When junior military members enter the armed forces, they are expected to adhere to a certain set of standards, particularly when it comes to salutes and addressing higher-ranking officers. Saluting has become a traditional way of indicating respect for higher military ranks. However, in recent years there has been a growing conversation about the negative impact of salutes upon the morale of junior members of the armed forces. In this essay, I will analyze the arguments for and against discontinuing salutes among junior military members, and will draw a conclusion on whether or not this practice should be discontinued.

At the outset, it is important to define exactly what is meant by a “salute”. A salute is an outward expression of respect and admiration for higher ranking military officers, in which the junior member of the armed forces raises their right hand and moves it in a circular motion. It is traditionally performed by any junior member of the armed forces upon recognition of higher ranking officers. The tradition is believed to have originated during the Roman Empire and has evolved over the centuries to become a longstanding military practice. Salutes are traditionally used to show respect and submission to higher ranking officers, but they also serve to signify solidarity, a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood between members of the armed forces.

In modern times, salutes have been criticized for creating a sense of subordination and inferiority among junior members of the armed forces. This can be particularly true for junior members of the military who are just beginning their service and may not feel comfortable saluting in recognition of their superiors. Furthermore, for those who are coming from diverse backgrounds, saluting can be seen as an act of submission and lack of power. This has sparked debate over whether saluting should be discontinued in order to foster a sense of inclusion within the military hierarchy and help junior members feel more confident and respected in their roles.

Proponents of discontinuing salutes argue that it would create a more equitable environment for junior members of the military, allowing them to feel more included and less undermined. By doing away with salutes, it is believed that junior members would be less intimidated by their superiors and more empowered to express their own views and opinions. These supporters cite the example of the United States Coast Guard, which in 2020 decided to discontinue its practice of saluting in order to promote a more inclusive atmosphere within the organization. The decision was met with general approval, as many felt that it was a step in the right direction towards creating a more equitable environment among members of the military.

On the other hand, there are some who oppose the discontinuation of salutes among junior members. Opponents of the idea argue that saluting is an important part of military life and that it is still necessary for junior members to show the proper respect towards higher ranking officers. They assert that saluting is an important part of the military’s culture and that without it, junior members will become complacent and lack respect for the chain of command. They also argue that salutes are a symbolic way of demonstrating the importance of following protocol and the values of the military.

Overall, it seems that the decision to discontinue salutes among junior members of the military is a complicated one. On the one hand, salutes are a traditional way of showing respect and admiration for higher ranking members of the armed forces, and are symbolic of the values and protocol of the military. On the other hand, salutes can be seen as a form of subordination and can create a sense of exclusion among junior members, setting them apart from their superiors. When weighing the arguments for and against discontinuing salutes, it seems that there is no clear cut answer.

Ultimately, the decision to discontinue salutes will likely depend on the individual situation and personal preferences of the organization in question. For those organizations that are looking to create a more inclusive and equitable atmosphere, then the discontinuation of salutes could be beneficial. However, for those that feel it is important to maintain the traditional values and protocols of the military, then salutes may still be necessary. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the culture and values of the particular organization and its members.