John H wrote:
...are the guards at the gates. They are Marines and not rent-a-cops
that many of the military installations are now using.

Today the guard was a young, Private First Class, who gave me a very
crisp salute after returning my ID card.

I said to him, "Marine, can I shake your hand?"

He replied, "Absolutely, Sir!" And the quick handshake took place.

We both had big smiles on our faces. (Of course, he probably didn't
realize I was retired Army!) :)
--
John H


Doesn't matter. You showed respect for each other.