You can submit your questions to Dr. Drill via e-mail to : DrDrill@CadetStuff.org.

Dear Dr. Drill,

I have a question about a unique saluting situation that is probably not all that uncommon. If a 2Lt and a Col are walking together and an NCO passes then the NCO salutes, the Col returns the salute, and the 2Lt does nothing. What happens if a 2Lt and a Col are walking together and they pass a Capt? Does the Capt salute the Col, the Col return the salute and the 2Lt do nothing? It seems that the 2Lt should salute the Capt. Someone told me once that the 2Lt would salute the Capt the Capt would salute the Col, then the Col would drop the salute followed by the Capt then the 2Lt would drop their salute last. Is this correct? Is it possible for the Capt to salute and be saluted at the same time? Thanks for any input/guidance that you could offer on this situation. I have asked this question of many active duty officers and NCOs and I get different answers every time. When in doubt salute, but what is the rule if there is one?

Thanks,
Roy Byrd, 2LT, USAF

Dr. Drill responds:

Unfortunately, there is not hard and fast written rule for what to do in this specific situation. However, as I explained in detail here, my recommendation is that everyone salutes.

My question to you is: why doesn't the lieutenant have to salute the NCO in your first scenario? It seems to me that the NCO is going to be rendering a greeting to both of the officers he's passing (i.e.: "Good morning, gentlemen."), therefore, his salute is for both of them. And, of course, when you're saluted you're obligated to return that salute, true?

But, let me turn this around: Why shouldn't everyone salute? Really, there are very few times when you are not obligated to salute or return a salute and those times are spelled out pretty clearly:

• When uncovered. (Some services!)
• When on a work detail.
• When guarding prisoners.
• When impractical.
• When in a formation.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Drill