Posted on Aug 20, 2015
SSG Instructor/Writer
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I always have even though I haven't found anything in writing, just because I feel it's the respectable thing to do, as I see it as more than just a song to signify "lights out". Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
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LCDR Deputy Department Head
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I actually have looked into this as well.

From what I can tell you are only "required" to be at attention and salute (if in uniform) when Taps is played at a ceremony (funeral, etc.).

That said it is enforced to different degrees on installations as lights out. I have always come to attention for it and think it's "right" but I don't believe it is actually required.
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SGT Team Leader
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>1 y
We had a SSgt and an LT who refused to stand up after we all stood up and our Chief went to talk to them, they told him to fuck off... I've seen everyone stand and now I've seen this
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CMSgt Mark Schubert
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Taps began as a signal for lights or lights out at the end of the day. For these purposes, there are no formal protocol procedures required. However, the playing of Taps continues to be a part of a military funeral/memorial honors ceremony. Upon hearing Taps at a military ceremony, proper protocol dictates those individuals in uniform render a salute until the music is complete. Civilians should remove their headgear and place their hand over their heart.
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SPC William Ziemer
SPC William Ziemer
7 y
I see this is two years old but...What about the President? I didn't see it but I'm hearing that he laughed and joked with another person during taps recently... don't know what event it was or if it's true, but now there's a big discussion about it.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Edited 9 y ago
You render a salute when Taps is played so you are standing at attention.

http://tapsbugler150.blogspot.com/2010/06/protocol-during-taps.html

CONDUCT/PROTOCOL DURING SOUNDING OF TAPS - During a rendition of Taps at a military funeral, memorial service or wreath ceremony,

-All present not in uniform should stand at attention facing the music with the right hand over the heart;

-Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and

-Individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of Taps and maintain that position until the last note;

-When Taps is sounded in the evening as the final call of the day at military bases, salutes are not required.
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SSG Instructor/Writer
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9 y
Does this include being played on an Installation at 2200?
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
9 y
SSG (Join to see) I didn't see anything that specifically addresses it. The last line in the article I found in my response states that a salute is not required but I would take that as a yes to standing at attention if you are out and about at 2200.
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CPT John J. Dobise Jr.
CPT John J. Dobise Jr.
6 y
As I understand it, a recent change in the protococol allows Veterans to render the hand salute, even if wearing civilian clothing.
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MSG Civil Affairs Specialist
MSG (Join to see)
>1 y
Many bases play taps to indicate lights out or to begin quiet hours. There are no formal protocols for actions (manuals, regulations, policies) when taps are played in this manner (I cannot find it anymore; but I even further found a section in regulation specifically banning requiring formal action during evening taps at one point - SEP 2020; but can't figure out which regulation it was). However, taps are a critical part of military funeral and memorial ceremonies. When at a military funeral or memorial ceremony in uniform, a salute is required during the playing of taps (per manuals and regulations). https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Distribution/Reveille.pdf; https://www.army.mil/article/160873/bugle_calls_part_of_army_tradition#:~:text=When%20it%20comes%20to%20the,%2C%20face%20direction%20of%20music).
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