Posted on Dec 14, 2018
What’s the proper way to correct someone when not saluting an officer?
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I was walking with a Navy LT and an Army Maj. (My hospital has both services) from the USO across the street to the hospital and a PFC passed and didn’t salute. I stopped and asked her, “Do enlisted soldiers not salute officers anymore?” The Maj. with me said I didn’t have to be so aggressive about it. What’s a better way of addressing it without coming off as aggressive?
Customs and Courtesies
Saluting
Enlisted
Officers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 389
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You were in the right and the Major was wrong, That is part of our problem- Don't make waves, don't hurt someone's feelings.
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Monty Leverett
I'm with the SGM here, unless the enlisted person had an armload of stuff and literally couldn't, then they should salute, and if they do, acknowledge with a formal greeting.
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SFC James (Jim) R Brown
CPT Johnny Simmons o - Sir, you are correct. Had this same thing happen one day at Ft. McClellan AL. The Major was leaving the PX, I was approaching the PX (meeting the Major). The E4 was coming from my right with no headgear on and failed to salute. I saluted the Major and he said, "Snake eater see if you can straighten that young soldier out". I stopped the E4, brought hun to attention, questioned him about his gear. He said he had it in his pocket. I suggested he put the headgear on his head and then do a left face and salute the Major. The E4 hesitated and I reminded him of how hot he would get doing pushups. He did as recommended, the Major returned the salute. We all went on our way. The E4, I am sure would remember that failure to be in proper uniform and failure to perform the proper military courtesy.
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SSG Stacy Carter
MAJ (Join to see) - yeah when you dont say anything you just set a new standard. The major who admonished the SPC was wrong and frankly so are you!
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PFC Edward Krinsky
SSG Carter…Sorry, you are wrong. Rank must be respected. You don’t belong in the service….
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I would say "hey PFC, can I talk to you?" Then step to the side and remind the PFC that proper customs and courtesies require the greeting of the day and a hand salute.
Maybe the soldier was having an off day or had something on her mind. Always try to assume the best, but don't ever be ashamed of holding your peers and subordinates to the standard.
Maybe the soldier was having an off day or had something on her mind. Always try to assume the best, but don't ever be ashamed of holding your peers and subordinates to the standard.
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SPC Curtis Kennedy
Agreed...plus you also don't come off as an a$$hole to that PFC which in turn give a better opinion of officers
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PO2 Gary Wood
Good day, bad day... Proper respect and courtesy doesn't take a day off... Trying to make it a "kinder & more compassionate" military will lead to the breakdown of the ranks.
I get the idea of not going overboard when a small infraction happens, but the opposite is even more dangerous...
What's next, practicall jokes to a Captain by an E-2? Busting of a Master Chief by a Third Class Petty officer? What's the end game, a PFC saying "Wassup" to a four-star??
We have made major strides in integration of the services with women and minorities. Now rather than breaking down the discipline between higher and lower ranking service members, try building up the respect for these women and minorities.
I get the idea of not going overboard when a small infraction happens, but the opposite is even more dangerous...
What's next, practicall jokes to a Captain by an E-2? Busting of a Master Chief by a Third Class Petty officer? What's the end game, a PFC saying "Wassup" to a four-star??
We have made major strides in integration of the services with women and minorities. Now rather than breaking down the discipline between higher and lower ranking service members, try building up the respect for these women and minorities.
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You could explain to the MAJ that you were doing the PFC a favour. Just because he/she didn't care, it doesn't mean the PFC won't come across an officer who does and won't hesitate to dress her down!
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SPC Matthew Birkinbine
Agreed. I saw a full-bird leaving the hospital at Fort Sill once. The area near the doors were clearly marked, “No Salute Zone”, but he had left that area. A lone PFC was walking toward that area, and through some lapse in judgement or poor eyesight, he didn’t render a salute. The Colonel went off like a Drill Sergeant on that poor kid.
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CAPT Randall Martin
Maybe it's my enlisted background, but as an officer whenever I fail to get a salute I salute first - this never fails to make the correction in the most mutually respectful and expeditious manner.
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