Saluting the re-enlistment flag

2014-03-16T05:04:24-04:00

Should a salute be rendered at a re-enlistment ceremony outside
in uniform when the flag is being unfolded and folded? Is this not a
prestigious significant event?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 9:24 AM

2014-03-16T09:24:12-04:00

I'm ashamed to say I don't know the answer to this one...but I'm gonna go find out!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 10:30 AM

2014-03-16T10:30:05-04:00

We always render proper respect to the flag at all times. If it is not a rule at least we are showing the juniors the proper ways of uncasing and casing the colors.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 10:40 AM

2014-03-16T10:40:12-04:00

I say follow the rules in accordance with TC 3–21.5 that outline casing and Uncasing of the colors. If you notice on the section for the Reveille ceremony, it determines to not unfold the flag lengthwise that it's because the colors are not to be fully displayed. The flag is to be fully displayed as soon as the first note of the bugle call plays. Therefore, a hand salute is to be rendered.

Also, under the flag retreat section there is a note that indicates that once folded it is to be treated as a cased colors and given the upmost respect (no salute required).

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 1:55 PM

2014-03-17T13:55:01-04:00

SFC Butler,

When I reenlist Soldiers and NCOs, I definitely set the tone by rendering a proper salute when the flag is being cased or uncased at a reenlistment ceremony outdoors. I believe it's the right thing to do out of respect and honor.

Thank you for sharing your post.

Very Respectfully,

CW3 Jones

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Apr 6 at 2014 9:40 AM

2014-04-06T09:40:17-04:00

SFC Butler, <div><br></div><div>You'll be hard-pressed to find anything in any of our doctrine or customs and courtesy's when talking about a "flag" - there is plenty of stuff when talking about "colors" though. And yes, there is a difference.<div><br></div><div>Just as there is no requirement to render a salute to the flag on the flagpole as folks walk by it every day, there is no requirement in saluting a flag. </div><div><br></div><div>The only time that it even seems that we do is a coincidence, because we salute at the first note of "To the Colors" and drop our salute at the end of the bugle call.</div><div><br></div><div>Now, that's ironic - we play "To the Colors" and then lower the "flag"? hmmmmmm. Ok, sorry, got side-tracked.</div><div><br></div><div>With that said, is it "wrong" to salute a flag - no, there is no prohibition against it. We just have to decide what is the norm and ensure that we educate everyone on what the "proper" response is to avoid confusion.</div></div>