Action Line #91008 – Flag Protocol

  • Published
  • 39th Air Base Wing public affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint:

Recently, I was driving by the 39th Air Base Wing headquarters building when I noticed a 39th Security Forces Squadron patrol lowering the U.S. Flag. Out of respect and protocol, I stopped my car in the middle of the street (just as we all normally do at other bases). Two other airmen on the sidewalk, stopped and popped a salute. However, on this particular day, a Turkish contractor pulled up behind me and furiously honked at me demanding I move. I pointed to the U.S. flag, but he continued to honk. I refused to move until the flag was lowered. I know we do not have a traditional retreat ceremony on this base, but I believe there should be "understanding" between the US and the host nationals to pay respects to our protocol. Is there anything like that out there?

Response:

Thanks for taking the time to bring this to our attention. You are absolutely correct, AFI34-1201, Protocol, states "...If in a vehicle during Reveille or Retreat, pull the car to the side of the road and stop. All occupants sit quietly at attention until the last note of the music has played." You were absolutely correct in stopping during retreat, this is our custom.

This is also the case regarding our Turkish hosts. Whenever we observe the Turkish flag being raised or lowered, US service members should render the same courtesies for the Turkish flag that we would for our own flag.

However, we cannot dictate what Turkish or American contractors do on this installation, since we do not have authority to do so as tenants on a Turkish military base. Therefore, when you're driving your vehicle and you notice either the US or Turkish flag being raised or lowered, if at all possible pull your vehicle as far to the right side of the road as possible so that the less informed and less courteous drivers can pass.