When I served in the military a few years ago, the standard was (and still is) a unit in formation would salute an approaching officer.
What I also learned in the military, was that the Russians had this reversed. The power of the people was so esteemed that officers saluted the unit. Now, I'm sure that individual soldiers bumping into officers would still initiate a salute, but when an officer addressed a formation of soldiers, it was the officer saluting first.
I think we can learn something from this. In our American society of freedom, individualism and "Power by the People, For the People, etc..." is it not elitist that a formation of soldiers standing at attention would have to salute an officer first?
I think we need to change this protocol in our armed services. While officers lead, they should always acknowledge where their real authority comes from: the very "People" in or out of uniform.
Thoughts?
2007-12-18
03:16:55
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6 answers
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asked by
Anonymous