[Billthedrill]

Because my DI would have slapped the crap out of me if I didn’t.

[Covenantor]

One salutes Field Marshall von Mackensen out of respect and fear. And because the last feldwebel who failed to do so lost his head. His shrunken skull reminds the lesser ranks to snap to, boot stamp, etc, etc.

[Know et al]

When I was in the navy in the 60s, I saluted enlisted men more than officers. When I was stationed aboard ship, I saluted the “officer of the deck” every time I boarded ship or went ashore. The officer of the deck was usually a first class petty officer or a chief.

When I was on a shore station, It wasn't that often that I encountered an officer. It just worked out that way.

[Valin]

Because my DI would have slapped the crap out of me if I didn’t.

Yup! Got caught with a pocket unbuttoned....never did that again. :-)