An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Remember to salute staff vehicles

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Scott Air Force Base is home to 48 general officers and civilian equivalents, many of whom use government vehicles as their primary means of transportation on base. Of these, some are staff cars that require salutes from military members, to include the commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing and each of its group commanders.

"Military pedestrians who pass moving staff cars bearing command placards are required to render a proper salute, but many forget to do so," said Chief Master Sgt. David Lloyd, 375th Air Mobility Wing command chief. "Whether they aren't paying attention or don't know what to look for, it's important that all military members, regardless of service or rank, identify and render the proper respect to these vehicles."

Staff cars on Scott are marked using placards on the front bumper marked with an eagle for colonels or one or more stars for generals or admirals. Placards may also list the organization that the leader commands along with the designation "CC" or "COMMANDER." Placards may also be placed in the windshield of a government owned vehicle.

Placards for other services may differ slightly, but all require a salute. Air Force placards are set on a blue background, Army placards have a red background and Navy placards differ slightly from the Air Force placards in the layout of the stars.

Common staff cars on Scott include Dodge Avenger's, Chevrolet Malibu's and Cadillac's, but the most important thing to look for is the placard as other cars may be used.

The 375th Air Mobility Wing commander's car is readily identifiable with its blue body and distinct white top.

When on foot, military members are required to salute when a properly marked staff car passes. If in a moving vehicle or on a bike, no salute is necessary. Parked staff cars with no driver do not require salutes.

If no placard is present on the government owned vehicle, no salute is required. However, it is courtesy to salute if the military member on foot recognizes the driver.

Salutes are never required or requested if the driver is in a personally owned vehicle, regardless if the military member on foot recognizes the driver.