Military Saluting Politicians
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Military Saluting Politicians
In Australia I have noticed a "habit" of military personnel saluting politicians in recent years. Is it a requirement now?
It appears to be standard practice with PM on their so called "Special Purpose Aircraft" (mustn't call them VIP aircraft).
Why has it apparently become standard practice, when did it become standard practice, and who decided it should be?
Does it extend to lower level polies, and their "partners"?
Is it just in Air Force?
Which countries follow this practice, and which do not?
John
It appears to be standard practice with PM on their so called "Special Purpose Aircraft" (mustn't call them VIP aircraft).
Why has it apparently become standard practice, when did it become standard practice, and who decided it should be?
Does it extend to lower level polies, and their "partners"?
Is it just in Air Force?
Which countries follow this practice, and which do not?
John
Last edited by rjtjrt; 11th Apr 2011 at 09:43. Reason: Spelling
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As I recall from days on a VVIP Squadron, the protocol list of people officially classified as "VIP" includes where applicable, the rank equivalence for all VIPs who serve the sovereign under a commission - ministers and ambassadors for example. Saluting is not addressed to the individual holding the post, it is the sovereign, or in the case of Australia their Head of State (Aunt Betty) who is being saluted. Military officers should salute those who are higher in rank or equivalent rank to themselves. So, one trusts that all military officers are fully aware of their position in this complicated hierarchy... 
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One word - courtesy. They are in charge, whatever we might think of them.
Gentleman Aviator
It's all because pollies don't wear hats any more [I blame JFK].
'Tis always good to see Mayors and such at Freedom Parades or whatever raise their feathered tri-corns in response to a salute.
And, as ever, and in general, one defers to Stradling who states:
'Tis always good to see Mayors and such at Freedom Parades or whatever raise their feathered tri-corns in response to a salute.
And, as ever, and in general, one defers to Stradling who states:
The present day salute is a symbol of greeting, of mutual respect, trust and confidence, initiated by the junior rank but with no loss of dignity on either side.
Wouldn't bother me - I'd have happily saluted the MP for Lesser Splodbury in the Mire if it would have pleased him/her - no skin off my nose.
On a more serious note - would the mods kindly remove that ^^^photo
I'd just had my breakfast and it made me quite queasy
>>>
Thanks Mods, phew, that's better.
On a more serious note - would the mods kindly remove that ^^^photo
I'd just had my breakfast and it made me quite queasy
>>>
Thanks Mods, phew, that's better.
Last edited by Tankertrashnav; 11th Apr 2011 at 12:21. Reason: A thank you to the Mods!
Why has it apparently become standard practice,
and who decided it should be?
If it annoys anyone that they're expected to salute the PM, they can always leave and work for a civvy company.
I believe Eisenhower was in the army too
I think Jim Callaghan was the last British PM to have worn uniform (CPO RN IIRC). Rumours that Maggie was once in the SAS have been wildly exaggerated! Not so many MPs now either, although there's that recently elected Labour MP up north somewhere who's a recently retired major.
I think Jim Callaghan was the last British PM to have worn uniform (CPO RN IIRC). Rumours that Maggie was once in the SAS have been wildly exaggerated! Not so many MPs now either, although there's that recently elected Labour MP up north somewhere who's a recently retired major.
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It's always difficult when on exchange in "The Colonies". A failure to return a salute, despite the lack of a hat, can be seen to be disrespectful. As always, you have to gauge the situation and sometimes join in with the crowd! It's often better to be slighly incorrect than to be seen as a d"ŁK.
I also remember being briefed as a lad that it was appropriate to salute a lady you recognised.
As for politicians, I would always acknowledge a position of trust. As has been said, the salute in military circles acknowledges HM's commission.
I also remember being briefed as a lad that it was appropriate to salute a lady you recognised.
As for politicians, I would always acknowledge a position of trust. As has been said, the salute in military circles acknowledges HM's commission.
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Saluting is a mark of repect for the office not the individual. Simples really.
Recall once, however, being stuck in traffic approaching a roundabout. Funerla cortege coming the other way. I was in uniform and stpped out of the car and saluted as the cortege passed by.
Probably something taught to me at Cranditz.
Don't really recall but seemed like the right thing to do.
Recall once, however, being stuck in traffic approaching a roundabout. Funerla cortege coming the other way. I was in uniform and stpped out of the car and saluted as the cortege passed by.
Probably something taught to me at Cranditz.
Don't really recall but seemed like the right thing to do.
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Not so many MPs now either, although there's that recently elected Labour MP up north somewhere who's a recently retired major.
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Probably something taught to me at Cranditz. Don't really recall but seemed like the right thing to do.
