Customs and Courtesies Raising and Lowering the United States Flag

Informational Briefing Customs and Courtesies - Raising and Lowering the United States Flag Presented by SGT Jose´ Bulls 1

The purpose of this lesson is to briefly familiarize the class in the U.S. Army’s history of its customs and courtesies, and how, why, and when to raise and lower the U.S. Flag.

Customs and Courtesies The two Army publications that cover or have information regarding military customs and courtesies are: 1. FM 22-5 (Drill and Ceremonies) 2. AR 600-25 Appendix A (Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy)

What is Military Courtesy ? The respect and consideration shown by military personnel to others. What is considered to be the most important of all military courtesies ? The hand salute. In early roman history, persons meeting would raise their hands in the air, palm forward to show that they held no weapons and were friendly. This has evolved into the present day salute.

Some Protocols of a Military Salute You should render a salute approximately six paces from the approaching officer, and hold the salute until returned by the officer. Salutes are not required when actively participating in physical fitness training. You are required to salute a non - commissioned officer when reporting to the president of the board, reporting in first formation and when turning over a formation. When outdoors, and you hear the national anthem you should face the flag or the music if the flag is not in view, and render the prescribed salute. An officer should salute an NCO first when the enlisted person is a Medal of Honor awardees.

Situations Q: While marching troops; “Retreat” and “To the Colors” sound. Who salutes ? A: You would tell your soldiers to HALT, face them towards the flag or in the direction of the music. Call them to parade rest while retreat is playing. When “To the colors” begin, call the soldiers to attention and all will present arms. Q: While on gate guard, a POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) approaches and you recognize the driver to be a Captain. What should be your reaction ? A: The gate guard will salute. Q: It is 1700 hours and you are the only only one inside your office. “Retreat” and “To the colors” sound, what should you do ? A: Come to the position of attention facing the sound of the music.

Examples of Military Courtesy When reporting indoors, remove headgear (except under arms), approach to within two paces of the desk, halt, salute and report. “Sir / Ma’am, SGT Snuffy reports.” When walking outdoors, the junior ranking soldier should always walk to the left of the senior officer. When entering a military vehicle, the junior NCO/Officer enters first and the senior NCO/Officer second, so when its time to dismount the vehicle the senior NCO/Officer leaves first.

Flag Facts and Protocols The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are: The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal. The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top. The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.

Flag Facts and Protocols (continued) The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations. The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

Raising and Lowering the flag The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night. The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

The Flag in Mourning To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset. The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order. When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.

This concludes my informational briefing.