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Conjecture. Have that same Lt/Captain walk down Disney in uniform and then have them explain to you the virtue of always being saluted. Bro rules shouldn't apply in situations where it will be detrimental to the reputation of the squadron you represent. In the squadron parking lot, I will wear my morale patches with pride (and so will the SQ/CC) and probably not salute my O-3 bros because they are my bros. I'll roll my sleeves up and guys who chew might spit on the ground. Outside the Wing HQ or the gym or clinic or wherever else, we will follow the rules to a T because the last thing the Boss needs is some Chief or uptight Lt. Col. coming to him asking why his Lts aren't following the rules. Part of the unwritten rule is to continue to have SA on your surroundings when applying the other unwritten rules.

I worked at IBM as a co-op during college, and was given a very, very lucrative job offer when I graduated. I passed on it to roll the bones on becoming an officer and a pilot,... and maybe be a part of something bigger,... at least that was what my 22 year old mind was telling me. I was and still am proud to wear the uniform of the USAF. On the day I was commissioned, I was pretty pleased to be wearing it,... even those it was the Blues... a uniform that many of you despise. And as for the saluting, if you feel it is beneath you to salute, then I really don't know what do say. I just don't get it. Do you not make eye contact? Do you not say "yo, what's up?" Or is this some sort of way you compensate for your small penis? Oh, and the next time any of you Captains walks by a Lieutenant Commander at the Pentagon, make sure you explain to him how "in my squadron, we have a 'one up, one down rule.'" Yet another reason the other Services often laugh at our attitude. I'm certainly not very "traditional" in a military sense, no matter how you look at it. But for crying out loud, you wanted to be here,... try to enjoy the customs and courtesies. It's not a burden.

I will counsel any second lieutenant that salutes me that if it happens again I will punch them in the face. It goes without saying, you're a f*cking lieutenant. Jesus. It's also an unwritten rule not to be gay (not homosexual, that's allowed now, just gay as in like this guy). With all due respect, the good Col. has broken unwritten rule #1. From the article: Which one of you 2Lts is ready for the fast-track to command? Do you solemnly swear to increase queep at every opportunity? Will you vow to totally lose focus on the actual mission after 6-9 exec/staff/school assignments? Are you prepared to be promoted BTZ? And in his thrilling next article he's gonna push club membership? Give me a f-ing break sir, with all due respect of course... Time for bed...so angry...

Agreed. When I was a Lt I wouldn't salute a Capt that was in a bag, but if I was in the BX parking lot I would salute a Capt or Maj that was in BDUs. It certainly wasn't that I respected treesuiters more than flyers, just that I was aware that different communities and areas of base have different 'standards' for C&C. And as nsplayer mentioned, the last thing I wanted as a Lt was to get shit on by the Boss because he got shit on by his boss because of something I did. I don't see this as someone not caring about C&C or military tradition. We of all people can appreciate military tradition since we're always bitching about out the AF doesn't seem to care about it. It has more to do with the bro level way of life and the group dynamics of a flying squadron. The way I as a Capt interact with a Maj or Lt Col is my squadron is not at all the same way those ranks would interact in the Army, or even in the Comm Sq. No rank in the jet, no rank in the debrief, and no rank in the bar naturally leads to an attitude of no rank in the office or the parking lot. Not saying it's bad, just saying that's the way things are in the flying world. But when it comes down to respecting rank, we all understand flight discipline and the way the military functions. Our way is not the only way, nor is it best for everyone else.

Because there are no requirements to get promoted from 2 Lt-1Lt-Capt Are you showing respect for their "earned" position or just for the fact that they havent had a DUI or raped anyone since getting in? Just like in the squadrons where the top performer may not be the top guy if he hasnt passed the PT test but the 95% PT avg with 2 Q-3's will still get promoted, so will the shoe clerk christmas oh wait holiday party POC. It seems like rank is more of a statement of the year you've graduated through Capt than a sign of your accomplishments and abilities (and level of responsibility) nowadays. Ok 6 am rant off...

CAP SoftSandy would take offense to that statement.

AMEN! Seriously, is it that fucking hard to salute someone? When I was still in I saluted buds who outranked me, because they earned it, and I respected that!

2, you guys called it. The thing that Col space wings above doesn't get is that aviators are paid to have judgement and common sense. How can I possibly not salute other CGOs, roll my sleeves up, get shit faced at the bar, and sing dirty songs and yet still be trusted to go out and perform my mission and bring myself and the jet back safely? Because I can f^cking exercise good judgement and common sense as to what is appropriate and where.

Apparently it can't be a tradition if it's not written in an AFI "Ohhh sweet glaaaviinnn, he's right, the ID cards do only say LT! How do we know who is what???!!!"

They should just issue us bedazzled flight suits and call it good. No reason you can't be safe AND fabulous at the same time! Plus it will show sensitivity to the recent repeal of DADT.

Comments button worked for me. On this Memorial Day, I'd like to take a moment to remember all the broken egos of our brave TIB servicemembers...him him.

From a Major I deployed to Iraq with in 2003: "You know, if we join up and share a shower, we can take a 10 minute shower!!! Just think about it..."

"The ability to speak does not make you intelligent" Quigon to Jar Jar Binks in Episode 1. Actually, it IS a V device and is perfectly applicable. I can also guarantee you that you have NOT seen it on DFCs and MOH's (at least those worn correctly). Those awards are, by definition, "with Valor". Bronze Stars can be given without Valor for leadership in a combat environment, but can also be given for valorous actions.