Military customs and courtesies: a refresher for Icemen Published June 15, 2009 By compiled staff reports 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The Flag · All personnel in uniform and outdoors must face the flag (or the sound of the music if the flag is not visible) and salute during the raising and lowering of the flag. Upon the first note of the national anthem or "To the colors" all personnel in uniform who are not in formation should stand and face the flag (or the sound of the music, if the flag is not visible) and salute. Hold the salute until the last note of the music is played. · All vehicles in motion should come to a stop at the first note of the music and the occupants should sit quietly until the music ends. · When in civilian clothes, face the flag (or the sound of the music if the flag is not visible) and stand at attention with the right hand placed over the heart. · If indoors during retreat or reveille, there is no need to stand or salute. However, everyone must stand during the playing of the national anthem before a showing of a movie while in the base theater. Saluting · The salute is a courteous exchange of greetings, with the junior member always saluting the senior member first. · The junior member should start the salute in time to allow the senior officer to return it. To prescribe an exact distance for all circumstances is not practical; good judgment should dictate when salutes are exchanged. · Superiors carrying articles in both hands need not return the salute, but should nod in return or verbally acknowledge the salute. If the junior member is carrying articles in both hands, verbal greetings should be exchanged. · In a work detail, individual workers do not salute. The person in charge salutes for the entire detail. · Military pedestrians must render a salute to officers in vehicles that are readily identifiable (for example, appropriately marked vehicles). Courtesies to Other Services · All branches of the Armed Forces are part of the military team; therefore, extend the same military courtesies to members of the other services. · Salute all commissioned officers and pay the same respect to the national anthems of other friendly Armed Forces. This is especially important here at Eielson during Red Flag-ALASKA exercises which frequently include foreign participants. Common Acts of Courtesy · Give the senior person, enlisted or commissioned, the position of honor when walking, riding or sitting with him or her at all times. The junior person should take the position to the senior's left. · When addressing or greeting a fellow military member, use proper titles such as "Sir" or "Ma'am"