There are always many questions about saluting. I will try to clear up what we need to do and answer any questions. The 1st reference I would like to use is from CAPP 151, the Standards, Customs and Courtesies. From Section 2b. “Saluting. It is a courtesy exchanged between members of the Civil Air Patrol when in military-style uniform as both a greeting and a symbol of mutual respect. As such, it is never inappropriate to salute another individual. The basic rules regarding saluting for CAP members are:
(1) You salute when in military-style uniform.
(2) You salute the President of the United States, all Medal of Honor recipients, and commissioned officers and warrant officers of the Armed Forces who are senior in rank to you.
(3) You do not salute when indoors unless you are formally reporting to an officer senior in rank to you.
(4) You salute when outdoors unless:
(a) You are carrying articles (or a heavy object) in both hands, which cannot be transferred to the left hand, or another legitimate reason such as injury, and so forth. In this case, an oral greeting should be exchanged, such as "Good Morning, Sir or Ma'am." If you are the lower ranking individual and the one you are approaching is higher in rank but whose arms are incapacitated, you will still salute.
(b) You are in a designated "covered" or "no salute" area, (aircraft marshalling areas and flightlines are "no salute" areas).
(c) You are a member of a military formation or a work detail (only the senior member of the formation or detail salutes).
(d) You are attending a public gathering such as a sports event.
(5) When on a military installation, you salute officers in government cars if the car has a flag or metal standard that identifies the rank of the occupant (usually general officers and military wing or base commanders).
(6) Military personnel are not required to render a salute to CAP personnel, but they are not restricted from doing so if they desire.”
I had to highlight “it is never inappropriate to salute another individual.” No matter what uniform you are in or if you are not in uniform, I would suggest returning all salutes. This suggestion is backed up by the CAP Knowledge base at
www.cap.gov. The following Question and Answer is from there.
“Question - What is the most appropriate response when a cadet salutes me (a senior member without grade)? What if I held an officer grade, but was wearing a CAP-distinctive or corporate uniform? Does my response change?
Answer - It would be appropriate to return the salute as many cadets are taught to salute all senior members. Salutes are not required when wearing most of the CAP distinctive uniforms, but it would be appropriate to return a salute if you are saluted by a cadet or other senior member.”
Also, “Members wearing the Corporate Service Coat or the white aviator shirt and blue pants/skirt combination should observe the same customs and courtesies as members wearing the Air Force-style uniform.” This is from CAP/CC Letter, Change to CAPM 39-1 dated 25 Jan 08.
I hope this information helps answer some questions.
Brandon Parks, Major, CAP
Deputy Commander, Group 2
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