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JB MDL customs, courtesies clear for reveille, retreat, taps

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst leadership announced the establishment of joint standardized customs and courtesies here in regard to ceremonial music and customs and courtesies.

The joint advisory committee team established overall guidance Dec. 16 which applies to reveille, retreat and taps; customs and courtesies rendered in and out of uniform; as well as driving protocols for implementation amongst all servicemembers and civilians on the joint base.

Chief Master Sgt. George Lytle, 87th Air Base Wing special assistant to the deputy commander, coordinated with other senior enlisted leaders throughout the joint base to standardize and unify the playing of the ceremonial music throughout the day, at the direction of the joint base commander.

"We did extensive background work on all the services' policies," said Lytle. "We wanted to keep the processes as balanced as possible across the board."

A representative from every branch was part of this standardization process.

"This was a great way for all branches to work together and bridge cultural differences on an installation-wide project," said Master Chief Herbert Kelton, Naval Support Activity-Lakehurst command master chief. "The new procedures reflect what a joint base is all about."

New procedures are as follows:

Reveille will sound at 6 a.m., immediately followed by "To the Colors." Retreat will sound at 5 p.m., immediately followed by the national anthem. Taps will play at 10 p.m.

The following courtesies will be rendered:
When military are in uniform:
 All active duty, Guard and Reserve personnel will immediately face the flag and stand at parade rest at the first note of reveille or retreat (face the direction of the music if the flag is not in view). When the reveille or retreat music concludes, come to the position of attention and render a salute at the first note of "To the Colors" or the national anthem and remain saluting until the last note. For taps, immediately face the music and come to the position of attention until the music is complete.

When not in uniform, both civilians and military:
 Immediately face the flag at the first note of reveille or retreat (face the direction of the music if the flag is not in view). When the reveille or retreat music concludes, civilians and military personnel not in uniform will place their right hand over their heart when they hear the first note of "To the Colors" or the national anthem and keep it there until the last note. Saluting is optional for servicemembers and veterans not in uniform. If wearing headgear, remove the headgear with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder while the right hand is over the heart. Personnel should stand and remain silent during taps.

When in a vehicle:
 pull the vehicle to the side of the road and stop during reveille or retreat. Turn off the radio. All occupants will sit quietly until the last note of "To the Colors" or the national anthem.

When wearing a physical training uniform:
 Military personnel will follow their service specific-guidance (i.e., Army and Air Force personnel will follow the "in uniform" guidance above, while Navy, Marine and Coast Guard personnel will follow the "not in uniform" guidance).

"As we continue to develop our identity as a joint base, it is essential we standardize our processes, as well as honor the history and traditions of each service here," said Wood.
"Establishing common customs and courtesies for ceremonial music played on the public address system is a strong step in this direction. I appreciate the support of our senior enlisted leaders across the installation in making this happen."