Saluting Etiqutte at the Gate

[Destiny11]

When you drive on base in civilian clothes and a gate guard salutes you, do you and how do you properly return his/her salute? Is this rule different between branches (Army/Air Force/Navy/Marines)?

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[vinnie83]

Return the salute as you normally would.

 

[teeth63a]

When you drive on base in civilian clothes and a gate guard salutes you, do you and how do you properly return his/her salute? Is this rule different between branches (Army/Air Force/Navy/Marines)?

Yup. Return the salute, doesn't matter what you're wearing. They see your rank on your ID card, which is why they're saluting.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

When you drive on base in civilian clothes and a gate guard salutes you, do you and how do you properly return his/her salute? Is this rule different between branches (Army/Air Force/Navy/Marines)?

The Navy and Marine Corps never salutes uncovered, so if you are in civilian clothes, you would not return the salute. Simply offer a verbal greeting, addressing them by their rank, and thanking them. If you are in the Navy/Marine Corps and are in uniform, put on your cover before you get to the gate so you can return the salute.

The Army and Air Force would probably return the salute whether or not they were in uniform. If you were in the Navy and driving through the gate of an Army base, you should do as the Army does and return the salute. Adopt the customs and courtesies of whatever service runs that installation, so you don't appear rude.

 

[vellnueve]

Saluting is something that at least for the Navy is not required when operating a motor vehicle for safety reasons - plus most of the dental officers I know either drive in civilian clothes or uncovered. For me, I can't wear a cover in my car because it hits the roof and thus obstructs my ability to clearly and properly operate the vehicle (it gets knocked off if I turn around to check my blind spots), so I do not wear it when driving and do not salute while operating the vehicle.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

Saluting is something that at least for the Navy is not required when operating a motor vehicle for safety reasons - plus most of the dental officers I know either drive in civilian clothes or uncovered. For me, I can't wear a cover in my car because it hits the roof and thus obstructs my ability to clearly and properly operate the vehicle, so I do not wear it when driving and do not salute while operating the vehicle.

I'm not very tall, so I don't have that problem. I put on my cover before I get to the gate, and return the salute. My vehicle is stopped, so I don't feel that it is a safety issue, and I don't know if you've ever guarded the gate on a base, but it is always nice to receive a sharply returned salute and a thank you. I wouldn't salute while the car was actually moving though.

 

[teeth63a]

Adopt the customs and courtesies of whatever service runs that installation, so you don't appear rude.

That's great advice.