If you are family/blood related, do you render a salute to your family member?

2014-08-22T01:10:18-04:00

I understand the whole "married before officer/enlisted as exception" isn't considered fraternization. Please understand that is not what I am asking.

If there is a sibling/parent/son or daughter who is an officer and you are enlisted, do you render a salute to them?

Also, does the family member have the right to give officer orders to the enlisted?

Please provide supporting ARs/AFIs/MCOs/NAVREGs/SOPs (that was a mouthful) for this questionnaire. Thank you!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 22 at 2014 2:37 AM

2014-08-22T02:37:35-04:00

I'd be honored to salute my baby sister! All day every day 24/7. No regulations posted. I'm retired.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Aug 22 at 2014 3:41 AM

2014-08-22T03:41:49-04:00

SrA David Letteer, I hope this helps... This is stuff I found on a quick search. I am sure some Officers who are still in the service can help with more detail... especially if you went into specifics as to what you are really asking...

Department of the Army Fraternization Policy
www .atsc.army.mil/CRC/DA%20Frat%20Policy%20grn.pdf

Air Force Instruction 36-2909, Professional and Unprofessional Relationships.
usmilitary.about.com/od/afreg/p/afi362909.htm

www .dod.mil/dodgc/defense_ethics/ethics_regulation/

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Aug 22 at 2014 8:48 AM

2014-08-22T08:48:07-04:00

At work or in uniform? Yes. In the privacy of your own home? That's none of our business.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 22 at 2014 8:56 AM

2014-08-22T08:56:47-04:00

Of course you would...why would you not? In answer to your question on references, I would state that I have seen no exceptions to regulation or tradition based on relationship; I would ask YOU to find something to the contrary.
Now, in your own home, with your own family, then you, as a family, are free to do as you deem appropriate... I highly doubt the 'salute police' will be hanging out peeking through your windows.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 22 at 2014 9:09 AM

2014-08-22T09:09:45-04:00

I have not looked at this set of regs in years.....here are my thoughts. In uniform, salute, YES. Out of uniform, not required. As to orders....on duty, and duty related, it would be the same as giving a legal order to anyone else (even if outside direct chain of command.....there are orders that can be legally given). In civies, at offical function, rules apply. at home, HOPEFULLY, all in fun.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2014 9:49 AM

2014-08-22T09:49:16-04:00

I think its weird... I know it should be done especially while on duty or in uniform. But its still weird, kind of funny? I dont know. I have a little bro in the Marine Corp and uncle thats a SGM in the Army. Its weird no matter what.

Although, having your retired AF dad and SGM uncle be your first salute... Heart wrenching... I know. So precious..

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Aug 22 at 2014 5:46 PM

2014-08-22T17:46:05-04:00

My husband did my First Salute. At the time he joked about it being the one and only time he would salute me. But honestly, it would make me really uncomfortable for him to salute me outside of a ceremonial situation like that.
(and so make an effort to avoid the situation, if we're meeting up at work, one of us will go into the others work so we aren't meeting outside)

My brother in law is also enlisted; I've never run in to him at work, but exchanging salutes with him wouldn't bother me like it would with my husband.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2014 8:14 PM

2014-08-22T20:14:40-04:00

The responses I am getting are great, but others are questioning as if I should already know this by now. Please understand this has absolutely nothing to do with my knowledge in the military or lack of understanding in rank structure. Throwing the questions back at me will only kill the discussion thread.

The main purpose for this question is to learn from everyone's personal opinion/ view point and if there are actual regulations for family exemption in rank.

It sounds like as I read all responses, respecting the rank will be top priority regardless if you are related to the individual when in uniform, because of the uniform and rank. Great!

Follow up question (while in uniform): because of the relationship that the enlisted has with the officer, via blood related or marriage, should the enlisted continue to be respectful to that family officer? Specifically: now that the enlisted family member respected the rank through salute when greeting, will that be the extent for the related officer and the enlisted can go back to being family siblings again or does he/she have to continue with standing at attention, reporting statements, etc?

Is there a respectful line drawn for family in the military? If so, when?

Thank you again to continue this discussion.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Aug 22 at 2014 8:47 PM

2014-08-22T20:47:18-04:00

I always saluted my Dad when I first greeted him....... then I hugged him.....

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 4:45 PM

2014-11-14T16:45:58-05:00

It is very simple, you are saluting the rank not the person. If you do salute a person it is because you hold them in high regard and want to extend that level of respect toward them.
Regardless of how you may feel however, it is the duty and responsibility of every enlisted or junior ranking member to render a salute within a reasonable approaching distance from the senior member.
It all boils down to respect of the rank and if you need it to be as a representative of all those who have worn it throughout history, though that begins to get muddled and contradictory.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 14 at 2014 4:49 PM

2014-11-14T16:49:58-05:00

My little brother is a CW2. You better believe that I rendered him a salute at his promotion ceremony. To be honest, it embarrassed him. Same with my uncle who issued the oath. He is a retired AF LTC who wore his uniform for the ceremony. The right thing to do is always the right thing to do.