The Presidential “Return” Salute

Civilians do not return a salute, they aren’t military. Even a President who served in any branch of the US military, serves as the civilian head of the Armed Forces as Commander-in-Chief.

As an example, President Eisenhower generally did not return a salute while he was in office even though he was a prior General of the Army (5-star). There apparently was one time during a Medal of Honor presentation to Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, that the President did return a salute (see article comments below). This could have been force of habit.

Who is Authorized a Salute by Military Personnel?

The quote below is from an AFI. I am sharing the quote as an example. The concept applies to every member of every uniformed service and I am sure that each service has a variation of the following information. (Emphasis mine, below.)

1.8.1. Saluting. Saluting is a courtesy exchanged between members of the uniformed Services as both a greeting and a symbol of mutual respect. The basic rules regarding saluting are:
1.8.1.1. Airmen salute the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, Department Secretaries, all superior commissioned and warrant officers, all Medal of Honor recipients, and superior officers of friendly foreign nations.
1.8.1.2. Airmen salute the President, the Vice President, Secretary of Defense, Department Secretaries, and senior officers in vehicles when distinguished by vehicle plates and/or flags.

Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards

Technically, each Governor is also saluted (one-on-one) as CinC of the state’s Army and Air Force National Guard. Although, that is not officially stated anywhere that I can find.

Before the Beginning

Presidents, Governors, and all other civilians did not return salutes. Ever. The hand salute is purely military with some paramilitary organizations (first responders) rendering a salute in uniform for the national anthem, but they do not render a salute to each other or anyone else, and do not receive salutes by anyone.

The Beginning

President Reagan is the man who began the Presidential Salute. The President, wanting to show his respect to the military personnel on Marine One, Air Force One, and at the White House, wanted to do something in return. His return salute showed appreciation for those military individuals around him.

No Training

None of the Presidents since Reagan has received training on rendering a salute unless he spent time in a military service. This means that none of the Presidents who are civilians and not veterans has any knowledge on how to render the salute, why we salute, or when to salute.

Each President since has continued the tradition to varying degrees. It’s understandable why President Reagan began the custom and it stands that if any President after him would have discontinued the tradition, he would have been vilified in the press and, probably more importantly, the court of public opinion.

The position of Commander-in-Chief of the US Armed Forces returning a salute does make a bit of sense. However, it has gone from a humble beginning to being abused.

Salute Abuse

The so-called “Latte Salute” of President Obama was rightfully criticized in the media at the time. There was no reason for him to do that, his left hand was free. Below is a still from the Huffington Post.

President Trump has extended the use of the salute to beyond just returning a direct and even an indirect salute from members of the military. He has rendered a hand salute for ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and elsewhere. President Reagan went beyond the purview of the salute protocol, but the return salute, as I mentioned, is understandable. Now, it’s gotten out of hand.

Military, law enforcement, and anyone else. Stop rendering a hand salute to those who do not warrant a salute. Civilians, stop trying to be more than you are.

Vice Presidents

Unfortunately, while Mr. Pence was in office, he decided to begin the tradition for the VP position. This doesn’t make sense and cheapens saluting.

Also unfortunate is Ms. Harris continuing the tradition for the VP position. Yes, the VP is second in line as commander-in-chief of the US armed forces, but there isn’t anything like “Assistant/Deputy CinC”.

The photo below makes no sense. This is then-VP Pence receiving a salute from a FL state trooper and the VP returning it. There was no reason for the trooper to salute. Neither are military. I do, however, understand that prior military service habits are difficult to stop.

A Secretary?

I do not mean to be disrespectful, but Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas returning a salute rendered by a cordon of Coast Guard Academy cadets is 100% wrong. You overstepped your bounds, Mr. Secretary.

And a note to the Coast Guard Academy: This line of cadets is so overly done that it begins to look ridiculous. This is not an appropriate cordon. Cabinet-level secretaries receive a 19-gun salute and that means a 19-man cordon. That’s it. See AR 600-25, Salutes, Honors, and Courtesy, Table 3-1. The Army established the standard and every service follows that standard.

Governors

As stated above, a governor is the commander-in-chief of the state’s Army and Air National Guards and State Guard, if there is one. In the capacity of CinC, the Governor warrants being saluted, he/she could return it, but that is not necessary or within protocol. Governor DeSantis is seen here rendering a hand salute during the National Anthem.

The Governor is a LTCDR in the Navy Reserve and as a (currently serving) veteran is authorized to render a hand salute in civilian clothes as per the Defense Authorization Act of 2000 (all veterans may, the Marine Corps restricts the salute to covered while outdoors and no other time).

Even though authorized, this will lead to more Governors saluting and returning salutes even though they are civilians. VP Vance took office and is authorized to salute since he is a veteran. I’m quite sure that is he does render a salute, it will be the subject of discussion.

Enough Already

If all this saluting were to stop, there would be a baseless uproar. But let’s do it anyway and explain the situation to the American people.