62 AFI34-1201 18 AUGUST 2020
8.1.8.1. When not in formation, e.g., attendance at a parade, a salute is rendered to the
flag as a sign of respect. This is done as the flag passes in review. Members of the Armed
Forces and veterans, who are present but not in uniform, may render the military salute.
Members should stand at attention, salute six paces before the flag is even with them and
hold the salute until the flag has passed six paces. All others stand at attention and place
the right hand (with a hat if wearing one) over the heart.
8.1.8.2. Flags on stationary flagstaffs are only saluted during Reveille, Retreat, special
ceremonies, or when the flag is being raised or lowered. In these cases, when outside and
in uniform, face the flag (if visible) or face the direction the music is played and stand at
attention and salute on the first note of “To The Color” or the national anthem (or if
neither is played, when you see the flag first being raised or lowered). Drop your salute
after the last note of “To The Color” or the national anthem, or when the flag has been
fully raised or lowered, depending on the ceremony (during the playing of “Sound
Retreat” which precedes the lowering of the flag, stand at Parade Rest). If in a vehicle,
during “Reveille” or “Retreat” pull the car to the side of the road and stop. All occupants
sit quietly at attention until the last note of “To The Color” or the national anthem is
played (or the flag is fully raised or lowered). All sporting or physical training activities
will stop during Reveille and Retreat (if the flag is being raised or lowered) with proper
honors shown to the flag. (T-1). Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are
present, but not in uniform, may render the military salute when outdoors. This is true for
hoisting, lowering or passing of the Unites States Flag and the national anthem. All other
individuals will stand at attention and place their right hand (with a hat if wearing one)
over their heart. (T-1). If the base flies the United States Flag continuously for 24-hours
with only “Reveille” or “Retreat” played, but no action with the flag, individuals are not
required to stop and salute. “Reveille” and “Retreat” on their own are bugle calls only.
The playing of “To The Color,” the national anthem or the raising or lowering of the flag
is what requires proper honors to be displayed to the flag.
8.1.8.3. The ceremonial occasions when the salute is rendered, outdoors only, include the
passing of the uncased Colors, the playing of honors music, the national anthem of any
nation, or “To The Color.”
8.1.8.4. When indoors and in uniform, face the flag (or the music if the flag is not
visible) and stand at attention when the national anthem (of any country) or “To The
Color” is played (do not place your hand over your heart). There are two exceptions. If in
uniform, under arms, salute. (T-1). Spectators in uniform at a military ceremony inside,
where ‘outdoor’ rules apply, (i.e., a change of command ceremony planned for outdoors
but moved inside a hanger due to inclement weather) will salute. (T-1). When indoors
and in civilian clothes, face the flag (or the music if the flag is not visible), stand at
attention when the national anthem or “To The Color” is played and place the right hand
over the heart. When indoors and in civilian clothes do not place the right hand over the
heart for national anthems of countries other than the United States.
8.1.8.5. When at a military funeral in uniform, salute the caisson or hearse as it passes
and the casket as it is carried by your position. A salute should also be rendered during
the firing of volleys and the playing of “Taps”.