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
As a retired USAF First Sergeant I probably would have been more aggressive than the SPC. It doesn't matter which service you are in or the officers are in - YOU SALUTE. I would have been looking for his supervisor to provide remedial training.
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Suspended Profile
Hmm, bit passive aggressive for me. Thank you for the corrective action.
I was always taught "Praise in public, correct in private", so it would be best to call aside and correct her in private, face to face.
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At the same time, though, if I have one aggravation about saluting it's this: The 'Officer Head Dip Salute.' A proper salute is rendered with the upper arm parallel to the ground and the fingertips meeting the eyebrow and the cap visor. It bothers me even today in my retired, enlisted state when I see an officer raise his hand part way to a proper salute and dip his brow to reach his fingertips. Sir or Ma'am, it's a two way street. If I render a salute, please return with a proper, buy-the-book, military salute!
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as an NCO in the Marine Corps, i was taught to pull the junior grade to the side, instruct them on proper saluting of officers etiquette and send them on their way. i do not see any problem in in the SPC asking the PFC the question, the PFC made a mistake . how is the aggressive?
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On the spot corrected BY standing that SM at attention holding their solute while you verbally corret them for an extended period before returning said solute. If the SM is indifferent to the correction, recommend to the command that their place of duty for the next week be in Class A opening the door and saluting all officers entering and exiting the Post HQ.
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Excuse yourself from the presence of the officers and address the PFC as to why they did not render the proper customs and courtesies. No need to be overbearing about it, it is a simple question that requires nothing more than a simple reminder. Now if the PFC is a jerk about it then you can step up your game.
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