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 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Some good answers. To clarify, I'm thinking more of a unit assembled in formation and standing at attention. I really like the idea of the officer saluting the unit first, but only in that scenario.
Of course, loose bands of soldiers and stuff is different, and they should salute the officer first.
But a unit assembled at attention in formation commands more respect than an officer, in my opinion. And the latter should pay respect for the privilege of commanding such a formation.
But that's just my opinion.
2007-12-18 03:31:37 · update #1
Well thought out........., but in the US military, you are saluting the "rank", not the person.
2007-12-18 03:27:05 · answer #1 · answered by usaf.primebeef 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The rendering of the hand Salute is a very old tradition. It is meant to show respect. That respect is given to a Superior officers rank. Hopefully it is also given to the person wearing that rank.
As an officer in the Army approached a group of soldiers not in formation, it would be the responsibility of the first soldier seeing the officer to call the group to attention and render the hand salute, the officer would then return the salute.
I do not understand any reasoning for the officer to initiate that exchange.
2007-12-18 03:26:44 · answer #2 · answered by SFC_Ollie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A UNIT in formation does NOT salute... the person in CHARGE of the unit salutes. This occurs whether the unit or detail is stationary or marching.
Personally, I don't see how the protocol of the SOVIET UNION should in ANY way affect the US or NATO units.
As an officer, you acknowledge the "power of the people" by treating your troops well, keeping them safe, and fighting hard for THEM... in combat, in peace, and through the miles of red-tape erected by the liberal beuracracy. I started my service as an enlistedman, and received my commission after 10 years of service.
The BEST officers I knew worked FOR us and received our trust, respect, and best efforts gladly.
2007-12-18 04:39:50 · answer #3 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A formation doesn't salute the officer, just the person in charge of it. I see no reason for the senior man to initiate a hand salute.
2007-12-18 03:44:59 · answer #4 · answered by DOOM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As stated by others, the salute is rendered by the lower ranks to the superior rank.
We have our traditions that have little to do with the Russians
2007-12-18 03:43:35 · answer #5 · answered by Donna 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Russian practice, as I understand it, originated in the revolutionary Red Army, where the leaders were elected by their units. It represents a mindset about 'the People' very different from what we in the West know.
I doubt it would ever take hold for long here in any of the NATO and their allied nations--we know better.
2007-12-18 03:37:55 · answer #6 · answered by psyop6 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋