Presidential Salutes: Just Don’t Do It
SaluteGate! The usual suspects are in a tizzy over photographs of President Obama disembarking from Marine One, the presidential helicopter, and saluting Marines with a coffee cup in his hand. Perhaps they should be.
As a veteran, I am bothered by the cavalier way in which Obama rendered the hand salute. If a recruit in her first week of basic training can be taught to render the hand salute properly, then the President of the United States can. But what really bothers me is the fact of presidential saluting itself.
The president, as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, is a civilian. Civilian personnel do not render the hand salute to military personnel; the salute is a military-to-military courtesy. And, since the Commander-in-Chief is a civilian office, and not a military one, presidents are under no obligation to do so. In fact, they shouldn’t. Symbolically, refraining from saluting would show that the military instrument of state is subordinate to civil power — as it was intended by the Framers. The reason military personnel salute a president is that the president is their commander-in-chief; by saluting, they are signifying their subordination to civilian authority.
Eisenhower in Korea, 1953
Though they were also veterans, Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Carter didn’t salute the troops while leaving Air Force or Marine One. President Ford tripped down the stairs — but I don’t think that counts.
It was Ronald Reagan who fetishized saluting, as well as the wearing of military gear — particularly the “Top Gun” leather flying jacket. It was all part of his “morning in America” schtick, and it’s not surprising he did so. Reagan didn’t so much occupy the office of the President of the United States as he did perform it. And he performed it well. As a former actor, he was keenly attuned to the virtues of costuming, which is why he so enjoyed being photographed in his cowboy outfit, in his riding-to-hounds outfit, and in his Top Gun outfit.
Symbolically, that’s a problem. By virtue of being a civilian, the President of the United States is not a uniformed leader and, therefore, not a legitimate target of war under the customary laws of land warfare. Once a president starts wearing military garb, however, that distinction begins to fall away. Now perhaps this is a moot point. In this era of asymmetric warfare, where hijacked airplanes become weapons, the non-combatant/combatant distinction has become even more blurry. But it also blurs the distinction between the civil and the military instruments of power.
In the midst of debates over the lack of Congressional authorization for the use of force in Iraq and Syria, and given our perennial (and mind-numbingly dull) debates over whether this or that presidential action meets the so-called “Founders’ Intent,” it’s odd that we so easily elide the separation of civil and military power. There was a reason the Framers of the Constitution wanted to vest the military instrument of power in civilian hands. In their indictment of King George III — the Declaration of Independence — the Founders listed the “repeated injuries and usurpations” visited upon the colonies by the Crown. Among them was this: “He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.”
Little wonder, then, that the Constitution renders the Military dependent upon and subordinate to the Civil power.
President Obama did in fact disresepct the military when he saluted with a coffee cup in his hands. He should apologize. And then he should stop saluting — and none of his successors should start again.
And let’s face it — the salute is so much more respectful when it’s rendered with a dog.
Copyright 2014 Liberaland
By: Russ Burgos
Interested in foreign affairs, global conflict, and political narratives and discourses
61 responses to Presidential Salutes: Just Don’t Do It
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R.J. Carter September 24th, 2014 at 11:56
This begs the question — if it’s a military-to-military communication, should the President not only not salute, but should he also be not saluted?
Russell Burgos September 24th, 2014 at 12:18
The Commander in Chief is the senior-most person in the chain of command, and it is on the basis of the delegation of Constitutional authority to that position that the military acts, and that’s why the military salutes the president — recognition of their commander-in-chief. (Which is why the so-called “Commander in Chief test” in presidential elections is also one of my pet peeves. The president is not “our” commander in chief, he’s the military’s Commander in Chief.)
Army Regulation 600-25, for example, instructs Soldiers that the hand salute must be rendered to “The President of the United States, as the commander in chief.”
If you want to really get into the weeds, salutes are also rendered to commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (which is why the Surgeon General is the Surgeon GENERAL, even though the uniform is naval-looking) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
R.J. Carter September 24th, 2014 at 12:20
So there’s a written regulation requiring saluting the President. Good to know it’s documented! Thanks!
This military-to-military communication seems to be a one-way street in this instance.
Russell Burgos September 24th, 2014 at 12:26
As it should be: from below to above and from military to civil.
R.J. Carter September 24th, 2014 at 12:43
Isn’t the senior (military) officer required to return the salute?
Russell Burgos September 24th, 2014 at 13:02
Yes, but if he doesn’t, the junior person drops the salute. For example, you’re walking to the PX and pass an officer. The officer is talking with her husband. You salute her, because you recognize the rank. She doesn’t notice you. You don’t have to sit there, waiting. You just drop the salute and move along. You don’t have to salute in public (on the Metro or something), indoors (except when reporting to a senior officer), and when you’re carrying something (so when you’re leaving the PX with your arms full of bags and pass a senior officer, you just say, “Good day, sir”).
mea_mark September 24th, 2014 at 14:19
Sounds like it should be optional and the personal preference of the president to do what ever he feels like. It is a free country after all and he is a civilian.
jasperjava September 24th, 2014 at 15:09
Can you imagine the uproar if Obama didn’t salute at all, coffee cup or no?
The right-wing nut jobs would be shrieking IMPEACH!!!
Tammy Minton Haley September 24th, 2014 at 18:10
…remember the flag-pin scandals? these regressives will bitch and fight and complain about anything…
Larry Schmitt September 24th, 2014 at 15:33
Does that apply to Muslim civilians too?
mea_mark September 24th, 2014 at 16:10
I don’t understand your question?
Unless you are just being sarcastic.
Larry Schmitt September 24th, 2014 at 16:38
Definitely sarcastic.
R.J. Carter September 24th, 2014 at 11:56
This begs the question — if it’s a military-to-military communication, should the President not only not salute, but should he also be not saluted?
Russ Burgos September 24th, 2014 at 12:18
The Commander in Chief is the senior-most person in the chain of command, and it is on the basis of the delegation of Constitutional authority to that position that the military acts, and that’s why the military salutes the president — recognition of their commander-in-chief. (Which is why the so-called “Commander in Chief test” in presidential elections is also one of my pet peeves. The president is not “our” commander in chief, he’s the military’s Commander in Chief.)
Army Regulation 600-25, for example, instructs Soldiers that the hand salute must be rendered to “The President of the United States, as the commander in chief.”
If you want to really get into the weeds, salutes are also rendered to commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (which is why the Surgeon General is the Surgeon GENERAL, even though the uniform is naval-looking) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
R.J. Carter September 24th, 2014 at 12:20
So there’s a written regulation requiring saluting the President. Good to know it’s documented! Thanks!
This military-to-military communication seems to be a one-way street in this instance.
Russ Burgos September 24th, 2014 at 12:26
As it should be: from below to above and from military to civil.
R.J. Carter September 24th, 2014 at 12:43
Isn’t the senior (military) officer required to return the salute?
Russ Burgos September 24th, 2014 at 13:02
Yes, but if he doesn’t, the junior person drops the salute. For example, you’re walking to the PX and pass an officer. The officer is talking with her husband. You salute her, because you recognize the rank. She doesn’t notice you. You don’t have to sit there, waiting. You just drop the salute and move along. You don’t have to salute in public (on the Metro or something), indoors (except when reporting to a senior officer), and when you’re carrying something (so when you’re leaving the PX with your arms full of bags and pass a senior officer, you just say, “Good day, sir”).
mea_mark September 24th, 2014 at 14:19
Sounds like it should be optional and the personal preference of the president to do what ever he feels like. It is a free country after all and he is a civilian.
jasperjava September 24th, 2014 at 15:09
Can you imagine the uproar if Obama didn’t salute at all, coffee cup or no?
The right-wing nut jobs would be shrieking IMPEACH!!!
Tammy Minton Haley September 24th, 2014 at 18:10
…remember the flag-pin scandals? these regressives will bitch and fight and complain about anything…
Larry Schmitt September 24th, 2014 at 15:33
Does that apply to Muslim civilians too?
mea_mark September 24th, 2014 at 16:10
I don’t understand your question?
Unless you are just being sarcastic.
Larry Schmitt September 24th, 2014 at 16:38
Definitely sarcastic.
Skydog2 September 24th, 2014 at 12:04
Excellent article until that last sentence.
All presidents (Bush, Obama, etc.) should salute properly or don’t do it.
R.J. Carter September 24th, 2014 at 12:05
The “but but Bush” defense is a hard habit to shake off.
arc99 September 24th, 2014 at 12:08
the but Bush defense is not at all a hard habit to break.
it will disappear within seconds after the misinformed hypocrisy of the Obama-haters disappears.
NW10 September 24th, 2014 at 12:10
Indeed. How many media networks, left wing or right wing, complained about the Bush salute with his dog? Hardly any, yet it’s “but but Bush” when it’s pointed out, and it’s fair game to complain about Obama doing the “latte salute.”
arc99 September 24th, 2014 at 12:12
To be fair, it is human nature.
After all, hypocrites will be hostile to any fact which demonstrates that they are in fact hypocrites.
Skydog2 September 24th, 2014 at 12:20
The article says Obama should apologize. Bush should have also apologized.
Russell Burgos September 24th, 2014 at 12:20
Agreed (which is why the last sentence was sarcastic).
Skydog2 September 24th, 2014 at 12:21
I just didn’t think it was necessary. Again, an excellent article.
arc99 September 24th, 2014 at 12:26
Unnecessary sarcasm directed towards people engaged in unnecessary criticism of the President.
Sounds like a fair exchange to me.
Larry Schmitt September 24th, 2014 at 15:35
It is an opinion piece. Sarcasm is acceptable in opinions.
Tammy Minton Haley September 24th, 2014 at 18:06
pay no attention to the troll behind the post…
Skydog2 September 24th, 2014 at 12:04
Excellent article until that last sentence.
All presidents (Bush, Obama, etc.) should salute properly or don’t do it.
R.J. Carter September 24th, 2014 at 12:05
The “but but Bush” defense is a hard habit to shake off.
(((NW10,PATRIOT! ✓ᵛᵉʳᶦᶠᶦᵉᵈ))) September 24th, 2014 at 12:06
Yet it’s required for proper context. How the heck can you be “outraged” at the Obama “latte salute” yet shrug off the Bush salute while holding Barney, unless you’re a partisan jerk?
arc99 September 24th, 2014 at 12:08
the but Bush defense is not at all a hard habit to break.
it will disappear within seconds after the misinformed hypocrisy of the Obama-haters disappears.
(((NW10,PATRIOT! ✓ᵛᵉʳᶦᶠᶦᵉᵈ))) September 24th, 2014 at 12:10
Indeed. How many media networks, left wing or right wing, complained about the Bush salute with his dog? Hardly any, yet it’s “but but Bush” when it’s pointed out, and it’s fair game to complain about Obama doing the “latte salute.”
arc99 September 24th, 2014 at 12:12
To be fair, it is human nature.
After all, hypocrites will be hostile to any fact which demonstrates that they are in fact hypocrites.
Skydog2 September 24th, 2014 at 12:20
The article says Obama should apologize. Bush should have also apologized.
Russ Burgos September 24th, 2014 at 12:20
Agreed (which is why the last sentence was sarcastic).
Skydog2 September 24th, 2014 at 12:21
I just didn’t think it was necessary. Again, an excellent article.
arc99 September 24th, 2014 at 12:26
Unnecessary sarcasm directed towards people engaged in unnecessary criticism of the President.
Sounds like a fair exchange to me.
Larry Schmitt September 24th, 2014 at 15:35
It is an opinion piece. Sarcasm is acceptable in opinions.
Tammy Minton Haley September 24th, 2014 at 18:06
pay no attention to the troll behind the post…
NW10 September 24th, 2014 at 12:05
Thanks Saint Reagan for another silly legacy!
(((NW10,PATRIOT! ✓ᵛᵉʳᶦᶠᶦᵉᵈ))) September 24th, 2014 at 12:05
Thanks Saint Reagan for another silly legacy!
fancypants September 24th, 2014 at 12:39
if your holding a dog its a k-9 salute
vs
holding a cup.. beverage salute
cant anyone understand that gwb is known as the teflon president
Larry Schmitt September 24th, 2014 at 15:36
No, that was Reagan. Bush was the Silverstone president. Or maybe the anodized aluminum president.
fancypants September 24th, 2014 at 12:39
if your holding a dog its a k-9 salute
vs
holding a cup.. beverage salute
cant anyone understand that gwb is known as the teflon president
Larry Schmitt September 24th, 2014 at 15:36
No, that was Reagan. Bush was the Silverstone president. Or maybe the anodized aluminum president.
juicyfruityyy September 24th, 2014 at 12:57
To be honest. I would like to see minimum wage increased; climate change dealt with; equal pay; veterans benefits; and a host of other things. They can settle the salute dispute; when more important things are fulfilled.
juicyfruityyy September 24th, 2014 at 12:57
To be honest. I would like to see minimum wage increased; climate change dealt with; equal pay; veterans benefits; and a host of other things. They can settle the salute dispute; when more important things are fulfilled.
Dwendt44 September 24th, 2014 at 14:29
I was taught the salute slightly different than most I’ve seen. I was taught that the ‘bottom’ of the hand was to be ‘down’ not ‘outward’.
The British often salute with the ‘bottom’ of the hand upward.
Supposedly that signifies that they (the British) have lost a war.
Dwendt44 September 24th, 2014 at 14:29
I was taught the salute slightly different than most I’ve seen. I was taught that the ‘bottom’ of the hand was to be ‘down’ not ‘outward’.
The British often salute with the ‘bottom’ of the hand upward.
Supposedly that signifies that they (the British) have lost a war.
rg9rts September 24th, 2014 at 15:26
Good to see he could salute something besides Jack Daniels
rg9rts September 24th, 2014 at 15:26
Good to see he could salute something besides Jack Daniels….or should I say Captain Morgan
Dwendt44 September 24th, 2014 at 19:17
Some research shows that Eisenhower did, on occasion, return a salute. BUT it wasn’t for the ceremonial guard at the foot of the stairs to/from the AF-1 or M-1. THAT habit was started by Reagan when the ceremonial guard saluted him and according to protocol held it until he passed them, not knowing the proper procedure, he returned the salute starting the whole thing going.
Dwendt44 September 24th, 2014 at 19:17
Some research shows that Eisenhower did, on occasion, return a salute. BUT it wasn’t for the ceremonial guard at the foot of the stairs to/from the AF-1 or M-1. THAT habit was started by Reagan when the ceremonial guard saluted him and according to protocol held it until he passed them, not knowing the proper procedure, he returned the salute starting the whole thing going.