Posted on Dec 14, 2020
Do I need to render a salute to an officer when my hands are occupied?
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This is the second time I’ve gotten reprimanded for this situation. I was walking with a binder in my hands, and a mug in the other hand. I walked past a CSM and a CPT, greeted both as I was unable to salute. CSM stopped me and demanded that I drop everything to salute the CPT. AR 600-25 states that I am not required to render a salute if I am carrying articles with both hands. What is the right answer?
Customs and Courtesies
Saluting
Officers
Enlisted
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 624
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hand whatever you are holding in your right hand to the CSM and salute......
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SSG Gabriel Galindo
TSgt James Warfield - If you re-read the posting, it was the CSM that demanded they drop everything and salute, not the CPT. That being said, no reason that they couldn't shift the mug to the other hand and hold the binder under their arm as you stated.
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SGT Lance LeBerte
Maj Gail Lofdahl - hadn't thought about it in years but I still do the same, born out for almost 30 years and still try to keep my right hand free
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SGT Michael Wells III
I would like to just say that this LTC might not have the best interest of an enlistedman in mind here. Firstly no. Article 117 of the UCMJ paves the way for the exception of rendering a salute (safety, performing a task, etc) which covers carrying something like equipment in both hands as being an exception.
Hand something to the CSM so HE can't salute, though? Sorry "Sir" but I'm afraid I'd be a little more concerned with upsetting the CSM and getting HIM in trouble. I've generally found that when you have your CSM's back, he has yours. Never met an officer without "Warrant" in front of it where that was true.
Hand something to the CSM so HE can't salute, though? Sorry "Sir" but I'm afraid I'd be a little more concerned with upsetting the CSM and getting HIM in trouble. I've generally found that when you have your CSM's back, he has yours. Never met an officer without "Warrant" in front of it where that was true.
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Stop carrying stuff in your right hand. Was I the only one taught that the right hand was unofficially forbidden from carrying stuff? =o)
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1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR)
Not certain what you mean by "No requirement", has nothing to do with "Best Practices". It makes sense that if your hands are full and it is impossible to free the right hand, "Best Practice" would be to give a polite greeting and quietly go about your business. Take note of the words "Full" and "Impossible" - Any officer that criticized this behavior would be a power hungry fool at best.
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The right answer is not to put yourself in those situations if possible. Seriously.
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SFC Chris Weaver
COL Guy Campion a greeting back and I have the common sense to know he can’t salute due to his hands are full.
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MSG (Join to see)
Capt George Wolf - Good one.....but as much as I LOVE coffee, it would have been in my other hand.
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SGT Michael Wells III
I detect maybe a slight bit of anger here. I'm assuming some unit spaced themselves out by about 20 meters and walked past you single-file causing you to keep your salute up for 20 mins?
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PO2 Stephen Cline
SGT Michael Wells III - I got chew out by an ensign for not rendering a salute when I had books under both arms. Courtesy and understanding works both ways.
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