Reveille and retreat; do you remember what to do?

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  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The reveille and retreat ceremonies are meant to signal the beginning and the end of the official duty day. These ceremonies are steeped in history, and are time for all to stop and show their respect. However, many fear the time of reveille and retreat, because they are not sure of the correct protocol. There is no need to run for cover; the instructions are fairly simple and apply to everyone on base, civilian and military personnel alike. So please take the time to refresh your memory ...

Reveille:

Reveille, originating from the French word "wake up," began as a way to wake military personnel at dawn and is traditionally played on Barksdale AFB at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday. Since the national anthem or "To the Colors" does not follow, no action is required. 

Retreat: 

Retreat signals the end of the duty and is played on Barksdale at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is immediately followed by the playing of the national anthem. Proper protocol needs to be followed by everyone on base, both civilian and military. 

What do I do when retreat is played?

Whether in uniform or 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, turn in the general direction of the flag and, if in uniform, stand at parade rest. If not in uniform, protocol still dictates that you stop and face the flag out of respect.

When do I come to attention and salute the flag?

In uniform: When the retreat music concludes, come to attention and render a salute when you hear the first note of the national anthem.
Not in uniform: Do not salute if you are not in uniform. Come to attention and place your right hand over your heart. Remove your hats with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder while their right hand is over the heart.

How long do I hold my salute?

Remain at attention saluting the flag until the national anthem has finished playing.

What if I'm wearing my physical training gear?

You do not salute when wearing your PT gear. Follow the same procedures for those who are not in uniform.

What if I'm inside at an event? 

In uniform: Stand up, face the flag and assume the position of attention. If the flag is not present, face the music and stand at attention. Do not salute unless under arms.
Not in uniform: Stand at attention with your right hand over your heart. Hats will be removed with the right hand and held at the left shoulder while the right hand is over person's heart.

What do I do if I'm driving at the time of retreat?

At the first note of the national anthem, bring your moving vehicle to a complete stop and put the car in park. Base guidance is that personnel turn off any music playing in the vehicle. Everyone inside the vehicle, including the driver, should remain seated at attention. 

Taps: 

Taps is played at 9 p.m. on Barksdale every Monday through Friday. It is a bugle call used to symbolize lights out or quite hour and when played for this purpose, no action is required. 

Once again, this protocol applies to all personnel on base to include non-military and visitors. 

The above information was taken from AFMAN 36-2203 and a commentary written by Capt. Caroline Lorimer, 452nd AMW/PA.