Customs, courtesies of reveille, retreat Published Feb. 7, 2015 By Senior Airman Joseph E. Bridge 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, Pa. -- American politician, Mike Fitzpatrick said, "the American flag is the symbol of our freedom, national pride and history." As military members, that freedom, national pride and history become more evident in the customs and courtesies protocol during certain flag ceremonies. Reveille and retreat are two ceremonies recognized daily here. Reveille and retreat signify the start and end of the workday, respectively. While these ceremonies may differ slightly for each branch of service, special attention by all personnel outdoors must be observed, whether in or out of uniform. For those who may not know how these ceremonies affect them as military members, they should be able to understand the purpose and significance of each. The word reveille comes from réveillé (or réveil), the French word for "wake up." It is the signal for the start of the official duty day and may vary between military installations, while the commander of each base designates the specified time for reveille to begin. At the 911th AW, the official start of the unit training assembly duty day is Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Retreat has a twofold purpose, which are the signaling of the end of the duty day and serving as a ceremony to pay respect to the flag. Once again the time varies by installation and is determined by the base commander. Here, retreat is held on Sunday of the primary UTA at 3:30 p.m. If the base commander desires, a ceremony can accompany the raising and lowering of the flag and the ceremony would take place in the vicinity of the base flagstaff. While most Airmen at the 911th Airlift Wing maintain proper etiquette during the daily playing of reveille and retreat, some may have forgotten the importance and appropriate protocol that should be adhered to during these ceremonies. "As reveille and retreat ceremonies are performed each UTA, wing leadership wants Airmen to be informed on exactly what is expected of them while these ceremonies are taking place," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian L. Zator, command chief with the 911th. "As military members it is our duty and honor to ensure proper customs and courtesies are observed during these ceremonies." According to AFPAM 34-1202, 14.10.1, Reveille and Retreat Outside and in uniform ―Face the flag (if visible) or face the direction the music is played ―Stand at attention and salute on the first note of ―To The Color! or the national anthem (or if neither is played, when you see the flag first being raised or lowered). ―Drop your salute after the last note of ―To The Color! or the national anthem is played, or when the flag has been fully raised or lowered, depending on the ceremony ―During the playing of Sound Retreat, stand at Parade Rest. In a physical training uniform ―Military customs and courtesies apply ―Stop all sporting or physical training ―Stand at parade rest during reveille and retreat ―Stand at attention and salute during the first notes of "To the Color!" or the national anthem ―Hold through the last note if the flag is being raised or lowered ―This does not apply if undergoing official physical fitness assessments Outside and not in uniform (Military personnel and veterans) ―May salute or stand at parade rest ―Civilians should stand at attention and place their right hand - with a hat if they're wearing one - over their heart In a vehicle ―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 (or the flag is fully raised or lowered) A special note: If the base flies the U.S. flag continuously for 24-hours with only Reveille or Retreat played, but no action with the flag, individuals are not required to stop and salute. Reveille and Retreat on their own are bugle calls only. The playing of ―To The Color, the national anthem or the raising or lowering of the flag is what requires proper honors to be displayed to the flag. An instructional video about how to properly perform reveille and retreat will be forthcoming from the base Public Affairs office within the next few months. It will include members of the base honor guard who will present in a clear and concise manner what to do in a step-by-step instructional video for those performing the flag detail, as well as those in formation. For further information on how to brush up on these important ceremonies, check out Air Force Instruction 34-1201 and Air Force Manual 36-2203.