Commentary - Where have salutes gone?

News > Commentary - Where have salutes gone?

Where have salutes gone?

Posted 5/26/2011

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Commentary by Capt. Joseph Coslett
3rd Wing Public Affairs

5/26/2011 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (AFNS) -- During an Airman Leadership School graduation at a previous assignment, a Navy senior chief gave a motivating speech to challenge the leaders of tomorrow. This was quickly followed by the introduction of the "dead fish."

The installation commander gave the Levitow Award and other academic and professional awards for excellence, but the comments following the ceremony were about the commander's dead fish salute. The question I had the pleasure of answering was, "How come a colonel does not know how to salute properly?"

The event opened my eyes to seeing many officers and enlisted alike avoiding salutes or giving unprofessional versions. I've seen the dead fish salute, the "Hey, how you doing?" salute, the quick tap, the half salute, the leaning salute and others. Maybe this is because I went through two different basic trainings, basic military training and officer training school, at which I learned how to salute. If I did not salute properly, I was immediately corrected.

Last time I checked, our last core value is "excellence in all we do." This means we should always strive to look professional and have on our game face. As an important custom and courtesy, the salute deserves no less attention, especially at the higher ranks.

In another case, I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an officer, who was leaning on a truck, actually salute me from a slouching position. He showed me the ever-so-popular "Hey, how you doing?" salute, which starts at about the shoulder and ends in a "hi" gesture. He never returned the mutual respect -- saluting should be automatic, not an afterthought.

The history of the salute varies, but one story dates back to the days of the kings and knights when it was customary for knights dressed in armor to raise their visors to friends for the purpose of identification. Another version states that British navy junior officers would uncover when addressing a senior. Gradually over time, the removal of the cap evolved into merely touching the cap, or if uncovered, the head, and finally into the salute.

Saluting is one of the oldest military traditions. It is a courtesy exchanged between service members when greeting and a symbol of mutual respect. The salute steps are simple and if performed correctly look professional.

- Extend and join the thumb and fingers

- Raise the right hand smartly until the tip of the forefinger touches the lower part of the headgear or forehead above and slightly to the right of the eye

- Turn the palm slightly inward until the person saluting can just see its surface from the corner of the right eye

- The upper arm is parallel to the ground; the elbow is slightly in front of the body

- Incline the forearm at a 45 degree angle; hand and wrist are in a straight line

- Complete the salute after it is returned by dropping the arm to its normal position in one sharp, clean motion.

I challenge you to not let complacency set in, and to salute properly. It only takes seconds out of your day, but it is a representation of who you are. Are your people worth it? Are your fellow professionals worth it? Think about when our heroes pay the ultimate sacrifice and our outstanding honor guards render the proper salute to the member and the flag. You work with heroes every day. Are they worth it? Are they worth your time?

(For more guidance on rendering salutes, see Air Force Instruction 34-1201, Chapter 8.1.)

Comments

6/8/2011 10:22:29 PM ET
You know Rob's comment sure dose not sound like a it was written by a 20-year veteran of three services, let alone a commander.

SrA, Hurlburt

6/2/2011 2:52:00 PM ET
What exactly are you doing, Anthony, to help our struggling AF?

RMA, SA

6/2/2011 10:57:47 AM ET
You work in PA and talk about working next to heroes everyday. I agree with Rob and MB on this one. Stop worrying so much about how crisp my salute is and start worrying about how you can help our struggling Air Force.

Anthony, Cali

6/1/2011 10:17:31 AM ET
Captain, a most timely and timeless commentary and definitely not a waste of time. Thank you. A salute is not only a custom, a courtesy extended and a sign of respect but also required. Leaders should concern themselves with customs, courtesies, respect, and requirements on a daily basis among other things. Thanks for the leadership lesson. Your article along with the comments provided perfect fodder for our mentoring moment out here.

SMSgt Futrell, deployed

5/31/2011 3:08:41 PM ET
I give Capt Coslett much credit for saying what many good officers have thought over the years but have not published publicly. The dead fish is a symptom not only in the AF but in the other services as well. In a joint environment, I've seen all kinds and have even counselled Marines on failing to render proper customs and courtesies. In a NATO environment where we're all allies, I surprised many foreign officers by saluting them. That's how they run their services fine. If you joined the United States Air Force you were taught the expectations from day 1. If you are unable to comply we'll get you help. If you're unwilling to comply, free up a billet and get out.

DMPI, Al JBAB DC

5/31/2011 2:02:13 PM ET
I cannot possibly commend Capt Coslett enough on his inciteful commentary and question about where the AF is as a professional military service. Unfortunately, that also means he is most likely not on a track for long-term success or positions of leadership in the AF. General Patton once stated If you can't get them to salute when they should salute and wear the clothes you tell them to wear the clothes, how are you going to get them to die for their country? He obviously was not referencing a desire for his men to go out and die for their country, but his frustration with a level of leadership unable to get the men and women of their charge to do the simplest of requirements. That sort of straight talk leadership is no longer in fashion in an AF focused on metrics, management, and education for the sake of education. Unfortunately, the actions and comments of the ALS presenter and Rob from the UK are far too often the norm of a cadre of leaders oblivious to the true nature of lea

Shack, Lackland AFB

5/31/2011 1:35:37 PM ET
The funny thing about Rob's comment is that it totally validates the commentary by the captain. So Rob, I would say "Sir" but from the sounds of it, it is not something you are too worried about. I imagine you are one of the many who will walk the other way or put something in your right hand in order to avoid having to render a salute to someone who is trying to show you some respect. Pretty accurate, right? Personally, I see this article as a necessary reminder to us all of what separates us from the outside world. I must say, I am glad you are not my commander. I would be pretty disappointed to know that my boss did not think it was necessary to perfect the little things and that all he cared about was the bottom line.

BF, MN

5/31/2011 11:32:49 AM ET
Good commentary Capt. On behalf of Commanders everywhere I apologize for Rob's comments below. If you were one of my commander's I'd fire you. You obviously have no clue on how to lead a unit. The Capt at least used his time to share an important leadership lesson. I suggest you do the same and start leading your unit by example if possible.

RMA, SA

5/31/2011 7:59:51 AM ET
Unfortunately, I have seen far too many of these half you-know-what salutes from our officer corps. Most of them were from the same cadre who participates in the flight cap crush nonsense. If they cannot wear a simple cap properly, why should they even think about correcting anyone else?

FB, NI

5/30/2011 7:15:48 PM ET
I am in AFJROTC and though it is true I most likely have no business commenting on this I feel I must. We are taught from day one that a salute should be done correctly and is a MUTUAL sign of respect. It isn't just a formality, it is a simple courtesy. It is the same as saying hello or good morning sir. Our instructors pointed out early on that if an officer fails to return a salute then they wouldn't be an officer for long, because it is a mutual respect issue and if they don't have enough common courtesy to salute back then should they even consider themselves officers? Are there bigger things to worry about? Of course there are but to forget about the basics in order to accomplish those bigger goals is a failure on everyone's part. Because you may be able to do so much but if you can't salute properly what does that say about you? Just thoughts from a cadet.

CTSgt. Marchman, CA

5/30/2011 1:56:57 AM ET
Rather than attempting to change the AF one Airman at a time, our leaders should focus on setting the example. It's rampant here at Osan Air Base as well as what is depicted in a well-written article from Alaska.

Oscar, Osan AB

5/29/2011 11:05:10 PM ET
@Rob from UK: Wow, the Airman's name is listed at the top of the article. Perhaps you should have contacted him directly. I read your comment as very disrespectful, and as someone mentioned the core values, perhaps you should take another look. The second core value contains respect for others. I'm shocked you're a commander. I hope your boss reads what you do at work. You mentioned you have 20 years. Perhaps it's time to retire. Lastly, big issues always start small. Discipline at the lowest level prevents minor infractions and instills self-discipline. Your car requires preventative maintenance. Perhaps you should neglect those 'minor' things and wait until the engine blows. Start correcting those minor infractions, uniform violations and I'm sure you'll have fewer big issues.

Andy, Colorado

5/28/2011 4:44:33 PM ET
Spot on. Too many times we let the little stuff that allegedly doesn't matter slide and it indoctrinates our minds into a habit of not doing what we're supposed to do. In my line of work shortcuts are hazardous if not lethal. Military forces that are better than others aren't that way because they are over-skilled and off in a thousand different directions. They are that way because they can get all of their people to do the basics PERFECT EVERY TIME. Whether it's breath control during shooting or crimping a blasting cap or rendering a proper salute, one has to have the basics down pat. Core skills are the foundation of future expertise and all the bricks have to be in place or the house comes down. And yes, saluting is a core skill of being a military member.

MSgt John P. McCoy, Explosive Ordnance Disposal

5/28/2011 3:04:33 PM ET
@Jason - Are you kidding me? You totally missed the point on Izzy's comment. He was basically talking about the attention to detail that is required of all of those who serve. If you cannot carry out the most basic of actions, i.e. salute with pride and excellence, how do we know you are not treating the things that really matter with the same lackluster effort? For those who think that a salute is nothing to worry about, I think its probably best you leave my service so that you won't have to worry about something as trivial as a salute. Lead, follow or get out of the way!

Keoni, Hickam AFB

5/28/2011 1:38:45 PM ET
Instead of writing a story about how to salute, you should have addressed the general lack of saluting or customs and courtesies. During my time as an enlisted airman, I was proud to salute officers. Today as an officer I routinely walk past enlisted members who fail to salute or even acknowledge my rank. The popular response is that it is my responsibility to make spot corrections. I honestly do have more important things to do in my day than conduct remedial customs and courtesies training. Instead, I think the lack of customs and courtesies is symptomatic of a generation that is more familiar with than respectful of authority: instead of professionals, let's be friends. As for saluting technique, it's like everything else, situation dependent.

Maj, AZ

5/27/2011 4:07:04 PM ET
When I clicked on this article, I thought it was going to be about the people outside the BX, MPF, or wherever, who just don't salute at all. I think that's a way bigger problem. Not taking the time to even attempt customs and courtesies is something I've seen all the way from Airmen to senior NCOs. I'm not sure if it's laziness or an "I've been in longer than you" syndrome but it's still wrong. It happens to me at least once a month. How about we work on at least trying first then improve form. Izzy, you have no idea what you're talking about wrt the nuke incident. That was my squadron and unless you were directly involved you probably shouldn't comment. Total apples and oranges.

Chris, CA

5/27/2011 3:17:49 PM ET
Very sad to read some of these posts who think addressing this issue to be a so called waste of time. Okay, so some don't like the term "tradition" or customs and courtesies or even regulation. How about attention to detail then? If you pay attention and do what you're supposed to do every time, all the time, I'm pretty sure it would free up time to address more important things. DUH

Steve, Tampa

5/27/2011 11:52:18 AM ET
Izzy, that is simply ridiculous. The incident involving nuclear weapons on the B-52 was a result of failure at multiple levels starting from the top levels of leadership all the way down to the bottom. Do you think that when the aircrew landed at Barksdale and were notified of what happened they looked back in hindsight and said If we would've saluted the load crew as we taxied away this never would've happened I will admit I sometimes salute certain individuals in my unit with less than perfect salutes because they are O-2s or O-3s who neglect their enlisted subordinates. I salute because I am required to do it, not because I think they have deserved it. I still salute the Flag with pride and respect and if that's not good enough for you, I'm really not worried because that is your opinion. My job is still done with the dedication it deserves that will never hang in the balance because of saluting.

Jason, Right Here

5/27/2011 10:54:51 AM ET
If it truly is a symbol of mutual respect then an officer should at least return a properly-rendered salute in like manner. Common courtesy and common sense. The AFI always emphasized the point that the salute was NOT a subservient gesture or an acknowledgement of inferiority. Yet when an officer returns a salute half-heartedly I personally can't help feeling that way. Here's some out-of-the-box thinking for you. If it's gotten to the point where folks don't really care one way or the other then why not just quit saluting altogether? Would it result in a catastrophic breakdown in discipline? Hardly. The troops know who is in charge, the officers know they are in charge, so why the physical reminder? I know...tradition and all that. Traditions change and evolve over time for various reasons: social, political, practical, etc. Let's either do it properly or rethink the value in doing it at all.

MSgt F V - retired, Ireland

5/27/2011 10:02:41 AM ET
Mitch I agree with you...the salute is a basic sign of mutual respect and if you cannot or will not do that simple procedure then maybe there are other tasks you haphazardly perform, like the incident of flying nuclear weapons on a B-52 across the U.S. Back to Basics.

Izzy, Lackland

5/27/2011 8:59:50 AM ET
Rob UK. Perhaps the reason why these timeless traditions are dying is because of comments like yours who think restating them is a waste of time. I'm glad I'm not under your command. As to MB of FL's comments, last time I checked, the mission is still getting done at the highest level by people who are being taken care of. I'm sure you have your basis for comparison but in the military just because at times we think we aren't paid enough, it does not mean we aren't taken care of. We all draw job satisfaction from our own motivators. I can agree the AF struggles from identity crisis, yet leaders are questioned when they set standards so we can be uniform as a unit and not like a divided bunch that only oblige when its convenient for them. Capt Coslett, good commentary - thank you.

ddub, TX

5/27/2011 8:01:02 AM ET
Captain, it's the extra things like proper uniform wear, saluting, respect for rank, etc., that set us apart from Delta Airlines or Wallmart. Thanks for pointing that out because if I didn't wear the uniform then I wouldn't care.

Maj, Langley

5/27/2011 7:16:01 AM ET
A properly rendered salute reflects mutual respect, confidence both in self and superiors, attention to detail, and good military bearing. A poor salute shows lack of respect for the person being saluted and poor military bearing. For those of you who think the captain has too much time or should be concentrating on leadership and can't see the forest for the trees, guess what? He is starting with the basics which is where good leadership starts. Good leaders expect the best from their subordinates and a proper salute is perfectly in line with everything else a leader expects. What may seem trivial to some is not. Does the salute have to be AFI 34-1201 perfect? Probably not. Should the salute be crisp with proper posture hands out of pockets and with an appropriate greeting? Most definitely. The focus on the mission starts with focus on the small things. Bravo to the captain for starting small. Hopefully as he grows professionally the sum of the small will grow to something great

WG, DC

5/27/2011 7:01:27 AM ET
So what Rob and MB are telling me is that as long as you do a good job it is okay to look like a dirtbag. I totally disagree. If that is the case, we might as well be contractors where our sole job is the mission. We are in the military and MUCH is expected from us. We must strive to do EVERYTHING correctly, no less the mission. Air Force Core value: EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO

concerned Airmen, deployed

5/27/2011 3:15:26 AM ET
It is interesting. I wrote this article months ago. The reason I wrote it is not to measure sock height or other items. I'm the last one to micro-manage anything. It was not even to point out lower ranking Airmen saluting. As a leader saluting Airmen during an award ceremony for their utter AWESOMENESS and their sacrifice to make this Air Force the best, I believe the Airman deserves a sharp crisp and professional salute. I think it will be a sad day when I can't take the time once in my life to get a sharp salute. I had the benefit twice when I was an Airman Basic and once again as a lieutenant.

Cos, Iraq

5/27/2011 2:32:38 AM ET
MB and Rob. Sir, to both of you I say it is time to retire or separate. You are saying in an open forum that AFIs and standards do not matter. People don't set out to correct people on violations of standards. It just happens walking down the sidewalk and if someone doesn't take the time to tuck in their shirt or wear the right socks or whatever else rule they choose not to follow then what else are they choosing not to do? One can only assume that they choose the same choices at their jobs. Following the simple standards are the key to overall good order and discipline. A salute today, PT uniform tomorrow, a failed NSI next week.

JC, Deployed

5/27/2011 1:12:08 AM ET
Great commentary, Captain. Just kidding. If I was going to write a commentary I would title it "Where have leaders gone?" The history of leaders varies but one story dates back to when officers led by example and had the backbone to make on-the-spot corrections to reinforce good order and discipline. Leadership is one of the oldest military traditions. Leadership is simple and if performed correctly looks professional. Thank you. Salute

Jason, Right Here

5/26/2011 9:11:40 PM ET
Great article, Capt Coslett, because you couldn't be more correct. However, I am absolutely amazed with Rob's comment as a former commander. My main comments go to Rob @ UK. It must have been great to work for Rob because he allowed his subordinates to pick and choose what AFIs they could follow. Apparently under his command doing the small things wasn't deemed important as long as the Airmen had personal substance about themselves. I guess if correct saluting or not wearing proper socks with your PT gear wasn't enforced in his squadron then I bet his Airmen regularly showed up late to work, provided inferior customer service, or cut corners on technical orders. Ask yourself, Rob, have you ever been bitten by an elephant? Probably not, but how many times have you been bitten by an ant? Rob, it's the small things that matter in the military and your condoning the blatant disregard for established AFIs is why our Airmen don't do the small things.

CMSgt Retired Bob Henson, Hurlburt Field FL

5/26/2011 8:12:17 PM ET
If Core values are about true actions and personal substance then this Captain has demonstrated it by pointing out those things that are lacking in our Air Force today. I think he used his time very wisely.

Mike, Washington DC

5/26/2011 5:59:41 PM ET
This is a sad glimpse into what Air Force leadership has turned into. The focus used to be on the mission. Unfortunately our leaders have forgotten what it means to lead and can't see the forest for the trees. They waste far too much time measuring sock height, making sure PT shirts are tucked in, worrying about reflective belts and the angle of the wrist during the salute, instead of focusing on the obstacles to mission accomplishment and taking care of their people.

MB, FL

5/26/2011 4:55:43 PM ET
Capt Coslett, I think you're spot on with this one. Here's the thing: saluting, while seemingly silly to some, is a hallmark of the military and it is no less important than a good haircut and a clean uniform. Without those basics the whole thing starts to break down and once you start slipping the rules because you think the fundamentals aren't important anymore, the quicker this whole thing goes down the tubes.

Mitch, USA

5/26/2011 3:35:27 PM ET
Capt., I think you have to much time on your hands to be concerned about such a major issue. I have been in the military for 20 years and in three separate services, and while saluting is a traditional sign of respect, I think you are reading to much into it. As a commander, I have seen numerous sharp Airman that have tremendous military bearing and sharp salutes, but as soon as they are out of sight they are terrible role models. Core values are about true actions and personal substance, not how you wear you socks in PT gear or salute IAW the AFI. You can find better uses of your day, I am sure.

Rob, UK

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