What action demonstrates proper courtesy when you are unsure if a person is an officer?

• A. Address them by rank
• B. Stand at attention
• C. Salute him or her
• D. Greet them with a handshake

Answer: (C)

Saluting is the proper courtesy when you’re not sure if the person is an officer. The salute serves as a formal sign of respect to officers and is used as a safe, universally understood gesture when status isn’t clear. It shows recognition of potential authority without risking disrespect by guessing their rank or role. Standing at attention is too formal for a casual greeting, addressing someone by rank requires you to know their exact rank, and a handshake is not the standard military greeting in this context. So, saluting the person is the best way to show respect in this situation.