of the framers of the Constitution was to have civilian control of the military. As President, Eisenhower saluted on several occasions but it was not common practice as it is today.

President Reagan made returning salutes common practice and each President who succeeded him has continued it.
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