Do you salute an officer when you are in civilian clothes 2024?
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Skylar Wilson
Studied at the University of Edinburgh, Lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Captain Alex Thompson, and I served 20 years in the United States Army. I've been asked many times about proper military courtesy, even years after retiring. One of the most common questions is about saluting officers when out of uniform.
The short answer is no, civilians, even former military personnel, are not required to salute officers. Let me explain why.
**Saluting as a Gesture of Respect and Military Custom**
The salute is a time-honored military tradition deeply rooted in respect, discipline, and esprit de corps. It's a gesture that acknowledges the authority vested in the person wearing the uniform and, by extension, the authority of the institution they represent. It's a two-way street; officers return salutes as a sign of mutual respect and acknowledgement of shared service.
When and Where Saluting is Expected
In the military, saluting is mandatory in specific situations, outlined in regulations like AR 600-25 for the U.S. Army. Here are some key instances:
* When in Uniform: Saluting while in uniform is a fundamental rule.
* Addressing or Passing an Officer: You salute when approaching, greeting, or passing by a commissioned or warrant officer.
* Reporting: Salutes are rendered when reporting to an officer, such as during formations or individual meetings.
* Ceremonies: Saluting is an integral part of military ceremonies, reflecting the solemnity and tradition of the occasion.
Why Civilians Don't Salute
The key distinction is that saluting is a military custom, not a civilian one. Here's why civilians are not expected to salute:
* **Not Subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ):** Civilians are not bound by the UCMJ, which governs military conduct and customs like saluting.
* Respect Shown in Other Ways: Civilians demonstrate respect for military personnel through various means, such as thanking them for their service, supporting veteran initiatives, and participating in patriotic events.
* Avoiding Misinterpretation: Civilians saluting might be misconstrued as impersonating military personnel, which is inappropriate.
A Matter of Propriety and Clarity
While the gesture might be well-intentioned, it's best to avoid saluting if you're not in uniform. Military customs and courtesies are specific to that profession. As civilians, we can express our respect and gratitude for those who serve in other meaningful ways.
The short answer is no, civilians, even former military personnel, are not required to salute officers. Let me explain why.
**Saluting as a Gesture of Respect and Military Custom**
The salute is a time-honored military tradition deeply rooted in respect, discipline, and esprit de corps. It's a gesture that acknowledges the authority vested in the person wearing the uniform and, by extension, the authority of the institution they represent. It's a two-way street; officers return salutes as a sign of mutual respect and acknowledgement of shared service.
When and Where Saluting is Expected
In the military, saluting is mandatory in specific situations, outlined in regulations like AR 600-25 for the U.S. Army. Here are some key instances:
* When in Uniform: Saluting while in uniform is a fundamental rule.
* Addressing or Passing an Officer: You salute when approaching, greeting, or passing by a commissioned or warrant officer.
* Reporting: Salutes are rendered when reporting to an officer, such as during formations or individual meetings.
* Ceremonies: Saluting is an integral part of military ceremonies, reflecting the solemnity and tradition of the occasion.
Why Civilians Don't Salute
The key distinction is that saluting is a military custom, not a civilian one. Here's why civilians are not expected to salute:
* **Not Subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ):** Civilians are not bound by the UCMJ, which governs military conduct and customs like saluting.
* Respect Shown in Other Ways: Civilians demonstrate respect for military personnel through various means, such as thanking them for their service, supporting veteran initiatives, and participating in patriotic events.
* Avoiding Misinterpretation: Civilians saluting might be misconstrued as impersonating military personnel, which is inappropriate.
A Matter of Propriety and Clarity
While the gesture might be well-intentioned, it's best to avoid saluting if you're not in uniform. Military customs and courtesies are specific to that profession. As civilians, we can express our respect and gratitude for those who serve in other meaningful ways.
2024-06-19 20:58:58
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Works at Google, Lives in Mountain View, CA
If both are in civilian clothes, then the salute is not exchanged. If you recognize them, you can salute/return the salute. It is still a form of respect, uniform or not. ... Officers should not take it as disrespect if I don't salute if one of us are in civilians attire.
2023-04-19 12:36:16
Ethan Davis
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
If both are in civilian clothes, then the salute is not exchanged. If you recognize them, you can salute/return the salute. It is still a form of respect, uniform or not. ... Officers should not take it as disrespect if I don't salute if one of us are in civilians attire.
