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?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 388
We must correct things we see wrong on the spot or the issue is not taken with importance. Most people don't like to make waves but we must hold those in error responsible. You were right to correct on the spot. If the private did not see the rank, then let it be a lesson for them to be create more awareness around themselves. As for the Officer, enlisted personnel don't correct Officers, let that be another question sometime.
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Tell them if you don't want to salute to just cross the street or turn your back to the officer before they get to close,
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Addressing it is Extremely Important. Attention to detail is a trait the Military prides itself, and is one of many reason the service separates itself from Civilians. A PFC in many cases are new and inexperienced, I think what you did wasn't, however tact is also a Military trait as well.
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My response would have been to speak in a loud clear voice, "Your f***ing right arm better be god d*** broken because having your head up your a** is no excuse for not seeing this officer. You better render a proper salute right god d*** now before I make the rest of your day f****ing miserable." And if the officer with me said that I didn’t have to be so aggressive about it, I would have replied, "Yes Sir, you are correct."
Of course I retired during the last century, so you folks might do things differently these days.
Of course I retired during the last century, so you folks might do things differently these days.
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Why would you worry about being, "aggressive". Rules are there for a reason. Said PFC should have been locked up and received the, "donkey bar b que", of her life. I would say the same if she had been a he. It should be done out of sight and hearing range of the officers. None the less it should be DONE.
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There was time where where that would be an immediate write up and earning the PFC KP duty. Senior leadership needs to address this along with the NCO Corps.
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In today's military respect and earned privileges as an officer mean less than before. I assume the Major was a doctor. I am assuming the Lt. is a woman nurse. Based on these assumptions, the doctor is probably less interest in protocol as Hawkeye is in Mash the TV show. The nurse has worked hard for her degree and feels slighted. ( My total guesswork) In truth she is correct but the Major outranks her and anything said may go against her. I suggest that you say and do nothing. When you become a Major, remember the incident, act accordingly.
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You were right, leadership is aggressive in nature. The Maj has the luxury of focusing on His/her job and probably walking around with hands in pockets as well... When I was a young Private I stood at Parade Rest for Specialists. If your NCO's are spineless I'd just let it go.
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You were right and officer was wrong. I would have corrected the EM, sent him on his way and the I would have talked to the Major and informed him "with all due respect, Sir" the next time I am correcting someone please do not interrupt.
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The Army Maj was wrong - there is nothing aggressive about requiring the customs and courtesies be enforced. The PFC wasn't paying attention, given the benefit of the doubt, not out of disrespect so it was just a wake up for her.
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