Military customs and courtesies reminders

by Senior Airman Daniel Phelps
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/12/2014 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- While going through basic military training, Air Force customs and courtesies become engrained into the minds of young Airmen entering the service. However, as time goes by, it is not uncommon for some of those basic practices to slip from mind and be forgotten.

Since etiquette and professionalism is important and helps present a strong military force, it is nice to have reminders of some of those things that might have fallen to the back burner.

-Saluting commanders' vehicles: All military members have the responsibility to salute moving staff vehicles. Staff vehicles are government vehicles used for official business.

These vehicles can be a car, van or bus, but are usually cars.

A staff vehicle may have an officer's rank displayed on a bumper plate on the right front bumper, or on a flag located on the right front fender (note: marked staff vehicles are usually only for officers in the rank of colonel or above).

- Back packs and purses: In accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-2903, "Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel," Airmen must ensure any backpacks worn while in uniform fit within certain parameters.

Black backpacks may be worn with any uniform combination, but solid-color black backpacks are the only versions authorized while wearing any blue uniform. Airman battle uniform-patterned, olive drab or sage green backpacks may be worn with the ABU.

Small logos are authorized, but backpacks with ornamentation, a high gloss, designs or hanging or dangling objects are not approved to wear while in uniform. Backpacks may have small gold or silver clasps, but no chains.

Airmen may wear a backpack on their left shoulder, or on both shoulders, so as not to interfere with rendering a proper salute.

-National Anthem, reveille and retreat: During the playing of reveille, retreat and the National Anthem daily, even as a civilian or in civilian clothes, you should stop and face the flag or the music if walking and stop your vehicle safely if you are still in your vehicle.

While in physical training gear, you should stop and face the flag or the music, but saluting is not necessary.

At the first sounds of Reveille or Retreat, stop where you are and turn to face the flag, or in a case where the flag is not visible, turn in the general direction of the flag or the sound and, if in uniform, stand at parade rest. If not in uniform, protocol still dictates that you stop and face the flag or the music out of respect.

However, when the Retreat music concludes, come to attention and render a salute when you hear the first note of the National Anthem.

When driving, as the first note of Reveille, Retreat and the National Anthem plays, you should bring your moving vehicle safely to a complete stop as you would if an emergency vehicle were approaching and put the car in park. Base guidance is that personnel turn off any music playing in the vehicle. Everyone inside the vehicle, including the driver, should remain seated at attention.