The rank is on his sleeve and both know that. Both know there are there to do a job and not bow to the higher rank! The rank is only to know that man knows your task and is there to fulfill that task. And to make sure the task is fulfilled. And within your power you will complete the task at hand.
A salute to an Officer is a show of respect to that Officer.
But the return salute to the Enlisted man is just as improtant to show courtesy to the Enlisted man as well!
You sound like someone that was busted to PFC on more than one occasion. If not, you are merely ignorant to proper military customs and honors, and are making a fool of yourself on this thread.