TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
Military customs are actions steeped in tradition. Such as the salute, going back to the medieval era, knights would expose their face by lifting their armor's visor. It is a sign of good faith and a show of respect resembling the same motion as a salute.
Times have changed, but the custom remains. Lower ranking individuals still render these courtesies when officers are outside. Although officers typically do not travel by horseback anymore, when Airmen see a staff car they know to salute.
For Airmen, the recognition of rank insignias begins in Basic Military Training in the form of memory work.
Going forth into the operational Air Force identifying a colonel is established by viewing the insignia of an eagle on their uniform or car. On the contrary, other branches and countries may not have the same designation.
With Air Force bases consolidating their forces and foreign militaries attending the bases for training, the need to be mindful of rank insignias and official markings is needed.
Case in point, Canada officers stationed at Tyndall, use a maple leaf as a signifier on their license plate.
To make sure that high ranking officials are given the respect entitled to them, there are Air Force Instructions in place, such as AFI 34-1201.
The hand salute is the form of greeting and recognition exchanged between persons in the armed services. All Air Force personnel in uniform are required to salute when they encounter any person or situation entitled to the salute, states AFI 34-1201 Chapter 8.
AFI 34-1201 goes on to explain.
When the salute is rendered to another person, the junior member initiates the salute accompanied with an appropriate verbal greeting, for example, "Good Morning, Sir/Ma'am". Salute and extend the verbal greeting at a distance at which recognition is easy and audible. Offer the salute early enough to allow the senior officer time to return it and extend a verbal greeting before you pass. All salutes received when in uniform shall be returned; at other times, salutes received shall be appropriately acknowledged.
Although there is not a need to salute officers indoors aside from reporting to their office, per AFI, officers must be saluted when in their vehicles.
When a salute is rendered to a senior officer in a vehicle, hold the salute until it is returned by the officer or after the vehicle has passed.
Automobile plates are authorized for use on government-owned and leased vehicles, not on privately-owned vehicles. An automobile plate indicates the official status or rank of the senior individual occupying the vehicle. The plate will be removed or covered when the individual for whom the plate is issued is not in the vehicle. Automobile plates are locally fabricated.
Automobile plates are six inches by nine inches, with the design and color of each plate the same as the positional or individual flag for whom it represents, states AFI 34-1201.
Although the mode of transportation may change, whether by foot, horse, car or beyond, the need to give officers the respect they deserve will remain the same.