A salute to first impressions

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Dale Larkin
  • 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron commander
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Ever heard the saying, "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression?" Do you ever think about the first impression you make walking around the base? Most of you will probably be thinking about how your uniform looks. But have you ever thought about the impression you leave on another person when you exchange salutes?

The salute is said to have began as a greeting between knights in medieval times. As they approached each other they would raise their visor to greet their comrades. In British military history during the 1800s military members would tip their hat to each other. This gradually evolved into the salute we know today. In all cases, the salute is a greeting; a demonstration of mutual respect for one another. Officers and enlisted
should both keep those two things in mind and continue this tradition.

I bring this up because, in my opinion, this history lesson has been lost over time.

In my 20 years I've seen all manner of misuse of this tradition. I have seen a small percentage of people who find all manners of ways to avoid rendering a salute.

Examples include: people who divert their eyes to avoid making eye contact; increasing the distance that they will pass to remain outside some perceived salute zone; or carrying small objects in each hand that could easily be handled together.

Officers are not off the hook either. I have seen many officers who silently give half hearted salutes, making it seem like this small gesture is a chore. Think of the first impression you are leaving with that person. Each of us should strive to give each person our best salute and a verbal greeting.

If I needed to recruit personnel into my organization, I could walk down the streets of Eielson or Fort Wainwright, or just stand in the BX/PX parking lots and I bet I'd be able to pick out a great team just from the way they salute. The way you approach the situation says a lot about you. The person who is aware of their surroundings, recognizes a senior officer at a distance, and salutes crisply with a greeting of some kind makes a great first impression.

That person shows me he or she has the professionalism to honor the tradition and will approach any job he is given with the same professionalism. The person that is oblivious that there is a senior officer there, or walks around me - I have no need for people like that.

Hopefully this article has given you some things to think about next time you are walking down the streets of Eielson. First impressions are hard to change, and even though you may never come to work for me, over time you will pass many people who will have an impact on your career.

Remember the tradition and purpose of saluting and make that great first impression!