I have been asked to give the "first salute" during an Air Force commissioning ceremony. Can a Marine salute indoors for such a ceremony?

Cpl Kevin Alexander — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 12:23:22 -0500

I am a Marine and my wife is commissioning in the Air Force and would like me to get in uniform and render the "first salute". Marines typically do not salute indoors, but are there any exceptions or provisions for ceremonies such as this?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 15 at 2017 12:26 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 12:26:48 -0500

Cpl Kevin Alexander: Good Morning, Corporal! Indeed, as a soldier, I have saluted indoors more than once. -Margaret

Response by SN Greg Wright made Nov 15 at 2017 12:34 PM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 12:34:06 -0500

I'd just do it. 99% sure no one will give you guff for something like this, and if that 1% asshole does, it'll merely be an ass chewing, nothing more. I'd do it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2017 12:36 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 12:36:14 -0500

Cpl Kevin Alexander Here is guidance that will help.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/when-is-it-appropriate-to-salute-indoors

http://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/886473/customs-and-traditions/

When is it appropriate to salute indoors? | RallyPoint

This picture has stirred up some debate on Facebook because the Marine isn't saluting during the national anthem. In my nearly 10 years I have never seen a salute rendered indoors except when reporting to an officer or board, receiving a promotion or award, or by an individual on guard duty. I've looked at AR 600-25 and it's not very clear to me. Armystudyguide.com says no you don't. What's the correct answer?

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 15 at 2017 12:55 PM

SPC David Willis — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 12:55:20 -0500

I believe ceremonies and reporting are a couple of instances where a salute is warranted.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2017 1:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:12:23 -0500

In this case, you can. You are giving a "First Salute" to your wife. I doubt anyone will get bent out of shape about it. If they do get bent out of shape, then they're idiots.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Nov 15 at 2017 1:23 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:23:43 -0500

We have had the ceremony to pin on and then went outside at the end for the first salute. However, when we have awards ceremonies inside we always shake take and salute so I don't really guess there is a problem with it. As stated below, no one there will probably ever know the difference.

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Nov 15 at 2017 1:25 PM

SPC Robert Coventry — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:25:39 -0500

Salute your wife, congrats

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 15 at 2017 1:28 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:28:13 -0500

I haven't been to an Air Force Commissioning, but at mine, the NCO's were waiting outside the door. I would just ask when I got there, sometime Traditions aren't always regulation, like the tradition of giving the first enlisted man/woman to salute you a silver dollar.

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Nov 15 at 2017 1:34 PM

MAJ Don Bigger — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:34:45 -0500

Don’t give it a second thought. It’s your wife, for heaven’s sake. Even IF someone were to say anything, it would probably be nothing more than “Marines aren’t supposed to salute indoors”. In which case you simply say, “Ok, I’ll never do it again”. And, if it’s an enlisted member that says anything, 2LT Alexander can chew them out. :)

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2017 5:19 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 17:19:04 -0500

We don't salute indoors in the Navy either, but during Change of Command ceremonies, Retirement ceremonies, and even a Commissioning ceremony, we (both those on the platform and those in formation) wore covers and saluted at appropriate times (piping the flag officers, national anthem, etc.) As long as during the ceremony at the appropriate time you're covered, as you would be during a first salute, you're totally good to go. And it's your wife. You have to go to the same house. I'd rather tick an insensitive idiot off than sleep with one eye open.....

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Nov 15 at 2017 5:36 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 17:36:05 -0500

Do you really want to tell your wife "No!" You will pay for that for a looong time. JK. Just do it. I have never heard anyone getting in trouble for rendering honors. Congrats on you both!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 15 at 2017 7:08 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 19:08:07 -0500

Normally NO! I Understand Your Qualms as a Sea Service Veteran we are taught to Remove our Cover when Inside but there are a Few "Exceptions" to the Rule as Master at Arms to Chief of Staff to COMSPAWARSYSCOM I Understand them Well If You are required to Conduct Ceremonial Functions Indoor (Covered) (Like I've Done Several Times) You Treat it Just Like You Were Outside and You Will Render Full Honors "Salute" I Hope that Helps! Very Respectfully CTO1 Wm "Chip" Nagel USN(R). (Little in My World was Black and White)

Response by Cpl Kevin Alexander made Nov 16 at 2017 9:08 AM

Cpl Kevin Alexander — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 09:08:54 -0500

Great, thanks everyone for the quick responses!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 9:47 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 21:47:26 -0400

Typically, no one is suppose to salute indoors, regardless of branch.
However, as it pertains to the commissioning ceremony, you are allowed to render the first salute indoors.

Response by TSgt Kevin Robertson made Jul 9 at 2022 12:56 PM

TSgt Kevin Robertson — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 12:56:18 -0400

I believe a valid exception would be reporting to your wife as if she had ordered you to come to her office.
You guys could even do something cute/ fun with it at the commissioning ceremony (if it's a private one) where she orders you to report, you report and salute, and then you guys give a brief hug or kiss (as permitable in a ceremony such as this).