Military Salutes for Civilians: Customs and Exceptions

Have you ever been saluted by a military or law enforcement officer while not in a professional capacity? This article will explore the peculiarities of military salutes for civilians and the occasions when they occur.

Introduction to Military Salutes

Military salutes are a formal and respectful gesture used to show honor and respect. They are typically performed by saluting individuals in authority, such as commissioned officers or active-duty personnel. However, there are rare instances when civilians are saluted as well.

Salutes to Civilians in Certain Cultures

There are various cultural practices where civilians are saluted. For example, in South India, where the author conducted doctoral research, it was customary for men to greet each other with a military-style casual salute. As a result, soldiers and police at public buildings frequently saluted the author, who would return the salutes.

This tradition has largely faded over the past 25 years, but it highlights the potential for civilians to receive salutes in certain contexts. In the United States, when driving through military checkpoints, there have been instances where soldiers or guards mistakenly thought the author was an officer in civilian clothes. Hence, they conducted a salute.

Colonel Shepard's Salute

One of the most memorable instances of a military salute for a civilian occurred on a hospital visit. While bandaged and weighing nearly four years old, the author was saluted by a fully dressed soldier after almost being in a collision with a military dispatch rider. This shows that recognition and instant respect can transcend age and expectations.

Saluting Veterans and Medal Recipients

Although currently serving military members typically do not salute civilians, there are exceptions and nuances:

Medal of Honor Recipients: Civilians who are Medal of Honor recipients, and are wearing the subdued lapel button, will receive salutes from any military member. Impersonating an Officer: In the extreme case mentioned, a serving soldier saluted the author, possibly mistaking the author for a military officer. Veterans: Veterans, including those with distinguished military service, may still receive salutes in certain circumstances.

Special Cases of Saluting Civilians

A noteworthy example involves a group of admirals and generals gathering for a meeting in Washington D.C., who were all ordered to attention by an admiral. Upon noticing an old man using a walker, the admiral exclaimed, "Wake Island Marine on board!" This spontaneous act of respect resulted in all present rising to attention in honor of a living veteran.

Rules for Saluting Civilians

Although soldiers generally do not salute civilians, specific protocols exist for certain individuals:

The President, Vice-President, and Secretary of Defense: Military members are required to salute these officials. Commissioned Officers Superior to You: Salutes are given to commissioned officers who outrank the individual saluting.

These rules ensure respectful and hierarchical interactions among military and civilian personnel.

Conclusion

Military salutes for civilians, while uncommon, can still occur in specific circumstances. These situations reflect the respect and admiration for service and bravery displayed by military personnel. Whether through cultural customs, spontaneous recognition, or official protocols, the salute remains a powerful gesture of respect and recognition.