Straight Talk: Upholding military tradition through reveille, retreat and taps

  • Published
  • By Col. Roman L. Hund
  • 66th Air Base Group Commander
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – This week’s Straight Talk answers a question about the playing of reveille at 6:30 a.m.

If you have a question and are not sure where to find the answer, I encourage you to contact the Straight Talk line at 781-225-1380 or by email at Hanscom.straightalk@us.af.mil.  

Q I am writing in response to the change in time when reveille is played, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. This small change in honor of military tradition has had a negative impact on families here.

A Thank you for submitting a question to Straight Talk. I can appreciate your familial concerns regarding the playing of reveille. However, because Hanscom Air Force Base is a military installation, we will continue to uphold our military traditions, which include playing it at 6:30 a.m.

Reveille is a term that comes from the French to "wake up." As Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, we are all on call 24/7, 365 days a year, whether stationed at a deployed location, overseas or at home in the United States. Reveille is a reminder that our duty day begins, not when we walk into our place of work, but when we rise for the day. Please note that "Airmen" includes our military (officer and enlisted) and retiree personnel that work, live and recreate here.

You also mentioned in your email that you received input from our defenders at the gate. Their work schedules do not coincide with other work schedules at Hanscom AFB. When reveille is played, some will already have been at their duty station for several hours.

Unfortunately, there is no solution that will make everyone happy. Please note that the giant voice speaker in the Hanscom housing area is turned off during the playing of reveille, retreat and taps.