Would you salute somebody who was not in uniform? Would you do so even if you were (also) not in uniform?

2021-04-15T13:31:47-04:00

The regulations do allow that no salute is required, thus we are talking about very informal circumstances. For example, I have a brother who is senior to me by date of rank. At family reunions, I salute him (at least once) not because I have to but because I want to. (I'm quite proud of his accomplishments._

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Apr 15 at 2021 2:14 PM

2021-04-15T14:14:26-04:00

I wouldn't think twice about saluting my family member at a reunion. I wish my Dad (Lt Col Ret.) was still around today so I could give him a salute.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 15 at 2021 2:21 PM

2021-04-15T14:21:02-04:00

Yes I would. A salute is rendering respect when in uniform to the rank. In civilian attire it represents (for me at least) more respect for the individual as well as the rank.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 15 at 2021 2:43 PM

2021-04-15T14:43:10-04:00

I have done so on many occasions. Most often Platoon functions in civilian clothing.

But on other occasions as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2021 2:49 PM

2021-04-15T14:49:23-04:00

I think by all means render a salute in any context you feel it is deserved.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2021 3:06 PM

2021-04-15T15:06:12-04:00

USMC -
When in uniform and I recognize an officer in civvies I always render a salute.
When in civvies and I recognize an officer in civvies it is simply a verbal greeting (good afternoon/evening sir).
When in civvies and the officer is in uniform it is still a pleasant verbal greeting but I step aside and come to a loose attention until they pass me by.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Apr 15 at 2021 3:52 PM

2021-04-15T15:52:12-04:00

I've done it more times than I can remember. If I know the person would normally receive a salute from me I don't quibble about the circumstances. They get the salute. I've never had a complaint about it. If two soldiers have bad history between them then that is all the more reason. As an NCO it would simply serve to show that I'm not petty.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2021 5:40 PM

2021-04-15T17:40:42-04:00

If you're out and about in uniform for whatever reason and a kid salutes you, damn right you salute back.

If I'm not in uniform I don't render a salute. If I'm in uniform and a random adult I don't know salutes me... Well that's just awkward.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Apr 15 at 2021 6:48 PM

2021-04-15T18:48:58-04:00

If you wanna do that go ahead. You only salute in civilian clothes if you're in civilian clothes in an official capacity. If it's informal, no I'm not saluting anyone. Nor would any officer I know expect a salute.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Apr 16 at 2021 1:48 AM

2021-04-16T01:48:46-04:00

To everyone their own. I see no issue with it. I'm a firm believer that "rank" has no place at home. You saluting your brother for his accomplishments is OK; you are showing a respect for and to him for what he has done.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2021 5:58 AM

2021-04-16T05:58:53-04:00

I've had kids salute me while I was in uniform. And I always return the salute to kids.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2021 10:07 AM

2021-04-16T10:07:02-04:00

Yes to the first. Maybe so in the second if they were a friend, but usually not. A greeting should suffice.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Apr 16 at 2021 6:33 PM

2021-04-16T18:33:23-04:00

If I know it was an officer and I was in uniform, certainly I would salute. In civvies, never. I don't think that was acceptable or expected when I was in the Corps. I don't know about today but I doubt it has changed.

Response by SPC(P) Mark Newman made Jun 25 at 2021 7:42 PM

2021-06-25T19:42:34-04:00

As an E-2 when I was coming back from the PX on a weekend, I once saluted my AIT company XO, and at least two times our CO. None of us were in uniform, and they always returned the salute. It just felt safer that way!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 25 at 2021 10:14 PM

2021-06-25T22:14:00-04:00

If you recognize the person as senior., I saluted. In uniform, or out or any combo there of