Awkard

[billrunnels]

I was making plans to spend a day in New Orleans. Prior to departing the base I was informed that the MP's were going to be out in force so be sure to follow military protocal in saluting etc. On arrival in New Orleans I noticed they were out in number. I was walking down a street with two trailing behind me when I saw a soldier with hash marks up to his elbow approaching. I am 19 years old and he obviously is a career soldier. I thought what do I do if he doesn't salute. He did not so I stopped him, winked, then commented about his failing to salute. The trailing MP's stopped to observe. The old Sargent stepped back, saluted, which I returned, and continued on his way and the MP's moved on. This was an embarassing moment for this young Lieutenant.

 

[Gnomey]

Oops, could have been worse I guess.

 

[mikewint]

One nice (well actually nothing is nice) about a war zone is that all the military protocol goes down the tubes. Rank, Patches, Names are "Please shoot me" signs. Once out of the cities all that BS was dropped. All the VC had to see was someone being saluted for him to be shot or blown up. Even in a town VC spotters were looking for rank or specific units and it got progressively worse as the war progressed.