As one who has not served I have always been uneasy about POTUS saluting ever since Reagan started the practice. In freshman ROTC the act of saluting was always described as a military recognition of authority and rank. No POTUS I saw prior to Reagan ever returned saluted and each of them served in the armed forces, one becoming a 5 Star. I just do not like the practice
The President is the CIC.
He was the first pres to use a helo to scoot around and I find it hard to imagine him not returning a salute on arrival where there were service personnel to provide LZ security.
I have a feeling that's where it started.
Not sure Biden knows the meaning of a salute. He is in a hypnotic trance.
There is a protocol for saluting but IIRC if you are not in uniform you do not have to salute. Civilians never should salute. The president always is saluted.