Respecting Military Hierarchy: Salutations and Responses in the Army

Military protocol plays a crucial role in maintaining discipline and respect within the ranks. One of the most fundamental aspects of military interactions is the salute and the appropriate response to it. In the military, when a soldier salutes a superior, the superior usually returns the salute. What follows, however, often varies depending on the specific context and personal preferences of the superior officer.

Standard Responses:

Unless there are specific unit protocols or traditions, there is no set required spoken response. However, basic greetings like 'Good Morning, Sir' or 'Good Afternoon, Ma'am' are common and expected. For example, if an airman salutes an officer, the officer will typically respond with 'Good Morning, Airman' or 'Good Afternoon, Airman.'

Examples and Anecdotes:

The United States Army, with its Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, follows a similar protocol. The normal process when an airman approaches an officer involves saluting and saying 'Good morning, Sir' or an equivalent greeting depending on the time of day. The officer will then salute back and might say something like 'Good morning, Soldier/Sailor/Airman.'

However, instances where the expected response is disregarded can lead to interesting and unexpected situations. In one odd incident, an airman began to give a detailed account of his health, mood, academic problems, and life history in response to 'How are you, son.' This unexpectedly long and detailed response puzzled the Colonel, who then promptly asked about the airman in his office, revealing the airman's unique background as the son of a professional cartoonist.

British Army Rituals:

In contrast to the American tradition, the British Army tends to avoid the shouting out of regimental mottos. When a soldier salutes, they generally say 'Good Morning/Sir' or 'Good Afternoon/Sir,' to which the superior might respond with the soldier's rank followed by their name, such as 'Good morning, Private Smith.'

Some specific units within the British Army, particularly those within the 101st Airborne Division, have unique mottos. For example, when an enlisted person salutes another, they might sound off with the unit's motto, followed by the officer's appropriate response, such as 'Air Assault!'

Additionally, certain units incorporate parts of the Eagle into their mottos. The Military Intelligence Battalion might be referred to as the 'Eyes of the Eagle,' while the Signal Battalion could be the 'Voice of the Eagle.' Similarly, an aviation unit might be called the 'Wings of the Eagle.'

Conclusion:

While there is no strict, universal rule for the verbal response to a salute in the military, understanding the context and the unit's traditions can help maintain proper protocol and respect. Whether it is 'Good morning, Sir' or the unit’s specific motto, the ongoing interaction between soldiers and superiors is a crucial aspect of maintaining order and unity within the military.