How should you address a commissioned officer during a salute?

How should you address a commissioned officer during a salute?

• A. Stand at attention and nod.
• B. Salute and address as "Sir" or "Ma'am" as appropriate.
• C. Shake hands and greet.
• D. Remain silent and stand at ease.

Answer: (B)

Showing respect through a formal gesture and proper address is how you greet a commissioned officer. When you encounter one, you render the salute and address them as “Sir” or “Ma’am” as appropriate. This combination communicates both recognition of rank and courtesy in a single, standard greeting. A simple nod or standing at attention without the verbal address misses the formal element of the greeting, and shaking hands or remaining silent and at ease isn’t the standard way to initiate contact in this situation.

Showing respect through a formal gesture and proper address is how you greet a commissioned officer. When you encounter one, you render the salute and address them as “Sir” or “Ma’am” as appropriate. This combination communicates both recognition of rank and courtesy in a single, standard greeting. A simple nod or standing at attention without the verbal address misses the formal element of the greeting, and shaking hands or remaining silent and at ease isn’t the standard way to initiate contact in this situation.