Military Customs and Courtesies

The _____ flag is rayon or synthetic substitute material, measures 3' x 4' and is trimmed on three edges with 2"-wide rayon fringe.

Organizational.

The stylized wings in the Air Force Symbol represent the stripes of our strength: our enlisted men and women. What do their six sections represent?

Our distinctive capabilities: 1) air and space superiority; 2) global attack; 3) rapid global mobility; 4) precision engagement; 5) information superiority; and 6) agile combat support. (They are drawn with great angularity to emphasize our swiftness and power.)

If a band is present during the retreat ceremony, the band _____ the Airmen participating in the ceremony.

Precedes.

_____ for the military and government agencies is a code of traditional precedence, courtesy and etiquette in matters of military, diplomatic, official and celebratory ceremonies.

Protocol. (It is an internationally recognized system of rules for behavior in official life and in ceremonies involving governments, nations and their representatives.)

What are military customs and courtesies?

Proven traditions, deep-rooted in a culture that reflects pride in military service to our nation. (They emphasize a strong bond with other military members, as well as our mutual respect for one another and our civilian leadership.)

What is the primary mission of the base honor guard?

Providing professional military funeral honors for Regular Air Force, retired members and veterans of the USAF.

If you're in a moving vehicle on an Air Force installation, what should you do when you hear "The Star-Spangled Banner" or "To the Color" begin to play?

Pull to the side of the road and stop (if safe and within mission requirements) and sit quietly until the last note is played.

The _____ and the officer administering the oath must be physically collocated during the ceremony.

Reenlistee.

How is the Pledge of Allegiance rendered when in civilian attire outdoors?

Remove any nonreligious headdress with your right hand and hold it at your left shoulder, with your right hand over your heart.

What should you do if you are outdoors in uniform when the national anthem is played?

Render the salute at the first note and retain this position until the last note is played.

What should military members do if they are indoors, in uniform and in formation, with the appropriate headgear when the national anthem is played?

Render the salute. (When in uniform, without headgear, they should stand and remain at attention without rendering the salute.)

______ signals the start of the official duty day.

Reveille.

Who penned the US Air Force song, which was unanimously selected by the Air Corps after reviewing over 700 compositions?

Richard Crawford.

In the Air Force, the position or place of honor is on the _____.

Right.

When in uniform, what is the proper way to salute the US flag as it passes in a procession or parade?

Salute the flag six paces before it passes and hold the salute until it has passed six paces.

Members of the base honor guard program are usually volunteers from the installation host and tenant units, generally drawn from the AB to _____ pool.

TSgt.

Since January 2000, public law provides for all veterans to receive, at a minimum, a funeral ceremony including what three things?

The 1) folding of a US flag; 2) presentation of the flag to the veteran's family; and 3) playing of "Taps."

Where are approved versions of the Air Force Symbol available for download?

The Air Force Portal.

Which official Air Force oath specifically mentions the Uniform Code of Military Justice?

The enlisted oath.

When in a group and a senior officer approaches, who calls the group to attention? Who salutes?

The first person to see the officer calls the group to attention. Everyone faces the officer and salutes.

Who calls the area to attention when an officer enters a room?

The first person to see the officer.

During the retreat ceremony, which member of the flag security detail remains at attention while the flag is folded?

The senior member. (Unless needed to control the flag.)

What does the star surrounding the sphere in the Air Force Symbol represent?

The star represents the components of our one force and family (Regular Air Force, Guard, Reserve, civilians and retirees). It also symbolizes space, is the rallying symbol in all our wars and represents the officer corps.

What do the background colors of the thunderbolt on the Air Force Seal's shield represent?

The top light blue represents the sky, the lower white represents metal silver.

How is the US flag positioned when displayed flat behind a speaker's platform?

The union should be uppermost and to the speaker's right.

A folded flag is considered cased and does not require a salute. T/F

True.

Anthems of friendly foreign nations may be played to honor visitors. The same respect is given to foreign national anthems as is shown to "The Star-Spangled Banner." T/F

True.

Persons in uniform may salute civilians or senior military members in civilian clothes upon recognition. T/F

True.

Preparations for the Order of the Sword ceremony are similar to those for the Dining-In. T/F

True.

Salutes are a courtesy exchanged between members of the US Armed Forces as a greeting and symbol of mutual respect. T/F

True.

Salutes should be exchanged between officers and enlisted personnel of the US Armed Forces. T/F

True.

The Air Force Symbol is protected against unauthorized use or alterations to approved versions through a registered trademark. T/F

True.

The Order of the Sword is the highest honor and tribute an enlisted member can bestow on anyone. T/F

True.

The US interment flag may be given to the next of kin at the conclusion of the interment. T/F

True.

The US national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," is often played or sung at official and unofficial ceremonies and events. When the bugle call, "To the Color," is played, the same respects are shown as rendered to the national anthem. T/F

True.

As per AFI 34-1201, Protocol, there is no official flag-folding script. T/F

True. (Additionally, flag folding ceremonies performed by national interest groups are not official, nor is there any official meaning attached to the folds of the flag.)

During the retreat ceremony, uniformed military members not assigned to a formation face the flag and assume the position of parade rest on the first note of retreat. T/F

True. (If the flag is visible. If not visible, they are to face the music.)

The President may proclaim the flag should also be displayed on any days he chooses. T/F

True. (It should also be displayed on the birthdays of states (date of admission) and on state holidays.)

Exchanging salutes between members in a moving vehicle is not mandatory. T/F

True. (Unless officer passengers are readily identifiable.)

Reenlistees and officers administering the oath must wear an authorized uniform for the ceremony. T/F

True. (Unless the officer performing the reenlistment is retired, then the uniform requirement for the reenlisting officer is optional.)

What does the American bald eagle on the crest of the Air Force Seal symbolize?

US airpower.

What are the official colors of the Air Force, as represented in the Air Force Seal?

Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow.

What should you do when a senior officer enters or departs the room?

Unless told otherwise or it is impractical, rise and stand at attention.

When the US flag is displayed horizontally against a wall, where should the union appear?

Uppermost and to the flag's own right (to the left of an observer facing the display).

What commands are used during the reveille ceremony?

"Parade, REST," "SOUND REVEILLE," "Squadron, ATTENTION," "Present, ARMS" and "Order, ARMS."

One installation flag may be flown from a flagstaff in front of installation headquarters from reveille to retreat. Where may additional flagstaffs and flags be placed?

Adjacent to each dependent school on the installation.

In official Air Force oaths, what word may be used in place of "swear"?

Affirm.

What are the only approved levels for award of the Order of the Sword?

Air Force level and MAJCOM level.

What is appropriate attire for the Dining-In/Out?

Air Force mess dress or the semiformal uniform. (Civilian dress is specified in the invitation.)

Identify five official military ceremonies.

Any five of the following: 1) promotions; 2) changes and assumptions of command; 3) activations and inactivations; 4) redesignations; 5) enlistments and reenlistments; 6) awards; 7) decorations; 8) arrivals; 9) departures; 10) reveille; 11) retreat; 12) building dedications; 13) ribbon cuttings; 14) retirements; and 15) funerals.

The US flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. List five more ways the AFH 1 states the US flag should never be used or displayed.

Any five of the following: never 1) display the flag with the union down (except in dire distress); 2) allow the flag to touch anything beneath it; 3) use the flag to cover a statue or monument; 4) carry the flag flat or horizontally; 5) use the flag as apparel, bedding or drapery; 6) festoon the flag, nor draw it back, up or display in folds - it should always fall free; 7) allow the flag to be easily torn, soiled or damaged; 8) use the flag to cover a ceiling; 9) place any mark on or attachment to the flag; 10) use the flag as a receptacle; 11) use the flag for advertising of any kind; 12) fasten advertising signs to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown; 13) embroider the flag on articles such as cushions or handkerchiefs; 14) print the flag on anything designed for temporary use; 15) display the flag on a parade float (except from a staff); 16) drape the flag over part of a vehicle, train or boat; 17) use any part of the flag as a costume or athletic uniform (except flag patches and lapel pins); 18) place another flag or pennant above the US flag (except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea); or 19) place another flag or pennant on the same level and to the right of the US flag.

All flags displayed with the US flag are flown at half-staff when the US flag is flown at half-staff, with what exception?

Foreign national flags are exempt from this rule unless they have granted permission for their flag to also be at half-staff.

The civilian oath and the officer oath state, "that I take this obligation _____."

Freely.

When the US flag is displayed with one or more nations, how are they flown?

From separate staffs of the same height, and the flags should be of equal size.

The _____ flag is 20' x 38' and flown on holidays and special occasions.

Garrison.

Describe the first Order of the Sword ceremony in the US.

Gen Robert E. Lee was presented with a sword by his command in the 1860s.

Some individuals are considered Distinguished Visitors (DV) and afforded particular courtesies as a matter of respect and tradition. Who meets the definition of a DV?

Any 1) general or flag officer; 2) government official with rank equivalent to a Brigadier General or higher; 3) foreign military officer or civilian designated by the Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs; or 4) visitor or group designated by the commander. (Persons in certain positions may be given DV status by the commander.)

Junior members enter a vehicle or boat _____ and sit on the senior's _____.

First; left.

Along with any awards, decorations and honors, what four items are presented to retirees?

1) A certificate of retirement; 2) a US flag; 3) an Air Force retired lapel button; and 4) various certificates and letters of appreciation.

Where can instructions for proper use and display of the Air Force Symbol be found?

1) AFI 35-114, Air Force Branding and Trademark Licensing Program; 2) DoD's Important Information and Guidelines About the Use of Department of Defense Seals, Logos, Insignia, and Service Medals; and 3) www.trademark.af.mil.

When addressing Air Force personnel, what five rules apply?

1) Address military personnel by the rank associated with their grade or title; 2) address officers and enlisted members as their grades, such as Lieutenant Colonel or Master Sergeant; 3) you may address enlisted members relative to their tier, such as Airman, Sergeant or Chief; 4) you may address Air Force members as sir or ma'am; and 5) you may address chaplains as Chaplain or by their ecclesiastical title.

All the elements of the Air Force Symbol come together in one symbol that presents what two powerful images?

1) An eagle, the emblem of our nation; and 2) a medal, representing valor in service to our nation.

What sources provide specific guidance on military protocol and customs and courtesies?

1) Executive orders; 2) presidential proclamations; 3) AFIs; and 4) other service-associated sources.

In what three ways should you pay respect to uniformed forces and other services?

1) Extend military courtesies to members of uniformed services, other services and friendly foreign nations; 2) respect the flags and anthems of other nations as you would respect our flag; and 3) learn the ranks, grades and insignia of our most frequently contacted foreign nations, especially during an OS assignment or deployment.

Name the eight US flag types listed in the AFH 1.

1) Installation flag; 2) all-purpose flag; 3) all-purpose (all-weather) storm flag; 4) ceremonial flag; 5) organizational flag; 6) retirement flag; 7) garrison flag; and 8) interment flag.

Given the following organizational flags, list the correct order of precedence: MAJCOMs (in alphabetical order), US Space Command, Field Operating Agencies (FOA), ANG, North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) and AFR.

1) NORAD; 2) US Space Command; 3) MAJCOMs (in alphabetical order); 4) FOAs; 5) ANG; and 6) AFR. (Flags of Direct Reporting Units (DRU), Numbered Air Forces (NAF) and wings (in descending order), and personal/position flags (using branch appropriate flags) will follow in their respective order.)

Identify the four types of official Air Force oaths.

1) Officer; 2) Enlisted; 3) Air National Guard Enlisted; and 4) Civilian.

List three uses for the all-purpose flag (3' x 4').

1) Outdoor displays with flags of friendly foreign nations; 2) arrival ceremonies for international dignitaries; and 3) indicating joint occupancy of a building by two or more countries.

What are two things event planners can do to help begin the event planning process?

1) Reach out to other organizations; or 2) review checklists from previous events.

List five simple ways to show consideration for others.

1) Say "please" and "thank you"; 2) respect other people's time; 3) be helpful; 4) take and deliver messages; and 5) offer assistance when possible.

The combat Dining-In is similar to a formal Dining-In, with two major differences. What are those differences?

1) Some form of utility uniform is worn to combat Dining-In; and 2) combat Dining-Ins are a much more relaxed environment to encourage camaraderie.

What are four ways the US and the Air Force are represented symbolically?

1) The US flag and its colors; 2) songs; 3) official seals; and 4) other nationally recognized objects.

When preparing for and planning an event, what four things should you consider?

1) The nature and sequence of the event; 2) scheduling; 3) guests; and 4) budget.

Service flags will be displayed by order of service date. List the five service flags by order of precedence beginning from their right.

1) US Army; 2) US Marine Corps; 3) US Navy; 4) US Air Force; and 5) US Coast Guard.

In what year did the US Army Band first record the US Air Force song?

1939.

When was the Order of the Sword ceremony revised, updated and adopted by the USAF?

1967. (To recognize and honor military senior officers, Colonel or above, and civilian equivalents for significant contributions to the welfare and prestige of USAF mission effectiveness and the overall military establishment.)

When was the current Air Force Symbol officially designated?

5 May 2004.

Who normally conducts the retirement ceremony?

A general officer. (Often as part of a formal military formation, such as a retreat or parade.)

According to AFI _____, when the Air Force song is played, Airmen will stand at attention, but are allowed to sing the lyrics. During official events, the official party may move to depart after the playing of the first verse.

AFI 34-1201, Protocol.

The correct method for folding the US flag can be found in AFI _____.

AFI 34-1201, Protocol.

Refer to AFI _____, Reenlistment and Extension of Enlistment in the United States Air Force, for more information on reenlistment ceremonies.

AFI 36-2606.

In what document can you find more information about the proper way to show respect for retirees?

AFI 36-3106, Retiree Activities Program.

What publication should you consult for details about planning a retirement?

AFI 36-3203, Service Retirements.

Which publication describes the authorized users and uses of the Air Force Seal and Coat of Arms?

AFMAN 33-326, Preparing Official Communications, Attachment 2.

Which official Air Force oath specifically mentions the Airman's state and governor?

Air National Guard enlisted oath.

What happens shortly before the specified reveille time?

Airmen march to a predesignated position near the base flagstaff, halt, face toward the flagstaff and dress.

The official Air Force oaths state, "I will bear true faith and _____ to the same."

Allegiance.

The flag should be displayed on New Year's Day; Inauguration Day; Martin Luther King Jr.'s, Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays; Mother's Day and Father's Day; Easter Sunday; Independence Day; Columbus Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day. What other days are specifically identified in AFH 1?

Armed Forces Day; Memorial Day; Flag Day; National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day; Constitution Day; Navy Day; and Veterans Day.

While in uniform at a military funeral, when do you salute?

As the caisson or hearse passes by and as the casket is carried past. Also salute during the firing of volleys and the playing of Taps.

How is the flag flown on Memorial Day?

At half-staff until noon.

When should a decoration ceremony be conducted?

At the earliest possible date after approval of the decoration.

When the US flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the windowsill, balcony or front of a building, where should the union be placed?

At the peak of the staff.

When a number of flags are displayed from staffs set in a line, all staffs will have the same height and finial. Where is the US flag placed?

At the right (to the left of an observer facing the display). (If there are no foreign national flags, the US flag may be placed in the center, but at a higher level.)

In general, when displaying the flag, where is the union (the white stars on the blue field) placed?

At the uppermost right side of the flag itself.

During the retreat ceremony, how do you lower a flag flown at half-staff?

Briskly hoist it to the staff head as retreat sounds, then lower on the first note of the national anthem or "To the Color."

When multiple flags radiate on staffs from a central point, and no foreign flags are in the display, the US flag will be in the _____ and at the _____ point of the group.

Center; highest.

The _____ flag is rayon or synthetic substitute material, measures 4'4" x 5'6" and is trimmed on three edges with 2"-wide yellow rayon fringe.

Ceremonial.

During the reveille ceremony, once the flag is clear of the senior member's grasp, what does the senior member do?

Comes to attention and executes present arms.

Who decides how formally an award ceremony is conducted, based on the significance of the award?

Commanders or other officials. (Many units present awards during commander's call.)

Many of the guidelines for promotion ceremonies are the same as for _____ ceremonies.

Decoration.

Saluting individuals due to rank recognition is not required while in PT gear, but may be expected in some academic training environments. While outdoors in PT gear, when must Airmen salute?

During reveille and retreat.

When should the US flag be displayed in or near every schoolhouse?

During school days.

Describe the procedure for hoisting and lowering the US flag when displaying it at half-staff.

First hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. Raise it to the peak position again before lowering it at the end of the day.

When carried in a procession with another flag or flags, in what two ways is the US flag normally positioned?

Either on the right of all the others or in front of and centered ahead of the other flags in the same procession.

Decoration ceremony participants and attendees should wear the uniform specified by the _____.

Host.

When is it appropriate to salute indoors?

In a formal reporting situation.

How is the US flag displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium?

In a place of honor to the speaker's right, with other flags to the speaker's left. (The flag holds the position of prominence in front of the audience.)

Where did the present Dining-In format originate?

In the Air Corps, where General "Hap" Arnold held his famous wingdings.

Where does a retreat ceremony take place?

In the squadron area, base parade ground or near the base flagstaff.

Which two flags are flown on installation flagstaffs?

Installation flag and all-purpose (all-weather) storm flag.

Which US flag (5' x 9'6") is authorized to drape over the closed casket of military personnel or veterans?

Interment flag.

During the reveille ceremony, the US flag is always raised and lowered from the ______ side of the flagstaff.

Leeward.

On a closed casket, place the US flag lengthwise with the union at the head and over the _____ shoulder of the deceased.

Left.

When the US flag is displayed from a building or over the middle of a street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the ______ on an east-west street, and to the _____ on a north-south street.

North; east. (This also applies when the flag is suspended from the main entrance of a building or hangar.)

What is the required dress for the Order of the Sword induction ceremony?

Mess dress, semiformal uniform or equivalent.

Where and when does reveille take place?

Near the base flagstaff, depending on the time designated by the commander.

Are salutes required between individuals at public gatherings, such as sporting events and meetings?

No.

Many installations play Taps to signify "lights out" at the end of the day. Is the salute required in these instances?

No.

Is the US interment flag lowered into the ground with the deceased?

No. (Do not allow it to touch the ground.)

If an Airman recognizes a need to salute, is saluting always mandatory?

No. While any Airman recognizing a need to salute may do so anywhere at any time, sometimes this may not be practical or warranted.

Individuals carrying items in both hands and unable to transfer them to their left hand, need not initiate or return a salute, but should _____ or offer a verbal greeting.

Nod.

What is one significant difference between a Dining-In and a Dining-Out?

Nonmilitary spouses, friends and civilians may not attend the Dining-In.

At the core of the reenlistment ceremony is the _____.

Oath.

When addressing retirees, they are entitled to the same respect and courtesy as active military members. Address them by their retired grade on all _____ records and correspondence, except for correspondence and other matters relating to the retiree's civilian employment.

Official.

Where should the flag be displayed at public institutions?

On or near the main administration building.

When is it customary to hold a promotion ceremony?

On the last duty day before the promotion effective date.

How is the US flag displayed with another flag from crossed staffs against a wall?

On the right (to the left of an observer facing the display) with the staff in front of the other flag's staff.

During the retreat ceremony, when practical, who lowers the installation flag?

One senior member and five junior members.

During the retreat ceremony, when practical, who lowers the all-purpose flag?

One senior member and three junior members.

During the reveille ceremony, when practical, a detail consisting of what three members hoists the US flag?

One senior member and two junior members.

The retirement flag (3' x 4' or 3' x 5') is presented to members retiring from the Air Force. What funds are used to purchase it?

Operation and Maintenance funds.

During the retreat ceremony, how is the flag lowered while the band plays the national anthem or a bugler plays "To the Color"?

Slowly and with dignity by the junior members of the flag security detail.

The Order of the Sword induction ceremony is an evening affair and usually includes a(n) _____ period, formal dinner and induction ceremony.

Social.

What should civilians do if they are indoors when the national anthem is played?

Stand at attention with their right hand over their heart.

How is the Pledge of Allegiance rendered when in civilian attire indoors?

Stand at attention, face the flag, place the right hand over the heart and recite the pledge.

What should you do if you are outdoors in civilian attire when the national anthem is played?

Stand at attention, facing the flag, with the right hand over the heart. (Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, with the hand over the heart.)

How is the Pledge of Allegiance rendered when in uniform outdoors?

Stand at attention, remain silent, face the flag and render the military salute.

How is the Pledge of Allegiance rendered when in uniform indoors?

Stand at attention, remain silent, face the flag, but do not salute. (Reciting the pledge is optional for those in uniform if the event participants are primarily civilians or in civilian attire.)

Regimental colors, ______ flags and organizational or institutional flags are always dipped to the US flag as a mark of respect.

State flags.

What does the thunderbolt with flames on the Air Force Seal's shield represent?

Striking power through the use of aerospace.

How can you obtain an interment flag?

Submit VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes.

Military tradition and patriotism are steeped in _____; often honored in ceremonies; and represented in many forms.

Symbolism.

Who may perform the reenlistment ceremony?

The Airman may request any commissioned officer to perform the ceremony. (They may also invite guests.)

Who maintains an official list of all Order of the Sword recipients?

The CMSAF and MAJCOM Command Chiefs.

The _____ and MAJCOM command chiefs are known as the "keepers of the sword."

The CMSAF. (They maintain the official lists of Order of the Sword recipients, respectively.)

What ceremony is a formal evening banquet to honor an inductee as a "leader among leaders and an Airman among Airmen"?

The Order of the Sword induction ceremony. (The highest recognition enlisted people can bestow.)

What has traditionally served, and should be used when available, as a backdrop for the participants in a reenlistment ceremony?

The US flag.

What item is rendered a salute as a sign of respect during official ceremonies?

The US flag.

What are the two core elements of the Air Force Symbol?

The bent-up, rather than straight, stylized "Arnold" wings and the star with circle (the core elements of our Air Corps heritage), modernized to reflect our air and space force of today and tomorrow.

Before the band or recorded music starts to play retreat, who orders "SOUND RETREAT"?

The commander.

What do the three diamonds in the lower half of the Air Force Symbol represent?

The core values (Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do).

What ceremony recognizes meritorious service, outstanding achievement or heroism?

The decoration ceremony. (When possible, the commander should present the decoration.)

During the reveille ceremony, what happens when the first note of the national anthem or "To the Color" is played?

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.)

What does the sphere in the lower half of the Air Force Symbol represent?

The globe (reminding us of our obligation to secure our nation's freedom, and our challenge to rapidly respond to crises and provide decisive air and space power worldwide).

What does the official symbol of the US Air Force honor and represent?

The heritage of our past and the promise of our future.

As an enduring and sacred symbol for the nation, Airmen shall treat the US flag with respect on par to that shown to which individuals?

The highest military and public officials.

Installation commanders are responsible for the mandatory base honor guard program. What does this program emphasize?

The importance of military customs and courtesies, dress and appearance, and drill and ceremonies.

The junior member should initiate the salute in time for the senior officer to return it. At what exact distance should the salute be initiated?

The is no exact distance at which a salute should be initiated. To prescribe an exact distance for saluting in all circumstances is not practical; good judgement should dictate when salutes are exchanged.

When a salute is exchanged among individuals, who salutes first?

The junior member.

Which flag replaces the installation flag during inclement weather?

The lightweight nylon all-purpose (all-weather) storm flag (5' x 9'6").

During the reveille ceremony, the unit commander commands, "Squadron, ATTENTION," and "Present, ARMS," then faces the flagstaff and executes present arms. What is sounded on this signal?

The national anthem or "To the Color".

Which Air Force oaths contain the words, "without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion"?

The officer oath and the civilian oath.

What do the 13 white stars on the Air Force Seal represent?

The original 13 Colonies.

If you're in formation and an officer approaches, who salutes for those in the formation?

The person in charge of the formation.

In a work detail, who salutes?

The person in charge salutes for the whole detail.

Define "half-staff."

The position of the flag when it is flown one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.

When you accompany or join a person senior to you, what position should you take?

The position to the senior's left.

Typically, foreign national anthems are played before the national anthem of the host nation. What law mandates this?

There is no regulation or law mandating when or in what order they are played.

How should you dispose of flags no longer fit for display?

They should be destroyed in a dignified manner (preferably by burning), unless they're to be historically preserved. (The installation honor guard or protocol office provide disposition instructions.)

During the retreat ceremony, how is the lowering of the flag coordinated with the music (national anthem or "To the Color")?

They should end at the same time.

In order to give guests ample planning time, event details should be ironed out at least ______ weeks in advance.

Three weeks.

Why is it customary to present the retiring member's spouse with a certificate of appreciation during a retirement ceremony?

To acknowledge their support and sacrifices made during the member's career.

Why are retirement ceremonies important?

To give a tangible expression of appreciation for contributions to the Air Force mission and assurance that the retiree is still part of the Air Force family. (A retiring member must be offered the courtesy of a formal ceremony.)

Why should immediate family members receive an invitation to reenlistment ceremonies?

To reinforce the family's commitment to the Air Force.

What two-fold purpose does the retreat ceremony serve?

To signal the end of the official duty day and to pay respect to the US flag.

During the reveille ceremony, in the process of raising the US flag, where are the halyards secured?

To the cleat of the staff. (Or, if appropriate, the flag is lowered to half-staff before the halyards are secured.)

If the flag is not displayed during the national anthem, where should those present face?

Toward the music. (Act in the same manner as if the flag were displayed.)

Military protocol encompasses the knowledge, accumulation and application of established service customs by combining what two things?

Traditional codes of conduct and contemporary etiquette and courtesy.

US flags are typically displayed on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open from sunrise to sunset. When may they be displayed 24 hours a day?

When a patriotic effect is desired after dark, if properly illuminated. In this case, all flags on display with the US flag should also be properly illuminated.

When shouldn't the area be called to attention when an officer enters a room?

When an officer of equal or higher rank is already in the room.

When may a US flag patch be affixed to a uniform?

When it is on the uniform of military personnel, firefighters, police officers or members of patriotic organizations.

When must military pedestrians offer a salute to the passenger of a vehicle?

When officer passengers are readily identifiable, such as the President, Vice President, SecDef, Services Secretaries and senior officers in vehicles distinguished by vehicle plates or flags.

Where was the first base honor guard activated?

Within the 1100th Air Police Squadron, Bolling Field, Washington, DC. (It was responsible for maintaining an Air Force ceremonial capability in the National Capital Region (NCR).)

Is falsely making, forging, counterfeiting, mutilating or altering the Air Force Seal or knowingly using or possessing any such altered seal with fraudulent intent punishable by law?

Yes.

Can a base hold a base-wide ceremony for all promotees?

Yes. (Other bases may prefer to recognize promotees within their organization.)

You should salute the President, the Vice President, the SecDef, the Service Secretaries, all superior commissioned and warrant officers, all superior officers of friendly foreign nations and all recipients of what medal?

You should salute the President, the Vice President, the SecDef, the Service Secretaries, all superior commissioned and warrant officers, all superior officers of friendly foreign nations and all recipients of what medal?