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4.2 National Flag Etiquette, Colors, Reveille, Retreat, and Honors to the Nation
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1 The Promotion Board Process, Eligibility, and Preparation
1.1 AR 600-8-19 Board Eligibility, TIS/TIG Zones, and PME Requirements 1.2 Board Proceedings, Protocol, Uniform Inspection, and Boardroom Bearing 1.3 Promotion Points, the AFT Conversion, IPPS-A, and Monthly Cutoff Scores 1.4 Board Preparation: Study Plan, Current Events, and World Affairs 1.5 Situational Questions, ICTL Proficiency, and Board Scenario Technique
2 Uniform Standards, Grooming, and Awards (AR 670-1, AD 2025-18, AR 600-8-22)
2.1 ASU and AGSU Configuration, Insignia, Badges, and Awards Placement 2.2 Hair, Cosmetics, Fingernails, and Jewelry Standards (AD 2025-18) 2.3 Wear of Combat Uniforms, Duty Accessories, and Body Modification & Tattoo Policies 2.4 Facial Hair, Medical Exceptions to Policy, and Religious Accommodation 2.5 The Army Awards and Decorations System (AR 600-8-22)
3 Army Leadership & Doctrine (ADP 6-22 & FM 6-22)
3.1 The Army Leadership Requirements Model: Attributes and Competencies 3.2 Leadership Levels, Dynamics, Command Climate, and the Warrior Ethos 3.3 The Counseling Process (ATP 6-22.1 & DA Form 4856) 3.4 The Evaluation Reporting System & NCOER (AR 623-3 & DA Form 2166-9 Series)
4 Customs, Courtesies, and Military Traditions (AR 600-25 & TC 3-21.5)
4.1 Saluting Protocols, Courtesies to Officers, and Hand Salute Standards 4.2 National Flag Etiquette, Colors, Reveille, Retreat, and Honors to the Nation 4.3 Drill and Ceremonies Fundamentals (TC 3-21.5) and Formations 4.4 Rank Structure, Chain of Command, the NCO Support Channel, and Unit Organization
5 Army History, Heritage, and Creeds
5.1 Army Birthday, Continental Army Foundations, and Historical Milestones 5.2 Evolution of the NCO Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Army 5.3 Major American Campaigns and Military Battle History 5.4 The Army Values, The Soldier's Creed, and The NCO Creed
6 Army Programs, Command Policy, and Soldier Readiness
6.1 SHARP Under AR 600-52: Reporting Options, Complaint Processing, and the OSTC 6.2 The Military Equal Opportunity and Harassment Prevention Program (AR 600-20, Chapter 6) 6.3 Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and SUDCC (AR 600-85) 6.4 Soldier and Family Support Programs: AER, Red Cross, ACS, EFMP, and BOSS 6.5 Suicide Prevention, Behavioral Health, and Resilience 6.6 Prohibited Activities: Extremism, Retaliation, Prohibited Relationships, and Political Activity 6.7 Retention, Reenlistment, and the Career Counseling of Subordinates
7 Tactical Combat Casualty Care & First Aid (TC 4-02.1 & ATP 4-02.83)
7.1 TCCC Phases of Care: Care Under Fire, Tactical Field Care, and TACEVAC 7.2 MARCH PAWS Assessment: Massive Hemorrhage and Airway Management 7.3 Respiration, Circulation, Shock, Burns, and Environmental Injuries 7.4 9-Line MEDEVAC Request Protocol and Tactical Evacuation Procedures
8 CBRN Defense & Force Protection (ATP 3-11.32 & AR 525-13)
8.1 CBRN Hazards, Chemical Agent Classifications, and Physiological Effects 8.2 MOPP Gear Levels, Protective Mask PMCS, and Decontamination 8.3 Antiterrorism, Physical Security, and Force Protection Conditions (AR 525-13)
9 Weapons, Land Navigation, and Physical Readiness
9.1 M4/M16 Rifle Characteristics, Clearing, Malfunctions, and Weapons Safety (TC 3-22.9) 9.2 Map Reading, Grid Coordinates, and Marginal Information (TC 3-25.26) 9.3 Land Navigation: Terrain Features, Azimuths, Intersection, and Resection 9.4 Holistic Health and Fitness, the Army Fitness Test, and the Combat Field Test 9.5 The Army Body Composition Program and the Waist-to-Height Standard (AD 2026-13) 9.6 Crew-Served Weapons, Sidearms, and Munitions
10 Military Justice, the Law of War, and Duty
10.1 The UCMJ, Article 15 Non-Judicial Punishment, and Courts-Martial 10.2 The Code of Conduct, the Law of War, and Rules of Engagement 10.3 Guard Duty, the Three General Orders, and Operations Security
11 Training Management and Unit Sustainment
11.1 Training Management: ICTL, the Digital Job Book, and Sergeant's Time Training 11.2 Maintenance, Supply Discipline, and Property Accountability
4.2 National Flag Etiquette, Colors, Reveille, Retreat, and Honors to the Nation
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
The display, respect, and ceremonial handling of the National Flag of the United States are governed by AR 600-25 and Title 4 of the United States Code (U.S. Flag Code).
The Army maintains distinct flag sizes for specific missions: Garrison Flag (20 ft x 38 ft for holidays), Post Flag (8 ft 11-3/8 in x 17 ft for daily fair weather), Field Flag (6 ft 8 in x 12 ft), Storm Flag (5 ft x 9 ft 6 in for inclement weather), and Interment Flag (5 ft x 9 ft 6 in).
Daily ceremonial bugle sequences dictate specific honors: Reveille in the morning marks the duty day and hoisting of the flag; Retreat and To the Color in the evening marks the lowering of the flag with full honors.
When outdoors during Reveille or Retreat/To the Color, Soldiers in uniform must face the flag (or music), come to Attention, and execute Present Arms until the final note finishes.
Proper flag folding requires 13 precise triangular folds, resulting in a crisp cocked-hat shape where only the blue field of stars is visible with no red stripes showing.
Last updated: September 2026
National Flag Etiquette, Colors, Reveille, Retreat, and Honors to the Nation
Core Principle: The Flag of the United States of America represents the living symbol of our nation's freedom, sovereignty, constitutional principles, and the sacrifices of the millions who have defended it. In the military profession, respect for the National Flag is governed by statutory law under Title 4, United States Code (The Flag Code) and military doctrine under Army Regulation 600-25 ( Salutes, Honors, and Courtesy ). Soldiers must master the exact specifications, daily ceremonial sequences, and movement courtesies that honor the colors.
1. Statutory and Doctrinal Governance: Title 4 U.S. Code & AR 600-25
The National Flag of the United States is composed of 13 horizontal alternating red and white stripes (representing the original thirteen colonies) and a blue field (the "union" ) containing 50 white, five-pointed stars (representing the 50 sovereign states of the Union).
Title 4, United States Code: Enacted by the United States Congress, Title 4 establishes the national standards for displaying, hoisting, lowering, and disposing of the U.S. Flag across all federal, state, and civilian jurisdictions.
AR 600-25: Implements and operationalizes statutory flag etiquette for the Department of the Army, outlining the specific duties of garrison commanders, installation buglers, color details, and individual Soldiers during daily ceremonies and military honors.
2. Standard Types, Dimensions, and Occasions for U.S. Flags
The Army recognizes several authorized sizes of the National Flag, each engineered and designated for specific climatic, ceremonial, and geographical requirements: [ Garrison Flag ] ---> 20 ft x 38 ft (Holidays, Presidents Day, 4th of July)
- [ Post Flag ] ---> 8 ft 11-3/8 in x 17 ft (Daily Fair-Weather Flag)
- [ Field Flag ] ---> 6 ft 8 in x 12 ft (Field Installations & Tactical Displays)
- [ Storm Flag ] ---> 5 ft x 9 ft 6 in (Severe Inclement Weather & High Winds)
- [ Interment Flag] ---> 5 ft x 9 ft 6 in (50 Embroidered Stars, Casket Presentation)
- Detailed Flag Specifications
Garrison Flag (20 feet hoist by 38 feet fly): The largest authorized flag flown from installation flagpoles. Hoisted exclusively on federal holidays, Independence Day, George Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and special ceremonial occasions officially designated by the President of the United States or installation commander.
Post Flag (8 feet 11-3/8 inches hoist by 17 feet fly): The standard daily operational flag flown over Army garrisons, posts, and stations during fair weather.
Field Flag (6 feet 8 inches hoist by 12 feet fly): Displayed by field commands, deployed brigade and division headquarters, or temporary tactical posts where maintaining the larger post flag is impractical.
Storm Flag (5 feet hoist by 9 feet 6 inches fly): Made of durable, heavy nylon or bunting, the storm flag is flown in place of the post flag during inclement weather, heavy rain, snowstorms, and severe winds. It prevents damage to larger flags and preserves the main halyard rigging.
Interment / Funeral Flag (5 feet hoist by 9 feet 6 inches fly): Standard 50-star national flag draped over the casket of deceased military veterans during funeral honors. It is never flown from a flagpole; upon completion of military honors, it is ceremonially folded and presented to the primary next of kin with the gratitude of the nation.
3. Daily Ceremonial Bugle Sequences: Reveille and Retreat
Every Army garrison orchestrates daily ceremonies marking the beginning and conclusion of the official duty day. Understanding the precise timing and bugle call sequences is critical for board success:
Morning Colors: The Reveille Ceremony
Purpose: Commemorates the historical morning wake-up call, serves as the roll-call bugle call of the garrison, and marks the official commencement of the duty day (traditionally at 0600 or 0630).
Sequence:
The installation bugler plays the bugle call "Reveille" .
Simultaneously with the sounding of Reveille, the morning gun (a blank artillery round fired by the salute battery) reports across the post.
As the bugle sounds, the flag detail hoists the National Flag briskly to the peak of the flagpole.
Evening Colors: Retreat and "To the Color"
Purpose: Marks the official conclusion of the military duty day (traditionally at 1700) and honors the lowering of the National Colors.
Sequence:
Retreat: The ceremony commences with the bugle call "Retreat" . This call signals the end of the day. Personnel face the flag (or music) and assume the position of Parade Rest .
The Evening Gun: Immediately at the conclusion of "Retreat" , the evening gun fires.
Snap to Attention & Present Arms: At the instant the evening gun fires, all personnel snap smartly to the position of Attention and execute Present Arms (hand salute).
"To the Color" or National Anthem: The installation sound system or live bugler plays "To the Color" (or the band plays "The Star-Spangled Banner" ). "To the Color" is rendered the identical honors and courtesy as the National Anthem.
Lowering the Flag: The flag detail lowers the flag slowly and ceremoniously , pacing the descent so that the flag reaches the waiting hands of the detail exactly on the final note of music.
4. Protocols and Mandatory Actions During Honors to the Nation
When "The Star-Spangled Banner" , "To the Color" , or "Reveille" sounds on an installation, all activity ceases. Actions depend strictly on uniform and location:
Location / Attire Exact Required Actions and Protocol
In Uniform, Outdoors Face the flag (or source of music if flag is not visible); come to the position of Attention; execute Present Arms (hand salute) on the first note; hold salute until the final note of music completes.
In Uniform, Indoors Face the music or flag; stand at the position of Attention. Do not salute unless under arms or participating in a ceremony requiring formal reporting.
In Civilian Attire, Outdoors Come to Attention; face the flag or music; remove all non-religious headwear with the right hand; place the right hand over the heart. (Per the National Defense Authorization Act, veterans and active service members not in uniform may choose to render a traditional military hand salute).
In Civilian Attire, Indoors Come to the position of Attention; face the flag or music; place the right hand over the heart. Do not salute.
Operating Motor Vehicles Bring the vehicle to a safe, complete halt at the curb or side of the road; place transmission in park and turn off ignition/radios. All passengers dismount, face the flag or music, stand at attention, and render the appropriate salute. If on a high-speed expressway where dismounting is unsafe, occupants remain seated at attention inside the halted vehicle.
5. Flag Display, Positioning, and Half-Staff Rules
Statutory rules dictate the precise arrangement when displaying the National Colors alongside other symbols:
The Position of Honor
In heraldry, the right side of a speaker, stage, or formation is the position of honor. From the perspective of the flag itself looking out at the audience, its own right is the position of honor. To an observer facing the stage or wall, this corresponds to the observer's left .
Flat Against a Wall: The blue field ( union ) must always be at the top and to the flag's own right (the observer's top left), whether displayed horizontally or vertically.
Suspended Over a Street: The flag is suspended vertically with the union to the north on an east-west street, or to the east on a north-south street.
Staff Display with State and Local Flags: When grouped on staffs, the U.S. flag occupies the center and highest point. When displayed in a line with state, city, or organizational banners, the U.S. flag is placed on the marching right (observer's far left).
Display with Foreign National Flags: Under international law during peacetime, the flags of different sovereign nations must be flown from separate staffs of equal height and be of approximately equal size. The U.S. flag takes the position of honor on its own right (observer's left).
Half-Staff Rules and Presidential Proclamations
Flying the flag at half-staff is a solemn national symbol of mourning and honor:
Hoisting and Lowering Mechanics: The flag must always be hoisted briskly to the peak for an instant before being lowered slowly to the half-staff position (halfway between the top and bottom of the mast). Before final lowering for the night, the flag must again be hoisted briskly to the peak, then lowered slowly to the ground.
Memorial Day Protocol: On Memorial Day, the flag is displayed at half-staff until noon (1200 hours) to honor the nation's fallen warriors. At noon, the flag is hoisted briskly to the peak for the remainder of the day until sunset, symbolizing the living nation's resilience and enduring resolve.
Statutory Half-Staff Durations (Title 4 U.S. Code):
Death of a President or Former President: Flown at half-staff for 30 days .
Death of a Vice President, Chief Justice, or Speaker of the House: Flown at half-staff for 10 days .
Death of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Cabinet Secretary, or Former Vice President: Flown from the day of death until burial.
6. Ceremonial Folding of the National Colors
A flag detail consisting of two or more Soldiers folds the flag with ceremonial precision. The procedure consists of 13 precise triangular folds :
The flag is held horizontally at waist level by the detail, stretched flat and taut.
First Lengthwise Fold: The lower striped half is folded lengthwise over the upper blue field, bringing the edges flush.
Second Lengthwise Fold: The flag is folded lengthwise again, keeping the blue field on the outside.
Triangular Folds: Starting at the striped end, a triangular fold is executed by bringing the striped corner to the open edge. Successive triangular folds continue across the length of the flag (13 folds total).
Final Appearance: When the fold reaches the union, the remaining margin of the blue field is neatly tucked into the open fold pocket. The finished product must resemble a crisp three-cornered "cocked hat" showing only the blue field of stars , with zero red or white stripes visible.
7. Flag Specifications and Ceremonial Actions Reference Table
Flag / Ceremony Dimensions / Timing Authorized Occasion / Purpose Mandatory Physical Honors
Garrison Flag 20 ft x 38 ft National holidays, Independence Day, Washington's Birthday Hoisted briskly at Reveille; lowered slowly at Retreat.
Post Flag 8 ft 11-3/8 in x 17 ft Daily garrison display in fair weather Hoisted briskly at Reveille; lowered slowly at Retreat.
Storm Flag 5 ft x 9 ft 6 in High winds, torrential rain, severe blizzards Replaces post flag to prevent halyard/cloth damage.
Interment Flag 5 ft x 9 ft 6 in Draped on casket during military funeral honors Folded into 13 triangular folds; presented to next of kin.
Reveille 0600 / 0630 (Bugle + Morning Gun) Marks wake-up, roll call, and start of duty day Outdoors in uniform: Attention + Present Arms.
Retreat 1700 (Bugle Call) Signals end of duty day Outdoors in uniform: Parade Rest facing flag.
To the Color Immediately follows Retreat & Gun Lowers flag with full national honors Outdoors in uniform: Attention + Present Arms.