Posted on Aug 18, 2014
Capt Air Battle Manager
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Certainly, each service is a little different and some particular customs and courtesies vary, but there are several which span all services.

Briefly, a situation from earlier today, I observed from a distance a soldier who I know to be a corporal walk passed a fellow LT coworker of mine without rendering a salute. The LT did not stop and correct the missed salute and they simply passed one another on the sidewalk. I caught up to the LT later and asked him why he did not act on the situation and we had a discussion.

If you were the officer, how would you have addressed this? Quick and to the point? Do you have any usual reactions or responses? Would you have corrected the corporal or just let it be? Please discuss.
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Responses: 18
SGT Team Leader
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It happens, occasionally. Soldiers walk past, you are lost in your thoughts. In half a second you realize that your brain has recognized the double bars of a Captain! Oh no...absolutely disrespectful! Should I keep on walking and hope he or she didn't catch my name tape or run back and snap to salute?! *ahhhh!*
For instance, Capt (Join to see), the action that I would execute, would be to recognize my missed salute, and promptly, call over my shoulder, " I'm sorry, Sir. Good morning (or evening)!" I would absolutely stop and turn around. If you were to continue walking along, you would have heard me. If not, and you are expecting to correct me on-the-spot, I would already be facing you, and will render a salute anyway.
I've seen too many soldiers who put on their uniform and act like they are putting on a t-shirt and cargo shorts, like they forget where they are. Military courtesy should never be a chore, but should be a concept that a soldier should embrace, on the basis of what it means to be a service-member. A soldier who feels angry or resentful (or too lazy) to render a simple,basic military courtesy to their officers, perhaps should get out of the service when their time is up. And really, good riddance.
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SGT Team Leader
SGT (Join to see)
10 y
LTC Mark Gavula , I apologize for having overlooked a rich source of expertise on military customs and courtesies. Perhaps you could enlighten me? Perhaps I am missing something crucial in between recognizing a missed salute and attempting to rectify it? not with me. Sir, you came out of absolutely nowhere and down-voted an answer with no explanation of the answer's flaws or missing parts.If you are trying to educate a subordinate soldier, you have the perfect opportunity to do so.
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1SG Company First Sergeant
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Poor CPL probably read "that thread" and is now confused as to who he has to salute, even if he has to salute.
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CPT Company Commander
CPT (Join to see)
>1 y
I came here looking for a reference. I knew it would be linked to this at some point.
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1SG Company First Sergeant
1SG (Join to see)
>1 y
You're welcome! LOL
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SGT Jim Z.
SGT Jim Z.
10 y
LOL
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CW5 Command Chief Warrant Officer
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I only walk on post when my CSM can come with me. I can't react fast enough if someone misses a salute.
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