Command Sgt. Maj. Charles E. Smith
Enforcer of the Standards.
That is one of the most important jobs I have as Fort Meade’s garrison command sergeant major. Some of the standards I enforce include the proper wear of the uniform, maintenance of our barracks and safety during PT.
If I see something wrong, it is my job to fix it. That’s why I’m writing today.
Recently, I have witnessed numerous customs and courtesies violations throughout the Fort Meade community, particularly in regard to saluting the flag.
I know the subject has been discussed before. But in the military I’ve learned that if you have not said it in 90 days, it must be said again.
This is especially true when it comes to rendering honors to the flag during Reveille, Retreat or Taps. I think the best rule of thumb is if our team members are conducting minor infractions when it comes to rendering honors, it may be because our community does not know what the standards are, or as I like to say, what right looks like.
The flag of the United States is the symbol of our nation. All service members stationed on Fort Meade will honor our national colors during two distinct moments: Reveille and Retreat.
Reveille occurs at 6:30 a.m. and is traditionally when the flag is raised. Not coincidentally, that is the same time the cannon goes off in the morning. During the playing of Reveille, service members should stand at attention and salute until the song is over.
Monika Hiatt (left) of Odenton and Monika Reda of Severn honor the flag during Retreat at McGlachin Parade Field on March 20.
Similarly during Retreat, which is at 5 p.m. and when the flag is taken down, individuals, regardless of where they are, need to face the flag (or the direction of the music if the flag is not visible) and render a proper hand salute at the first note of “To the Colors.”
For both Reveille and Retreat, service members normally face the flag when saluting, unless duty requires you to face a different direction. At the conclusion of the music, resume your regular duties.
When in a formation or a group, the senior service member present will call the group to “Attention” and then “Parade, Rest.” At the first note of “Retreat,” the senior service member will then call the group to “Attention” and “Present, Arms” at the first note of “To the Colors” and then “Order, Arms” at the conclusion.
When in civilian clothing, the only change is to place your right hand over your heart instead of saluting. Veterans and retirees, however, may salute.
Additionally, vehicles in motion should stop. If you are in a car or on a motorcycle, dismount and salute. If you are with a group in a military vehicle or bus, remain in the vehicle. The individual in charge will dismount and salute.
These honors also apply to the national anthems of foreign countries during ceremonies or parades.
Taps is sounded at 9 p.m. daily. Once the song begins, face the music and come to the position of attention until the music is complete. Service members are required to render honors in uniform or civilian clothes.
The garrison commander and I are here to serve the Fort Meade community and ensure that everyone is fully aware of military customs and courtesies. We believe situational awareness is the key.
If you have further questions, feel free to speak with your chain of command or visit me during the commander’s open door every Monday from 4 to 6 p.m.
This Fort Meade Live blog was written by Garrison Command Sergeant Major Charles E. Smith.
