[July 2, 2021] The military salute is a sign of respect and recognition of another military member.1 On the flip side, we know that warfare is complex and all about defeating an enemy. We also know the advantage of killing leaders. Such an act can create chaos. Therefore, we regularly discourage saluting in combat environments. It was standard procedure for us to issue a no saluting in the field order.
“Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place.” – Tecumseh, Shawnee great chief, and warrior
The tradition of the hand salute goes back before recorded history, and because they do it so often, military members salute almost without thinking. Performing the salute properly, at the right time, place, and form is practiced and demonstrates professionalism in the person giving the salute. However, we often ban saluting while on the battlefield for what would seem to be obvious reasons.
This tradition is why I was surprised to discover that during my first tour of duty in the Iraq War that saluting was not discouraged but required while inside base camps. Leaders sometimes do things that do not make a whole lot of sense, at least not at the time.
Camp Victory, the largest base camp since the Korean War, was a sprawling compound housing more than 50,000 people at its peak. In all three of my combat tours, my primary location was at this camp. It was a small city, and its security was good. Our senior military leaders believed that “discipline” would be lost if the tradition of saluting was no longer allowed.
Discipline versus getting shot by a sniper. Now, that was comforting to know. True enough, no officer was ever shot in Iraq by a sniper when being saluted. Perhaps they were right after all.
When we show respect to others (through saluting or a greeting), relationships tend to go better. Saluting, therefore, is good and is a worthy behavior. As one of my Command Sergeants Majors said to me, “better some respect than none.”
We regulate and enforce standards of behavior in the military. In addition, those standards are high. Of course, I would expect nothing less. Although I always felt weird saluting others, sometimes it was necessary. Discipline is important. However, always be careful. A sniper might just be around the corner.
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I always enjoy reading about Gen. Satterfield when he was on the battlefield. As he has noted on several occasions, most of those who were there and returned are far better people than when they left to go into combat. Why? Gen. S. has attempted to answer that question and perhaps it will never be answered but at least we know that the attempt is noble.
Me too. I’m always looking at those things that make us successful and doing well in a chaotic environment is one of them.
” Discipline is important. However, always be careful. A sniper might just be around the corner.” The best part of today’s article is this statement. Good wording, Gen. Satterfield.
Wilson, you are funny but this is a serious subject.
For those who have not read Gen. Satterfield’s DAILY FAVORITES, I do recommend that you go there today and read about Thomas Sowell. As most of us already know, Sowell is a black conservative who writes about race and politics. He is adamant that the drive today to stop discrimination by more discrimination is a non starter. Of course, he is much more articulate than I am. Go and read more about this man and the good he does every day.
Hi Eric, I don’t miss a day without going there but I think most folks overlook that section of this leadership website. Yes, by all means read about Thomas Sowell, but get in line with his thinking on topics of import today.
Same here. I read it regularly but not all the time. These are really good articles.
Outside the regular article (main page) site, this is the best part of this blog by Gen. Satterfield.
Like Frank and others here, I do learn a lot about the military but at the same time, I’m also learning about the army.
I had no idea about such nuances of “saluting” by our military personnel.
Me either. Of course, that is why I’m one of the fans of this website and one of its original forum members. Good to be heard and to learn from Gen. Satterfield.
That is the way of us who have not been in the military. We will never truly understand what sociologists call a “subculture.” That is a way of doing things important to those who make up any organization or large group. They develop their own ways and those ways establish a pattern that is copied. Deviance from the norm, here, is not seen as a good thing. Saluting or not, when required can get military folks into trouble.
Good point, Willie.
Interesting! 👍