Who is responsible for saluting an officer in a group of soldiers not in formation?

In a group of soldiers not in formation, the responsibility for saluting an officer typically falls to the first person who sees the officer. This procedure emphasizes the principle of individual accountability within military protocol, reinforcing the idea that respect for rank and the chain of command is paramount. The first soldier to notice the officer initiates the salute, which serves as a signal for others to follow suit. This practice ensures that all soldiers acknowledge the presence of an officer and maintain the standards of military courtesy, even when not in formal formation.

The highest-ranking soldier present does not automatically assume responsibility unless they are the first to see the officer. The squad leader's role may pertain more to command and organization rather than initiating salutes. Lastly, requiring all soldiers in the group to salute together would not be practical and could lead to confusion in situations where individuals may notice an officer at different times.