bugle call etiquette?

There is one thing specific in your question that affects the answer. You stated it is an Air Force Base. Air Force personnel treat the raising/lowering of the flag differently from Army.

On AF bases, you are supposed to stop, but are not required to get out of your car during the raising/lowering of the flag. Army posts, you are supposed to get out, face the flag/music, and stand at attention (straight up & tall for civilians).

It is common practice to if driving your car, stop the car and get out and face the flag or sound of music.

If you are walking, stop and again face the flag or sound of the music.

http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/9283/pa...

I personally know several military wives that keep walking or keep driving (also some soldiers) because they are not in the military and it doesn't apply to them. Bringing down the flag, Retreat, is a custom that shows respect when the flag is being brought down to rest. I personally get really upset when I hear other military spouses talk like this. I believe that they also should show respect for the flag and what their spouses are fighting for.

http://www.realarmywives.com/customs_traditions.ht...

My children will even stop and stand still while out with friends when retreat is being heard. We have taught them well.

This is all about respecting the American flag

If you are ON post then you need to pull over and stop.

As for the comments about if you can or can't get pulled over. The MP's do not care if you are or aren't in the service. If you're driving in the vicinity of the flag being lowered and do not pull over they CAN and WILL stop you. They also CAN and WILL ticket you if they see fit to do so.

ETA: ckamk199...I'm so glad to know we aren't the only ones that have taught their children to stop and stand still when they hear Retreat being played.

You're right it's NOT about who's in the Service and who's not. It's about respecting the Flag and those who have sacrificed their lives for it.

I've never seen anyone get out of their cars, but definitely stop driving. If you're outside of your car then stand still and face the flag or the music if you can't see the flag and wait quietly for the music to get over.

My understanding is you pull over and stop. If enlisted, you get out and salute in the direction of the flag on base

STOP

GET OUT

GET AT ATTENTION!!!!

As a civilian, they can't really do anything, but as an enlisted airman, soldier, marine, sailor, whatever you can get counseled, I'm sure they'd do that. If the chain of command wanted, they could push it up higher than that.

Honestly what the army vet said was true but as a civilian outside of the base i am not completely sure you would have to actually do that. so just go about your business and if you get stopped and thats when you'll learn what your supposed to do lol.

you are supposed to stop your car if you are driving- get out and face the flag

if you are walking stop and face the flag (or music if you don't see the flag and/ or know where it is)