Are American soldiers allowed to salute without headgear?
Absolutely, US soldiers encounter situations where headgear is not worn but a salute is given. For one, a salute is a form of greeting, and is mandatory in certain situations. As I am cognizant of only Air force rules, I am speaking about US Air Force only, however, I do believe saluting traditions likely are the same across the entire US military.Headgear is not authorized while wearing semi-formal or mess dress uniform, but so far as I am aware, the salute is still mandatory while outdoors in uniform. Therefore, a salute will be rendered without headgear.A military member will salute a higher ranking officer when he or she is presented with an award. This is likely done inside, when headgear is prohibited. Therefore, this is another situation where the salute is rendered without headgear.Air Force physical training uniform does not require any headgear. A salute in this uniform is not mandatory, however, one can salute an officer upon personal recognition while in this uniform, so this is another likely situation of a salute without headgear.Bottom line, saluting is just a part of life for military members, and we follow the rules set down by our DoD jnstructions. Some people feel as though saluting is kissing an officer's ass. I tend to see it as a mutual greeting, for when I render a salute to an officer, he or she is required to salute in return.
Is it common in the Air Force to not always wear headgear while outside?
What I mean is, do US Air Force officers and airmen often make exceptions to uniform regulations, especially while off base? For example, I saw an Air Force captain in his flight suit the other day at a restaurant. He was sitting outside and eating, but he wasn't wearing his flight cap. Is this somewhat common? Sometimes I'll also see them not wear their flight caps while they are on the flight line or something like that. Also, I see officers chew gum in uniform as well, which is also against regs. So I just want to know, do they tend to break regs sometimes when they are on active duty, especially if they are off base. And don't say that these kind of things are rare, because trust me, I've seen it happen a lot.
What is the army regulation for wearing headgear underarms?
read 670-1 If you are on an airfield, unless there is a ceremony underway, then no. Under arms or not, the normal SOP is to not wear any type of headgear on the tarmac.. privates...such silly creatures..
Can an armed forces' officer salute without wearing his uniform?
No, salutes are not required when you are not in uniform and reporting indoors. However, it may also depend on the laws of your country (whether or not it has a civil salute ).When to Salute(1). Army personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize persons entitled (by grade) to a salute except when it is inappropriate or impractical (in public conveyances such as planes and buses, in public places such as inside theaters, or when driving a vehicle).(2) When the country's National Anthem or foreign national anthems are played.(3) On ceremonial occasions .(4) At reveille and retreat ceremonies, during the raising or lowering of the flag.(5) During the sounding of honors.(6) When turning over control of formations.(7) When rendering reports.(8) To officers of friendly foreign countries.Salutes are not required when:(1) Indoors, except when reporting to an officer or when on duty as a guard.(2) Saluting is obviously inappropriate when (Example: A person carrying articles with both hands, or being otherwise so occupied as to make saluting impracticable, is not required to salute a senior person or return the salute to a subordinate.) In any case not covered by specific instructions, the salute is rendered.(3) Either the senior or the subordinate is wearing civilian clothes.Reporting IndoorsTHANKS:)
Do color guards and honor guards wear a hat indoors?
Wearing Of Headgear is acceptable when carrying weapons.
Brothers and sisters in the military, are we supposed to wear covers while in vehicles?
Generally, if it 'feels' like indoors (e.g. on a plane) take your cover off. I would also say on a civilian type bus, like a Greyhound, remove your cover as well. That civilian was probably prior service or on leave. Aren't you glad he squared you away before the SFC or MAJ on leave two rows behind him locked you up? And he was right. If I remember correctly the regulation say something to the effect of: "while operating a vehicle, headgear may be removed if it interferes with the safe operation of the vehicle." I have never heard of anyone getting in trouble for wearing or not wearing their headgear while in a POV or GOV (like a sedan or 15pax van). I've definitely been chewed out for wearing the wrong headgear (PC while driving a humvee, Boonie Cap in the field, PC in garrison, etc.). You usually won't get chewed out for wearing your ACH indoors, because its assumed that you are doing something. When you get out to the real Army, watch your team leader, and your 1SG. 1SG sets the uniform. Your team leader should know what the uniform of the day is. I hope I muddled things up enough for you.
Why do the police and military tend to wear bulletproof vests but not bulletproof headgear? Isn't getting a shot to the head much more dangerous than getting shot at the torso?
Some agencies (LA County Sheriff was one) used to require helmets as mandatory headgear while on patrol. This predated the widespread use of Kevlar in helmets, and the issued helmets were generally protective from blows to the head, but not from gunfire. Modern tactical helmets, such as those used by both the military and riot/SWAT police, are Kevlar, and will stop most bullets. The problem is that headgear can make police seem more imposing and less approachable. There was a study many years back (sorry, I don't know the citation) that asked citizens to rate the perceived approachability and friendliness of law enforcement officers wearing various but similar uniforms, but with different headgear. Officers wearing helmets were viewed as least approachable, followed closely by officers wearing wide-brimmed trooper "Smokey Bear" hats. The billed military-style "bus driver" hat was next down the list, and baseball caps were viewed as being even more approachable than cops who were bareheaded. When cops die of gunshot wounds, the wounds are usually to the torso. Body armor has saved hundreds, maybe thousands, of officers' lives. There is always the risk of a head wound, and they do happen, but the choice to not wear a ballistic helmet is a trade-off. Wearing a helmet all day is fatiguing, and it can limit your field of vision. Patrol cops need to remain reasonably approachable, and uniform choices are always a compromise between utility, professional appearance, comfort, and protective qualities. The golf shirt-and-cargo-pants option worn by some agencies is comfortable and utilitarian, but looks too informal for some people's tastes. Most departments have gotten away from requiring officers to wear hats at all times when out of doors, and I don't know of any where a helmet is still part of the standard uniform.