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Performing customs, courtesies Shaw style

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Ingold
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Air Force Instruction 34-1201 Protocol consists of 105 pages of rules regarding flag placement, car driving procedures and how to welcome a distinguished visitor to an Air Force installation.

However, protocol at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, commonly consists of three things.

The ceremonies of Reveille, Retreat and the playing of the Air Force Song regularly ring out across Shaw.

Reveille, a song played on a bugle, was originally used as a wake-up call for military members.

Reveille is played at 7 a.m., Monday through Friday at Shaw. The American flag is not raised during reveille at Shaw, therefore no action is required. However, many Team Shaw members stand at parade rest to show respect to the flag.

“Regulations are your friends,” said Jackie Wren, 20th Fighter Wing protocol chief. “You should know what the rules of Shaw are specifically, but also the rules of the military as a whole. Pass the rules to your buddies and subordinates. If you see something that doesn’t look correct, either ask someone or look it up and, if you see someone running from the flag or avoiding these customs and courtesies, police them. If you see it and you know it’s wrong, say something.”

Retreat, another bugle call, is used as a signal to end the duty day.

Retreat begins at Shaw at 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the playing of “To the Color,” immediately followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Uniformed Airmen outdoors must face the flag and render a salute during the playing of the national anthem and drop their salute after the final note.

Airmen are also required to stop their vehicle and sit at the position of attention during the Reveille and Retreat ceremonies.

“If you are outside at 5 p.m., don’t turn around and run inside,” said Tech. Sgt. Ashley Long, 20th Force Support Squadron Honor Guard noncommissioned officer in charge. “It’s disheartening to see people run inside or to their vehicle. Take the minute to stand there and pay respects to the flag and for the men and women who have fallen for us to be here.”

The third common interaction Airmen outdoors at Shaw hear is the Air Force Song Mondays at noon.

Airmen will stand at attention during the playing of the Air Force Song and can sing the lyrics if they want.

Civilians may pay respects to the flag as well.

During the playing of the national anthem civilians, are encouraged to stand at attention, face the flag and place their right hand over their heart for the duration of the song. Civilians may also sing the Air Force Song.

“The flag is more than a piece of cloth,” said Long. “There are so many years of history for our nation and for our services, especially our armed services. Something as simple as standing at attention or parade rest, stopping your vehicle and paying your respects during the national anthem to the flag itself speaks volumes. It’s more than just a salute and it’s more than just a piece of cloth.”