Base to implement Reveille, Retreat and Taps

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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Beginning August 4, Elmendorf AFB will play Reveille, Retreat, and Taps over the base's Giant Voice system. 

These time-honored traditions serve as a daily reminder that all of us are in the professions of arms and should pay our appropriate respects to our nation and our fallen. 

All 3rd Wing personnel and their dependents will render appropriate customs and courtesies: 

Reveille (7 a.m. Monday-Friday) - All personnel in uniform and outdoors must face the flag and salute. 

When in civilian clothes, face the flag (or the sound of the music if the flag is not visible) and stand at attention with the right hand placed over the heart. 

All vehicles in motion should come to a stop at the first note of the music and the occupants should sit quietly until the music ends. 

If indoors during reveille, there is no need to stand or salute.

Retreat (5 p.m. Monday-Friday) - All personnel in uniform and outdoors must face the flag and assume the position of attention during the playing of retreat. 

Retreat will be immediately followed by the national anthem. Upon the first note of the national anthem, all personnel in uniform who are not in formation should stand and face the flag (or the sound of the music, if the flag is not visible) and salute. Hold the salute until the last note of the music is played. 

When in civilian clothes, face the flag (or the sound of the music if the flag is not visible) and stand at attention with the right hand placed over the heart. 

All vehicles in motion should come to a stop at the first note of retreat and the occupants should sit quietly until the national anthem ends. 

If indoors during retreat, there is no need to stand or salute.

Taps (9 p.m. Monday-Friday) - All personnel in uniform and outdoors must face the music and stand at attention (personnel outdoors in uniform are only required to salute for taps during formal ceremonies, such as funerals). 

Personnel in civilian clothes will do the same. All vehicles may continue in accordance with traffic regulations. 

If indoors during taps, there is no need to take any action.

In accordance with the Pacific Air Forces' policy letter, personnel in PT gear will not salute, but will stand at attention with their right hand over their heart. 

Personnel accomplishing mission essential work outdoors during these times will use common sense. 

Everyone will need to be especially cautious of traffic flow around these times due to vehicles that may stop suddenly. 

Elmendorf personnel are highly encouraged to educate their dependents on these new procedures. 

Since these procedures have not been accomplished in a while, please take the time to assist others in helping us pay proper respect to our country and our fallen warriors.