Are civilian employees of the Department of Defense required to salute military officers?

Question

It appears that on a few US Navy bases the military egos have started to require that civilian DoD Police Officers salute military officers. I thought that it was not appropriate for saluting when in civilian attire. DoD Police uniforms ARE NOT military uniforms and are considered to be civiliarn attire. Can someone please explain this to me?

Answer 1

In general no,
but if the post commander sets it as a bona fide requirement (I don't see how) then it can become a requirement.
-Saluting is a PRIVILEDGE between servicemembers, and only applies to citizens towards the flag.

Answer 2

I'd consider it a sniper check. They shouldn't have to, they're not supposed to. If a naval base commander has required them to do so, he is teetering on a violation of governmental contracts with the Civilian Personnel Office of DoD. Most DoD police are part of a collective bargaining unit (otherwise known as a union) and a change to policy like this would have to have been agreed upon. For the most part though, civilian employees' shouldn't have too much heart ache about it. Unless they are also in the reserves and outrank the individual they are saluting. I myself am a MILTECH in the Army which is a civilian with a reserve status. On the military side, I am an E6, but have an O6 that works for me on the Civilian side. But we get along great so there is really no tension between us. We understand and appreciate each others boundaries and authority on both sides of our professions.

Answer 3

Saluting is a manner of greeting and is NOT a privilege. A junior military person is required to salute a senior officer. Military police are required to do it just like an enlisted military member as a sign of respect.

The salute dates back thousands of years and was originated as a method for an officer to encounter one of his soldiers in the field and be sure the soldier was unarmed or did not have a weapon is his hand, the right hand being the predominate hand. Most soldiers were conscripted and were known to have a hatred for the officers who lived much better.

Answer 4

No,they are not required as far as the UCMJ is concerned. However, it may be an order or directive from the DOD police chief or an agreement between the Chief and the base CO. The Police uniforms are not civillian attire. They are exactly what they are, DOD Police uniforms.

Answer 5

Civilians Not required to salute those who are priMadonnas..the officers involved can be reported to higher authorities. You can salute the Flag of the United States, the President and Vice-President, out of respect as Commander and Chief!

Answer 6

If walking and coming toward an military officer I would not

expect them to have to salute, as required by the military

personnel. However if they are performing gate duties, I

could see them to have to perform the same actions that

would be expected by their military counterpart, to insure

conformity in there joint actions. (To avoid mis communications)

Answer 7

Probably there is a contractual requirement or that most of the guards are former military and stil consider it a sign of respect.

Answer 8

To the best of my knowledge no.
Now with them being Dept. of Def. employees which makes them US government employed it may be something new.

Answer 9

What's next boot licking or *** kissing? What's the normal progression for this nonsense?

Answer 10

no. they are not subject to the military code of conduct.