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Salute illustration

A U.S. Air Force Airman renders a salute to the American flag, depicting the proper respect to pay. According to Air Force Instruction 34-1201, Protocol, 8.1.6.2, when reveille or retreat is played, following “To the Color,” or the national anthem, military members are required to salute facing the flag or the direction of the music. Airmen are required to salute when the flag is raised, lowered or hoisted, including passing during special ceremonies. (U.S. Air Force illustration/Bob Stillwell)

Courtesies during Reveille and Retreat

Published June 6, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski
92nd Air Refueling Wing, Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- You're outside, exercising with a friend when you hear the first notes of Reveille over the base loudspeakers. What do you do?
"The proper custom and courtesy is; you stop whatever activity you are doing and pay the proper respect," said Master Sgt. Lassiter Dent, 92nd Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School commandant. "Exercising is just like every other activity out there. If the members are in physical training uniform they must render a salute as well."

According to AFI 34-1201, when outside, flags on stationary flag staffs are only saluted during Reveille, Retreat and special ceremonies, or when the flag is being raised or lowered. During this time, when outside or in uniform, face the flag or face the direction of the music and stand at attention and salute on the first note of To the Color or the National Anthem. All other individuals will stand at attention and place their right hand, with a hat if wearing one, over their heart.

All sporting or PT activities are supposed to stop during Reveille and Retreat, to show proper honors to the flag. Whether it's the playing of To the Color, the national anthem or raising or lowering of the flag, everyone should stand at attention and face the Flag or direction of the music. Military in uniform should salute, and civilians should place their right hand over their heart, when the appropriate music begins, and until it ends.