What's the word on customs, courtesies, and uniform in on-post neighborhoods?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 06:45:03 -0400

I'm not complaining, because I, too, have assimilated into the relaxed culture neighborhoods have, but what's the right answer regarding wear of the uniform and stopping for the colors when right outside your house on-post?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jul 1 at 2021 6:46 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 06:46:01 -0400

Stop and render the proper courtesies.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2021 7:08 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 07:08:23 -0400

Integrity. Do what's right, even if/when no one is looking.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 1 at 2021 7:59 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 07:59:06 -0400

There isn't a bubble around base housing that creates an exemption to customs and courtesies. Do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 1 at 2021 8:59 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 08:59:52 -0400

Customs and courtesies are not location specific. If you're in the military, you're in the military, 24/7, no matter where you are...

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 1 at 2021 9:44 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 09:44:02 -0400

All actions remain the same. Being outside your quarters does not absolve anyone from paying Hokies and respect. The same is true for the wear of the uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2021 12:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:03:10 -0400

Here is my take on it, I will not point at regulations, C & C, or integrity. (Even though anyone of them is reason enough)

I want you to stop and think about all of your fellow service men and women that are not able to stand for that flag. They can not stand for it because they did not make it home from overseas, they can not stand for it because they lost limbs to IED's, they can not stand for it because their inner demons got the best of them and they took their own life.

Now I ask you... What is the RIGHT thing to do?

Response by SrA John Monette made Jul 1 at 2021 12:17 PM

SrA John Monette — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:17:34 -0400

exactly the same as any other place on base

Response by CSM Christopher Irwin made Jul 1 at 2021 12:19 PM

CSM Christopher Irwin — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:19:35 -0400

Follow the guidance set forth by Army regulation. If you're wearing the uniform, wear it correctly. If the colors are moving (AM or PM) render the proper courtesy. There is no delineation just because you're at your house. That is all.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 1 at 2021 12:22 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:22:24 -0400

Unless there's an installation policy allowing relaxed customs and courtesies in on-installation housing, such as a "no-saluting area" or "No-hats area", then Service regulations apply. I lived on base for a majority of my 22-year Air Force career and never saw an official or even unofficial (word-of-mouth) relaxation of regulations or standards of behavior. I always addressed neighbors of senior or junior rank by rank and name or sir or ma'am, as appropriate. Those of us at the same rank used first names with our neighbors in social setting and usually out of uniform.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jul 1 at 2021 12:31 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:31:27 -0400

One of our fondest memories of living on base in K-Bay, HI was watching all the kids stop and stand up straight during evening colors. Some friends of ours (civilians) who were visiting saw it one evening and were absolutely amazed that kids from 4-14 years old would stop what they were doing for 15 seconds to show respect. They would even police each other if someone didn't stand up.
At the end most of them hurried home because that was their cue to go home for supper.
Good days.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jul 1 at 2021 7:22 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 19:22:06 -0400

As a civilian even after all these years when I see the colors being raised or lowered (which isn't often) I stop and come to attention and wait until the task is done. It's the right thing to do. It's call respect for our flag and country.

Response by SGT David Wyatt made Jul 2 at 2021 7:45 PM

SGT David Wyatt — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 19:45:48 -0400

If you can hear it, face the direction of the sound and render honors.