Flags on stationary flagstaffs are only saluted during the national anthem or “To the Colors” when part of reveille, retreat or special ceremonies (covered in next lesson).
During special outdoor ceremonies (e.g., parade) while in uniform and not in formation, a salute is rendered as a sign of respect when the flag is carried past you.
You will do this when the flag is approximately six paces away from you and hold it until the flag is approximately six paces past you. When wearing civilian attire during a special outdoor military ceremony when the flag is carried past you, stand at the position of attention and place your right hand over your heart.
If you are wearing a hat, remove it and hold it over your left shoulder so your right hand is over your heart. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans may render a military salute. Females do not have to remove their hats.
Reveille and Retreat
No courtesies are required when Reveille or Retreat is played as a bugle call to signal the beginning or end of the duty day, and it is not followed by the national anthem or “To the Colors”, and the flag is not lowered or raised.
If Reveille or Retreat is played as a prelude to the national anthem or “To the Colors”, or if the flag will be lowered or raised, certain courtesies must be rendered. When in uniform and outdoors, but not in formation, you must come to the position of attention upon hearing the music.
If “Sound Retreat” is played to precede the lowering of the flag, then immediately assume the position of parade rest.
If the flag will be lowered or raised without the national anthem or “To the Colors” after Reveille or Retreat has finished, and you are in uniform and outdoors, but not in formation; you must stand at the position of attention and salute when the flag is first being lowered or raised.
If you are not in uniform, you must place your right hand over your heart. If the national anthem or “To the Colors” is played after Reveille or Retreat, display the appropriate honors on the first note of the music.
If you are on base in a vehicle during retreat, pull the vehicle to the side of the road and stop. All occupants should sit quietly until the last note of the music is played.
The National Anthem and "To The Colors"
When in uniform and outdoors and the national anthem or “To the Colors” is played, stand at the position of attention, remain silent, face the flag or music and render a salute.
When in uniform and indoors and the national anthem or “To the Colors” is played (e.g., at military movie theaters or auditoriums for official functions like Commander’s Call), stand at the position of attention, remain silent and face the flag or music; do not render a salute.
When in civilian attire indoors or outdoors and the national anthem or “To the Colors” is being played, stand at the position of attention and face the flag and place your right hand over your heart. If you are wearing a hat, remove it and hold it over your left shoulder so your right hand is over your heart.
The Pledge of Allegiance
Do not recite the Pledge of Allegiance at military formations and ceremonies. When you are in uniform outdoors, stand at the position of attention, remain silent, face the flag and render a hand salute.
When you are in uniform indoors, stand at the position of attention, remain silent and face the flag; do not render hand salute. When in uniform and the participants are primarily civilians and military dressed in civilian attire, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is optional.
If you are in civilian attire, stand at the position of attention, face the flag, place your right hand over your heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. If you are wearing a hat, remove it and hold it over your left shoulder so your right hand is over your heart.
"Taps"
“Taps” is the customary bugle call that is played to signal the end of the day and lights out. When it is played at the end of the day, no actions are required. “Taps” is also played at military funerals.
If attending a military funeral in uniform, it is custom to salute when honors are rendered (e.g., “Ruffles and Flourishes” or “Hail to the Chief”); when the body is removed from the hearse, chapel or caisson; when the volleys are fired; and when “Taps” is sounded.
"Ruffles and Flourishes"
This is a musical selection that is played for general officers. Upon the first note of “Ruffles and Flourishes” or when directed, stand at the position of attention, face the person being honored and render the hand salute. Hold the salute until the last note of the music is played.
Military Service Songs
All military members should take a sense of pride and dedication and, it is customary to render the appropriate courtesies when hearing the AF Song or sister service songs.
When outdoors in uniform or civilian clothes, stand at the position of attention (or march if in uniform and in formation) from the first to last note of the music. When indoors either in uniform or civilian clothes, stand at the position of attention and sing the AF Song.
Do not salute during the AF Song.