Looking for Video - Military Etiquette (1 Viewer)

[Peter Reuss]

I'm on a quest for a short, couple minute video that explains the basis and the regulations for saluting in the military. I looked on Youtube, but surprisingly didn't find anything close. I'd appreciate it if someone knew of something I could use.

It's for a sermon illustration - showing the military importance of saluting someone of a higher rank (no matter who they are). Greatness in the military is generally conveyed through rank, and saluting the higher rank shows respect and honor due to the rank. The counterpoint is going to be the Metal of Honor recipients who receive a salute from any rank (an aspect I learned from the forum).

Working from this lesson:
"You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many"

 

[Spitfrnd]

Re: Looking for Video - Military Etiquitte

I think that could be a longer video than you might want but here are the basics for the US Army, they are different for other services.

From United States Army Field Manual FM 22-5
The rules of saluting are as follows:

When you meet someone outside, salute as soon as you recognize an officer (when about six steps away).
Salute all officers (recognized by rank) in official vehicles identified by special plates or flags.
Salute only on command when in formation.
If in a group and an officer approaches, the first soldier to recognize the officer calls the group to attention and all personnel salute.
If you approach an officer while you are double-timing alone, assume quick time march and render the hand salute. When the salute is returned, execute order arms and resume double-timing.
The salute is always initiated by the subordinate and is terminated only after acknowledgement by the individual being saluted.
Accompany the salute with an appropriate greeting, such as, “Good morning/afternoon/evening, sir/ma’am.“
Salutes are not required to be rendered by or to personnel who are driving or riding in privately owned vehicles.
It is not customary for enlisted personnel to exchange salutes, except in some ceremonial situations.
Never render a salute with a noticeable object in your mouth or right hand.
If you are on detail and an officer approaches, salute if you are in charge of the detail. Otherwise, continue to work. If you are spoken to, then come to attention.
Saluting is generally prohibited in field conditions, as it could help an enemy identify officers.

I might quible witht the notion that "Greatness in the military is generally conveyed through rank". In the US military, increases in officer rank are virtually automatic with time through Captain and not that difficult thereafter if you are really into that. There are exceptions of course but I think it is better to say an increase in authority and responsiblity is generally conveyed by an increase in rank.

 

[Peter Reuss]

Re: Looking for Video - Military Etiquitte

I might quible witht the notion that "Greatness in the military is generally conveyed through rank". In the US military, increases in officer rank are virtually automatic with time through Captain and not that difficult thereafter if you are really into that. There are exceptions of course but I think it is better to say an increase in authority and responsiblity is generally conveyed by an increase in rank.

Greatness is perhaps not the word I wanted...power and authority probably are better what I am trying to convey, and I do believe that power and authority go with rank.

Thanks for the insight.

 

[southbaytoys]

"Sir, 'Sir' is a subservient word surviving from the surly days in old Serbia, when certain serfs, too ignorant to remember their lord's names, yet too servile to blaspheme them, circumvented the situation by surrogating the subservient word, sir, by which I now belatedly address a certain senior cirroped, who correctly surmised that I was syrupy enough to say sir after every word I said, sir."

 

[Peter Reuss]

To clarify - the Medal of Honor is the highest medal awarded in the US, is that correct?

 

[4th Hussar]

To clarify - the Medal of Honor is the highest medal awarded in the US, is that correct?

Yes and only awarded for military valour

 

[Peter Reuss]

Yes and only awarded for military valour

Excellent....thanks.

 

[steelisreal]

Just to make things difficult.

Different branches have different rules on saluting. We used to think the Army was weird for saluting indoors and uncovered. They also salute in PT gear which is strange. The Navy doesn't do any of these things.

Also the Navy doesn't salute in formation only the head of the formation salutes.

Technically you only have to salute an officer once a day, the first time you see him in the morning.

Also in the Navy it is common practice by officers and enlisted to avoid saluting. Either you look the other way or you go out of your way so you don't have to salute.

Another thing that no one ever does in the Navy is salute and request permission to pass, when overtaking an officer on the sidewalk or street. When you are behind them you have to salute their back and say by your leave sir/ma'am and they will salute you and say go ahead. If they don't you technically can't pass them and they can walk as slow as they won't. I have only ever seen one person ask permission to pass and he was a Chief and some seamen were watching so I guess he was going to make a show that he knew the rules.

I know that doesn't really help you but I just wanted to talk about the Navy again, I miss it.