A salute in the military is supposed to be followed with a verbal greeting to the superior officer. It is up to that officer to decide whether or not to return the greeting verbally. If they do so cheerfully the lower folk think "what a great guy". If it is done flat or grumpily the lower folk think "at least he's trying". If the salute is returned but not the greeting the lower folk think "best to avoid this one if possible". If the salute is not even returned the lower folk think "what an asshole".