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505th Command and Control Wing News

JBAB protocol to reveille, retreat, taps

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sergio Gamboa
  • 11th Wing
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C. --  Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling proudly honors the nation’s military heritage by continuing the long-standing traditions of reveille, retreat, and taps.
 
To honor those traditions, JBAB leadership has made it a goal to set a culture of pride when the sound of each of those calls begins. On weekdays, JBAB plays the reveille bugle call at 7 a.m., retreat and the national anthem at 5 p.m., and taps at 9 p.m.
 
“To set a culture takes time,” said U.S. Air Force Col. James M. Clark, commander of JBAB and the 11th Wing. “I would like to see one day; all cars stop when retreat happens.
I think we can all take time out of the day to stop and honor the sacrifices that people have made.”
 
The following are the associated customs and courtesies for everyone on the installation.
 
Reveille sounds with a bugle call at 7 a.m. to signify the beginning of the duty day. No rendering of courtesies is expected for this bugle call since it is not played as a prelude to ‘To the Colors,’ and the U.S. flag is not being raised.
 
Retreat begins at 5 p.m. to signify the end of the duty day and is observed with the playing of the national anthem.
 
Members participating in outdoor activities should stop at the sounding note of retreat, all members should turn to face the flag. If the flag is not visible, face the direction of the music.
 
Military members in uniform must:
\- Stand at parade rest until the first note of the national anthem\.
\- Salute at the first note of the national anthem\.
 
Military members not in uniform and civilians must:
  - Take off hats and place your right hand over your heart.
\- Service members and veterans may render a salute even if not in uniform\.
 
Vehicles:
\- Stop in place safely at the first note of retreat and remain stopped through the playing of the national anthem\.
\- Turn on hazard lights\.
\- Stay in your car\.
 
Taps will play at 9 p.m. on base to signify the end of the day. No rendering of courtesies is expected for this bugle call.
 
Customs and courtesy principles are fundamental elements to the tradition of reveille, retreat and taps and a vital step to installation cohesion.