“Why do you not give me a salute?” Without even knowing who was in front of him, the lieutenant colonel yelled at the young woman…
The military base was unusually quiet that day. On the parade area, the soldiers were waiting for the lieutenant colonel to arrive in immaculate formation.
Everyone knew that this man required complete obedience and adored attention and authority. He was feared for his harshness and haughtiness rather than his might. No one dared to speak up against him, and he frequently humiliated his subordinates, always seeking an excuse to penalize them.
After a few minutes, an engine screamed outside the gate. A cloud of dust was kicked up as a military jeep entered the yard.
The commander of the company yelled:
— Take note!
Everyone saluted their commanding officer as they froze. However, a young woman in uniform was crossing the square peacefully at that precise moment. Young, self-assured, and walking lightly. Without even looking at the lieutenant colonel, she kept her helmet in her hand.
When he saw her right away, he became enraged. He pulled down the window, slammed on the brakes, and leaned out while shouting:
— Soldier, hello! Why don’t you give me a salute? Have you lost your self-control? Are you even aware of my identity?
Calm and steady, the young woman met his gaze directly.
Without showing any signs of anxiety, she answered, “Yes, I know exactly who you are.”
Her reply infuriated the lieutenant colonel, who interpreted it as impudence. Shouting, cursing, threatening, and degrading her, he leaped from the car. No one dared to step in, so the soldiers tightened.
However, the obviously helpless woman did something at that precise moment that completely stunned the lieutenant colonel 
She abruptly stated in a stern voice:
— I am not required to salute a person of lower rank than myself.
The lieutenant colonel sputtered, “What did you just say?” Have you noticed my insignia? A lieutenant colonel is what I am!
She moved in closer and stated unequivocally:
— And I work in the Internal Investigation Division as a colonel. The ministry has sent me here to observe how you “serve.” Too many people have complained about you. They all claim that you treat your soldiers badly.
The face of the lieutenant colonel went white. Unable to talk, he froze. The woman smiled icily as she added, crossing her arms over her chest:
— And what is this? Not even a salute? You have committed another infraction there.
The parade ground was enveloped in a thick hush. Only the lieutenant colonel stood there, stunned and unable to speak for the first time in his life. No one else dared to move.
