Thanks for your Service. What do you do when a civilian salutes you?

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:32:57 -0400

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 30 at 2015 10:36 AM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:36:01 -0400

Approach the situation with care. If you are able to express the reason for the salute in a calm manner after the aknowledgement. then do so.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 30 at 2015 10:39 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:39:22 -0400

I will express my appreciation for their compliment but I don't salute civilians. The rare exception might be a small child but I've never faced that situation to date.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 10:45 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:45:17 -0400

I will eiither salute or thank them back fepending on the context/situation. If I beleive the civilian might be a veteran Id be more inclined to salute. Not a requirment but I dont believe its wrong.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 10:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:47:56 -0400

I salute back.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 10:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:49:44 -0400

I salute kids back. I thank them for their patriotism and offer a firm hand shake.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 11:15 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:15:28 -0400

Thank them back.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 11:16 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:16:21 -0400

If it is a child, I salute back then crouch down to thank them at eye-level.

If it is an adult, no salute but I give them a thanks (Sir/Ma'am) with the chin-jut or acknowledging nod. :)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 11:16 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:16:59 -0400

The only ones that have saluted me have been kids... so yeah I salute'em back and then they giggle and hide behind mom

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 11:28 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:28:20 -0400

I'll return the salute to a child, but thank an adult.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 30 at 2015 11:42 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:42:04 -0400

Thank them back. Honestly I don't think I've ever been saluted by a civilian. I have been saluted by and do salute former military folks in civvies that I am acquainted with but other than "thanks for your support" that's about it.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 11:55 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:55:50 -0400

Any salute should be acknowledged with a return salute.
That is my opinion, I am sure someone will or has (haven't read the responses yet) give a reg that is official.

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made Apr 30 at 2015 12:04 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:04:22 -0400

This is where some common sense needs to be found. What happens when a general or sergeant major salutes an E4 MOH recipient? Sometimes doing the right thing isn't doing the right thing. If someone displays a sign of respect, return it. They are not at fault for the language barrier.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 30 at 2015 2:07 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 14:07:06 -0400

OFTEN, for me, the only people that have saluted me are either kids (which get a kick out of being saluted back) or veterans. In both cases, I return the salute. I don't think I have ever had a non-military affiliated civilian salute me. If it happens, my response will depend on the situation.

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 2:15 PM

HN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 14:15:21 -0400

In the military a salute is a sign of respect to the person being saluted. In my opinion if you are saluted it doesn't matter who does it you shoould salute them back.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 2:25 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 14:25:18 -0400

just like when the 2yr old hands you a toy phone! but adults I politely thank them

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 2:24 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 14:24:37 -0400

If someone were to render me that honor the only appropriate response to me would be to return the salute.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Apr 30 at 2015 2:30 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 14:30:46 -0400

I salute back. It costs me nothing. It doesn't degrade or devalue any other salute I give. It is an acknowledgement of the civilian's respect. They are showing that respect in a way that they think makes sense. I serve the Constitution - of the people, by the people, for the people. I serve the people.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 2:31 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 14:31:45 -0400

Normally I just say thank you and then ask if they are a Vet and if so hold a short conversation with them otherwise I just keep moving.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Apr 30 at 2015 2:35 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 14:35:50 -0400

You salute a child, for they know not what they do is wrong. Adults, give them a simple handshake and thank you for the support, and keep it moving.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Apr 30 at 2015 2:47 PM

SFC Charles S. — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 14:47:17 -0400

I was my honor and privilege to serve this great country. You are very welcome. Since I came back from the Gulf War in 1991 this has been my standard response. I got caught off guard the first time someone said it to me and I sat and thought about it a long time before I came up with this. For Me this short response says it all. I do appreciate what they are saying to me and I did it for exactly what I say to serve my Country.
If they are a veteran I know, I salute them back... if not they are acknowledged by a head nod... If its a kid I salute them back.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 3:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 15:07:24 -0400

Honestly it is situation and mood based for me. Kids tug at the heart string and I feel the need to return the salute.
If the person is a veteran I will return the salute, I feel they have earned it.
Normal adult is I extend my hand for a handshake and state " Thank you for the support"

My father is a simple man and saluted me when I got back from Afghanistan, I just reached up fixed his salute and then gave him a hug.

Like I said mood and situation dependant.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Apr 30 at 2015 3:26 PM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 15:26:34 -0400

I would feel uncomfortable saluting a civilian adult but I would thank them.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 30 at 2015 3:28 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 15:28:29 -0400

You can't go wrong with a nice "you're welcome" or "just doing my job".

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 3:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 15:44:29 -0400

I would demand they stand at ease whenever I could get away with it.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 30 at 2015 5:04 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 17:04:48 -0400

know that I will get hell for this, but I generally salute back. I then ask if they have served. If the answer is no then normally I say to them that that isn't appropriate and a thank you and a hand shake works fine. If they say yes then if they are then I say nothing because They know what they are doing and that it is a sign of respect from the older generation to mine.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 5:14 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 17:14:06 -0400

I don't salute back! Not because I'm not thankful for their gesture! I just don't want to give off the wrong impression of what the military salute stands for and what it's purpose is for.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 6:48 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:48:38 -0400

I have honestly never had this happen to me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 8:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 20:04:12 -0400

I'll generally salute them back. If it's someone I know, I correct their form on the salute. When they thank me for my service, I always thank them for their appreciation.

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Apr 30 at 2015 8:16 PM

SSgt Thomas L. — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 20:16:13 -0400

Whenever I saluted someone whom I wasn't required to, I'd do it "ironically". I gave them the old two finger "Cub Scout" salute.

Response by CPO Patrick Mobley made Apr 30 at 2015 9:31 PM

CPO Patrick Mobley — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 21:31:22 -0400

When I was in uniform,kids always got a return salute. Adults got a sincere "Thanks for your support" and maybe a handshake if the opportunity presented itself.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 9:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 21:49:25 -0400

the salute is a sign of respect shared amongst members of the military. As part of the military our main responsibility is to the people of the United States. So if a civilian saluted me, to me it is showing respect to Soldiers and the US Army so I would salute him back. Besides, not saluting him back may be taken as disrespect don't you think?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 1 at 2015 12:26 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 01 May 2015 00:26:20 -0400

I give them a double salute with both hands. Not really. I will salute back.

Response by MSG David Chappell made May 1 at 2015 12:36 AM

MSG David Chappell — Fri, 01 May 2015 00:36:12 -0400

I salute it's a sign of respect and honor. Many give the salute and you see it in their body language they appreciate that, you did what they did not or could not do. i am a Master of Tae Kwon do, I fight various ranks and many styles. We bow to each other in respect, non martial artists, parents and guests bow to me and I bow back. The salute is the same a sign of respect.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 1 at 2015 9:53 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 01 May 2015 21:53:52 -0400

MAJ Bryan Zeski has it right, WO1 Private RallyPoint Member!

Response by SPC Daniel Bowen made May 2 at 2015 1:16 AM

SPC Daniel Bowen — Sat, 02 May 2015 01:16:19 -0400

"Drop the hand, buy me a beer"

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 2 at 2015 11:56 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 02 May 2015 11:56:05 -0400

salute back. I assume that it is normally a vet. Even more so with kids.

Response by CCMSgt Michael Sullivan Ph.D made May 2 at 2015 12:03 PM

CCMSgt Michael Sullivan Ph.D — Sat, 02 May 2015 12:03:46 -0400

If Simone is taken the time to salute me I will return it in the best parade ground salute I can do

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made May 2 at 2015 12:11 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Sat, 02 May 2015 12:11:48 -0400

I appreciate the respect and salute back.

Response by CCMSgt Michael Sullivan Ph.D made May 2 at 2015 12:24 PM

CCMSgt Michael Sullivan Ph.D — Sat, 02 May 2015 12:24:52 -0400

The question is good, I would have stated while in uniform, unless your wearing a military or veterans hat or they know you, why would they salute.

Four times a year I go to West Palm Beach Airport to welcome WWII vets who went to Washington D.C. For the day to see the WWII memorial. As they file by they are all saluting. I stand there for about 1/2 hour at attention giving my best salute to everyone of these vets.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 8:02 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 20:02:36 -0400

I usually just say that it is my honor to serve my country and leave it at that, because still to this day it makes me feel uncomfortable when people thank me for something I volunteered for.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 9:12 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 21:12:58 -0400

You should salute back regardless of who the individual is. Yes it is an unconventional salute, but someone is taking time out of their day to salute you and should be respected back.

For a child, it is just kind to show them that you care about what they have to say.

For Teens and adults, They recognize and fully appreciate your service and deserve your respect back.

Seniors, either those who served or not have seen the good and bad about the military and still choose to salute you out of respect. You should respect them back.

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made May 3 at 2015 10:20 AM

MSgt Brian Welch — Sun, 03 May 2015 10:20:02 -0400

A salute is a mutual exchange of respect, similar to a handshake. What does it say if a person offers you a handshake and you don't accept it?

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 4 at 2015 12:57 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 04 May 2015 12:57:14 -0400

I will rarely salute a civilian, now if the individual is a current service member then I will salute them whether they salute me or not. Most of the time I am wearing something that identifies me as a veteran.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 4 at 2015 2:58 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 04 May 2015 14:58:39 -0400

Return it. If they took the time to offer you a sign of respect, the least you can do is acknowledge it. Besides, how do you know that "civilian" isn't actually a vet or SM in civvies?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 8:42 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:42:33 -0400

I've only had this happen twice. One was by my USMC Veteran Uncle and the other was a Veteran in Columbus, GA. I returned the salute on both occasions. Why not demonstrate mutual respect, as the salute is intended to do?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 8:46 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:46:50 -0400

I have started saluting WWII vets and Korean vets.

I am almost always given a salute in return but, more importantly a very big smile.

I also get responses and smiles from the family accompanying them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 10:28 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 10:28:52 -0400

I have always saluted back. I see it as a sign of huge respect for what we do.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 12:07 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:07:45 -0400

This has been discussed before. My opinion is a salute should always be returned. The salute conveys respect for you and/or your rank.

Failure to return a salute, in my opinion shows disrespect for the respect shown you.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 15 at 2015 12:10 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:10:04 -0400

Acknowledge the salute through a return salute, a tip of the hat, or a nod of the head. Please don't ever not acknowledge the salute in some fashion.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 15 at 2015 12:10 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:10:06 -0400

Return it.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 12:24 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:24:08 -0400

I thank them. If in uniform, return the salute.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made May 15 at 2015 12:33 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:33:42 -0400

return the salute as long as we aren't deployed

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 15 at 2015 12:37 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:37:21 -0400

I just say THANK YOU

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 12:41 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:41:45 -0400

Most of the time I don't salute back. They might get offended but as they're passing I explain that being indoors and not on guard it is not customary to render. I rarely get salutes outside.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 15 at 2015 12:55 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:55:19 -0400

Usually I would just (awkwardly) thank them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 2:17 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 14:17:11 -0400

If it's a current/former sevice-member (you'll know) then return the salute.

If it's anyone else, do what the Warrants do; hold out your hand for a handshake while their hand is still raised in salute.

Response by SGT James Allen made May 15 at 2015 3:36 PM

SGT James Allen — Fri, 15 May 2015 15:36:48 -0400

If you are in uniform I would return it. They are trying to show their appreciation and respect.
I guess civilians can do what they want, but being a civilian myself, I wouldn't salute anyone. I would shake your hand, address you by your rank (or sir), and maybe even buy you a beer, but no salute.
I think the only thing that former military are supposed to salute is the flag during the anthem or in passing, and that's a relatively new thing (since 2009).

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 4:56 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 16:56:39 -0400

I return the salute as a common courtesy! If a civilian wants to honor you with a salute for your service whether enlisted or officer I say you should return the salute.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 15 at 2015 7:37 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Fri, 15 May 2015 19:37:16 -0400

Most of time i just got a handshake from police, but if they salut i prob gonna return salute.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Mar 5 at 2016 12:57 AM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 00:57:22 -0500

When someone says "Hi", I return the show of respect. What is the difference?

Response by PO2 David Allender made Mar 24 at 2016 1:32 PM

PO2 David Allender — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 13:32:29 -0400

If you served in war or not, you served your country. If a civilian wants to show his respect to you for your service, you had better show your respect back to him whom you served. It doesn't happen often.

Response by CW3 Michael Bodnar made Oct 22 at 2018 1:08 PM

CW3 Michael Bodnar — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 13:08:19 -0400

I respond by saying thank you for your support - it means a lot!

Response by BG Mike Bridges made Nov 25 at 2018 11:21 PM

BG Mike Bridges — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 23:21:13 -0500

Handshake, high-5 or a fist bump with a Thank you.