CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
ISSUE: My primary concern is the lack of military customs and courtesies, especially at the Dorchester Road gate. This is about the seventh time now that I have approached the gate, entered the gate and even after saluting the individual first, I did not receive a salute back. It is a custom to salute officers, especially from other services.
The guards act so casual that they do not even notice the salute. They talk and turn or fiddle with their pockets when returning the ID cards and so forth. It's supposed to be 100 percent ID card check in progress. I know most military bases; they salute retired officers as well as current officers. It doesn't seem to be happening or doesn't seem to be the policy at Charleston AFB. I would appreciate a response back. Thank you very much.
RESPONSE: Thank you for your call concerning military customs and courtesies at Charleston AFB. I am sorry to hear you did not have a pleasant experience at our installation entry point. Our outstanding security forces squadron provides the best training and most professional security forces members who detect and stop threats entering our installation; while at the same time, render courteous and helpful service. Our number one goal is always the safety, welfare and protection of our Airmen and resources on the installation.
One of the measures we use to achieve this goal is our civilian guard force. These individuals are not military members even though they wear the woodland battle dress uniform like many of our personnel. These civilian guard forces can be distinguished from our military members by the white shoulder patch that they wear noting that they are civilian police. Although our civilians are not required to salute, our military members are. Our Airmen and civilians at the gate shoot for excellence every day and have been briefed on the importance of saluting and demonstrating respect. Our civilian guard force has also been briefed on the importance of professional bearing. Again, thank you for bringing this important issue to our attention.