Team Buckley reminded of military traditions, customs, courtesies

Published Feb. 19, 2014

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Col. Dan Wright, 460th Space Wing commander, released a memorandum to remind Team Buckley members of military traditions, customs, courtesies and his expectations Feb. 6.

The memorandum is below:

MEMORANDUM FOR DISTRIBUTION A, B, C, AND D

FROM: 460 SW/CC
510 S Aspen Street
Buckley AFB CO 80011-9572

SUBJECT: Buckley AFB Military Traditions, Customs, Courtesies and Expectations

1. While we are not considered or officially named a DoD joint military base, Buckley AFB is home to every military branch of service, Guard and Reserve units, and several other government agencies who have the honor of serving alongside dedicated civilian employees, contractors and our families. As the installation host at Buckley AFB, I have established guidance for everyone working and residing on Buckley AFB to ensure we adhere to the standards and expectations and continue the time-honored traditions, customs and courtesies, and respect for the military way of life.

2. Reveille will sound at 0730; Retreat will sound at 1700; and Taps will play at 2200 every day on Buckley AFB unless special circumstances warrant, such as a special observance ceremony held outdoors. All personnel on Buckley AFB are expected to comply and render the following courtesies:

a. Military Personnel in Uniform. If outdoors, at the first note of Reveille or Retreat, immediately face the flag (or the direction of the music if the flag is not in view) and stand at parade rest. At the conclusion of Reveille/Retreat, come to the position of attention and render a salute at the first note of "To the Colors" or "The Star Spangled Banner" and remain saluting until completion of the last note. For indoor ceremonies, stand at the position of attention and remain at attention until completion of the last note. For Taps, immediately face the music and come to the position of attention until the music is complete. During outdoor military ceremonies (military funeral/memorial ceremony) render a salute at the playing of Taps until the music is complete.

b. Civilians, Retirees, Veterans and Military not in Uniform. At the first note of Reveille or Retreat, immediately face the flag (or the direction of the music if the flag is not in view). At the conclusion of Reveille/Retreat, place the right hand over the heart on the first note of "To the Colors" or "The Star Spangled Banner" and keep it there until completion of the last note. Saluting is authorized and optional for retirees, veterans, and military members not in uniform. For Taps, face the music and remain silent until the music is complete.

c. Military Personnel in Physical Training Uniform. Members will follow their Service-specific guidance (i.e., Army and Air Force personnel will follow the "in uniform" guidance above; Navy, Marine and Coast Guard personnel will follow the "not in uniform" guidance).

d. All Personnel in Vehicles. The driver will pull to the side of the road and stop the vehicle during Reveille and Retreat. All occupants will sit quietly until the last note of "To the Colors" or "The Star Spangled Banner."

2. Display of the US Flag. At Buckley AFB, the official flag poles are those located in front of Building 1030, the 460th Space Wing Headquarters. All other organizations who maintain flag poles on base will be notified and are responsible for ensuring proper positioning of the flags. Hoisting and lowering of the US Flag must be conducted IAW Air Force Instruction (AFI) 34-1201, Protocol.

3. Plane-side Honors. Periodically, Buckley renders Plane-side Honors to service members killed in action. In their honor, we invite members of Team Buckley to show their respect for the fallen hero by lining the streets of the base. Military members in uniform render a salute as the funeral coach passes in the vehicle procession; civilians remove their headgear and place their right hand over their heart. Retirees and veterans may render a salute or place their right hand over their heart.

4. Traffic Management. Oftentimes roadways or gates may need to be closed and detours established temporarily in support of Presidential visits, Plane-side Honors or other events. We request your patience and understanding during these times and expect your full cooperation in complying with 460 SFS managing traffic.

5. All military members in uniform are required to render a salute to government-owned or leased vehicles that indicate the official status or rank of the senior military individual occupying the vehicle by use of special license plates/placards.

6. These are the expectations and procedures to be followed on Buckley AFB. Please ensure all personnel, military and civilian, are aware of these procedures, to include family members and guests sponsored on base.

7. For additional information, you can find more guidance on military protocol, customs and courtesies, in AFI 1-1, AFI 34-1201, AFPAM 34-1202, or other Service regulations governing protocol or customs and courtesies. For additional information, please contact the 460th Space Wing Protocol Office at (720) 847-6929.

DANIEL D. WRIGHT III, Colonel, USAF
Commander