Reveille and Retreat, customs and courtesies Published Dec. 21, 2012 By Master Sgt. Anthony Beasley 75th Air Base Wing Hill Force Base, Utah -- Reveille and Retreat ceremonies take place every day to signal the beginning and end of the duty day. These ceremonies are a time for everyone to stop and pay their respects. There are certain procedures that take place for each ceremony for different situations. Reveille: Reveille signals the beginning of the official duty day of Dobbins Air Reserve Base and plays at 6:30 a.m. daily. Retreat: Retreat signals the end of the official duty day for Dobbins ARB and plays at 4:30 p.m. daily. What to do when Reveille is played: When outdoors and in uniform while Reveille is playing, stop, face the flag or the direction of the music, if no flag is visible, and stand at parade rest. Snap to attention and salute at the first note of To the Colors or the National Anthem; hold the salute until the last note of the music stops. When outdoors and not in uniform, stand at parade rest until the last note of the music stops. What to do when Retreat is played: When outdoors and in uniform while Retreat is playing, stop, face the flag or the direction of music, if no flag is visible, and stand at parade rest. Snap to attention and salute at the first note of the National Anthem; hold the salute until last note of music stops. If outdoors and not in uniform, stand at parade rest until the last note of the music stops. What to do in a vehicle during Reveille and Retreat: When Reveille or Retreat plays, move to the side of the road and stop the vehicle. All occupants should sit quietly until the last note of the music has played. What to do when outside in Air Force physical training gear during Reveille or Retreat: When outside during Reveille or Retreat in PT gear, follow the same protocol as if not in uniform. Stand at parade rest facing the direction of the music, if no flag is visible, until the last not plays. NOTE: If you are taking a PT test while Reveille or Retreat plays, do not stop. Continue with your test as normal. What to do inside at an event: If you are inside at an event and in uniform, stand up, face the flag and stand at attention. If there is no flag present, face the direction of the music; do not salute unless in a formation. If you're inside and not in uniform, stand at attention with your right hand over your heart. If you're in civilian attire and wearing a hat, remove it with your right hand and hold it at the left shoulder with the hand over the heart. NOTE: Some indoor ceremonies are treated as outdoor events. Personnel in uniform will wear their headgear and render the appropriate customs and courtesies they would for an outside function.
