7 times enlisted troops don’t want to salute

Saluting is a non-verbal form of communication used in day-to-day military life and during various ceremonies to convey respect.

As recruits, we learn how to properly execute a hand-salute, and it's an act we demonstrate hundreds of times throughout our service. The hand gesture quickly becomes part of our muscle memory.

Although the gesture is meant to pay respect, there are a few times in which enlisted personnel want to hold back their rendered salutes — these are a few of those times.

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1. When you're on a roll, working hard, but then "Colors" begins.

Sure, we joined the military because we're patriotic, but it sucks to shift your focus when you've got momentum.

2. When it's 3 a.m., you're half asleep on barracks duty, and the Officer of the Day walks in.

Oh, sh*t! You weren't sleeping, right? Just tell them you were just praying before you screw up the salute.

3. After a 12-hour shift guarding the gate and you've already saluted at least 500 blue stickers.

"If I have to salute another dependant with a blue sticker, I'm going to flip."

4. When it's freezing outside and evening "Taps" sounds off.

Sometimes, it's just too damn cold out to be patriotic.

5. When an officer from another branch rolls around.

Yuck... Let's just get this over with.

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6. Having to salute a lower-ranking troop to gain entry onto the ship.

To get payback later, make sure the lower enlistee salutes you back with proper freakin' form.

7. After work, when you're carrying more than a case of beer back to the barracks, and an officer walks by.

Whatever you do, do not make eye contact with the general.