but it is not allowed to salute when out of uniform, although a uniformed officer is allowed to salute a civilian as a formal greeting, but the civilian is not expected to return it. Military courtesy requires the junior officer salutes the senior first, and the senior then must return the salute, even if their countries are at war.

It is said Gen Eisenhower refused to return Reichsmarshal Goering's salute when they met, but I guess he can be forgiven.

I suppose the President IS permitted to return a military salute to an American serviceman since he is, technically, in his chain of command. (Like when POTUS returns the salute of a Marine guard when stepping out of Air Force One). Even so, I always find that jarring when I see it on TV. But he is certainly not expected to salute or return the salutes of foreign military personnel. The General followed correct protocol, but our President has once again embarrassed us in front of the entire world. He might as well have knelt and kissed the General's ring.

By a recent act of Congress, I am authorized (as a combat veteran) to salute the colors at ceremonial occasions, even if I am wearing civilian clothes. Yes, I am officially a combat veteran, even though I was never in combat, since my ship conducted combat patrols in wartime and I was awarded combat pay).

As for bowing to foreign royalty, that is simply protocol, and I'm sure Obama was thoroughly briefed on it by State Department experts. If I am introduced to Queen Elizabeth, good manners requires I bow, a lady would curtsey, not because we are expressing obedience to her personally but to show respect to her country,