Proper respect for the flag

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Garry Berry
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Command Chief
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Since arriving to Laughlin a few months ago, I have noticed a few inconsistent responses from Team XL members during the playing of reveille, retreat and taps. Many of us have read articles on these subjects and have much practical experience; however, I believe there is confusion about the proper actions to take during these events each day.

Oftentimes we spend so much time talking about proper respect for the flag we forget to discuss what to do during other bugle calls. Reveille can be confusing for those who haven't read the protocol or rules of engagement. Most people are unaware that there are two methods, depending on whether or not the U.S. flag is raised during reveille.

The following clarifies Laughlin's rules of engagement:

Reveille: Laughlin plays reveille at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday. Air Force Instruction 34-1201, Protocol, states, "If your base flies the U.S. flag a continuous 24-hours and no music but reveille is played with no action with the flag, you are not required to stop and salute, reveille is just a bugle call. Retreat is much the same as reveille, retreat is just a bugle call but even if the flag is not being lowered it is the playing of the 'National Anthem' or 'To the Colors' that requires proper honors to be displayed to the Flag." Laughlin displays the U.S. flag 24-hours-a-day instead of raising it each morning. Therefore, the sounding of reveille is simply a traditional bugle call to signify the start of the official duty day, and as such, you are not required to stop any activities or render a salute.

Retreat: Laughlin typically plays retreat at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. When outdoors and in uniform, Airmen will stand at parade rest during the sounding of retreat, which precedes the lowering of the flag, then come to attention and salute during the playing of the 'National Anthem' or 'To the Colors'. Military members out of uniform or veterans stand at attention and place your right hand, with a hat if wearing one, over your heart or you may render a salute. Civilians place your right hand, with a hat if wearing one, over your heart. Military performing physical training and wearing the Air Force physical fitness uniform outdoors should stop, stand at attention and render a salute. Vehicles in motion should pull over and stop and all passengers should sit quietly until the music ends.

Taps: Many installations across the Air Force play taps to signify lights out at the end of the day. Laughlin is no different and plays taps at 10 p.m. daily. For these purposes, there are no formal protocol procedures. However, upon hearing taps at a military ceremony, proper protocol dictates Airmen in uniform render appropriate honors, indoor and outdoor, until the music is complete.

The bottom line is to ensure we pay proper respect to the flag, and in doing so, get all Team XL members on the same page when rendering customs and courtesies. I trust this will help clear up any confusion here at Laughlin.

Additional information regarding respect for the flag can be found in AFI 1-1, Air Force Standards and AFI 34-1201, Protocol.