What regulation or policy covers appropriate actions when retreat plays at the end of the day?

2020-09-10T17:16:17-04:00

I asked some of my battles and nco about a regulation about 1700 retreat song that plays in the base.
I couldn't get the right answer though.
Some are saying that if you are in your car driving, you do not have to get out but drive on the road, but some are saying that you have to stop your car, get out and salute.

When it involves with driving situation, which one is the right regulation?
It would be great if I could get an actual regulation link for it so I could educate myself and tell others about it if they dont have the right information.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2020 5:36 PM

2020-09-10T17:36:37-04:00

You will probably find the answer in the Customs and Courtesies reg. But, I have been on posts where if the bugle is playing while you are driving, you are to stop and get out. Other posts that is not required. It will vary from base to base. You could probably reach out to your base protocol office and ask what their policy is on that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2020 5:36 PM

2020-09-10T17:36:41-04:00

FM 7-21.13

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2020 5:40 PM

2020-09-10T17:40:07-04:00

I can only tell you what the Air Force does. While driving on base during Reveille or Retreat, we always stopped our car and secured in place. Even in traffic.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Sep 10 at 2020 5:53 PM

2020-09-10T17:53:56-04:00

FYI, I am sure an updated regulation does not authorize kneeling. I could be wrong.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2020 7:11 PM

2020-09-10T19:11:12-04:00

If you are noticing that many vehicles do not stop, I believe that most drivers don't hearr the music. I guess someone could be proactive and stop and get out when they notice the time is close. Not much different then soneone remaining outside vs rushing to get inside right before the music begins

Response by SSG Brian G. made Sep 10 at 2020 9:04 PM

2020-09-10T21:04:47-04:00

FM 7-21.13 4-22

"4-22. When in a formation or a group, the senior soldier present will call
the group to “Attention” and then “Parade, Rest” at the first note of
“Retreat.” That soldier will then call the group to “Attention” and “Present,
Arms” at the first note of “To the Colors” and then “Order, Arms” at the
conclusion. When in civilian clothing, the only change is to place your right
hand over your heart instead of saluting. Vehicles in motion should stop. If
you are in a car or on a motorcycle, dismount and salute. If you are with a
group in a military vehicle or bus, remain in the vehicle. The individual in
charge will dismount and salute. These honors also apply to the national
anthems of foreign countries during ceremonies or parades. "

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Sep 11 at 2020 5:03 PM

2020-09-11T17:03:38-04:00

In 2017, Fort Leonardwood had traffic control points for reveille and retreat...
https://www.army.mil/article/108998/retreat_and_reveille_pay_your_respects_to_the_flag

It seems TC 7-21.13 replaced FM 7-21.13 - and the TC only mentions reveille and retreat once.

AR 600-25, Chapter 4 (pub 2019) talks about reveille and retreat during parades and ceremonies. This is what it says about reveille and retreat:

4–1. Reveille and retreat
a. Time. Installation commanders will set the time of sounding reveille and retreat.
b. Reveille. At every installation garrisoned by Soldiers other than caretaking detachments, the flag will be hoisted at the sound of the first note of reveille. (See appendix B for courtesies to be rendered by individuals.)
c. Retreat. At the last note of retreat, a gun will be fired (if available) on military installations, followed by the playing of the national anthem or sound of “To the Color” (using a drum and bugle corps, a bugler, or recorded music) concurrent with the lowering of the flag. The flag will be lowered to ensure completion at the last note of the music. The same respect will be observed by all military personnel whether the national anthem is played or "To the Color" is sounded. (See appendix B for courtesies to be rendered by individuals.) Additional information regarding Army ceremonial music is available on the U.S. Army band website at http://www.usarmyband.com.
d. Gun salute. Commanders are encouraged to use sub-caliber ammunition devices where possible when firing salutes for reveille and retreat. Questions on using sub-caliber devices (such as brass artillery shell casings adapted to fire 10– gauge shotgun shells) may be directed to the Commander, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (ATZR–F), 6322 NW
Currie Road, Fort Sill, OK 73503–7971.

That AR is the most current regulation about Salute, Honor and Courtesy.

Retreat and Reveille: Pay your respects to the flag

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 11 at 2020 7:43 PM

2020-09-11T19:43:25-04:00

Most Posts- you damn will, get out of your car, stand at attention and salute. Or you will be talking to your 1SG/CSM next morning. Same thing for colors in the morning. I ate a Major out for not stopping his run (individual) when the flag went up. He demanded my unit and name- I told both my CSM and CDR, and my LTC was waiting for him when he came in. Even thru closed doors it wasn't pretty for the Major.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 11 at 2020 8:23 PM

2020-09-11T20:23:46-04:00

My 1st Post was off the cuff but true. As for actual regs- US Flag Code Title 4 and Title 36, Sec 9 -All military personnel in uniform salute during Hoisting/Lowering and passing the US Flag. All other stand at attention with the hand over their heart. , AR 600-25, Chap 4 pretty much say the same thing. Damn surprised/sad that an NCO didn't know it. You can tell him for me , that he better start reading.