Military types, what's an appropriate show of respect?

I know a lot of folks make it a point to throw some kind words at our men and women in uniform, and I do as well. But there are times when it's not really appropriate to bug someone or interrupt their flow. But sometimes there are those awkward moments where you make eye contact with a guy or girl in uniform, and there's that moment where you don't want to break their stride, but you want to throw them a little respect at the same time.

Not having served, I wouldn't think a salute would be appropriate. A thumbs up? Metal horns? Hang loose? Is there a commonly accepted civilian gesture of respect for military types?

If not, I vote for the Isaac.

I think that pretty much speaks for itself.

Quickest way is just a normal "thank you for your service" (when I was in it was the easiest and most common but still humbling)

Never ever ever salute.... Ever

I do like the Isaac though, give it a shot, May make someone's day.

I just usually say "Thanks for your service". But it's hard to argue with finger-guns...

The sign language sign for thank you.
Here is the video primer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr9Zb3sTfYg
As shown, prefect for an airport situation.

Some people in uniform in public places are uneasy about getting attention (me included). You wouldn't believe some of the crazy conversations I've had with people (like the bums at Walmart). Like JtspellS said, a quick "Thank you for your service" is the most appreciated but still very humbling.

Metal horns are also accepted \m/ \m/

JG, I don't want any confusion here in case we ever cross paths. I've never served, but if you feel so inclined, you can slip me a twenty.

JtspellS wrote: Never ever ever salute.... Ever

^This. As a former service member I found civilians attempting a salute disrespectful. That's "our thing". If you must, a thumbs up is fine, a simple thank you, or a beer, beer is always appreciated :)

JtspellS wrote: Never ever ever salute.... Ever

This, well, unless you are 5 years old. Then it's just cute.

I rarely wore uniforms off base. Marines are not allowed to be in cammies off base unless it's an emergency and I only wore dress/garrison stuff if on duty, on base. So it wasn't very often people knew I was in the Marine Corp when in a public place but when people did notice and say something it was usually a "Thanks for your service", which is more than enough. Hell, eye contact, a nod, and a smile or thumbs up would be better for me.

I am the type of guy that if you would have given me the Isaac finger guns, I would probably have done it back and laughed.

DrBoost wrote: JG, I don't want any confusion here in case we ever cross paths. I've never served, but if you feel so inclined, you can slip me a twenty.

The satisfaction you get from your brave contribution to the private sector is a greater reward than any amount of cash I could give you. Thank you, sir.

I usually say "thanks for your service" and keep walking. But I will go out of my way to walk close to them so I can do it without making an announcement over the PA system.

Sometimes when they are walking their concentration is on getting to their destination. Especially in airports. But they are also aware of their surroundings so eye contact, a nod, and a smile or thumbs up is nice and doesn't slow them down.

Being retired army, this is kinda new to me. I enlisted in the mid-70's and ended up staying 20 years. I was in during the Viet Nam stigma and saw it start to change during Desert Shield/Storm.

Quick story time, Summary; always be positive toward anyone.

So I was back on the way to Iraq after an amazing week or so of leave in 06 and I was on my way back to ATL., Coming in to Boston form Bangor I did not care or really have the time to figure out where in the hell I needed to go so I decided to ask a person from the airline I was currently flying with what gate I needed to go to and I was greeted with a "It is on you're stub, where do think you need to go?" so being the smart ass I am I with out thinking said "Oh I don't know back to Iraq, where do you think I should go?" and I had a nice escort from there to the place I needed to go.

Long story short most soldiers like the simple things and no long ass story from you, sometimes they just need to let it out and they don't get the chance.

Though a thank you and a or shot/meal is never taken as offensive.

one of my cousins is just coming towards the end of his time in the Army.. he's been in Iraq twice and Afghanistan once... he says he feels uncomfortable any time a stranger thanks him for anything.

It always made me uncomfortable as well. I much preferred a nod. Thank you for your service was fine as well, but please, no life stories.

JThw8 wrote:

JtspellS wrote: Never ever ever salute.... Ever

^This. As a former service member I found civilians attempting a salute disrespectful. That's "our thing". If you must, a thumbs up is fine, a simple thank you, or a beer, beer is always appreciated :)

same here … if you feel the "need" to salute … do the single finger to the forehead type … thumbs up, works fine. sometimes there isn't an easy way to say "thanks for your service" …

a quick nod, finger to the forehead, thumbs up ….

anything beats the spit and buckets of blood we got coming home

even more … thanks for caring

I think this desire for us commoners to acknowledge the military folks is a result of that horrible Viet Nam experience. Though I was barely out of diapers when that went on, I had such disdain about how folks were treated when they came home that I, along with many others apparently, feel like we need to make up for that misdeed. So, we go out of our way to acknowledge armed forces people today.

Another thing is, as a civilian, I feel like such a complete Bob Costas compared to those who serve. I am simply in awe of what they are capable of and the sacrifice they are willing to make. Acknowledging them is sort of my way of saying "Hi" to Superman or some other action hero in real life.

I do worry that such things may not be welcomed and even embarrassing to them, and I hope they receive my simple "thank you" in the spirit intended.

JG Pasterjak wrote:

DrBoost wrote: JG, I don't want any confusion here in case we ever cross paths. I've never served, but if you feel so inclined, you can slip me a twenty.

The satisfaction you get from your brave contribution to the private sector is a greater reward than any amount of cash I could give you. Thank you, sir.

Well played sir. I did grow up in a crappy area of Detroit, and I'm white. That's GOTTA account for something.

I just want to tell you vets one thing... thanks.

A look in the eye and a smile is all that is needed.

At least todays military are treated much better than Korean vets. The forgotten war. They were essentially ignored. Been there.

yes they were … from WW2 to the first gulf "conflict", vets were either ignored (Korea, Granada, Panama … etc) or vilified as was VN …. glad to see the pendulum swing the other direction

how would you vets feel if the whole damn town threw a surprise parade in your honor when you got home like in that one tv commercial (for a car, i think??) that is supposed to make everyone feel all warm and fuzzy and patriotic inside?

just watching that commercial makes me feel uncomfortable, which is probably why i can't remember what it's even for...

I live next to Ft Knox so we have a TON of military folks around. A simple 'thanks for your service' goes a long way.

Occasionally we get the D-bag vets that demand they get get stuff for free at my store because they're vets. It's usually the guys that are starving for attention by having 37 Vet bumper stickers on their car, wearing shirts that are American flags, and have vet hats with scrabbled egg on the bill.

Question for the military types as an aside- do you consider what you do to be outside the realm of "normal"? I don't ask to be a douche, please don't take it that way. I ask simply because at least the way i'm wired, I consider anything I do to be "normal" and everyone should simply operate on that level, and I'm never going above and beyond or performing an extraordinary service. I'm not in the military, nor have I ever been (I've physically disqualified myself multiple times on multiple limbs) but I get that sometimes in my every day life. My wife seems to think i'm exemplary, and I've gotten it from other people before when I do stuff like...install an intake in a parking lot with the tools I happen to have with me, because it was there and I could do it. I don't think that strange, but the guy I did it for was blown away.

Don't say "thank you for your service". I always feel funny about that- my standard response is "I'm just a cog in the machine," and somehow want to thank them back for doing their part for making this place work. A nod and smile is sufficient. If you're interested, ask about their work, but expect the same question back at you.

A nod is about all I ever wanted. A "thank you for your service" sort of thing necessitates a reply, which leads to conversation. Not something I generally wanted. A nod I could nod back to without breaking stride. And no, I don't want you to buy me a cup of coffee!

The aforementioned asl "thank you" could almost be cute. But it wouldn't be recognized, and that video wasn't really it. But, it silently puts it on your lips, and on your face. That can be easily casually and graciously acknowledged by the recipient. It's kind of a glorified nod.