Is this bad?
Honest question.
I know nothing of CIC military decorum or rules.
The Marines are mandated to salute, the CIC is under no obligation to salute back. However, if you’re going to salute, render a proper one for G-d’s sake.
It’s not breaking any protocol for the CIC to not return a salute. He may be president, but he’s still a civilian. That being said, it is tradition for the CIC to return a salute as a way of showing respect. With the CIC being Obama, he has no respect for the country, and nothing but distain for the military.