Ceremony keeps post steeped in tradition

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterJanuary 16, 2014

Ceremony keeps post steeped in tradition
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (January 16, 2014) -- From the bugle call early in the morning to the cannon fire in the evening, people on military installations across the U.S. have become accustomed to these familiar sounds daily, and Fort Rucker is no exception when it comes to upholding this centuries-old tradition.

That tradition is something that returned to Fort Rucker relatively recently in 2011, and is an important part of the duty day, according to Sgt. Maj. Marvin A. Pinckney, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence G-3 sergeant major.

"Customs and courtesies, and rendering honors to the flag and nation are obviously big parts of being in the military, and tradition is what runs our Army," said Pinckney. "'Reveille' and 'Retreat' have been used by the military for centuries, but more importantly it was used by the United States forces during the days of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War to communicate to the troops and make sure they were up in the mornings, went to mess and make sure they were bedded down at night."

Today, the familiar sound of the bugle and boom of the cannon are mostly ceremonial, but technically do signify the beginning and end of the duty day on the installation, added the sergeant major.

"Today, we can communicate readily, but back then they needed other means to communicate with the Soldiers," said Pinckney.

The daily ceremony takes place on Howze Field where a seven-Soldier group raise the flag during "Reveille" at 5:30 a.m. Mondays-Fridays and 6 a.m. on holidays. "Retreat" is sounded at 5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, and 4 p.m. on Fridays and holidays.

The seven-Soldier detail is switched out twice a month and cycled through four different units on Fort Rucker: members of the 1st Aviation Brigade, Warrant Officer Career College, NCO Academy and 110th Avn. Bde.

According to Army Regulation 600-25, during "Reveille," Soldiers in uniform and not in formation must come to attention and salute in the direction of the flag upon the first note. If the flag cannot be seen, Soldiers should face the direction of the music. Soldiers in formation should follow the command of their senior Soldier who should call the group to attention.

During "Retreat," Soldiers in uniform who are not in formation should come to attention upon the sound of the first note, remain at attention until the cannon blast is heard, then salute. If no cannon is heard, the Soldiers should salute upon the first note of "To The Colors."

The same rules apply for Soldiers in civilian clothes, but Pinckney said that a salute is not required. Instead, they should stand with their hand over their heart, facing the direction of the music.

All vehicles on the installation should come to a stop, including civilians, but Soldiers who are in a vehicle during "Reveille" or "Retreat" are required to stop and dismount their vehicle to render honors, added Pinckney.

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Fort Rucker, Ala.

U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence