Who has made the mistake of saluting an enlisted person?

PO2 Neil Manischewitz — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:39:50 -0400

Be it a misunderstanding of rank, or not being able to identify rank all together, has this "I totally looked like a fool just now" moment ever happen to you?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Apr 22 at 2015 12:50 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:50:06 -0400

Those silly stripe laden COL.s yall call Petty Officers used to get me from time to time.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Apr 22 at 2015 12:57 AM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:57:48 -0400

I 'm a Chaplain of 3 1/2 years. The best CSM I know was my first one . I love that guy. Privately, I salute him out of deep respect. He is used to it now.

Response by SPC Maxwell McManus made Apr 22 at 2015 1:10 AM

SPC Maxwell McManus — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 01:10:42 -0400

Iraq about 2009 i think. Walking to the chow hall on Camp Burehing(pardon the spelling) Had and Air Force SGM, Army SGM, with an Navy office in the middle. It was night and had to see what his rank was. Stopped to try and figure it out before he got there and got chewed for not saluting soon enough. Not exactly what you were asking about but the closest I have.

Response by SrA Andrea West made Apr 22 at 2015 2:19 AM

SrA Andrea West — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 02:19:47 -0400

Worked in a tri-service environment. It happened all the time, No biggie IMHO.

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made Apr 22 at 2015 2:45 AM

SSG Melvin Nulph — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 02:45:04 -0400

Its a form of respect, but when you use the sir or mama thing is what I think they got upset about, lmsao! Something about that in the military, I even had it done to me and after letting them know I wasn't in their branch that Army enlisted doesn't care for being called Sir at all :)

If you can't now, you will someday look back on it and smile, I think we all do, some sooner than others is all. I hate being human too, but its fun at times you have to admit...

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:04 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:04:14 -0400

I salute Specialists all the time, looks like LTC rank from a distance. I have also saluted a few SSgts and TSgts because their rank looks like Major rank in multi-cams. They think it's funny and I get a little chuckle out of it too, while they're doing push-ups.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Apr 22 at 2015 3:18 AM

TSgt David Holman — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:18:53 -0400

I can't recall mistakenly saluting, however, I was mistaken as an officer while I was an E2 in whites...

Response by CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:43 AM

CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:43:48 -0400

I damn-near did this yesterday... Walking down a road in the back 40. Full kit (including my salted/sweaty eyepro) with the setting sun in my eyes. Soldier walking by...go to throw up the salute...get closer and realize its a specialist...play it off like im adjusting my kevlar. Close one...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:45 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:45:24 -0400

I stared out as Navy ROTC midshipman , I can't remember how many times, I saluted a Chief or Petty officer . The shinny rank pins all looked the same to me . I am sure I was laughed A lot . I was a funny looking kid wearing a uniform that did not fit me at the time.
I was seventeen . My ROTC CO was a retired CW-4 helicopter pilot . He Taught me to respect the enlisted personal . And not all Khaki is the same and just because it Gold it is not an officer . But always when in doubt whip it out .

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:52 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:52:19 -0400

I saluted a Navy Petty Officer once. We were in Iraq and they were CB's working on making a commo vault for me. I had no idea of their ranks at the time. I felt kind of dumb, but it was funny too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:59:44 -0400

I have saluted a couple Petty Officers in my time, darn that rank, it looks too much like a Captain's Eagle.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:59:47 -0400

I have. The Air Force subdue their rank (in multicam) to the point where it is hard to differentiate the enlisted from a major.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 4:02 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 04:02:03 -0400

Try standing main gate.. every driver's rank tends to blend from time to time.. if you catch it mid reach, pretend to adjust your cover, works every time

Response by SrA Kelly Richard made Apr 22 at 2015 5:49 AM

SrA Kelly Richard — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 05:49:21 -0400

I got smoked by a Navy E7 for accidentally saluting him when I was still in training after bootcamp... He was wearing his dress whites and I saw something shiny on his cover... I was in the military for all of three or four months at that point. I also learned at that same moment, other branches really hate to be called sir.

Response by MSG David Chappell made Apr 22 at 2015 6:55 AM

MSG David Chappell — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 06:55:32 -0400

When I first got to Fort Bragg and everyone was wearing a maroon beret we were unit Chrest on the flash. hi more but was called the sky dragons it was triangular shaped silver and from 10 feet away it look like a LT or LTC rank. I guess saluted all the time then when people would get close I could hear "oh crap" lol.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 7:26 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 07:26:19 -0400

I'm guessing just about everyone in the Army or Air Force who has worked around the Navy has saluted a PO3 at one point.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 8:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 08:06:21 -0400

Got "got" by the Petty Colonel 3rd class more than a few times down disney in Bagram when i was a young pvt. Kinda like i used to think those "wings" on AF cammo blue were all "jump wings". I used to think man she doesnt quite seem like the airborne type.lol

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 8:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 08:18:03 -0400

I salute SPC's all the time. The rank looks like a LTC's from a distance. So I guess that's why it's better to just wait until they're 6 paces away to render the hand salute.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Apr 22 at 2015 8:59 AM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 08:59:16 -0400

That I recall I have never saluted an enlisted. In agreement with another poster here, Navy rank once confused me greatly. PO2, is that a Colonel-Private? :)

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Apr 22 at 2015 9:46 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:46:39 -0400

I have saluted a couple chiefs before. Its hard to tell right away if their officers or not.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 22 at 2015 9:55 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:55:12 -0400

When in doubt, whip it out. As CSM Private RallyPoint Member said the worst is the specialist rank in the middle of the Army's chest, it looks just like LTC. Also a challenge is you Navy Petty Officers whose shiny crows look a lot like Eagles at a glance.
http://terminallance.com/2010/12/13/terminal-lance-88-shiny-things/

Terminal Lance - Terminal Lance #88 “Shiny Things”

This is really more of a jab at how dumb Marines are than it is a jab at the Navy. Lets be honest here, any Marine who says they’ve never accidentally saluted a sailor is lying, or a boot. It happens. Hell, I’ve accidentally saluted other enlisted Marines with worn out rank. Even further, Marines have accidentally saluted me! It happens.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:02 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:02:53 -0400

In Djibouti there were several really dark areas, and they were high traffic for both officers and enlisted.

So I saluted several people out of caution. I also remember being saluted several times. One that stood out was a fellow Soldier, a MSG saluted me and another E5, we saluted back and kept walking. Though it might have mostly been because of the other E5, he joined the military much later in life, so people always assume he's an officer, or higher rank until they actual see his rank.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:04:40 -0400

It's a common occurrence. The sun setting, you see a figure walking toward you in the distance. You think to yourself...enlisted or officer? As the figure gets closer you start to squint to catch a glimpse of the rank but you still can't make it out. The figure gets even closer almost wishin the "6 paces" you think to yourself "what is it"? You finally get somewhat of a glimpse and it's a black figure on the chest. You start to raise your salute for the LTC and then you soon realize it's a Specialist.... Carry on....

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:05 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:05:34 -0400

Hahahahahaaaaa, good one!

Saluted chiefs in khakis a few times walking through poorly lit areas outdoors on base.

Also was attached to Army unit back in 2005 as a 3rd class. Got saluted by the young army guys mistaking my E4 crow for O6. Boy did I feel special!

Response by CPT Bob Moore made Apr 22 at 2015 10:23 AM

CPT Bob Moore — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:23:39 -0400

I saluted enlisted folks a lot. Every time I passed them....

I consider it an honor to salute. I loved saluting when I was enlisted, I still love it. It isn't about being recognized as a "superior", it is all about respect for both service members as part of a brotherhood of arms.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Apr 22 at 2015 10:38 AM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:38:47 -0400

If you are a Navy chief and on a Marine base you are going to be saluted every time you turn around. There is nothing you can do about it except return the salute and carry on.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Apr 22 at 2015 10:48 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:48:46 -0400

I've saluted Navy PO3s when they were wearing ACUs. Those look just like COL's eagles from a distance.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 11:43 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 11:43:25 -0400

Back when Woodland camo was all the rage, a private had a PC with a loam stripe running vertically down the front middle of the cap. When the sun hit it, it looked just like a butter bar. I saluted her, and I bet she had others do the same

Response by A1C Jared Gonzalez made Apr 22 at 2015 1:33 PM

A1C Jared Gonzalez — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 13:33:58 -0400

I've saluted a few enlisted Americans and several enlisted men and women from other nations over the years, but none of them has ever felt the need to rip into me about it. I really don't see the point in being upset if a person has bad eyesight or is an idiot anyhow, it isn't a sign of disrespect, it's a sign of ignorance.

Response by Cpl Will Johnson made Apr 22 at 2015 2:57 PM

Cpl Will Johnson — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 14:57:50 -0400

I have not made this mistake, however, I was walking with a fellow Marine while aboard NAS Pensacola and he saluted a SCPO. The following talking to was funny.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 15:34:11 -0400

SPC looks a lot like LTC in Multicam...especially with the sun in your eyes.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:37 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 15:37:08 -0400

Army and marines always salute 3rd class petty officers it is funny as hell

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 8:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 20:29:14 -0400

Navy rank and army specs. Everyone else is easy to identify.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 9:23 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 21:23:03 -0400

I've done it a few times, but being an enlisted aviator I get saluted all the time by younger enlisted that aren't used to other enlisted wearing flight suits. Though I even tripped up my First Seargent this winter when I was in my leather flight jacket with my fleece stocking cap on, rather than my flight cap.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:00 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 22:00:50 -0400

I was walking if front of the BX at Osan in '89 and my BDU cap had a spot on it that looked just like a 2nd LT's bar. I had never noticed it until I was saluted by a young airman. When I entered the BX and took off my cap, I saw the spot and replaced my cap that day. Didn't need that headache.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:26 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 22:26:07 -0400

I don't consider saluting an enlisted service member to be a mistake. After all, when they show me the respect due my rank by saluting me, why shouldn't I return the salute?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:33 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 22:33:59 -0400

I'll admit there's been a few times I saw the navy "bird" on ACUs and started to react. The ACUs I think were what threw me off more than anything. It was a TRADOC post so I'm assuming they were attending an Army school.

I also had a few Majors throw up salutes while I was an SMP Cadet. (Army Cadets wear a black "dot" when they're assigned to a unit) None of them stopped and said anything so apparently a 22 year old "LTC" didn't seem strange to them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 12:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 00:59:09 -0400

No crap there I was during my break in service...I separated Dec 17 and started contracting in AFG Jan 3 and was walking to the DFAC approx Jan 4, as I passed a Major I snapped a salute absent mindedly and immediately tried to drop it before he noticed.
He laughed and saluted back.
I felt like a horses ass.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Apr 23 at 2015 3:29 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:29:52 -0400

Most Air Force E-1 to E-4

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 24 at 2015 1:59 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 13:59:59 -0400

This reminds me of a time my Captain called another office and a Captain answered...he started to talk to him with his first name when the other captain said. "I'm a Navy Captain." My Captians butt puckered and Sir's started to fly.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 3 at 2016 11:09 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:09:54 -0500

It is not a mistake. While it is customary for juniors to salute first, it is a sign of mutual respect and good will.

Response by LTJG Don Biscoe made May 25 at 2016 12:12 PM

LTJG Don Biscoe — Wed, 25 May 2016 12:12:39 -0400

In my flight suit I was saluted often. I just returned the salute and kept on moving - embarrass someone trying to do the right thing. If they realized their mistake it was usually just a smile each way. Though one time an E-7 saluted and he was not happy! LOL

Response by CPO Byron Sargent made Jun 9 at 2016 2:37 PM

CPO Byron Sargent — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 14:37:27 -0400

I haven't but I have been on the receiving end. Back in the 90's I was stationed at Norfolk Naval Air Station and I was a smoker at that time. The Navy did not sell cigarettes in the Commissary, only in the NX. I would drive to Langley AFB to buy cigarettes in the Commissary. Every time without a doubt I was saluted numerous times by AF personnel. At first, I would salute, then stop them and let them know the score. One time it was an E-9 Chief Master Sgt who I didn't bother to straighten out. I figured if he didn't know Naval Uniforms by the time he was that grade he would never understand. I was an Army brat and had lived on many bases since my Dad was a Col. Believe me I knew the rank structure of all the services before I ever enlisted.

Response by MAJ David Brand made Aug 20 at 2016 9:26 PM

MAJ David Brand — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 21:26:19 -0400

Never made a mistake saluting an enlisted person - but often did it out of respect and admiration!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 21 at 2016 1:22 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 01:22:28 -0400

PO2 Neil Manischewitz Oh, you mean another service member?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 21 at 2016 1:34 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 01:34:46 -0400

Nope after Boot Camp and arrival at my first School but I have seen a 2 hashmark Chief Intimidated by my Gold Hashmarks at my third Technical School. He was so Itching to give me a New Asshole for walking out of the Chow Hall with a Tooth Pick in my Mouth until he came around front of me and saw 4 gold hash marks. Most Polite Chief I've ever heard in telling me to set a better example for the Younger students. LOL!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 21 at 2016 1:37 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 01:37:17 -0400

"I'm not an Officer, My Parents were Married, Thank You".

Response by CN Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2019 3:18 PM

CN Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 15:18:27 -0400

I just saluted a USMC Cadet. I did it right in front of my LPO. Damn I felt stupid. When I see marines with a shiny collar device I just automatically want to salute

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2019 11:29 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 11:29:16 -0400

Actually when I was going through Basic Training the reverse happened to me. We had a Captain whom I had never met that started working in our training squadron. And the issue was that he looked just like the other trainees. And he was also really short so if he came up to me he was actually just below my eye line. And when I didn’t salute him I wound up getting a shark attack Bc I thought he was a trainee.

Response by TSgt Tim Doering made Dec 3 at 2019 11:39 AM

TSgt Tim Doering — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 11:39:07 -0500

When in doubt salute anyway. It’s all about respect officers or enlisted alike

Response by SSG Leslie Cunningham made Mar 18 at 2020 10:25 AM

SSG Leslie Cunningham — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:25:06 -0400

While still in training at Fort Ord in the early seventies l saluted a couple of really sharp looking sp/4's that were part of the seventh infantry div.

Response by SGT Malcolm Haynes made Aug 12 at 2022 8:24 AM

SGT Malcolm Haynes — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 08:24:17 -0400

T-Bird Silver 1977