No, but they are required to conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring discredit to the military. When dealing with government officials and employees, they should use Sir, the individuals may very well outrank them. The use of Sir is easy and there are few that would find it objectionable.
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Given that the highest rank possible in the US Military is Commander-in-Chief, and that the Commander-in-Chief is the President, they all held the highest rank possible. THE ABOVE answer I found here is incorrect. The Commander-in-Chief position is civilian, not military. The whole point of making the president C-in-C is to have civilian control of the military, unlike in other countries in the 18th century whose military did not answer to the government. The president is not a member of the military. I am told George Washington was the only six star general in history (before being president, of course), but I have not checked.
The DOD Member has to fill out a Minor Offense Report with there branch of service PMO. It can also be punishable by a formal counseling, page 11, or by NJP, all or at your Commands judgment .
It is appropriate for the President to retun a salute from a service member. However, since he makes the rules, it is his choice. Since the Commander in Chief is the highest ranking person, he does not initiate a salute. However, some presidents have initiated a salute to those who have been awarded the Medal of Honor.
Secretary of defense
One of Washington's most important contributions as commander-in-chief was to establish the precedent that civilian-elected officials, rather than military officers, possessed ultimate authority over the military. Throughout the war, he deferred to the authority of Congress and state officials, and he relinquished his considerable military power once the fighting was over. His greatest contribution was his beong the president, and turning down the offer to be "King" of America that was offered by many of the high officials. he was the one of a kind president