Does a retiree return a salute when entering a military base?

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:01:49 -0400

This is a long standing debate with a close friend, in the Navy you do not salute uncovered or in civilian clothes but when I go on our local AF bases the military guards salute me. I return the salute out of respect for all of those currently serving. http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/Prep_For_Basic_Training/Prep_for_basic_customs_and_courtesies/the-hand-salute.shtml

The Hand Salute (ArmyStudyGuide.com)

ArmyStudyGuide.com provide extensive information about The Hand Salute (ArmyStudyGuide.com)

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 8:06 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:06:01 -0400

They are showing you respect sir, returning it is the same.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 20 at 2015 8:17 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:17:32 -0400

Hmm.

Generally speaking a simple "Thank you" or "Carry on" is sufficient to acknowledge the salute, and render appropriate respect.

When President Reagan began returning salutes to service members, as a courtesy, the tradition became a bit murkier. Although we are required to salute the President, he is not required to salute us. I think it is a great tradition, and it is appreciated.

Simple instances where President Bush had his hands full and then came back to return the Marine's salute after highlight this. The coffee cup incident inciting the nation's ire do as well. This is not to spark a political debate, just to show that had the President just said "Thank you" or "Carry on," (when his hands are full), there would have been no issue.

All that said, if the guard salutes, and you salute back. It is appropriate even if against "code." Just like it is appropriate for the President to return salutes, even though there is no code for him to do so.

Response by PO1 Jeff Doan made Mar 20 at 2015 9:18 AM

PO1 Jeff Doan — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:18:38 -0400

More of a ball cap wave and a nod than a salute, but still show my respect for the uniform!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 9:48 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:48:26 -0400

I believe one should return any salute that is given. Not returning a salute is the same as not extending your hand when a person extends his/hers for a handshake.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 10:11 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:11:37 -0400

I would just give a proper greeting of the day. There is no need to get crazy and start developing a drill manual for 1st Civ Div

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Mar 20 at 2015 10:59 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:59:11 -0400

Absolutely ... Salutes should always be returned, regardless of the status of the person being saluted. Not to do so is very disrespectful and unprofessional.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 20 at 2015 11:01 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:01:38 -0400

If a salute is rendered, it should be returned.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Mar 20 at 2015 11:04 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:04:17 -0400

One of my first posts here was similar (returning salutes while in civilian clothes). I would say that the overwhelming response was "get a salute, give a salute."

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 20 at 2015 11:04 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:04:53 -0400

I was taught that the salute is an act of showing respect. Returning a salute is likewise an act of respect. I don't see how a uniform alters that.

Indeed, failing to return a salute is tantamount to refusing to shake hands.

At least, that's my opinion...

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 11:06 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:06:10 -0400

I believe it is up to the retiree, if they feel like they should let them do it.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 20 at 2015 11:08 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:08:44 -0400

If the gate guard salutes me, I return it as long as it's safe to do so. I usually bid him/her good morning or afternoon or say thank you. It shows respect for the military member rendering the salute. If I come in at rush hour, I'm careful to not hold up traffic for this routine.

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 20 at 2015 11:21 AM

SPC David S. — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:21:39 -0400

My father always does. However he's been retired for over 20 years so he is using old military customs and is Air Force. However I feel if someone renders a salute out of respect one should return the salute. I myself salute the flag at sporting events and when I go for a walk I always salute my neighbor's flag around the block, he's the local fire chief and also a retired Marine.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 1:47 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 13:47:01 -0400

I am not retired, but as a Reservist I regularly go on base in civilian clothes on non-duty weekends to hit the commissary. I always return salutes, regardless of attire, if I am saluted, as it is the respectful and appropriate thing to do.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 20 at 2015 1:52 PM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 13:52:44 -0400

I will always return a salute, when entering post, if the MP at the Gate salutes... no matter what I am wearing... I am generally in civilian clothes and have a blue ID...

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 20 at 2015 2:08 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 14:08:09 -0400

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member, if saluted, I always return it, regardless of regs. If someone thinks enough of me to salute, I think enough of them to return it. Common courtesy.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Mar 20 at 2015 2:10 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 14:10:13 -0400

The old saying when in Rome do as the Romans do applies. If you are a Navy retiree, entering an Air Force base, then it is polite and courteous to respect the Air Force customs. If a person salutes, then it is courteous to salute them back. It also shows respect for their traditions.
On the other hand, that works both ways, if you are accustomed to being saluted when entering a base, and you go to a different branch's base where they do not salute those in civilian attire, it should not be taken as a slight in military courtesy.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 3:16 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 15:16:40 -0400

In the ARMY we are taught that if the person makes it to be known as (insert rank here) that's the respect they've earned for life. just like if George W. Bush Jr showed up to my office I would respect him as if he was still in office (to a certain extent)

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 20 at 2015 3:26 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 15:26:54 -0400

As far as I'm concerned, if I'm not wearing a uniform, I don't return a salute. I will thank the guard at the gate, greet him/her, etc. I might nod in acknowledgement of the salute, but as a Navy guy, I don't return it...

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 20 at 2015 3:30 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 15:30:05 -0400

It is never (outside of a combat zone) wrong to render or return a salute.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 4:44 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 16:44:23 -0400

Most definitely, it's a sign of respect.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 6:35 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 18:35:40 -0400

This retiree does return the salute.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Mar 20 at 2015 8:21 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 20:21:29 -0400

It is a very old and honored custom to do so and would be rude not to do so.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Mar 20 at 2015 10:24 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 22:24:21 -0400

I think once you are out of any branch if you return the salute it should be optional because your are out of the service but also to return the salute is good for respect in my opinion

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 20 at 2015 11:12 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 23:12:41 -0400

A properly rendered salute should always be promptly returned.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 20 at 2015 11:15 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 23:15:04 -0400

If I receive a salute, like you, I will return it as respect.

Response by MAJ Randy Gregory made Mar 21 at 2015 9:20 AM

MAJ Randy Gregory — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 09:20:38 -0400

I do primarily because the subordinate is to hold it until returned but mostly to be honest it's muscle memory.

Response by LCDR Jamie Galus made Mar 21 at 2015 9:47 AM

LCDR Jamie Galus — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 09:47:12 -0400

I will not salute while not in uniform as per direction given to me by my Drill Instructors. Yet, while in civilian clothes I always do acknowledge salutes rendered by some form of wave and/or greeting/thank you.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Apr 1 at 2015 11:45 AM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 11:45:36 -0400

If a service member salutes me, he or she deserves a return salute.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2015 7:38 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 19:38:32 -0500

It may not be required, but its never wrong to do it. I even salute decorated combat vets when both of us are in civilian clothes. Right or wrong, Ill do it, I see it as al fraternal greeting among our fellow comrades-in-arms. By the way, vets in civilian clothes may salute the flag in civvies now. (passed by Congress 5 or 6 years ago)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 9 at 2015 3:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 15:59:33 -0500

Grow a goatee, you wont have the problem unless the DOD Vehicle sticker gives you away.

Response by MSG Michael Graham made Sep 16 at 2016 6:16 PM

MSG Michael Graham — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 18:16:44 -0400

goes back to the discussion I hear alot lately. you are saluting the rank not the individual. if this is a problem then soldiers need to be (re)trained when it is and is not appropriate to salute. unless they are in uniform with rank showing you do not salute. if their govt vehicle is marked with an officers rank you would salute. use to be when you registered personal vehicle for post stickers they included an officers rank. my understanding is all installations have gotten away from using these stickers for safety reasons.

Response by CPO Randy Francis made Sep 16 at 2016 6:36 PM

CPO Randy Francis — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 18:36:35 -0400

I'm confused - what did you do when entering Navy bases when saluted by security when in civilian clothes while on active duty? I'm not sure I understand the difference.

Response by Maj Thomas Cox made Sep 17 at 2016 9:59 PM

Maj Thomas Cox — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 21:59:52 -0400

It used to be the blue sticker on the DoD decal...if you have one on your car, expect that you will be saluted on an AF base...also, if the installation entry controller sees the rank on your blue ID, again, they will most likely salute. Simply return the salute or extend a verbal greeting...

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2016 10:09 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 22:09:56 -0400

I do not know the validity of this, but a Master Chief told me that if you salute an enlisted man you wait for the returned salute - likewise, if you ever receive a salute, you return it. It's a sign of respect - even if the salute is not warranted.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Sep 17 at 2016 10:35 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 22:35:51 -0400

Chesty Puller once told one of his young lieutenants that every salute must be returned, after he observed the young lieutenant making a enlisted Marine practice his salutes for not saluting said lieutenant. If it's good enough for Chesty, it's good enough for me.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Sep 18 at 2016 12:38 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 00:38:17 -0400

At Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER) MPs/SPs salute retirees and say "Thank you for your service" If they salute, I salute.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2016 9:15 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 09:15:47 -0400

Yes

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 10:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:00:15 -0400

On Guam they don't and are not required to, but when my wife takes me into the bases, I always say, Thank You Sir.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 20 at 2018 12:53 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 12:53:11 -0400

I still salute officers.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Sep 12 at 2020 4:08 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 16:08:57 -0400

I did not retire but did 7 years in the Army. Once your out I think it is optional because you no longer fall under UCMJ. But personally I do because I served and I think it is only right and you know the meaning and tradition.