Posted on Sep 13, 2014
Why do you think newly commissioned officers give a silver dollar to the person that renders them their first salute?
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While I do not think anyone knows for sure where this tradition originated, some suggest that it was passed on from British regiments garrisoned in the US.
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Customs and Courtesies
Saluting
Customs and Courtesies Saluting
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 23
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I don't know but I need to head to West Point on graduation day and do some saluting.
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MAJ Dallas D.
There were lots of Vultures sitting around the OCS graduation waiting to try and get the Silver Dollars. I will always remember the SFC who ruined my day by literary jumping in front of my brother to try and steal the silver dollar. Thankfully I had been warned and had a regular one in my pocket in case something like that happened. It's a shame that some NCO's like to ruin the day for the newly commissioned officers. And yes I am bitter about this.
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LT Jessica Kellogg
When I went through OCS, after we commissioned, we didn't wear our covers while waiting to salute our RDC and DI just to make sure our first salutes went to the intended people.
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AN Kevin Harris
I remember I was stationed at NASC (Naval Aviation Schools Command) in Pensacola FL and the command building was right across the street from OCS. Just happened to be running an errand for the command legal officer when I snap a salute to a Navy Ensign, out of no where he hands me a shiny silver dollar and apparently he saw the confused look on my face because he proceeded to explain the situation to me lol.
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My father in law got my coin. The US Mint saw fit to cast a coin for the finest branch in the Army. The Infantry Silver Dollar. If you were branched Infantry you had to get it.
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CPT (Join to see)
SSG Keven Lahde You need to hang around an OCS graduation. I asked my father in law to be my first salute. He was very thankful of it.
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SSG Keven Lahde
CPT (Join to see) Sir I just might have to do that. Although I am a little ways from Annapolis. I guess that should be put on my bucket list.
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According to http://www.jcs-group.com/military/rank/salute.html :
The exact origin of this custom is arguable. Researchers suggest that it came from the British regiments stationed in Colonial America. They brought with them a number of customs and traditions that were retained by the newly formed American Units. For example, newly commissioned British officers were assigned an enlisted soldier to train them, teach them the regiment's history and traditions, and ensure that his equipment met appropriate standards. Grateful lieutenants often showed their heartfelt gratitude by informally compensating the enlisted man with a small sum of money.
This custom continued to grow within the British military and newly formed American units. American second Lieutenants, in 1816, received a monthly base pay of $25, a $3 ration allowance, and $1 for an enlisted advisor. This advisor's pay was later discontinued, but the responsibility for teaching the newly commissioned officer continued. The present day tradition is thought to have its roots in this relationship.
Authorized by Congress on April 2, 1792, the silver dollar traditionally is the only coin given in exchange for the first salute. The coin should represent more than a dollar in currency. To every new officer, it has a special significance. It represents the symbolic receipt of respect due a newly earned rank and position. It signifies a deep sense of gratitude for the knowledge-enlisted personnel, especially NCOs, have passed on to them during training. It's acknowledgement from one professional to another saying, "Welcome to our service and to the profession of arms."
The exact origin of this custom is arguable. Researchers suggest that it came from the British regiments stationed in Colonial America. They brought with them a number of customs and traditions that were retained by the newly formed American Units. For example, newly commissioned British officers were assigned an enlisted soldier to train them, teach them the regiment's history and traditions, and ensure that his equipment met appropriate standards. Grateful lieutenants often showed their heartfelt gratitude by informally compensating the enlisted man with a small sum of money.
This custom continued to grow within the British military and newly formed American units. American second Lieutenants, in 1816, received a monthly base pay of $25, a $3 ration allowance, and $1 for an enlisted advisor. This advisor's pay was later discontinued, but the responsibility for teaching the newly commissioned officer continued. The present day tradition is thought to have its roots in this relationship.
Authorized by Congress on April 2, 1792, the silver dollar traditionally is the only coin given in exchange for the first salute. The coin should represent more than a dollar in currency. To every new officer, it has a special significance. It represents the symbolic receipt of respect due a newly earned rank and position. It signifies a deep sense of gratitude for the knowledge-enlisted personnel, especially NCOs, have passed on to them during training. It's acknowledgement from one professional to another saying, "Welcome to our service and to the profession of arms."
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