Yes, the Secretary of the Army does get saluted by military members. This is a standard protocol reflecting respect for their high civilian office and the principle of civilian control of the military.
The Secretary of the Army is the senior civilian official within the Department of the Army, responsible for all matters relating to Army manpower, personnel, installations, environmental issues, weapons systems development, and other affairs under the direction of the Secretary of Defense.
Why Civilian Officials Are Saluted
Saluting high-ranking civilian officials, such as the Secretary of the Army, is a deeply ingrained custom within the U.S. military for several key reasons:
1. Civilian Control of the Military
This fundamental principle ensures that elected and appointed civilian leaders maintain authority over the armed forces. Saluting these officials is a visible acknowledgment of their authority, which is ultimately derived from the Commander-in-Chief (the President of the United States). High-ranking civilian appointees, even if not directly Cabinet members, hold significant authority as representatives of the President's command over their respective service branches.
2. Respect for Position and Authority
The salute is a gesture of respect for the office held, not just the individual. Officials like the Secretary of the Army wield immense responsibility and influence over the lives and operations of military personnel.
3. Official Protocol
Military regulations and customs dictate that certain civilian dignitaries and officials receive salutes. This includes not only the service secretaries but also the President, Vice President, and other high-ranking government officials when in an official capacity.
For further reference on saluting customs and courtesies, the U.S. Army's official regulations, such as Army Regulation 600–25, Salutes, Honors, and Courtesy, provide detailed guidance. These regulations outline the specific individuals and circumstances under which salutes are rendered.
Understanding the Chain of Command and Protocol
The U.S. military structure places civilian leadership at the top, ensuring democratic oversight.
Key Civilian Leadership Roles Entitled to a Salute
| Official Title | Role within the Military Structure | Saluting Custom |
|---|---|---|
| President of the U.S. | Commander-in-Chief of all Armed Forces | Always saluted |
| Vice President of the U.S. | Deputy to the Commander-in-Chief | Always saluted |
| Secretary of Defense | Principal advisor to the President on defense policy, head of the DoD | Always saluted |
| Secretary of the Army | Senior civilian official of the Department of the Army, reports to SecDef | Always saluted |
| Secretary of the Navy | Senior civilian official of the Department of the Navy (includes Marine Corps), reports to SecDef | Always saluted |
| Secretary of the Air Force | Senior civilian official of the Department of the Air Force, reports to SecDef | Always saluted |
Practical Implications
When a military member encounters the Secretary of the Army in a setting where salutes are customary (e.g., outdoors, in a formal indoor setting where official courtesies are extended), they are expected to render a proper military salute. This applies to all uniformed personnel, regardless of their own rank. It underscores the clear distinction and respect for the civilian leadership that guides the military.
