Why is it important to salute an officer?

brien

Besides the tradition and respect aspects that others have pointed out, there's a very practical reason to salute an officer or a flag: it displays and reinforces your understanding of the importance of the chain of command, and of your commitment to your oath and your duty.

You are NOT doing it for the benefit of the officers.

You ARE doing it for the benefit of your peers, and the people under your command. They need to know that you have a complete understanding of and dedication to your duty. Their lives depend on it. Your life depends on theirs. You can show them that you trust them with your life, and that they can depend on you, by following this simple little tradition.

BEDLAMB

Because discipline is REALLY important in the military. Without it everything would break down and the chain of command is the heart of military discipline.

Smell This

...from ancient military protocol, it is a sign of identification and respect for the Officers rank. (originally, the salute was the taking of your right hand and lifting your face cover off of your helmet so that you could be identified by recognition)... today, the salute has "morphed" into a show of respect for a Military Officer.

If you're going to be a part of the Military... learn and follow its traditions and protocols.

centurion613

Congradulations: AFJROTC is where i got my jumping off point into the military service into the Air Force for 20 good years. I hope you have as good set of aerospace teachers as I had.

look at what you are emulating at this time. I say emulating because, at the end of the school day, you can go home and take that uniform off. You are not subject to the full aspects of the Uniform code of Military justice, like those that were in the service were. You are emulating the Air Force. A Military Profession of Arms. A profession that has laws, moralitys, and behaviors.

part of the profession of arms is the chain of command. Now, look at what a salute is: A respectful salutation between two members of the same honorable profession. In this profession of arms, the junior reconizes the senior: the senior acknowledges the salutation by returning that salutation. a salute involves a lot of aspects of military uniquness.

Salutes are a part of what sets you apart in the profession of arms. It engages discipline, military courtesy, and tradition. Its one of those things that makes your profession unique.

The reason you got in trouble was the discipline aspect of the military system. just like failing to be where you should be when told to be there. Or not running from the enemy. the discipline aspect requires that upon reconizing the rank, that you initiate the salutation to that rank. plain and simple. kinda like a check on your situational awarness. If you cant handle the little parts of the disipline, how can you be expected to handle larger parts?

Hope this helps.

Respect? Do it or you're in trouble. Its only there to fortify officer's ego trip.

Michelle

It is an old military tradition. Legend has it that it stems from when knights wore that metal helmet and to show you were a friendly face, you would lift up the face thing.

senorrobertoe

respecting your superiors. next time an officer tells you to do something don't do it and see where that gets you

Huge

Sign of respect

Jabber

It is not important, they just like to feel superior over you, dont give them that chance

nightowl5301

its a sign of respect. also they are higher up on the chain of command.

Texasguy

Besides showing respect, it is also a tradition that is upheld by most services. This originates from the days of knights, when a fellow knight would lift the beaver (the mask) of his armor to show his identity.

armouror2000

second Edit i see three thumbs down well I MUST be right because i got Promoted to Warrant officer and you dont get this promotion fro being wrong especially when you are the Highest ranking warrant officer in the Air Force

Edit i had one young officer who said to me i am your SUPERIOR and informed him Only God is My superior you are just an arrogant little boy who is of a higher Rank Sir

I have Always been offended By the word Superior

when i was being Abused by my headmaster in a london school in the Fourties You know why i am caining you you little B***K B*****D because i am your superior and I am white

I always relate Superior to being a Racist Sorry if this Offends but it is true

In my Air force it is the Queens commission you are saluting not the person

which i am pleased about As i Informed a British Staff Officer

In the British Military there Lots of Officers and there are Lots of gentlemen and very few of Both

and that is the same in any countries military

I am from the old School Respect Must be Earned and a Salute in most cases is because you are an officer and these officers that have that have not earned my respect when i refer to them as sir it is spelt Cur

Dan Da Man

One word: RESPECT,

Well additional words would be HONOR, LOYALTY

Respecting your superiors/elders....plain and simple

Knightro

To show respect to your superiors.

julie m

respect is what they teach you and you need to learn or you will be in alot of trouble

R'- @\/_1

respect towards authority

Penn

It's a show of respect for all of the hard work they have done to get this far.

RESPECT!!!

The same reason you salute the flag, the CIC, and medal of honor recipients.

Will

respect for the higher rank

lemontreesg

respect however in a combat zone they don't want a salute to show respect lol

MAC

I will tell you now Centurio nailed it. Regardless of Branch, or Country, members of the military are a fraternity with our own symbols and traditions. If you are intending on continuing in a military profession I would suggest to you, learn the customs of the Branch you will be serving in, we all have different customs and courtesies. good luck.

CPO US Navy

Dunno Anymore....

Because it shows respect. If you don't salute an officer you'll probably never see daylight again. Personally I'd salute every John you pass.

Dylan & Ethan's mommy ttc #3

It shows respect and discipline!

Ex wife of a Marine!

Faith(ful)*

to show respect for him. its basically acknodledging that he is a high rank and worked hard to be so

Harry B

because they want to feel that they have more power than you, and also cos they just like bossing you around and getting you in trouble for no reason.

Ryan M

So they can feel better about themselves.

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