What’s the proper way to correct someone when not saluting an officer?

Maybe the PFC didnt see him ? idk how the situation went, but i had a similar situation when i was a PFC i walked by a Marine officer and i couldn't see the rank(I hate Marine uniforms because of this) so i just didnt salute and some Sgt tried to chew me out for it lol

Not being a career military, I will leave that one up to the rest of you... But in my 8 years, I saw far too many very aggressive responses to that, most of the time I would suggest that the failure is not a disrespect, but an oversight when we are busy in our heads and walking is more instinctual than deliberate... Today on the streets you can get run into by a digital head not even being present in the space they are traversing...

I would be very respectful to say that they aren't saluting the person just showing the respect for rank

Ok, the Major may have been speaking about the way the Lt. was addressed and it would seem as though the Major's sense of directions as to the military courtesy would be in question, not to mention, the Major may have a liking towards the female Lt. So, from that sense, aggressiveness would not be in question and the PFC, should have been stopped and informed of his\her duties to recognize an Officer, with greetings, by rendering a salute. Information of unit and chain of command from the PFC, should have been gathered and the chain of command be notified of the incident, should actions be warranted. Also, sense the Major felt there was too much aggressiveness in question of what happened, perhaps his chain of command would want to know why he wasn't willing to ensure soldiers remain compliant to the UCMJ.

In my honest opinion the proper regulation concerning this matter is always what is appropriate. However utilizing situational awareness and properly reading the situation is also key. Notice your rank is similar and neither one of you is an NCO. Had you been an NCO then corrective action would always be necessary whether or not the Major approved.

You did right. The only time in my career I was stopped was at Camp Pendleton. My battalion CO, a LtCol was approaching me after he had been jogging. He was dressed in a tee shirt and had no cover. As we were passing he stopped me (politely) and why I didn’t salute. I told him I didn’t know he was an officer. He reached for his head and realized he wasn’t covered with his rank. He said “carry on, I was just testing you”. I was kind of scared at the time, but was assured by my squad leader everything was ok.

There is no excuse for not saluting an officer,Just as there is no excuse for not saluting the Flag when it is being presented or during Retreat, but as always someone will always lower the standards. I am old school so I would have said hey numnuts come here what you didn't see the two officers there, or are you blind. Now salute them and move out. and if I offended any one get over it buttercup.

Retired SSG James R. Green, U, S. Army. I don't know what happened to my other posting, Correct me if I'm wrong but essentially it was an explanation of the military practice of rendering the hand salute. It dates back to the Medieval period of history. When a Knight, whether on horse back or on foot, approached another Knight or a person of nobility, said Knight would raise his helmet visor with his right hand to display his face to identify as friendly. By using his right hand he also displayed no weapon in his hand. This act of raising the right hand and bringing it to ones forehead how the hand salute began. It was intended to be an act of mutual respect. does anyone want to correct me?

You did it the right way. You asked a question about it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the military custom of saluting goes all the way back to the medieval period of history. When a Knight approached another Knight or other noble person, they would be required to raise the visor of their helmet to expose their identity and to display their empty sword hand. This was the way to demonstrate that they are a friend and they come in peace.