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Upholding military traditions

  • Published
  • By Col. Gary Goldstone
  • 375th Airlift Wing commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Fly, Fight, and Win! That is the mission of our U.S. Air Force. Our Air Force has sharpened our focus on the "basics." Commentaries over the past two weeks have focused our thoughts on two key elements of our back to basics approach - character and leadership. This week we turn our attention to honoring our military heritage.

Upholding our military traditions, our customs and courtesies, is an important part of honoring the promises we made when entering military service. Recommitting ourselves to our military heritage allows us to reflect on those who have served before us and to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices they made while serving our great nation.

November 11, the U.S. will honor the lives of our servicemembers both past and present. Veteran's Day provides the perfect opportunity to reexamine the rich heritage of the U.S. military and the traditions of service.

In keeping with our military heritage, changes to two basic military traditions, Reveille and Retreat, will take effect Wednesday.

Reveille
Reveille signifies the start of the duty day's activities and will be played at 6 a.m. Response to Reveille will be treated in the same manner as Retreat. On the first note, all pedestrian and automotive traffic will halt. Those outside are to face the flag or direction of the music and render appropriate honors. Those in military uniform render a salute; those in physical training gear are not required to salute.

Retreat
Retreat signifies the end of the duty day and will be played at 5 p.m. On the first note of Retreat, all pedestrian and automotive traffic will halt. When Retreat is played, those members outside will face the flag or direction of the music and come to parade rest. On the first note of the National Anthem, those outside will come to attention and render appropriate honors. Those in military uniform render a salute; those in physical training gear are not required to salute.

There will be no changes to Taps, which signifies "lights out." It will be played at 10 p.m.with no action required. If Taps is played as part of an official ceremony, honors are required.

The Joint Total Force Scott community is also reminded of a new law that was implemented in October. Veterans and servicemembers are now allowed to render military hand salutes during the National Anthem when they are not in uniform. Additionally, the provision passed this January allowing veterans and servicemembers not in uniform to render military hand salutes for the raising, lowering and passing of the flag also remains in effect.

Veteran's Day is a time to pay tribute to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces today, those who have worn the uniform before us, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our grateful nation. By returning to the basics of military tradition, we honor the legacy of service and sacrifice. Air Power!