Are you supposed to salute when in a group?

SPC Daniel Edwards — Tue, 06 May 2014 08:17:14 -0400

At my last duty station, I was told that if I was in a group, only one person is required to salute an officer. If everyone did it, fine, but only one person is required. Now at my new unit, EVERYONE salutes. Which is right? Am I wrong for not saluting? Don't get me wrong: I'll salute even if I'm in civilians. These officers worked to earn their rank in my opinion. I just want clarification on the matter.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 8:32 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 08:32:31 -0400

a. In Formation. Individuals in formation do not salute or return salutes except at the command Present, ARMS. The individual in charge salutes and acknowledges salutes for the entire formation. Commanders of organizations or detachments that are not a part of a larger formation salute officers of higher grade by bringing the organization or detachment to attention before saluting. When in the field under battle or simulated battle conditions, the organization or detachment is not brought to attention. An individual in formation at ease or at rest comes to attention when addressed by an officer.

b. Not in Formation. On the approach of an officer, a group of individuals not in formation is called to attention by the first person noticing the officer, and all come sharply to attention and salute. Individuals participating in games, and members of work details, do not salute. The individual in charge of a work detail, if not actively engaged, salutes and acknowledges salutes for the entire detail. A unit resting alongside a road does not come to attention upon the approach of an officer; however, if the officer addresses an individual (or group), the individual (or group) comes to attention and remains at attention (unless otherwise ordered) until the termination of the conversation, at which time the individual (or group) salutes the officer.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made May 6 at 2014 10:42 AM

SFC Craig Dalen — Tue, 06 May 2014 10:42:15 -0400

SFC Gilley couldn't have said it any better.

Response by SPC Chicquila Cox made May 28 at 2014 1:20 AM

SPC Chicquila Cox — Wed, 28 May 2014 01:20:31 -0400

As a Spc. this is definitely something that you should know, and "should have" learned in either basic or AIT. Eh, well at least you came here and asked, but what are your NCO's teaching you? This could very well be a question that is asked when you go before the board for your E-5. Sad to say, but there are too many pay grades and not enough NCO's lately in this "new" Army, imho.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jul 24 at 2014 4:36 PM

PFC Zanie Young — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 16:36:11 -0400

While in formation, except when ordered "Present Arms", only the designated leader (commanders, platoon leaders, squad leaders, etc) should salute. When marching, only the designated leader salutes, while the formation looks to the right when ordered "Eyes Right". When approached by an officer and you are alone, you are required to salute.

Response by SPC Orlando Medina made Jul 27 at 2014 12:18 PM

SPC Orlando Medina — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 12:18:58 -0400

I remember being instructed that only the highest ranking individual within a group should be in charge of the salute while all others remain at the position of attention.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2019 2:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 14:26:39 -0400

Anyone know the reg being referenced. I have looked up AR 600-25. And FM 7-2.13 I believe it is. And I cannot find where it says every one must stop and salute in a group. Thanks

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2020 2:48 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 14:48:31 -0400

I’ve only just entered the military but Most of my friends and loved ones are military and from talking to them it seems as if they have little respect for the officers of this generation simply because they earned their rank by graduating college and then entering as a officer so Personally i wouldn't salute those particular officers bc well lets face it.. they didn't earn shit but as you said an officer thats actually served and earned and worked toward that rank then yes I try to always salute those officers, my brother says he never salute if in a group! Since im new i was wondering and asked my military OG’s if army personnel have to salute marines or navy officers He said yes so in my head im thinking okay so now to add to the stress of getting my own branches ranks and insignias down.. i have to memorize the other branches as wel just to salute an officer of a different branch? Fuck my life