Essential Army Regulations (ARs) and Field Manuals (FMs) for military professionals, NCO development, and board preparation. These resources provide the doctrinal foundation for Army operations and soldier development.
I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my Warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
These occur on military installations throughout the day. There are several major bugle calls that require attention from all personnel. (Times may vary slightly according to base regulations according to discretion of Base Commander.)
| Time | Call Name | Sound | Purpose | Off-Duty Expectations | On-Duty Expectations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:50 AM | First Call | A warning call. Signifies that reveille is about to occur and the official duty day is about to start. | No specific action required. | Prepare for reveille formation. Begin getting ready for the duty day. | |
| 6:00 AM | Reveille | Signals the start of the official duty day. It is a call to attention and a ceremony to raise the U.S. flag. | Outside: If you are outside and near a flag ceremony, stop, face the flag (or the music if the flag isn't visible), and stand at attention. Place your right hand over your heart. Inside: No action required. | Stop all activity, face the flag, and render proper military honors. Stand at attention and salute during the flag raising ceremony. | |
| 5:00 PM | Retreat | Signals the end of the official duty day. It is a ceremony to lower the U.S. flag. | Outside: You must stop. Stop walking, running, or driving a car. Get out of your vehicle if practical. Face the flag (or the music) and stand at attention. | Stop all activity immediately. Face the flag and stand at attention. Prepare to render honors during "To the Colors." | |
| After Retreat | To The Colors | Played immediately after "Retreat" as the flag is being lowered. It is a musical salute to the flag. | Outside: Remain at attention. Place your right hand over your heart until the music concludes. Drivers should turn off their engines. This is a sign of respect. Inside: No action required unless you are part of a formal event. | Render the hand salute and maintain it throughout the entire ceremony until the music ends. | |
| 9:00 PM | Taps | The final call of the day. Signifies "lights out" and is also played at military funerals and memorials as a tribute to the fallen. | Outside: Stop. If in a vehicle, it is customary to stop. If walking, stop and face the direction of the music. Stand quietly at attention until the call is complete. It is a moment of reflection and respect. Inside: No formal action, but maintaining quiet respect is appropriate. | Stop all activity and stand at attention. Face the music and maintain silence and respect throughout the call. | |
| Varies | Tattoo | Historically signals soldiers to return to quarters and prepare for lights out. | No specific action required. | Return to quarters and prepare for the end of the duty day. | |
| Varies | Assembly | - | Summons personnel to form up at a designated place. | Report to designated assembly area immediately. | Drop current activity and report to formation immediately. |
| Varies | Adjutant's Call | Signals the beginning of a ceremony or parade. | Stand at attention if in view of ceremony. | Prepare for ceremony. Stand at attention and render appropriate honors. |
Army counseling is a process used by leaders to review performance and potential with their subordinates.