military customs and courtesies

Section 24A—Honored Traditions

  • Honor and Tradition: Military customs and courtesies are proven traditions, deep-rooted in culture, reflecting pride in military service to the nation. They have evolved from the need for order and discipline to generating an environment of respect and a sense of fraternity among personnel. As stated in AFI 1-1, they reflect the unique nature of the profession, guiding behavior and emphasizing the bond between military members and civilian leadership.

  • Protocol: Defined as an internationally recognized system of courtesy and respect involving a set of rules for behavior in official life and ceremonies involving governments and nations. For military and government agencies, it is a code of traditional precedence, courtesy, and etiquette. Modern practice combines traditional codes of conduct with contemporary etiquette. Specific guidance is found in executive orders, presidential proclamations, and USAF instructions. DAFI 90-1202, Protocol, is a primary source for detailed information regarding military customs and courtesies.

  • Base Honor Guard Program: A mandatory USAF program under installation commanders emphasizing customs, courtesies, dress, appearance, and ceremonies.

    • History: The first base honor guard was activated within the 1100th Air Police Squadron at Bolling Field, Washington D.C.
    • Primary Mission: To provide professional military funeral honors for active service members, retired members, and veterans of the U.S. Air Force.
    • Personnel: Usually volunteers from host and tenant units, primarily ranging from Airman Basic to Technical Sergeant.
    • Public Law (January 2000): Mandates that all veterans receive at least a funeral ceremony including the folding of a U.S. flag, presentation to the family, and the playing of Taps.

  • Symbolism and Representation: Traditions and patriotism are expressed via symbols including the United States flag, its colors, songs, official seals, and other nationally recognized objects.

National Anthem and Protocol

  • The National Anthem: "The Star-Spangled Banner" is performed at official and unofficial events. Protocol dictates the same respect for the bugle call "To the Colors" as for the anthem.

  • Outdoors Protocol:

    • In Uniform: Render a military salute at the first note and retain until the last note.
    • In Civilian Attire: Stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Remove headgear with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder.

  • Protocol in Vehicles: On USAF installations, vehicles in motion must pull to the side of the road and stop. Occupants should sit quietly until the last note is played.

  • Indoors Protocol:

    • In Uniform (In Formation/Headgear): Render the military salute.
    • In Uniform (No Headgear): Stand at attention without saluting.
    • Civilians: Remove headgear and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart.
    • No Flag Displayed: Face toward the music and act as if the flag were present.

  • Friendly Foreign National Anthems: Shown the same respect as the U.S. anthem. Usually played before the host nation's anthem, though no law mandates the specific order.

  • The Pledge of Allegiance:

    • Military Events: Not traditionally recited.
    • Outdoors (In Uniform): Stand at attention, remain silent, face the flag, and salute.
    • Outdoors (Civilian Attire): Stand at attention, face the flag, remove non-religious headgear, and place hand over heart.
    • Indoors (In Uniform): Stand at attention and remain silent without saluting; reciting is optional if participants are primarily civilians.
    • Indoors (Civilian Attire): Stand at attention, face the flag, hand over heart, and recite the pledge.

Official Emblems: DAF Seal and Air Force Symbol

  • Department of the Air Force (DAF) Seal: Reflects the official Air Force colors: ultramarine blue (circular background) and Air Force yellow (trim and numerals).

    • 13 White Stars: Represent the original 13 colonies.
    • 19471947: Year the DAF was established, shown in yellow numerals.
    • White Band: Edged in yellow, with black lettering: "Department of the Air Force" (top) and "United States of America" (bottom).
    • Coat of Arms - Crest: Includes an American bald eagle (U.S. airpower), a wreath of six folds (alternating white/silver and light blue), and white clouds (start of a new sky).
    • Coat of Arms - Shield: Divided by a nebular line (clouds). The top part features an Air Force yellow thunderbolt with flames and horizontal wings with eight lightning bolts (striking power). The background transition is from light blue (sky) to white (silver metal).
    • Authorized Use: Protected by law; falsely making or using the seal with fraudulent intent is punishable. Guidance is provided in AFMAN 33-326.

  • Official Air Force Symbol: Designated on 5 May 2004.

    • Stylized Wings: Represent the stripes of enlisted strength. Six sections represent core capabilities: air and space superiority, global attack, rapid global mobility, precision engagement, information superiority, and agile combat support.
    • Sphere: Represents the globe and the obligation to secure freedom with global vigilance, reach, and power.
    • Star: Five points represent the "one force and family": RegAF, civilians, Guard, Reserve, and retirees. It symbolizes space as the high ground and represents the officer corps.
    • Three Diamonds: Represent the core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.
    • Overall Imagery: Presents two images: an eagle and a medal representing valor.

  • The Air Force Song: Written