In Groups, But Not in Formation. When a senior officer approaches, the first individual noticing the officer calls the group to attention. All members face the officer and salute. If the officer addresses an individual or the group, all remain at attention (unless otherwise ordered) until the end of the conversation, at which time they salute the officer.
In Public Gatherings. Salutes between individuals are not required in public gatherings, such as sporting events or meetings, or when a salute would be inappropriate or impractical.
In Moving Military Vehicles. Exchange of salutes between military pedestrians (including gate sentries) and officers in moving military vehicles is not mandatory. However, when officer passengers are readily identifiable (for example, officers in appropriately marked staff vehicles), the salute must be rendered.
Staff Vehicles. All military members have the responsibility to salute officers in staff vehicles. Staff vehicles are goverment vehicles used for official business. These vehicles can be a car, van, or bus, but are usually cars. A staff vehicle may have an officer's rank displayed on a bumper plate on the right front bumper, or on a flag located on the right front fender (note: marked staff vehicles are usually only for officers in the rank of colonel or above). In the Presence of Civilians. Persons in uniform may salute civilians. The President of the United States, as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, is always accorded the honor of a salute. In addition, if the exchange of salutes is otherwise appropriate, it is customary for military members in civilian clothes to exchange salutes upon recognition.
In a Work Detail. In a work detail, individual workers do not salute. The person in charge salutes for the entire detail.
Indoors. Except for formal reporting, and some ceremonies, salutes are not rendered.
Some Exceptions to Saluting
- If your arms are full, you don't have to salute; simply extend a verbal greeting. Always try to keep things in your left hand if possible so you can salute.
- If an officer's arms are full, but yours are not, extend a verbal greeting and salute. Once the officer acknowledges your salute or passes you, drop your salute.
- Salutes are not required if either member is in civilian clothing. You may salute if you recognize the officer.
- Do not salute empty staff vehicles or ones without an officer bumper plate or flag.
- If you and an officer are walking in the same direction, and you overtake the officer from the rear, you may pass the officer from behind without saluting. An appropriate verbal greeting, such as "by your leave, sir," is customary.
Military Etiquette
Etiquette is defined as common, everyday courtesy. The military world, like the civilian world, functions more smoothly and pleasantly when members practice good manners.
Simple things like saying “please” and “thank you” help the organization run smoother because people respond more enthusiastically when asked in a courteous manner to do something. They also appreciate knowing their efforts are recognized when told “thank you.”
One of the most valuable habits anyone can develop is to be on time. Granted, there are times when a person cannot avoid being late. If this happens, it is best to call ahead to let the people know you’ll be late or to reschedule the appointment. Do not keep others waiting.
Address civil service employees properly. As a rule, address them appropriately as “Mr,” “Mrs,” “Miss,” or “Ms” and a last name, unless requested to do otherwise. Always address a superior formally. This is especially important in most foreign countries where use of first names on the job is much more limited than in the United States.
Don’t gossip. A discussion of others’ personal habits, problems, and activities, real or rumored, often results in quarrels and disputes among people who work together. The morale of any unit may suffer because of feuds that arise from gossip. The best policy is to not gossip and to discourage others from gossiping.
Use proper telephone etiquette. Always be polite and identify yourself and your organization. When an individual is not available to take a call, ask: “May I take a message?” or “Is there something I may help you with?” If a call is to be returned, write down the individual’s name, organization, telephone number, the message, and then pass this information along to the intended recipient.
Do not lean or sit on desks. Also, do not lean back in a chair or put feet on desks. This type of conduct doesn’t present a professional military image.
In general, use common sense and be considerate of other people and insist your subordinates do the same.
Information derived from AFPAM 36-2241 V1
