Dumb Question About Saluting

[SlightlyCatholic]

At the risk of sounding dumb, I'm going to ask a question:

I had a medical incident at a very young age that has stretched the skin between my hand and my forearm. I've been able to do most things (playing sports, writing, eating, etc.) but the one thing I cannot do is straighten out my hand (i.e., saluting!). Can any of you give me your opinion on how not being able to salute correctly would affect one's existence in the military? I've been told that I can have corrective surgery but there's a good chance that they'll cut the tendon in the process. I don't want to risk that.

So my question is this: If I choose to go into the military, will my career/ability to be in the military be affected by an inability to salute correctly?

[Billyd]

As it is a physical condition, most likely no. However, check with your local recruiter and, if you can, you local MEPS.

[SlightlyCatholic]

As it is a physical condition, most likely no. However, check with your local recruiter and, if you can, you local MEPS.

I was told it's not a disqualifying condition medically, but I'm not sure that a military member would be looked upon in a good light of he or she had a poor salute.

[PhilK]

You will be ok, I served under a Colonel who had an issue with his hand, and another officer who had an issue his shoulder. Both their salutes looked odd, but the important thing is they were good at their jobs.

[SlightlyCatholic]

You will be ok, I served under a Colonel who had an issue with his hand, and another officer who had an issue his shoulder. Both their salutes looked odd, but the important thing is they were good at their jobs.


Thanks for the input, Phil. I'm looking at being a Chaplain, so I'm pretty sure my salute will be one of my lesser concerns....but I wanted to ask anyway, since the people on this forum have BTDT.

[Woody]

After basic training wouldnt really be an issuse.I'd assume on the drill square you might get some harsh language but that would be it.
Could be worse read about an englishman who spent his childhood in nazi germany when he came to do his national service in england found his style of marching and saluting not really suitable:devil:

[Spider]

After basic training wouldnt really be an issuse.

I can't recall seeing a padre salute anyone, I suppose the Queen would get one though. Then again I understand that the chaplains in the Army have ranks and a more hierarchical structure than those in the Andrew.


Could be worse read about an englishman who spent his childhood in nazi germany when he came to do his national service in england found his style of marching and saluting not really suitable

Wasn't on ARRSE was it? Have you heard of Werner Volkner of the Totenkopfverbande (sp?) and later the Westminster Dragoons?

[SlightlyCatholic]

I don't see military chaplains being too big on customs and courtesies beyond the normal standard of military life (except funerals, dedications, and such). The only reason they're promoted and given rank is to watch over their own and govern their chaplains independently from the military chain of command.

[mtnsldr]

It depends on the Chaplain. I'll tell you what, when I was at Benning for OBC, there was an O-5 Chaplain with a Combat Scroll and CIB. Yeah, more than a few guys wound up on the bad side of that guy thinking he was "cool" because he was a chaplain...

[SlightlyCatholic]

It depends on the Chaplain. I'll tell you what, when I was at Benning for OBC, there was an O-5 Chaplain with a Combat Scroll and CIB. Yeah, more than a few guys wound up on the bad side of that guy thinking he was "cool" because he was a chaplain...

People think clergy can't be hard*sses and then they meet people like that...it's good for people to see. However, I do think that the Chaplain should be approachable to everybody at the command, no matter what rank or position.

[Des]

I couldn't really see it being a huge issue as you perform the movement to the best of your ability, and with the proper and required military sharpness.

Worse I can see you getting is some ribbing from others who see it.

The pinky on my right-hand is unable to straighten along with the rest of my fingers due to a Rugby injury. Somewhat noticeable when I salute, but I've never been jacked up for it.

[SlightlyCatholic]

I couldn't really see it being a huge issue as you perform the movement to the best of your ability, and with the proper and required military sharpness.

Worse I can see you getting is some ribbing from others who see it.

The pinky on my right-hand is unable to straighten along with the rest of my fingers due to a Rugby injury. Somewhat noticeable when I salute, but I've never been jacked up for it.

I have pretty thick skin, so ridecule usually just hits me and tends to fall right off. I was more concerned with not being able to enter the military based on some medical/physical problem.

[Spider]

I have pretty thick skin, so ridecule usually just hits me and tends to fall right off. I was more concerned with not being able to enter the military based on some medical/physical problem.

Isn't that part of your problem? :p

Sorry, but you were asking for it more than a janner on Union St.

[SlightlyCatholic]

Well played, Spider...I have to hand it to you for that one. ;-)

[Spider]

http://www.sfsignal.com/mt-static/images/darthVader.jpg
All too easy.

Remember it's the long way up and the short way down. Unless of course Elmers don't do it like that, in which case, don't remember that.

PS. What is this 'ridecule' that keeps falling off your skin? :p Do you need to see a Dermatologist about that?

[moy3rd]

Can't see saluting being a major problem,but does it hinder you in using your weapon in any way?
That would be a problem

[SlightlyCatholic]

Can't see saluting being a major problem,but does it hinder you in using your weapon in any way?
That would be a problem

Hopefully, as a Chaplain, I'll never need to use a weapon. Things could change in the next ten years, though, which would be the time when I would be able to start doing something about by wish to be a military chaplain.

[DaveIn3D]

Dude,

I dislocated my ring finger on my right hand. Since i was in BMT at the time, I chose to suck it up and my T.I. helped me because he was sort of the cause (bed drills anyone?). Now I have a fully funtioning ring finger but it is permanently bent at a weird angle. My salutes look like a childs game of peekaboo. It didnt bother me in my Air Force service and the DIs at Hairy's island gave me about 1 day of crap over it. You will be fine lad.

-3D

[SlightlyCatholic]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think the thread can be closed unless another member has something to add to the discussion. Overall, I think I've gotten a satisfactory response to my initial question.