Saluting is a mark of respect for the Monarch. Like it or not, those who wear uniform accept the 'Queen's Shilling' (and if you don't understand what that means, get your heads into military history).
I accept that not everybody in the Armed forces is a raging Royalist. But those who do not believe in the Monarchy IMHO should not be wearing uniform. The Forces are being civilianised left right and centre, to the extent that now we are having to call up reservists for the most minor skirmish.
However, I am uncomfortable working alongside those who have no respect for our Head of State. The debate about getting rid of traditions is reaching silly proportions, and the danger is that if enough people winge and moan about them, some pratt at high level will take it as a good idea and kill off yet more traditions that go towards making us the finest Armed Forces in the world - still. We may not have the best kit or enough money, but whenever we are tasked with a job it is always done well.
We still have a world class reputation, so can we please stop trying to tear apart what little we do have left.
End of rant.
