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Saluting staff vehicles is not optional

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ariel D. Partlow
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  "All military members in uniform have the responsibility of rendering a proper salute to officers in staff vehicles and many are forgetting to do so," said Chief Master Sgt. Teresa Clapper, 47th Flying Training Wing command chief.

Laughlin Air Force Base is the home of five colonels. Of these, four use a staff vehicle as their primary means of transportation for official business.

"Saluting our wing commander and other officers in staff vehicles when seen driving is the same sign of respect that is offered if they are walking or when a room is called to attention when they enter," said Clapper. "It is about customs, courtesies and respect."

One of the many reasons Clapper often hears from Airmen is "I wasn't paying attention."

With the Air Force moving toward a more cost-conscious culture, it is getting more uncommon to see the blue body and distinct white top on commander's vehicles that Airmen almost immediately recognize, explained Clapper.

According to Air Force Instruction 34-1201 Chapter 8, when on foot, military members are required to salute when a properly marked staff car passes. If uniformed member is in a moving vehicle or on a bike, no salute is necessary. Parked staff cars with no driver do not require salutes.

If no placard is present on the government owned vehicle, no salute is required. However, it is courtesy to salute if the military member on foot recognizes the driver.

Salutes are never required or requested if the driver is in a personally owned vehicle, regardless if the military member on foot recognizes the driver.

"All I ask if for every Airman to simply look up," said Clapper. "It isn't just about saluting our wing and group commanders, but about vigilance and situational awareness in general."