Posted on Nov 11, 2013
Why do Marine Corps officers never salute back?
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While on entry controller duty on my assigned installation we are required to render all proper customs and courtesies to both foreign and domestic officers to include warrant officers. For the most part the foreign officers respectfully acknowledge the salute and offer one back. Something I have been noticing though is the lackluster salutes given by officers from my own country. I greatly respect officers because that is what I was taught and because I know that everyone has their part to play in the military. However it is discouraging when American officers render a salute from their upper lip, or cuff their hands in the shape of a "C" while saluting. But something I just have never understood is why do Marine Corps officers never salute back?
Posted in these groups: 
Customs and Courtesies
Saluting
Customs and Courtesies Saluting
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 86
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Marine officers do not render salutes when they are wearing civvies, nor when they are not wearing covers even if in uniform.
Even in uniform, we are not required to wear covers in vehicles, particularly as the driver since doing so may be a safety hazard (but we can if we chose to and deem it safe.)
Now, in order to avoid precisely the question that was asked, I have started saluting non-Marine guards and sentries because it's more conducive to keeping good relations with sister services, and it sure as hell is faster than trying to educate a non-Marine base one guard at a time...
Even in uniform, we are not required to wear covers in vehicles, particularly as the driver since doing so may be a safety hazard (but we can if we chose to and deem it safe.)
Now, in order to avoid precisely the question that was asked, I have started saluting non-Marine guards and sentries because it's more conducive to keeping good relations with sister services, and it sure as hell is faster than trying to educate a non-Marine base one guard at a time...
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PO2 Patrick Dwyer
By the way Fitzsimmons billeted us in the foreign students barracks while stationed there. That gives you a warm Fuzzy. PO2 Patrick Dwyer
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MAJ Ron McCauley
PO2 Patrick Dwyer - That officer was a pompous ass. He should have instructed you since you were new at this post and Navy. Guys like him make all officers look bad.
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SFC Leon Amer
Something can be learned every day from anyone you have to interact with, at any stage of your military career ... I've had CSMs, 1SGs, various officers that all fell into various flavors of "I'll always / never be that way to my troops when I get to that rank", or "Man, I wish he wasn't PCSing or retiring, this place is running great now under him, everybody loves him and would follow him anywhere, wonder what the next guy will be like".
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MAJ Tex Hall
Maj (Join to see) - My dad was a Marine Sniper in Korea. He told me there were two key things that would get a shot: someone being saluted, and someone carrying a radio -- he shot the officer next to the radioman. He was training his young son who refused to allow salutes in the field to anyone O-4 and below (anyone higher ranking than that wouldn't make a fuss if they were worth a turd). I also tooks turns carrying the radio and my RTO wasn't near me when we were humping.
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Concerning US Army personnel: AR 600-25 para 1-5 d.; USAF AFPAM 34-1202 para 8.4.6.7. I interpret the AR as the SM driving not being required to render, and not initiating a salute. It seemed slightly vague, but we do it anyway. For the AFPAM, they are to return the salute "when practical". <div><br></div><div>When I was in the USAF we were told "when in doubt, salute", and as always "Sir" or "Ma'am" everyone. As long as you're doing the right thing, that's what matters. Integrity First! </div><div><br></div><div>I hope this helps...</div>
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SPC Nancy Greene
Copy That! I was saluted by Marines when entering MCB Camp Lejeune! It was a sign of respect for females! difficult at first as I was SPC when AD ArmySFC Ernest Thurston
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
MAJ (Join to see) - I agree 100% with what You said about saluting when entering a Base entry point gate and description of the procedure. There is no safety issue when the vehicle is stopped and it does show a lack of respect when the salute is not returned. The salute is supposed to be a display of respect between fighting Men/women and unless there is a safety issue ie: in motion driving or in a combat environment proper courtesies should be displayed
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PO1 Dennis Herdina
I was taught to salute...ALWAYS,,, whip out your best salute. Foreign officer, indiv recognized as officer even if in civvies i saluted. It didnt matter and very few if any will take offense.. Lol couple of times i even saluted Senior enlisted it was purely automatic. One time i saluted a senior enlisted...man guy was old! WW2 MOH winner. THAT WAS A PRIVILEGE TO SALUTE!
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Marines, Marine Warrant Officers, & Marine Officers do not salute while in civilian attire, indoors, in the field, or anytime without wearing a cover. The only exception is while standing duty. A duty belt is worn with cover regardless of indoors or outside. In this instance a salute will be rendered. Marines, MWO's, & Marine Officers follow Marine traditions and rules, regardless of location unless otherwise directed to deviate(very rare) by the commanding officer.
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SFC Kenneth Hunnell
It seems to me if you are driving the vehicle, your hands are already occupied with controlling the vehicle. I surmise that the greeting of the day would be good enough assuming there is no one else in the vehicle. Then if there is another person in the vehicle they would return the salute assuming they out rank all others in the vehicle
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MSG Michael Gay
Marines in Boot Camp also address their Drill Instructors as “Sir”! In the Army if you call any NCO Sir, you will be told “I am not a Sir, I work for a living”!
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