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I'm not sure exactly what trolls smell like (bathed or not?), but everything I've observed and heard about Marines suggests that they take pride in following military discipline and etiquette, right up even to the Sgt. Majors. If someone isn't saluting you, though...Well, you get the respect you deserve. As an officer, it's your job to enforce military discipline. Not to make yourself a cool guy, you understand, but for the sake of the code itself. If a guy knows he can get away without saluting because he thinks you don't "deserve it", rot begins to fester in the ranks. Ever see "Master and Commander?" 
my 2¢ worth on the topic ...
i think most junior enlisted Marines aren't gaffing the salute off. you know it when you are getting gaffed off. besides, most jr enlisted Marines haven't even seen many officers, majority haven't seen one in a flight suit. it's not easy to see the rank on the little name tag found on the flight suit, and when most of the guys they are around are enlisted flight crew guys, they aren't expecting to see an officer.
i also agree if you as an officer can't render a proper salute, but instead a sloppy or lazy one, then you shouldn't get your panties in a wad when that boot PFC is indecisive about saluting you.
kinda funny & along the same lines, when i was an E-4 & E-5 and "salty", i would go out of my way to avoid saluting a LT, if it meant sitting in my car until he/she passed or walking in another direction until he/she passed ... sh1tbag, na, if i was put in the position i would salute. we would make fun of each other if you were unable to avoid the salute. or sometimes, if there were a large group of us, we would spread out and individually salute the officer, just to make him salute us all back, individually --- it was all a game to us.
all that being said, if it's a blatent disregard to military courtesy, i will say something, though i still usually take a different route in order to avoid a salute (unless it's a senior officer) ... that's just my technique
my 2¢
S/F
i think most junior enlisted Marines aren't gaffing the salute off. you know it when you are getting gaffed off. besides, most jr enlisted Marines haven't even seen many officers, majority haven't seen one in a flight suit. it's not easy to see the rank on the little name tag found on the flight suit, and when most of the guys they are around are enlisted flight crew guys, they aren't expecting to see an officer.
i also agree if you as an officer can't render a proper salute, but instead a sloppy or lazy one, then you shouldn't get your panties in a wad when that boot PFC is indecisive about saluting you.
kinda funny & along the same lines, when i was an E-4 & E-5 and "salty", i would go out of my way to avoid saluting a LT, if it meant sitting in my car until he/she passed or walking in another direction until he/she passed ... sh1tbag, na, if i was put in the position i would salute. we would make fun of each other if you were unable to avoid the salute. or sometimes, if there were a large group of us, we would spread out and individually salute the officer, just to make him salute us all back, individually --- it was all a game to us.
all that being said, if it's a blatent disregard to military courtesy, i will say something, though i still usually take a different route in order to avoid a salute (unless it's a senior officer) ... that's just my technique
my 2¢
S/F
Guess that gold or silver bar on the cover is a real pain in the ass to see too, right?jarhead said:
Steve Wilkins said:
they're a pain when you're in a squadron full of officers...i have to squint to see if the Marine ahead of me is a Captain or higher..forget looking at their namepatch. I remember once i saw a group of Marines walking towards me and one was a buddy of mine. I was all smiles and "whats up?" until i saw his serious face...then i saw the Captain that was in the middle of the group with a face as red as a cherry. Sorry cap
phrogpilot73
Well-Known Member
I'll throw in my opinion of this matter. I was prior enlisted, and never had a problem saluting any officers, regardless of rank. That had attained something that I aspired to be, so why wouldn't I respect them? As for the flight suit thing, it is difficult if you're a new check in, don't know the faces, etc, and you happen to approach from the right direction when you can only see the Eagle, Globe & Anchor on the cover. Most Marines that I have encountered that aren't sure (there are generally more enlisted guys in flight suits in the rotary wing world), hold off on saluting - and then when they realize get embarassed of their own accord, quickly. I have never in recent memory had to correct a Marine for not saluting. As for saluting the rank, not the man - both can be done. Once you go through the turnstile, you're on the flightline and you can remove your cover. I have been approaching the turnstile and seen a GySgt who knew me keep his cover on in order to salute me. And as for people staying in the car, walking across the street, etc, to avoid saluting - those are generally the terminal LCpls. I agree, I think it's a troll... I don't care how much experience you have, or how salty you are, the basic military customs & curtosies still need to be enforced.
This thread is such a coincidence because something happened to me this afternoon and I wanted the input of any officers who might have had a similiar experience.....
So I was walking out the PSD at Corry and on my merry way to my truck to go home. I have only been an O-1 for about 2 wks now and I have not had any problems with enlisted personnel saluting or greeting me. But then a van full of enlisted men pulls up in front of the PSD. 5 or 6 guys exit the van. As Im approaching them, Im reminded that these guys will salute first and everybody will be on their merry way. WRONG. I greeted them with a simple "Good Afternoon guys" and they just gave me the "deer in the headlights" look. Nobody even said hi and "Hello Sir." It was a weird feeling to say the least.
I called my dad later in the evening (retire W-4) and told him the situation. He was not very happy.
Anyways, what should I do in the event that this happens again? What are your experiences with this? I guess because Im a brand new Ensign that I shouldnt be "salute hungry" or anything, but last I checked.....enlisted saluted commissioned officers. I am a commissioned officer. Yet I feel I did not act one today by pointing out their mistake in military courtesy. What say you?
So I was walking out the PSD at Corry and on my merry way to my truck to go home. I have only been an O-1 for about 2 wks now and I have not had any problems with enlisted personnel saluting or greeting me. But then a van full of enlisted men pulls up in front of the PSD. 5 or 6 guys exit the van. As Im approaching them, Im reminded that these guys will salute first and everybody will be on their merry way. WRONG. I greeted them with a simple "Good Afternoon guys" and they just gave me the "deer in the headlights" look. Nobody even said hi and "Hello Sir." It was a weird feeling to say the least.
I called my dad later in the evening (retire W-4) and told him the situation. He was not very happy.
Anyways, what should I do in the event that this happens again? What are your experiences with this? I guess because Im a brand new Ensign that I shouldnt be "salute hungry" or anything, but last I checked.....enlisted saluted commissioned officers. I am a commissioned officer. Yet I feel I did not act one today by pointing out their mistake in military courtesy. What say you?
Don't sweat it. You'll get the hang of things in no time. The best approach to these kinds of situations is to disarm any weirdness or awkward feelings by showing charm and good cheer towards the "offenders" and not to be confrontational. Kindly remind them of their responsibilities, return a sharp salute, and be on your way. I like to employ humor: "No sugar for me today, guys?" They'll get the point. Just remember that most of the Es in P-Cola are fresh out of bootcamp and haven't been exposed to many officers. Try to teach them that officers are kind, approachable people who genuinely care about them - not just some suit who's out looking for salutes.Fezz CB said:
Brett
Fezz CB said:
Funny, my most "motivating" saluting situation happened while walking into the Corry PSD. About 5 or 6 Sailors were sitting outside the door having a smoke break. As I walked up the stairs they all stood at attention, gave a crisp salute (mindful enough to place their cigarettes in the left hand) and one barked out a "Good Morning, Sir!" I felt like I had birds on my shoulders.
The only times I've had to correct any enlisted has been walking to or from the NEX/gym; and it's always the brand-new Seaman or PFC. I just say, "Forget something Sailor/Marine?" and they've always replyed, "Oh, sorry Sir." Like Brett said they're new and probably didn't notice.
Brett327 said:
Thanks for the advice Brett. Yea, these guys looked fresh outta boot so maybe they just froze when they saw an officer. And personally, its hard to keep a straight face. I ALWAYS smile and say hi when an "E" salutes me. I guess its the whole "I still cant believe Im a officer" feeling
TheFurr7198
Registered User
Brett has a good point about approaching things with sense of humor. Dont be that pilot that "everybody puts there junk in your face mask" over a salute. Just letting ya know what people do in my bros squadron.