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LTC Psychological Operations Officer
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It seems that the people referring to "military protocol" don't realize that as a civilian, the POTUS is not required nor expected to return the salute. general Eisenhower, when POTUS, didn't, and I'm pretty sure he understood military protocol. President Reagan started the practice not out of military protocol, but as a personal preference. So I really doubt the pilot corrected the POTUS, unless the marine pilot also doesn't understand military protocol.

It's amazing to me what lengths some people will go to to be butt hurt about anything Obama does.
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1SG James Lampe
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From what I saw, Obama clearly did not salute the Marine guard, but did salute the pilot. It looked like the pilot reminded Obama that he forgot to salute after which he exited, approached the Marine guard and shook his hand, which appeared to be an apology of sorts.
I don't care for Obama now and never did, but it was a respectful thing to do and I have to recognize that. I've seen Clinton fail to salute on a constant basis and it never failed to disgust me.
To answer your question, I'd do the same as the pilot. Candor and tact. Well done.
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
Sgt Tom Cunnally
8 y
You are right on Top

But don't you think Obama failing to return a salute very often may be an indication that he doesn't give a shit about military protocols for a Commander in Chief??
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1SG James Lampe
1SG James Lampe
8 y
When POTUS routinely fails to return the salute of his Marine guard, one of the most visible interactions that the CIC has with the military on a regular basis, YES I agree it displays a total disregard for military protocol, lack of respect for the military as a whole, and a failure to exercise one of his responsibilities as the CIC. What concerns me more is why, and what other facets of the military and his duties as CIC does he fail to properly address when there are no cameras or other unclassified visibility?
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SSG Warren Swan
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I think he handled it correctly. Obama made a mistake in not saluting, and rather make a big deal over nothing, he made an on the spot correction (A professionals way to handle it). The President deplaned and showed the Marine he made a mistake and was sorry. But I know the conspiracy nuts will come out of the woodwork and criticize him just because it's him, but if you've done 30 days in the military, you've seen officers with their hands full, you salute, greeting of the day and keep it moving. Or you salute and they're so focused on something they walk right past you. It happens folks.
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
Sgt Tom Cunnally
8 y
It's a sign of respect that should be a two way street. But it is hard for Obama to show respect for an enlisted Marine Pfc of Cpl because he is too busy to bother with something as meaningless as saluting.. If I was on guard duty and he failed to return a salute I would just consider the source as someone who is in a job way above his pay grade and let it go
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SSG Warren Swan
SSG Warren Swan
8 y
2624eedc
Sgt Tom Cunnally - but that is what I'm talking about. Obama caught hell from the right for saluting with a coffee mug. A coffee mug. I googled to see if anyone else did it, and Bush was also guilty of saluting with his dog in hand. If there are rules, fine. But let the coverage show that both are guilty in their manner of saluting.
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
Sgt Tom Cunnally
8 y
SSG Warren Swan - "NEWS FLASH"...

President George W. Bush left office 2640 days & 6 hrs ago.. Sorry you miss him so much but whoever said life was fair??
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TSgt Logistics Management Specialist
TSgt (Join to see)
8 y
SSG Warren Swan - I like Former President George Bush, but that photo makes me laugh. He looks like a new private that was caught holding a dog when he needed to salute. "What do I do George?"
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