Reveille: The day's first call

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Every morning at 7 a.m., Airmen and families at Little Rock Air Force Base pause for the tradition that has been instilled in service members across the world: Reveille.

This pause now signifies the official beginning of the duty day, but that has not always been the case. According to Master Sgt. Jason Crumpton, Little Rock Air Force Base Honor Guard superintendent, Reveille has a history with the French, derived from a French word that means, "to awaken."

"Historically, Reveille was used as a means to rouse the troops at sunrise," said Crumpton. "It was used by many nations to wake their troops. Now, the exact time

Reveille is sounded is determined by the local commanders."

While Reveille does not have the same connotation as it did many years ago, it is still a key player in the traditions that Airmen and others practice.

"To me personally, Reveille is one of those military traditions I appreciate and find meaning in," said Crumpton. "Just like roll call or Retreat, it is something one could argue we no longer need but that I'd say is still important."

Continuing to observe Reveille, Airmen are reminded of the intrinsic value in military traditions and customs, even without modern applicability.

"There are certain things we, as a military organization, do that transcend monetary value," said Crumpton. "Performing a Reveille ceremony offers a unit the opportunity to display its discipline, unit and esprit de corps in addition to honoring the Nation we have all sworn to protect."

Next time you are outside at 7 a.m. and Reveille sounds off, do not run inside, but pause and reflect on what it means to you to salute the flag each morning as it is being hoisted to the top of the flag pole, and use that as a reminder to why you joined the military.

Reveille: The day's first call

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Every morning at 7 a.m., Airmen and families at Little Rock Air Force Base pause for the tradition that has been instilled in service members across the world: Reveille.

This pause now signifies the official beginning of the duty day, but that has not always been the case. According to Master Sgt. Jason Crumpton, Little Rock Air Force Base Honor Guard superintendent, Reveille has a history with the French, derived from a French word that means, "to awaken."

"Historically, Reveille was used as a means to rouse the troops at sunrise," said Crumpton. "It was used by many nations to wake their troops. Now, the exact time

Reveille is sounded is determined by the local commanders."

While Reveille does not have the same connotation as it did many years ago, it is still a key player in the traditions that Airmen and others practice.

"To me personally, Reveille is one of those military traditions I appreciate and find meaning in," said Crumpton. "Just like roll call or Retreat, it is something one could argue we no longer need but that I'd say is still important."

Continuing to observe Reveille, Airmen are reminded of the intrinsic value in military traditions and customs, even without modern applicability.

"There are certain things we, as a military organization, do that transcend monetary value," said Crumpton. "Performing a Reveille ceremony offers a unit the opportunity to display its discipline, unit and esprit de corps in addition to honoring the Nation we have all sworn to protect."

Next time you are outside at 7 a.m. and Reveille sounds off, do not run inside, but pause and reflect on what it means to you to salute the flag each morning as it is being hoisted to the top of the flag pole, and use that as a reminder to why you joined the military.