Haha I experienced a similar rule during my 9 months. Stationed on Hardthöhe in Bonn they, have a severe rank-inflation going on with all the old generals and admirals marching towards retirement. It was only expected to salute any of the inspectors if youver met them.
Funny thing that I got loads of salutes from fresh soldiers transferred there as I was in the navy and thus had yellow stripes which confused many of the similarly ranked guys from the other branches.