Name that Tune: Music on a Military Installation

***Peppy music playing outside my window***

I am now up and at ‘em, but what did I just hear? I have no clue, as I was a new military spouse living on a military installation for the first time ever. 

Now, let me back up for a moment…when we first got married, the waiting list to live on our installation was a 12-18 month projection. So, we lived off base in the beginning.  Then, around our 1-year anniversary, we got the call to move on base into a 2-bedroom house that was part of a quadruplex. I remember thinking about how BIG it was and that it was “ours”! I was so excited to live ON BASE!

Let’s go back to that first morning…I was being awakened by this loud & peppy music.  What was it that I was hearing, and why was I hearing it?!?! Oh yeah, I live on military installation now.  I recognized the tune from military movies that I had seen as the up & at ‘em song (those are in my own words). However, the song is actually called “Reveille”.  This is usually played first thing in the morning (times may vary per installation) to let everyone know that the regular duty day has started. So, get up & at ‘em!  While many people just sing “do” sounds when it plays…did you know there are actual words that are quite fun for this song? Here they are:

I can’t get ‘em up.

I can’t get ‘em up.

I can’t get ‘em up in the morning.

I can’t get ‘em up.

I can’t get ‘em up.

I can’t get ‘em up at all.

I move on with my day and as it progresses, my hubby was about to get off of work, I hear another song.  Hmmm…I wonder to myself. I wonder what song that is, as I am unfamiliar with it. (Apparently, it is called the “To the Colors” and it is played to signal the end of the regular duty day.) I see cars on the road stop moving and anyone who outside turns and faces a nearby flag. Then, I hear the National Anthem played immediately after this song.  I see the military members salute and the civilians place their hands over their hearts during the “Star-Spangled Banner”. The music concludes and people continue doing what they were doing prior to the music. This special pair of songs is called “The Retreat”. Having just witnessed these occurrences, I now know that I need to have my window cracked if I am driving around base around this time.  (Times & protocols may vary per installation.)

***YAWN***  It is almost time for bed, and we are snuggling in our new house.  What do I hear? It is yet another song over the loudspeaker. I recognize this one as well.  It is called “Taps” and it signals the end of the day, as well as, lights out. It is a somber song, and a gentle reminder to reflect on your day. (Times & protocols may vary per duty station.)

WOW! What a memorable first day in military housing! These were just some of the daily songs that I would hear, but keep in mind that there may be additional songs that you will hear while you are on an installation.  These songs may vary from one duty station to another. So, please consider checking for any variations between branches and installations to ensure you are following the most up-to-date expectations at your location.