Saluting -- not just for American officers Published Aug. 23, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Mike Lemorie 52nd Fighter Wing protocol SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- It's a beautiful summer day here at Spangdahlem Air Base, and I am riding on the Surrey Bus through our base. As we are driving, I watch countless Sabers walk by the bus, some look and others don't. Then I hear the question, "Why didn't that person salute the General who is on this bus?" Fellow Sabers, as an NCO working in the Protocol office, it is my responsibility to ensure that all the right actions are taken when entertaining a distinguished visitor or when putting together a ceremony. My job requires that I know, and remember, every little custom and courtesy inherent to the military, but it is every Airman's responsibility to remember the basic ones. Numerous regulations state that when outdoors, and in uniform, all members will salute any vehicle that is transporting an officer which is properly identified with a plate or flag. However, do not salute a parked and empty vehicle. Please note that a plate may be affixed to the passenger side bumper of the vehicle or displayed in the passenger side windshield if the vehicle has no plate holder. Saluting signifies respect for a superior, as well as pride in our military customs and courtesies. It is our duty and responsibility to always be on the lookout for properly identified government vehicles, as well as officers we may pass. It is also our duty to hold each other accountable to meeting these standards. The next time you are walking around base, remember to pay attention to the vehicles driving by. It may be the wing commander, a group commander or a visiting general that you walk past, and it would certainly be unfortunate if they stopped to ask you why you did not salute.