Originally Posted by
block30
I'm staying at a hotel near my Guard base for annual training days. There are a bunch of CAP-ers staying at the same hotel. Based on prior experience with CAP folk, I have a feeling they will expect me to salute them, but I do not think I can or have to. Hopefully I can just avoid that situation.
For those not familiar, almost any adult in CAP can wear commissioned officer insignia (long story short).
No, you don't need to salute them.
OTOH, these are the people DOD called to help save lives during Hurricane Katrina when I was invloved in the DOD side of business. Why?
Saved DOD resources (Military Helicopters costing us $4500/hr and specialised P-3's that cost over $11,000/hr. We paid CAP about $140/hr and saved the DOD folks and taxpayers enormous dollars on tapping DOD resources) The CAP crews were all volunteers and paid out of pocket to help fellow Americans and save us (DOD and taxpayers) enormous resources.
No, you don't need to salute them, but the recruiters love to visit the cadets these "any adult" lead. Many become USAF/Navy/Marine/Army officers. Even more enlist. Perhaps your the model from afar that helps the overall recruiting effort by showing these "adults" and cadets" who often aspire to be like you a measure of respect.
YMMV
SD