Respect Reveille and Retreat

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Josh Taylor
  • 90th Missile Wing Protocol
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Reveille and Retreat are meant to signal the beginning and the end of the official duty day. There is no need to run for cover or remain indoors to "miss the music." The instructions are fairly simple and apply to everyone on base, civilian and military personnel alike. Please take the time to become familiar with Air Force protocol and F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., policies.

Reveille:
Reveille is the signal for the start of the official duty day, because this may vary between bases the commander designates the specific time for Reveille. On base Reveille is played at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and is followed by "To the Color."

To the Color:
"To the Color" is a bugle call which is occasionally played in place of the national anthem.

During "To the Color" military members and civilians should render the same customs and courtesies as those given to the playing of the national anthem.

Retreat:
Retreat signals the end of the official duty day and is played on base at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is immediately followed by the playing of the national anthem.

What do I do when Reveille or Retreat is played and I am in a military uniform?
At the first sounds of Reveille or Retreat, stop where you are and turn to face the flag, or in a case where the flag is not visible face the direction the music is played and stand at parade rest.

At the first note of "To the Color" or the national anthem, stand at attention and salute.

What do I do when Reveille or Retreat is played and I am in civilian attire?
Do not salute if you are not in uniform. At the first sounds of Reveille or Retreat, stop where you are and turn to face the flag, or in a case where the flag is not visible face the direction the music is played and stand quietly.

At the first note "To the Color" or the national anthem place your right hand over your heart. If you are wearing a hat, remove it and place it over your heart with your right hand.

What do I do if I'm driving at the time of Reveille or Retreat?
If in a vehicle, during Reveille or Retreat pull the car to the side of the road and stop. All occupants sit quietly at attention until the last note of "To the Color" or the national anthem is played.

What if I'm wearing my Air Force physical training gear?
The Air Force physical training gear is considered a military uniform. Protocol dictates that you follow the same procedures as those in uniform.

Regulations:
For more information please reference Air Force Instruction 34-1201, Protocol, and Air Force Manual 36-2203, Drill and Ceremonies.