Should I correct enlisted members for not saluting officers from other branches?

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 07:03:55 -0400

Recently I was on an air force base in uniform (to tend to some official business). On several occasions, I walked past air force enlisted personnel and they did not salute me. I always thought you’re supposed to salute officers regardless of what branch they were. I was in khakis, and perhaps they didn’t recognize that I was an officer. Should I have corrected this? I didn’t say anything; I just let it be.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Oct 22 at 2019 7:13 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 07:13:53 -0400

Yes, you should correct them. They need to learn how to act appropriately.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Oct 22 at 2019 7:48 AM

SSG Brian G. — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 07:48:08 -0400

Yes. If you see it and let it slide, you have failed not just as an officer but as a service member. Think about it like this. If you are walking outside and a private from the Army, Marine Corps or Airman from the Air Force passes you and does not salute, how are you going to feel? What does that say about you and about them?

Yes, provided you are able to, enlisted should always salute an officer. There are only a few limited instances where you do not.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Oct 22 at 2019 8:17 AM

MSG Gary Eckert — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 08:17:01 -0400

That fact that it happened several times concerns me. Were you close to the flight line or did you notice if the airmen were missing their headgear? Often there are no salute/no headgear areas. In the future if you are uncertain about whether to make a correction, pull aside one of the NCOs and ask. If the airmen were in the wrong, the guy with stripes will fix that.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Oct 22 at 2019 9:22 AM

SSG George Holtje — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 09:22:03 -0400

Yes

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Oct 22 at 2019 9:37 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 09:37:40 -0400

LT Private RallyPoint Member, after reading the replies, I think you get the gist. I in particular liked the advice from MSG Gary Eckert about getting clarification from their nearest NCO if in doubt yourself.

I know I was taught ranks for the other branches, and I would have assumed all service members were as well, but maybe I'm wrong to assume that. I just knew that when it came to rendering salutes--regardless of the branch the officer in question was from--the lesson always ended with the golden rule of thumb, "when in doubt, whip it out".

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2019 9:41 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 09:41:22 -0400

Sir...not just yes, but HELL YES.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 22 at 2019 10:23 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:23:22 -0400

I see your mistake! Don't worry, it's an easy one to make. You mistook those Airmen as being actual military members. Anyone in the military can tell you the Air Force isn't a real branch ;)
It's the equivalent of the "Make a Wish" kids being "Marines for a day" or "Soldiers for the day". Sure, we all know it's not real, but we all pretend for the smiles on their faces..

Response by SSG Andres Guarnizo made Oct 22 at 2019 10:37 AM

SSG Andres Guarnizo — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:37:01 -0400

Would you allow a soldier to walk past you without saluting? Hell no. Don't be afraid to correct this. Everyone should have a level of situational awareness when walking around post in uniform. I recall walking around in several areas that I just had to walk around almost in a constant salute. One of the oldest traditions in the military that needs to be properly kept. If any issues or questions, look for your nearest NCO and he will have your back!

Response by PO3 Adam Stoflet made Oct 22 at 2019 10:55 AM

PO3 Adam Stoflet — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:55:37 -0400

I think each branch has their own little quarks with regards to that. In the Navy we had a once and done thing while topside and underway.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Oct 22 at 2019 11:20 AM

SGT Philip Roncari — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 11:20:59 -0400

I remember back in Basic,maybe AIT ,memorizing a chart showing different ranks,different branches,uniforms etc to be able to show proper recognition,granted this was quite awhile ago so maybe it’s just a matter of lack of training ,Sir.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2019 11:41 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 11:41:25 -0400

Yup school them hard

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2019 11:50 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 11:50:23 -0400

Everyone, I found the AF reg that says AF personnel shall salute commissioned officers from other branches.

https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi34-1201/afi34-1201.pdf

So I’ll be ready to politely and tactfully correct anyone next time I encounter this situation, and will be able to cite directly to the proper authority.

afi34-1201.pdf

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Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 22 at 2019 12:18 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 12:18:56 -0400

Yes. Make the on the spot correction. Were you in SDB? That can be confusing. Simple developmental on the spot correction. Don't have to be a fire breather..Just stop them and Ask them if they know what a Naval Officer looks like.

If you were in khaki or utilities it should have been obvious.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Oct 22 at 2019 12:21 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 12:21:56 -0400

Philip- First, let me suggest that your heart's in the right place... but all we accomplish by ignoring the rules as leaders, is to make the NCO's jobs harder (I know because as a young JO, I inadvertently did so, and had to be corrected myself). There's every chance they didn't recognize naval ranks (though I 'spose they're still teaching all that in Basic)...but also the chance no one's ever corrected them on it. If it had been me, and an Air Force NCO was close at hand, I would have (VERY politely) asked if there's an Air Force or installation regulation against saluting in that area. My guess is that some airmen would be getting spot corrected very soon thereafter. If none had been present, I would have (also, VERY politely) pulled one of them aside and asked the same question. If (in the unlikely event) such a rule existed...you don't look like a "tool" for asking. If (as is more likely) none such exists...you're either going to get a, "Sorry Sir" and a salute...or a reason to ask for the name of someone's element leader.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 22 at 2019 12:22 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 12:22:52 -0400

Yes you should have corrected the airmen. True, they may not have recognized you as an officer. You are their living learning experience. Next time take time to teach and correct.

Response by Tawanna Bryles made Oct 22 at 2019 12:30 PM

Tawanna Bryles — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 12:30:06 -0400

You nessarary don't have too

Response by SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth made Oct 22 at 2019 1:10 PM

SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 13:10:25 -0400

Politely approach the individual/group, educate the party involved so that they know in the future!!

Response by COL William Oseles made Oct 22 at 2019 1:24 PM

COL William Oseles — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 13:24:36 -0400

Simple answer is yes.
If there was an NCI witnessing it I would start with the NCO.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2019 1:46 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 13:46:02 -0400

Yes I would have pulled them to the side and made an on the spot correction. I wouldn’t have broken anyone off for it, but at the same time I’d remind them when in doubt if someone is an officer from another branch or military render the salute and if they aren’t worthy of it by rank then they can brush it off. This was what I was taught. I remember one time seeing a WO-4 at Fort Sill and saluting him. I was new as an officer and didn’t recognize the rank. He laughed and was happy to have an O-3 salute him then told me what he was and went about the day. No harm no foul.

Response by Capt Bob Soldner made Oct 22 at 2019 2:08 PM

Capt Bob Soldner — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:08:37 -0400

As a JG you should know the ans to your question.

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2019 2:20 PM

CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:20:33 -0400

Try being a Marine CWO at a joint command, salutes are the least of your worries. You go by “Chief” or “Warrant” mostly just by “hey man” interservice customs and courtesies need work

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2019 3:15 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:15:24 -0400

Sir, raising your voice with a Half right, Face and Front leaning rest position, Move would have quickly got the Airman's attention. :)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2019 3:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:17:31 -0400

In khakis they should have noticed your rank - but I know in utility uniform for enlisted Navy rank that shit confused the hell out of me the first joint unit I was in.

If you ever see a deficiency you should correct it. No matter what rank you or the other person are.

Response by SSG Harper Peterson made Oct 22 at 2019 3:40 PM

SSG Harper Peterson — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:40:04 -0400

Yes! We need to get back to the basics with our customs and courtesies. If you’re in uniform and you approach, or are approached by, an Officer you will render a salute and proper greeting. If anyone has a problem with it, gtfo!

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2019 5:03 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:03:48 -0400

Seems to me it's a case of junior personal trying to push the limit with the JO. Had it happen to me when I was a JO. Not so much anymore. I found a forcefull "good morning/afternoon" combined with a direct stare usually got the job done. Some have claimed they may not understand Navy ranks...I call BS. Officers are pretty clear. If you were wearing your type III uniform and the tiny rank was covered, maybe. As uncomfortable as it might be you need to address and correct the problem.. .. don't need to be an ass, but you can't let it slide.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Oct 22 at 2019 8:56 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 20:56:27 -0400

Absolutely. All are brothers/sisters in arms.

Response by SPC John Decker made Oct 22 at 2019 11:30 PM

SPC John Decker — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 23:30:18 -0400

In my day, we were told; The rank commands respect the man/woman earns it. I heard a story about a Colonel who, when he arrived home, would place his uniform on a hanger and hang it in his front yard. Sitting inside, in view of his uniform, he would report any uniformed SM walking past it without saluting. Enlisted in uniform should always salute and officer in uniform.

Response by COL Arnold Jensen made Oct 23 at 2019 12:03 AM

COL Arnold Jensen — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 00:03:16 -0400

If they didn't and if they weren't MY soldiers, I would salute them. That almost always provoked them to salute, if they didn't we'd have a short discussion.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Oct 23 at 2019 2:35 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 02:35:11 -0400

I would pull one off to the side and not make a big deal out of it. And say should I call your company commander or the MP's. Correct them for sure. I had an Air force major at Ramstein when I was getting ready to board a C17 to Kapasvar after the Bosnian war I did not have a hat on. Short hair but no Cap. I was in fatigues. He says where is your hat and a salute. I turn around and of course, I am a civilian GS 12. I say do you have a problem major? He says no sir. A couple of air force NCO's see this and come up to me and say good for you. I tell them I am a retired CW4 as well. This is the truth

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Oct 23 at 2019 6:43 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 06:43:43 -0400

I used to run into the exact opposite problem when I was going to school at Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo. When I walked around in my khaki's, I got saluted all the time. I would just correct the members and explain that shiny metal on one side of the piss-cutter, no salute, shiny metal on both sides, salute.

Response by SSG Michael Mcparland made Oct 23 at 2019 11:48 AM

SSG Michael Mcparland — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 11:48:39 -0400

You should have corrected them right on the SPOT,I am a retired,NCO,AS MUCH AS YOU DONT LIKE SALUTING OFFICERS,YOU STILL HAVE TO SHOW THEM,THAT RESPECT,NO MATER WHAT YOUR FEELINGS ARE.Me as an NCO,would have corrected any lower Enlisted,on the spot.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2019 12:18 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 12:18:17 -0400

The interesting thing is I am prior Navy enlisted. And I actually liked saluting officers. It made me feel like part of something bigger than myself.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Oct 23 at 2019 9:35 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 21:35:43 -0400

LT Private RallyPoint Member - In defense of the Airmen, it's possible they did not recognize you as an officer. It took me working a joint assignment or two before I really got the hang of identifying Naval rank (still not sure I got it completely!), especially officers. You would have been justified in some brief professional education of the wayward members. I'm betting it was a lack of awareness more so than a deliberate act of disrespect.

Response by Kiersten Childs made Oct 25 at 2019 9:27 AM

Kiersten Childs — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 09:27:12 -0400

I'm just curious (I'm a civilian who just went into DEP with the Navy a couple of days ago), but are the insignia the same for all branches? If not, do they teach you the other branch's insignia in boot camp?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 3:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 15:00:16 -0400

I was corrected by a SGT because I stared down a rear admiral while he passed the bench I was smoking a cigarette on lol. The rear admiral didn’t bother to correct me he just gave me an almost angry/confused look. To be fair, I didn’t know what his rank was. I assumed he was an older NCO.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Oct 26 at 2019 5:04 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 17:04:56 -0400

Yes, sir, you should. Doesn't make a difference what branch an enlisted person is in... we all have to render proper greetings to a commissioned offier, which includes a salute if they have their cover on. All military enslited weather personnel (that's Air Force, Navy, and Marines) go to Keesler AFB for weather school. We all have to salute each others officers when in uniform and covered.

Quick story... When I was in my frist weather school at Chanute AFB in 1990, there was this AF Major who had this set of cammies that had collars with black tips right where the rank devices went. He wore the subdued black rank devices on that uniform. He'd walk around base just to yell at enlisted personnel for not saluting because we couldn't see his rank device.

But don't feel bad... I've seen airmen salute Chiefs because they see khaki and auto think officer. You wanna really piss a Chief off and fast? Salute them.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Oct 26 at 2019 6:14 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 18:14:33 -0400

Air Force is different... very informal. I was in the USAFR. Some officers wanted to be called by their first name. I used to go out of my way to harass them by saluting.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2019 3:54 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 15:54:22 -0400

Yes. They need to salute you. Their ignorance of a sister-service rank structure or uniforms is no excuse. In fact, "if in doubt, salute" was what I was taught in USAF Basic Training. It is a sign of respect for the other person and the rank. I will admit, its awkward to stop and correct them.

Response by SFC Michael W. made Dec 25 at 2019 1:40 PM

SFC Michael W. — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 13:40:39 -0500

On-the-spot correction sir unless it's a No Salute area. On that same note, at least one of the personnel at minimum should have professionally greeted you with "Sir".

Although they may have not recognized naval rank they should at least became aware that if it looks similar to Air Force officer rank than that's probably an officer because all branches uses the same insignias for officers...

Response by SGT Robert Farrell made Jan 8 at 2020 2:15 PM

SGT Robert Farrell — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:15:00 -0500

YES!

Response by SSG Jess Peters made May 3 at 2020 3:37 AM

SSG Jess Peters — Sun, 03 May 2020 03:37:07 -0400

You are required to salute all officers regardless of branch of service and those of our allies as well.

Response by A1C Jd Pickering made Jun 8 at 2020 11:47 PM

A1C Jd Pickering — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 23:47:56 -0400

I was USAF A1C, 6901st SCG USAFSS (the silent service) in Zweibrucken 1966-1967, we shared the real estate with several US Army units. There were 4 or 5 of us walking from our building to the mess hall for lunch. We met a group of Army personnel with at least 2 officers and a NCO or two. All but one of us saluted. One of the NCOs turned around and said "Don't you salute officers, Airman?" The offending airman turned around taking a few steps backwards, used his left hand to remove his empty right sleeve from his field jacket pocket, held it to his right temple, and said "Yes Sir", turned back the way we were going. No one snickered or laughed though we kinda wanted to

Response by SPC Dean J. Thompson made Sep 17 at 2020 11:04 AM

SPC Dean J. Thompson — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 11:04:46 -0400

Absolutely. Officers are officers no matter what branch of service.
If a subordinate fails to render a proper Salute corrective action is warranted.
This also goes for officers from other nations.
Don't go ballistic about the corrective action, make it an educational moment with a warning that next time it will be more then a warning.

Response by SP6 M. R. Teeters made Sep 24 at 2020 5:19 PM

SP6 M. R. Teeters — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 17:19:22 -0400

Absolutely!! You an O-##, not a Navy O-## or an Air Force O-##...but an O-## across all services!! Do it firmly, non-threateningly, and take the opportunity to educate the service members in question. Unless your visit was on a base in a combat zone, or God forbid, their uniformed service has quit handing their inductees the photo chart of symbols of rank for all services, how will they know that if you, Navy LTJG, happen to be running east on a trail and are approached by a platoon of Army Warriors and their PltnS running west and the PltnS drops dead of a heart attack at your feet, their new small unit commander, without question, is a Squid who likes to sing Anchors Aweigh...might make singing cadence on the run back unless you really dislike a guy named Jody or don't know why a yellow bird with a yellow bill would sit upon a window Sill or why everybody around you is constantly looking down for a discharge on the ground.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Oct 15 at 2020 11:18 PM

CDR William Kempner — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 23:18:29 -0400

Yes. They know better.

Response by SSgt Eric Owens made Jan 30 at 2021 2:03 PM

SSgt Eric Owens — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 14:03:23 -0500

The fact that anyone is questioning it at all is sad. Saluting is a sign of respect, period. I loved saluting when it was young. It is a visual show of my respect to officers who earned the right, and a sign of self respect. We should never stop.

Response by MAJ John Eckholm made Mar 26 at 2021 2:56 PM

MAJ John Eckholm — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:56:49 -0400

Yes you should have corrected them. I could almost bet that once you where out of ear shot they talked about not saluting you.

Response by LTC John Bush made Mar 31 at 2021 4:00 PM

LTC John Bush — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 16:00:53 -0400

Short answer is yes bot use some tact. You are on the right track when you recognize they may not be familiar with the uniform. For example a firm good morning airmen followed by initiation of s salute. Just a thought.

Response by SN Michael Coban made Apr 29 at 2021 5:52 PM

SN Michael Coban — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 17:52:29 -0400

I would out of respect.

Response by MSG Richard Loden made May 27 at 2021 8:36 PM

MSG Richard Loden — Thu, 27 May 2021 20:36:17 -0400

Even they were in a no salute area they should have at least acknowledged you with a good morning (afternoon, evening) sir.

Response by Cpl Bill Lester made May 29 at 2021 7:19 AM

Cpl Bill Lester — Sat, 29 May 2021 07:19:09 -0400

It has been awhile since I was active duty so I verified that although enlisted insignia is different amongst the branches, the officer insignia is the same. It is not that hard to tell enlisted from officer. I may have been a little late on a salute or two but once you are close enough to see any insignia, there is no excuse.

Response by SFC Dwight Beaver made Jun 5 at 2021 10:53 PM

SFC Dwight Beaver — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 22:53:13 -0400

Damn right you should!!#@!!!@!!

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Jun 5 at 2021 11:45 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 23:45:49 -0400

Any time I encounter anybody from the Navy, I like to see if I can guess the rank. For officers, I'm always spot-on. For enlisted, I'm fairly good with NCO's and I'm getting better with Senior NCO's (Chief's). Once, I met two PO's at a mall, and guess their ranks. Got it in one, each. They were quite pleased. I showed them my retired ID, and got a salute from both of them.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jun 6 at 2021 3:49 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 15:49:34 -0400

It does not mater if it's on the sleeve, collar, epaulette, or hat, a gold or silver bar/stripe is an officer in any service, even if the uniform is unfamiliar. Those service members knew better. I agree with MSG Eckert on the corrective action, get the attention of an NCO and let him/her make the correction.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Jun 6 at 2021 4:37 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 16:37:51 -0400

In a word: Yes.
Now for some small details. If it's a group, you might want to see who is senior, and have a quiet chat with that person. Just a few words to the wise. If it's a single individual, again, just a word to the wise might suffice. Alternatively, you could just greet that person and ask their unit; everybody does that. Then, (assuming you noted name and rank), you could see about talking to NCOIC, Shirt, XO or commander. I hold the rank of Lt Col (retired, so I'm not expecting any salutes these days), and if I were on AD, I would be comfortable talking to any Field Grade. Once again, just a word to the wise; no complaining, just a heads up. You're not trying to get anybody into trouble, you want to Avoid future trouble, because the next Officer that person does not salute might not be so forgiving. For a CGO, the Shirt or the XO might be more your level.

I am also in the State Guard, where I hold the rank of Colonel. A lot of NG members also act that way, and I wonder what the situation is. I've held back several times due to my personal uncertainties. Don't know if I did anybody any favors, though.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Jun 6 at 2021 6:31 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 18:31:26 -0400

If I recall correctly, Navy and Marine Corps rank insignia on Khakis are much smaller than the Air Force's or Army's insidgnia. That "MIGHT" be why no salute was forthcoming. Consider too you youthful appearance (compliment, not an insult), they may have thought you were a "slick sleeve," as in an E-1. LOL I wonder if you had been in dress blues with the gold bars around you coat's cuff area -- would you have been recognized as, "He's an officer! Salute!"

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Jun 6 at 2021 8:19 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:19:15 -0400

Easy answer. Yes. But please explain the other branches rank system. It doesn't help to correct without an explanation of WHY!!!!!!!!!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2021 12:59 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 12:59:07 -0400

Yes, be tactful as you are a visitor, but still authorized to enforce regs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2021 2:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 14:55:41 -0400

Regardless of what branch, all officers deserve to be saluted as a sign of respect. It's sad that some of the core values I learnt many years ago such as saluting officers are no longer being enforced. While it's been many years now since I served, there was a time that if you didn't salute an officer, you had a butt chewing coming.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2021 10:45 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 22:45:51 -0400

Yes.

Response by SFC Alan Payne made Aug 8 at 2021 1:21 PM

SFC Alan Payne — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 13:21:48 -0400

I can’t believe this is even a question!
However seeing you are either navy or coastguard it might be that the individuals did not recognize your rank insignia for what it is dependent upon the uniform you were wearing and type of insignia displayed. All those rings and things don’t mean much to those of us used to stripes and stuff. If I saw rings on sleeves or shoulder boards that was enough for me.
Also the Air Force does not have the best disciplinary reputation and the individuals may not have even saluted one of their own service officers. An on the spot correction would have been in order.

Response by SFC Rick Dortch made Apr 22 at 2022 4:02 PM

SFC Rick Dortch — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:02:06 -0400

Yes you should

Response by Pvt Joe Mcsherdon made Jun 1 at 2022 7:37 PM

Pvt Joe Mcsherdon — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:37:26 -0400

Evidently they weren't taught better salute even the foreign officers.

Response by CW4 Richard Norton made Jun 28 at 2022 7:06 PM

CW4 Richard Norton — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 19:06:34 -0400

In a word yes, you are just as wrong for not making a courtesy on the spot correction. It is possible the didn’t recognize the rank from a different service. I did like the answer earlier to speak to the guy close with stripes and let him correct the enlisted members.

Response by AA Leon Kenobbie made Jun 30 at 2022 10:01 AM

AA Leon Kenobbie — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:01:10 -0400

I was in khakis, and perhaps they didn't recognize that I was an officer. How would anyone know you were an officer? You could just as easily be a civilian walking around! I'm surprised MPs didn't stop you!

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Dec 4 at 2022 3:32 PM

CW5 Mark Smith — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 15:32:45 -0500

They salute in the Air Force? I thought everyone went by first names.

Response by SSgt Michael Grafmuller made Jan 27 at 2023 8:33 PM

SSgt Michael Grafmuller — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 20:33:29 -0500

It is your responsibility to educate those on customs, There is nothing stopping you from initiating the salute. The salute is often not returned either, so since you would be required to return the salute, it is important to enforce everything. Today the attention to detail and quality of work the military was once known for is seriously lacking because far to many are skirting their responsibilities and letting it be.

Response by CW4 Richard Norton made Apr 2 at 2023 5:23 PM

CW4 Richard Norton — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 17:23:43 -0400

Oh yes as you would correct enlisted personnel in your branch for not saluting you or any other officer. In other branches officer rank is fairly standard. The names of the officer rank in the Navy is a little different than other branches but the look like officer rank.

Response by Sgt Luis Bonilla made May 17 at 2023 8:38 PM

Sgt Luis Bonilla — Wed, 17 May 2023 20:38:12 -0400

Yes all day every day no matter what Branch of Service correct that individual privately don’t disrespect her/him but they need to be corrected and reminded of our military bearing and respect this is crazy of a question am sorry but in my time there’s no if or butts we corrected and move on

Response by MSgt Brandy Epps made Aug 31 at 2023 6:51 PM

MSgt Brandy Epps — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 18:51:27 -0400

Should have corrected it and I am an Air Force SNCO.

Response by CPT David Tanner made Nov 14 at 2023 5:40 PM

CPT David Tanner — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:40:45 -0500

This has probably already been answered. But all enlisted and lower ranking officers must salute all officers and of higher rank, no matter what service. If their hands are full, they must grret you. If they don't do either, stop them and correct their lack of action and disrespect.

Response by PO2 Stephen Brownell made Nov 16 at 2023 1:48 AM

PO2 Stephen Brownell — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 01:48:37 -0500

You should have pulled them aside and chew their ass up one side and then the other side.

Response by PO1 Ben Needham made Jan 11 at 2024 1:30 PM

PO1 Ben Needham — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 13:30:30 -0500

An officer is an officer, it doesn't matter what branch of service you are in. If the enlisted do not recognize you as such, they need to learn. More military instruction and less DEI.

Response by SPC Edwin Franco made May 6 at 2024 10:14 AM

SPC Edwin Franco — Mon, 06 May 2024 10:14:49 -0400

I saluted an Air Force Captain & retired 3 star General while in the Army
Commissioned Officer ranks are for all branches and they're all military officers