What do all of the different horns mean on a military installation?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 18:21:08 -0400

I've always have mutiple horns through out the day. I've wondered what they all meant. I know the major ones 0630 is revelery or raising the flag for the day 0900 work call, 1200 lunch and 1700 is retreat and lowering the flag. I've heard them at 2000 and 2300 not sure what they are.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Jun 6 at 2023 7:00 PM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 19:00:55 -0400

Here are the calls for Ft Stewart -- pretty much all the bugle calls with the requisite courtesies to be rendered.

https://home.army.mil/stewart/my-fort/soldiers/bugle-calls

Bugle Calls

Times and courtesies for the bugle calls on Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield including the Dog Face Soldier Song lyrics, history of the US Army bugle calls, and more. Includes courtesies for Reveille, Retreat, and To the Color.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Jun 6 at 2023 10:02 PM

COL Dan Ruder — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:02:31 -0400

SGT Boeck, bugle calls are used to communicate various activities and events throughout the day. These bugle calls have specific times and meanings. The specific bugle calls and their timings may vary between different branches of the military, but they serve as important signals for various activities and routines throughout the day. Here are some commonly used bugle calls (times of day may vary by Service and not all bugle calls may be used; e.g. basic training bases may use bugle calls that are not used on bases that only support operational units:
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Reveille: played early in the morning, usually around sunrise, to signal the start of the day. It signals that all personnel should wake up, get out of bed, and begin their morning routine.
Assembly: This bugle call is used to gather all personnel together at a designated location. It is often used to assemble troops for formations, roll calls, or important announcements.
Mess Call: Mess call is played to alert personnel that it is time to eat; before breakfast, lunch, and dinner, signaling the designated mealtime.
Mail Call (less common): This bugle call is used to inform personnel that there is incoming mail or packages for distribution. It signals a time for individuals to gather and receive their mail.
Colors: Colors is played during the raising (Reveille) and lowering (Retreat) of the national flag; typically occurring t sunrise and sunset, signaling the beginning and end of the official duty day. Interestingly, Retreat not only signaled the end of the official duty day, but it used to be accompanied by a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthem; haven't seen/heard that done in many years (at least on Army bases).
Taps: Taps is a bugle call played in the evening, typically around bedtime. It is often associated with honoring fallen service members and is also played at military funerals. Taps is a somber melody that signifies the end of the day and is often accompanied by a moment of reflection.
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