Why would everybody salute each other when two groups walk by each other?

MAJ Monique Ruiz — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 17:20:15 -0500

Not sure if this has been discussed...

Why would a post overseas expect everyone to salute everyone in any given situation?

For example, Group A has a MAJ and CPT walking together from chow. Group B has a MAJ and LT walking to chow. All salute each other. Why? I understand who is saluting who but that is not what regulation states. What am I missing?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 5:31 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 17:31:37 -0500

Is this a trick (logic) question, ma'am? Of course the CPT salutes the MAJ with the LT. That MAJ returns the salute. And the LT salutes the CPT and the MAJ walking together. The CPT and the MAJ return the salute. Of course all four must salute, I think.

Why do you say that not everyone must salute? I must be missing something.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 6:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 18:23:08 -0500

But does a 2LT salute a 1LT?

http://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-a-2lt-salute-a-1lt

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Feb 23 at 2015 6:42 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 18:42:46 -0500

I always thought that the only person that saluted in any given group was the highest ranking person, therefore no one would salute as the two MAJs are of a rank. They are the "group rank" since they are the highest ranking.

At least from my experience.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 6:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 18:45:48 -0500

Easy Ma'am, do like a private would and cross the street so you won't have to salute or get saluted

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 23 at 2015 6:55 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 18:55:42 -0500

When in doubt whip it out as it was taught in basic many moons ago. Of course in today's PC military it would be salute everything when in doubt.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Feb 23 at 2015 7:03 PM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 19:03:39 -0500

Makes me proud of my Enlisted roots, we salute, however many Officers acknowledge it is what it is :D

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Feb 23 at 2015 7:54 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 19:54:32 -0500

When I was a young soldier; I was told when in doubt whip it out (Salute that is),

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 8:37 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 20:37:27 -0500

I support doing away with the mandatory salute and reserving it for commanders and flag/gos. Getting a salute when it wasn't required would have meaning versus the flinging around of arms that is reflexive and pro forma.

Response by CW3 Jared Hickox made Feb 23 at 2015 10:37 PM

CW3 Jared Hickox — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 22:37:13 -0500

Ma'am, In the instance described, the CPT and LT would be required to salute and the MAJs would be required to return salutes. AR 600-25 doesn't discern between individuals or small groups of individuals.

AR 600-25:

1–5. Hand salutes and salutes with arms

a. For instructions on executing the hand salute, see FM 3–21.5, paragraph 4–4.

b. All Army personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize persons entitled to the salute. Salutes will be exchanged between officers (commissioned and warrant) and enlisted personnel, and with personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard), the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service
entitled to the salute.

c. The junior person shall salute first. Accompanying the rendering of the hand salute with an appropriate greeting such as, "Good Morning, Sir" or "Good Morning, Ma’am" is encouraged. Personnel will not salute indoors except when reporting to a superior officer.

......

i. Salutes are not required to be rendered or returned when the senior or subordinate, or both are—
(1) In civilian attire.
(2) Engaged in routine work if the salute would interfere.
(3) Carrying articles with both hands so occupied as to make saluting impracticable.
(4) Working as a member of a detail, or engaged in sports or social functions where saluting would present a safety
hazard.
(5) In public places such as theaters, churches, and in public conveyances.
(6) In the ranks of a formation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 10:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 22:43:14 -0500

Salute the cat!

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Feb 23 at 2015 11:15 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 23:15:27 -0500

No, saluting has never been discussed on this website. At least I can't think of any thread in particular.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 6:08 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 06:08:35 -0500

What is it with LT's and Salutes? It had to start with that (2001) Monolith
surrounded by early humanoids throwing bones and such ...

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 7:51 AM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 07:51:07 -0500

As you are walking, you are saluting the higher ranking person; unless that's you. Then you're saluting them all.

And no, LTs do not salute each other. But, if they do, it's good practice. It's like dirt - won't hurt.

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Feb 24 at 2015 9:57 AM

SPC Neil Hood — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 09:57:43 -0500

In Manas I was constantly saluted because my rank was so dark. I just saluted back despie being an E-4. It caused a lot of confusion.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Feb 24 at 2015 10:02 AM

SFC Boots Attaway — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 10:02:57 -0500

If you know that person to be an officer (for enlisted) or a higher ranking officer then show the proper respect to the uniform and rank. You do not have to like the person but respect is the foundation to proper discipline in the military. Try being stationed on Ft Myer where all of the Army's top brass lives. CW5 Private RallyPoint Member knows what I am talking about. Your arm can get tired real fast in the right areas.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 12:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:29:22 -0500

I think you were trying to make people's minds explode with this. lol - I think they may all just end up walking by and say gentleman to each other. No salutes.

Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Feb 26 at 2015 1:42 AM

SSG Sean Garcia — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 01:42:01 -0500

Being enlisted I'd salute because Its the right thing to do in either situation. Also, this sounds like an officer problem, not and enlisted one.

Response by CW3 Ian Mains made Feb 26 at 2015 7:52 PM

CW3 Ian Mains — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 19:52:18 -0500

Ah, the old six-way salute. Ran into this one many a time downrange. BLUF: everyone is saluting or returning a salute.

Response by CPT Russell Pitre made Apr 5 at 2016 11:49 PM

CPT Russell Pitre — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 23:49:17 -0400

This seems like a sketch for Laurel and Hardy