Reveille Ceremony

Reveille Signals Start of Day

Reveille = Day Start

The signal for the start of the official duty day is the playing of reveille.

Time Set by Commander

Commander Sets Time

Because the time for the start of the duty day varies among different locations, the commander designates the specified time for reveille.

Optional Flag Raising

Reveille + Flag Raising

If the commander desires, a reveille ceremony may accompany the raising of the flag.

Location and Timing

Reveille Location

This ceremony takes place after sunrise near the base flagstaff.

Pre-Ceremony Setup

Shortly before the specified time, Airmen:

March to a pre-designated position near the base flagstaff
Halt
Face toward the flagstaff
Dress

Flag Detail

The flag security detail arrives at the flagstaff at this time and remains at attention.

Typical Reveille Procedure

Reveille Procedure.

The unit commander (or senior participant) commands "Parade, REST."
At the specified time, the unit commander commands "SOUND REVEILLE." The flag detail assumes the position of attention, moves to the flagstaff, and attaches the flag to the halyards.
After reveille is played, the unit commander commands "Squadron, ATTENTION" and "Present, ARMS" and then faces the flagstaff and executes present arms. On this signal, the national anthem or To the Colors is sounded.
On the first note of the national anthem or To the Colors, the flag security detail begins to raise the flag briskly. The senior member of the detail holds the flag to keep it from touching the ground.
The unit commander holds the salute until the last note of the national anthem or To the Colors is played, then executes order arms, faces about, and commands "Order, ARMS."
The Airmen are then dismissed or marched to the dismissal area.

Raising the Flag

Flag Detail Composition

When practical, a detail consisting of one senior member and two junior members hoists the flag.

Detail Formation

Senior Carries Flag

The detail forms in line with the senior member carrying the flag in the center.

Flagstaff Procedure

At Flagstaff

The detail then marches to the flagstaff, halts, and attaches the flag to the halyards. The two junior members attend the halyards, taking a position facing the staff to hoist the flag without entangling the halyards.

Leeward Side

The flag is always raised and lowered from the leeward side of the flagstaff.

Senior Holds Flag

The senior member continues to hold the flag, taking particular care that no portion of the flag touches the ground.

When Flag Clears

When the flag is clear of the senior member's grasp, the senior member comes to attention and executes present arms.

After Anthem

On the last note of the national anthem, To the Colors, or after the flag has been hoisted to the staff head, all members of the detail execute order arms on command of the senior member.

Halyards Secured

The halyards are then secured to the cleat of the staff, OR if appropriate, the flag is lowered to half-staff before the halyards are secured.

Detail Departure

The detail is formed again and then marches to the dismissal area.

Reveille Ceremony