Please share your silliest stories about salutes in combat zones. (I can't believe ANYONE does that!) (Yes, I've seen it, myself.)

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 19:09:06 -0400

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 7:20 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 19:20:59 -0400

It is hard to believe in theory, however many of the large FOBs are set up more like large bases in the states. With that being said, I have seen plenty of folks being locked up for not rendering an appropriate salute. Thankfully, my last deployment living area and Battalion area were no cover or salute areas.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jul 11 at 2015 8:14 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 20:14:06 -0400

I took a team to Afghanistan in early 2003, first stop Bagram. (I dressed the way you see me in my photo, this having been taken in an Italian armored car, near FOB Salerno.) The Army was wearing rank on their helmets and soft covers, and saluting all over base, including outside the Command tent complex. I asked a guard, "why isn't this a no salute zone. They usually are." He told me "it used to be a no salute zone, but people abused it". Huh? How do you abuse a no salute zone...by not saluting??? Anyway, most people thought I was a contractor, because I didn't show my rank. I encouraged my team to follow my example. Score! We all came home safely!

Response by CPO Gregory Smith made Jul 11 at 2015 8:21 PM

CPO Gregory Smith — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 20:21:37 -0400

We had a few Army officers get butthurt when we didn't salute. Had to explain to them it goes against Navy custom and regulation to salute in a combat zone. Not sure if the Air Force does it but I'm positive the Marines don't.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 8:41 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 20:41:57 -0400

Saluting was required on the VBC in Iraq when I was there. So were reflective belts. So there ya go, two silly things in a combat zone.

Response by 1LT Aaron Barr made Sep 30 at 2015 12:52 PM

1LT Aaron Barr — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:52:43 -0400

Got my arm snagged in my flak vest and ended up rendering a rifle salute as I couldn't raise my arm....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 2:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:25:24 -0400

In Iraq, I did not salute an Officer he Yell at me for it and ask me why I did not salute... My respond was I don't know you SIR, but I don't like to put anyone in danger... he ask what? ... I responded, In case of Snipers SIR... 1h later an Officer and an Enlisted got wounded by a sniper... Later on, he says THANKS!