If you're in the military, you salute both... if you're "covered" (wearing a hat). I've met two different Presidents on five occasions. In each instance I was uncovered so I didn't salute. I stood at attention and shook their offered hands.
Protocol is that an enlisted person always salutes a commissioned officer. Oddly, one wouldn't salute a member of the House or Congress, nor a cabinet appointee.
Etiquette requires that you return a salute whenever you can... regardless who initiates it.
There are exceptions to the rules. For example, if an enlisted guy has his arms full and can't render a salute, he can get away with acknowledging the officer and saying, "By your leave, sir."
The Vice president is not CIC, so technically he may not be entitled to a salute.
Otherwise, a person in the military as officers, do not salute ranks the same as or lower than their own, unless the recipient is wearing the Medal of Honor. An enlisted man must salute all officer ranks, or an enlisted person wearing the Medal of Honor.
Someone should inform 0bama that he violates Navy/Marine protocol regarding saluting. A person in the chain of command without head cover does not return a salute. He may offer a nod to acknowledge a salute, but not a salute !
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If you're in the military, you salute both... if you're "covered" (wearing a hat). I've met two different Presidents on five occasions. In each instance I was uncovered so I didn't salute. I stood at attention and shook their offered hands.
Protocol is that an enlisted person always salutes a commissioned officer. Oddly, one wouldn't salute a member of the House or Congress, nor a cabinet appointee.
Etiquette requires that you return a salute whenever you can... regardless who initiates it.
There are exceptions to the rules. For example, if an enlisted guy has his arms full and can't render a salute, he can get away with acknowledging the officer and saying, "By your leave, sir."
Probably more than you wanted to know... sorry.
The Vice president is not CIC, so technically he may not be entitled to a salute.
Otherwise, a person in the military as officers, do not salute ranks the same as or lower than their own, unless the recipient is wearing the Medal of Honor. An enlisted man must salute all officer ranks, or an enlisted person wearing the Medal of Honor.
Someone should inform 0bama that he violates Navy/Marine protocol regarding saluting. A person in the chain of command without head cover does not return a salute. He may offer a nod to acknowledge a salute, but not a salute !
enlisted unless they are awarded the medal of honor
lower rankings?
neither....