Is it still appropriate to stand in honor of the National Colors during a pass in review?

SFC Freddie Porter — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 20:11:57 -0400

The other day, I attended the Basic Training graduation of a family member. During the pass in review, the announcer asked the audience members to stand while the Colors passed. Audience member stood up for the moment but, as they were standing a SSG/Drill Sergeant began going into the stands and yelling at the audience to sit down (and I mean yelling like I would have expected of a DS during new soldier reception station). This was taking place while the National Colors were passing in review. This DS had his back to the colors and was completely focused on the crowd standing in honor of the National Colors. Question for everyone; is it still appropriate to stand in honor of the National Colors during a pass in review? Why would a Drill Sergeant turn his back to the Colors and scream and holler at the civilian audience/family members. Am I out or touch that much that you don’t stand and render honors to the National Colors during a ceremony any longer? Frankly, it was an embarrassment to the NCO Corp to see a SSG/Drill Sergeant act as he did in front of a civilian audience. Let me know what the current customs and courtesies of the Army are in 2022 at Ft Jackson, SC regarding rendering honors during a pass in review please

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2022 8:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 20:47:43 -0400

Last I knew, people still stand for Pass and Review.

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 3 at 2022 9:55 PM

COL Randall C. — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 21:55:33 -0400

One word - absolutely. The following has been, and is now, the proper courtesies when an American Flag passes:
• Stand up.
• Remove your hat.
• Place your right hand over your heart.
• Stop any conversation you are having.

I can't envision Ft. Jackson modifying it and disrespecting the flag short of something that is an unsafe act (and I'd be hard pressed to even contemplatean example).

I would have had a quiet word with the NCO to see the reasoning behind his behavior.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Sep 3 at 2022 10:52 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 22:52:08 -0400

My son graduates there the end of October and you can bet you ass I will stand at attention for the passing of the Colors.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2022 1:07 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 01:07:29 -0400

In uniform you stand and salute.

Not in uniform you also stand and salute

Veterans can also stand and salute

Everyone else stands.

Response by SFC Freddie Porter made Sep 4 at 2022 11:13 AM

SFC Freddie Porter — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 11:13:47 -0400

In reviewing everyone’s responses so far and doing some additional research, I’m refreshing a lot of common core material I never thought I’d need to reread ever again. After all, this is basic training stuff. Starting, thank you everyone for your responses. I’ve learned I’m not off base on this. There are, actually, regulations regarding customs and courtesies of the Army, AR 600-25 as well as Training Circulars about this subject. This was introduced in basic training to us but for me, that was 1971. After that, I simply followed the commands presented on the parade ground. The rule as I understand it (and please correct me here if I’m wrong) is 6 paces before the colors arrive you stand and render the salute until 6 paces after they pass. So, based on your responses and my study, why would a Drill Instructor demand audience members remain seated during the passing of the National Colors during the pass in review going into the audience to enforce his demands? I wonder if the TRADOC and/or Ft Jackson CSM’s could weigh in on this and provide a response as to why their NCO’s act like this It was not appropriate for me to call out anyone during the moment nor raise the issue at the time but, it’s a lot of tough to swallow when non military family members are laughing and commenting negatively about Drill Instructors acting in this manner. I wonder if this is a moment for a NCO call moment? Does it sound like I’m somewhat pissed off? Yea, on reflection I guess I am. This seems like the appropriate forum to make a discussion of this rather than during the Pass in Review. My final comment is this; if this is how the Drill Instructors at Ft. Jackson, SC are acting, is it little wonder why our new soldiers are somewhat lacking in their basic skills upon graduation.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Sep 4 at 2022 7:54 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 19:54:38 -0400

SFC Freddie Porter I can't speak for anyone else but I sure as hell would stand and salute (if I had a cover on my head, otherwise place my right hand over my heart). That drill sergeant was way out of line and to do this to a civilian population. I would hope his commanding officer would have a word with him. What an embarrassment to our military.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Sep 5 at 2022 7:51 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:51:07 -0400

I think that Brown-round was a little too tight on that Sergeant's head...of course you stand up for the colors.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Sep 6 at 2022 1:37 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 13:37:29 -0400

The DS was wrong. Everyone stands and they even announced to the crowd to stand. Either that DS was having a bad day or he is just a moron. Even if they didn't need to stand there's no need to scream at FAMILY MEMBERS at graduation lol.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Sep 6 at 2022 3:05 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 15:05:36 -0400

Yes you still stand as the colors pass by in the pass and review.
As far as yelling at the folks in the stand, not a good example.

Response by Sgt Adriane Ramos made Sep 9 at 2022 3:01 PM

Sgt Adriane Ramos — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 15:01:03 -0400

I thought people were only disrespecting our country and our flag at Sporting events and in schools (sarcastic). Jeez all of this disrespect is out of hand. That's the last place I would ever imagine that to happen.

Response by SSG Jack Scott made Sep 9 at 2022 7:29 PM

SSG Jack Scott — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 19:29:04 -0400

You need no Permission from anyone to stand in Honor! If you have to ask you probably need to stay seated