Is there anything that covers Commissioned Officers not returning a salute?

2016-02-11T06:47:03-05:00

Simple example:
I pass an officer, I salute him, he knowledges me so I know he saw my salute ,but he does not salute back.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 6:52 AM

2016-02-11T06:52:58-05:00

Flies and other insects attracted to excrement.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 7:06 AM

2016-02-11T07:06:04-05:00

AR 600-25
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.

I suppose it could fall under public places

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Feb 11 at 2016 7:15 AM

2016-02-11T07:15:28-05:00

If the officer does not have a valid reason for not returning the salute such as his hands being full, than he is piece of shit. You correct it on the spot and if they will not return it do your best to track down their supervisor. I don't think this is covered as an Art 92 violation, but the superior can a fix behavior like this or help this officer to the door.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 7:22 AM

2016-02-11T07:22:00-05:00

I see this often unfortunately. Mainly traveling through the gate, some officers won't salute back when the MP salutes them. Instead they just drive off. Growing up, my father would always return the salute when they checked his ID (or back in the day when you just had the sticker) before he drove through. I've always returned the salute at the gate, probably because that's what I saw growing up, but also becuase that Soldier out of respect for the rank (not necessarily the person all the time) rendered a salute so I always respectfully returned it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 9:07 AM

2016-02-11T09:07:02-05:00

I consider it an honor and a privilege to salute my superiors and subordinates alike. /O

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Feb 11 at 2016 9:10 AM

2016-02-11T09:10:23-05:00

Is he in uniform? Is he indoors and not under arms, therefore not covered?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 9:10 AM

2016-02-11T09:10:27-05:00

Things like this irk me. Really irk me. I was a prior enlisted Petty Officer in the Navy, who chose to go to OCS through the Army and I couldn't wait for the day that I was able to return the salute vs render the salute first. I took it as a honor to be able to return the salute to my fellow enlisted men and women. When I see an unprofessional officer, who apparently lacks military bearing, fails to understand courtesies and customs...it really gets under my skin.

Like the good SFC Private RallyPoint Member stated, it's best to remind the person what professionalism means or come find me and I'll let them know.

Response by 1LT Aaron Barr made Feb 11 at 2016 9:21 AM

2016-02-11T09:21:21-05:00

I couldn't stand seeing this when I was in the Army. A salute is a sign of respect for the rank and as such, salutes should be returned in a professional manner excepting the circumstances cited by SFC Long below. I've also noticed that the officers I saw who didn't return salutes or who did so in a sloppy manner were often the quickest to jump down an enlisted person's throat for not saluting. Aggravating, especially as it reflects on the Officer Corps as a whole.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Feb 11 at 2016 10:13 AM

2016-02-11T10:13:11-05:00

Sgt, as far as i know, if the officer hands is full then he/she don't have to salute back, but if a hands is available then it a diffrence story.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 11 at 2016 10:55 AM

2016-02-11T10:55:40-05:00

Officers are not "required' to return a salute if doing so would be awkward (such as hands being full) or dangerous (while operating a vehicle). In those situations, acknowledging the salute suffices. Outside of those types of situations, an officer SHOULD return the salute.

Response by SGT Robert Riley made Feb 11 at 2016 11:49 AM

2016-02-11T11:49:11-05:00

Call him out but tactfully or have your E-4 mafia form a line and walk by him as he steps out of a building. Eventually he will salute them. Better yet. Have someone film said officer doing that and post it on ARMY WTF. Make him/her famous.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 11 at 2016 11:52 AM

2016-02-11T11:52:44-05:00

If I were in a combat zone and someone saluted me, I would be pissed.

Response by SGT(P) Eric L. made Feb 11 at 2016 11:59 AM

2016-02-11T11:59:46-05:00

They are just being dicks

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 11 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-02-11T12:29:56-05:00

That's just a bad officer if you ask me!

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 11 at 2016 12:36 PM

2016-02-11T12:36:31-05:00

There is another topic regarding feeling "disrespected". Most suggest taking these types to the IG for resolution. In my day, we just passed it off as an arrogant little jerk and blew it off. Military protocol is there for a reason, follow it and you will have few problems.

Response by SrA Paul Pfeil made Feb 11 at 2016 1:08 PM

2016-02-11T13:08:48-05:00

When I would work an ecp, and an officer did not return salute, I would direct them to the pull over, and do spot inspection on the car, and delay them atleast 10 minutes. Amazing how they get the message.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 2:22 PM

2016-02-11T14:22:17-05:00

It's an honor and privilege to be saluted and to return that salute. Respect given should equal respect returned!

Response by CPL Charles Rader made Feb 11 at 2016 2:24 PM

2016-02-11T14:24:52-05:00

I would like to hear from some of the Officers on this one. Regs aside, if your just walking to and from on a busy path does it get tiring to have to solute all the time? I was deployed to Afghanistan and was at Bagram. Walking up and down Disney if I was in full ACUs or PT with a shoulder harness for my M9 I would get soluted all the time. I would return the solute even though I was still only a Corporal. Yes commissioned officers would solute as well. I guess I just look like an Officer. Flat top, grey hair solid military bearing at all times. So It got me thinking that man it would get very old having to do that all the time. As a enlisted we only have to solute once but as an Officer you may have to do that 20 or more times.

Response by SSG Mike L made Feb 11 at 2016 4:36 PM

2016-02-11T16:36:47-05:00

the only time that I know of that it is not proper to salute is during combat operations ...other than that ...he or she is a shitbird

Response by ENS Matthew Fleming made Feb 11 at 2016 5:08 PM

2016-02-11T17:08:07-05:00

I was with my father, a retired AMM1 and WWII vet, on board NTC San Diego. I didn't see a recruit salute me, and I kept on going. That's about the only time Dad ever hit me. I made sure to pay attention after that.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Feb 11 at 2016 5:27 PM

2016-02-11T17:27:01-05:00

When I was a SPC, my 1SG saw me walk by an officer and salute him without the officer return the salute. The 1SG ran after him and quickly saluted him and then chewed him out for not returning my salute and "made him" go back and return my salute. 1SG Seaberry was the best 1SG I ever had and used him as my example when I became one.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 5:33 PM

2016-02-11T17:33:02-05:00

That happened to me at the BX.

I saluted. 2LT gave me a feigned nod. I stopped him and said, "Sir, we lead by example in uniform." I snapped him a smart salute. He saluted back and said, "Thank you, Chief".

Response by SMSgt William Hassiepen made Feb 11 at 2016 5:53 PM

2016-02-11T17:53:27-05:00

Not returning the salute only shows the officer's ignorance and stupidity.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 6:23 PM

2016-02-11T18:23:00-05:00

This should not happen. If I see it I correct it. The salute is a two way street.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 7:30 PM

2016-02-11T19:30:45-05:00

AR600-25 He didn't have to render one back. If his hands were not full and he wasn't in civilian attire it's rare and uncommon. In the past when I was a Private the very same thing happened to me. I said "excuse me Sir," (with Tact) " is there a reason you didn't want to return your Salute?" He kept walking and didn't respond. In any case it may have been his last day. Who knows? It's a rare situation and if it continues I would request and find out who his Commanding Officer is. They would definitely handle the situation.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 11 at 2016 8:05 PM

2016-02-11T20:05:49-05:00

You mean beside common sense, esprit de corps and professionalism? Swift kick in the ass seems to do wonders

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 9:11 PM

2016-02-11T21:11:29-05:00

Per ar 600-25, no an officer does not have to return a salute.

Response by SGT John Turner made Feb 11 at 2016 10:21 PM

2016-02-11T22:21:34-05:00

When I was in the Army, my C.O. told a private to report to him while they were outside. The private did not salute and the Capt. didn't correct him. Being a NCO I corrected both of them and was thanked by both. BTW I later sent the private to the promotion board. Making on the spot corrections help, don't hesitate to do them.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Feb 12 at 2016 1:52 AM

2016-02-12T01:52:20-05:00

If an officer fails to return a salute, I'd hope it falls into one of the conditions outlined by SFC Private RallyPoint Member or, his arm is broke. At the end of the day, saluting is a mutual sign of respect (the subordinate is actually being saluted as well) and a tradition of all militaries. Departure from such customs and courtesies is a reflection of those who ignore them. That being said, pick your battles, SSG James Elmore.

Response by PO2 Chris Steinheiser made Feb 12 at 2016 9:35 AM

2016-02-12T09:35:28-05:00

Capt. ! Thank you! I was dressed down for not saluting an officer by a commander (NAVY Weapons officer on Submarine) I explained that the officers don't usually salute. He challenged me to prove it and then three officers approached. I snapped to attention and saluted crisply as the officers walked by without saluting me nor the senior officer! I turned to the weapons officer and his head was bowed shaking his head in a no motion... I lost the desire to ascend to the officer ranks that day!

Traditions are not good nor fine. It is the people that uphold and continue their practice with honor, respect, and dignity that create merit for the tradition. Disrespect saying a prayer before a meal and it is no longer meaningful...

Response by PO2 Chris Steinheiser made Feb 12 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-02-12T11:17:43-05:00

UCMJ - unbecoming? article 113 I think - catch all for ANYTHING...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2016 12:56 PM

2016-02-12T12:56:04-05:00

If in a combat situation, or the officer has his hands full, ok, he/she doesn't salute back, but he/ she should at least SAY something...'hey, not here, or sorry, I recognize your salute, hands full, or (what happened to me) the officer made a gesture and head nod that it was not necessary THEN followed it up by saying, 'thanks, but it's not necessary for this and that reason...'

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2016 6:54 PM

2016-02-12T18:54:05-05:00

I saw this constantly down at Fort Gordon in the hotel I was staying at. Mainly from young Lieutenants straight out of college.

Response by SSG James Elmore made Feb 15 at 2016 8:30 AM

2016-02-15T08:30:10-05:00

Thank you everyone for your responses and input!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 12:07 PM

2016-02-22T12:07:33-05:00

When a salute is rendered it is a courtesy and a sign of respect. Not returning the salute, if a return is practical, is a sign of disrespect and a lack or courtesy.

I don't believe I ever failed to salute nor return same.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 11:12 PM

2016-07-07T23:12:03-04:00

it depends. in the navy/marine corps we don't salute w/out a cover.

Response by SCPO Carlos Everett Flores made May 31 at 2018 8:14 PM

2018-05-31T20:14:23-04:00

It is disrespectful not to return a salute.

Response by LT Terry Lober made Dec 11 at 2018 11:10 AM

2018-12-11T11:10:26-05:00

If wearing a cover, or "under arms" , all senior officers should return salutes. And, all decent officers do.

Response by CAPT John Kittler made Dec 19 at 2019 11:22 PM

2019-12-19T23:22:38-05:00

Yes. He is toast if I catch him.

Response by CPT William Jones made Jan 22 at 2020 12:43 AM

2020-01-22T00:43:41-05:00

I had an unusual experience in RVN with saluting. A group of 4 sailors were approaching me they rendered snappy salutes and it looked funny(I was O-3 Army engineer) I stopped them and asked what they were doing. The left handed saluter saig he was bosuns mate and they blew. The pipe right handed so saluted the officer boarding left handed and traditionally they salute lefty. They pleasantly left again saluting as when first approaching. To this day I don’t know if they were messing with the army officer but they were courteous about it.

Response by SPC Thomas Baldwin made Aug 1 at 2022 9:35 PM

2022-08-01T21:35:46-04:00

If the officer is having a discussion with other officers or their hands are full that may not salute, but usury render creating of the day. In general they are required to return a salut. I’ve see many junior officers addressed for not returning a salut. Even Gen Colin Powel and Gen Arnold Schwarzkopf returned my salut passing them on side walk near Fort Lewis’s PX and I Corps HQ.