Military Funeral Procedure Manual

playtagger (audacity) for next of kin recital

 

Military Funeral Procedure Manual:

Bushnell Funeral Honors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Bushnell National Cemetery!

 

 

 

 

 

Bushnell National Cemetery is the second busiest Cemetery in the United States--busier than Arlington National Cemetery. Bushnell National Cemetery is located in the Withlacoochee State Forest, approximately 50 miles north of Tampa, in Sumter County.

 

 

 

Abstract:

Intro to Military Funeral Honors

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Bushnell National Cemetery is the second busiest Cemetery in the United States--busier than Arlington National Cemetery. Bushnell National Cemetery is located in the Withlacoochee State Forest, approximately 50 miles north of Tampa, in Sumter County.

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

COVER………………..…………………………………………………………………………..i

ABSTRACT...……………………………………………………………………………………ii

APPEARANCE OF THE DRESS BLUE AND CLASS A UNIFORM……...………………1

DRILL AND CEREMONY..……………………………………………………………………..2

REGULAR HONORS…………...………………………………………………………………3

FULL HONORS………………………………………………………………………………….4

FLAG FOLDING PROCEDURE…………………………………………………………..…..A

TAPS…………………..…………………………………………………………………………B

BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………………………………………………………………….11

 

List of Illustrations

Figure 1

Figure 2

Chapter 1:

Appearance of the Dress Blue and Class A Uniform

Uniform Reference

Class A Uniform

I. Belt Brass: (pg153-154 para 27-2)

The belt is worn so that the tipped end passes through the buckle to the wearer’s left for males, and the wearer’s right for females. The tipped end will extend beyond the end of the buckle so that only the brass tip is visible, and no fabric portion of the belt can be seen beyond the buckle. Males wear the 1 ¼ inch brass tip belt and brass buckle with service and dress uniforms. males may wear suspenders of a commercial design with dress uniforms, as long as they are not visible. Females wear the 1 inch brass tip belt with the service uniform when wearing slacks with the tuck-in version of the AG 415 shirt.

II. Beret: (pg 18-19 para 3-5)

The beret is worn so that the headband is straight across the forehead, 1 inch above the eyebrows. The flash is positioned over the left eye. The excess material is draped over the right ear extending to at least the top of the ear, and no lower than the middle of the ear. Personnel will cut off the ends of the adjusting ribbon and secure the ribbon knot inside the edge binding at the back of the beret. When worn properly, the beret is formed to the shape of the head (take a shower with it on to form it to your head): therefore soldiers may not wear hairstyles that cause distortion of the beret. Officers wear non-subdued grade insignia centered on the flash: chaplains wear their branch insignia. Enlisted wear the DUI centered on the flash.

III. Distinctive Unit Insignia: (pg 243-245, para 28-22)

• Enlisted personnel wear the DUI, centered on the shoulder loops an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the button, with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam.

• Officers wear the DUI centered on the shoulder loops, an equal distance from the inside edge of their grade insignia to the outside edge of the button, with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam.

IV. Gloves: (pg 162, para 27-12)

The gloves are authorized for year-round wear. The gloves must be clean.

Insignias: (Pg 230-233 para 28-12)

• Male officers wear their branch insignia centered on both lapels, 1 ¼ inches below the U.S. insignia. The branch insignia is positioned so that the centerline of the insignia bisects the centerline of the U.S. insignia and is parallel to the inside edge of the lapel. The U.S. insignia 5/8 inch above the notch on both collars, with the centerline of the insignia bisecting the notch, and parallel to the inside edge of the lapel.

• Female officers wear branch insignia on both lapels. The insignias is worn approximately 1 ¼ inches below the U.S. insignia, with the insignia bisecting the U.S. insignia and parallel to the inside edge of the lapel. The U.S. insignia is centered on both collars, approximately 5/8 inch up from the collar and lapel seam, with the centerline of the insignia parallel to the inside edge of the lapel.

• Male enlisted wear their branch insignia centered on the left collar, with the bottom of the disk approximately 1 inch above the notch, with the centerline of the insignia parallel to the inside edge of the lapel. They bottom of the U.S. insignia disk is place approximately 1 inch above the notch, centered on the right collar, with the centerline of the insignia parallel to the inside edge of the lapel.

• Female enlisted wear their branch insignia on the left collar. The insignia is worn so the bottom of the disk is centered between the outside point and inside edge of the collar, approximately 5/8 inch up from the notch, with the centerline of the branch i8nsignia parallel to the inside edge of the lapel. The bottom of the U.S. insignia disk is centered on the right collar, approximately 5/8 inch up from the collar and lapel seam, with the centerline of the insignia parallel to the inside edge of the lapel.

V. U.S. and Foreign Unit Awards: (pg 275-277 para 29-11)

All permanent and temporary unit award emblems are worn in the order of precedence from the wearer’s right to left. Award emblems are worn in rows containing no more than three emblems per row, with no space between emblems, and with up to 1/8 inch space between rows, depending upon the size of emblems with frames.

• Male personnel. Emblems with or without frames are worn centered and 1/8 inch above the right breast pocket flap.

• Females personnel. Emblems with or without frames are worn centered on the right side of the uniform, with the bottom edge ½ inch above the top edge of the nameplate (nameplate not worn)

VI. Marksmanship badges and tab: (pg 280-288 para 29-16)

no more than three marksmanship badges (does not include marksmanship tab) are authorized for wear. Personnel will not attach more than three clasps to marksmanship badges. The total number of marksmanship and special skill badges worn on the pocket flap or below the ribbons will not exceed three. They are worn in order of precedence from the wearer’s right, and to the left of any special skill badges that are worn. Normally, all soldiers wear at least one marksmanship badge, unless they fail to qualify or are exempt from qualification by Army regulations.

• Male personnel. marksmanship badges are worn on the upper portion of the left breast pocket flap, or on the lower portion of the pocket flap, if special skill badges are worn. marksmanship badges are special skill badges are authorized for wear on the pocket flap, with the exception of the sapper, Ranger, and Special Forces tab metal replicas. {When either the Special Forces or Ranger metal tab replicas are worn on the pocket flap, the replicas are worn approximately 1/8 inch below the top of the pocket.} When airborne background trimming is worn beneath the Parachutist or Air Assault badge, personnel will center the badge on the trimming and place it so that the space between the pocket flap seam and the top of the background trimming is 1/8 inch. Males wear the badge centered on the pocket flap, from left to right, with the upper portion of the bade approximately 1/8 inch below the top of the pocket.

• Female personnel. Marksmanship badges are worn on the left side, ¼ inch below the bottom ribbon row. Personnel may adjust the placement of badges to conform to individual body-shape differences. Parachutist or Air Assault badge, personnel will center the badge on the trimming and place it so that the space between the bottom of the ribbon bar and the top of the background trimming is ¼ inch. Following are descriptions of the placement of badges when more than one marksmanship badge is worn, or when special skill badges are worn with marksmanship badges. One marksmanship or one special skill badge. Females wear the badge on the left side, centered below the ribbons, with the upper portion of the badge ¼ inch below the ribbon bar.

VII. Marksmanship and Special Skill Badges: (pg 284-285)

One special skill and two marksmanship badges.

• Males wear these badges equally spaced on the pocket flap, from left to right, with the upper portion of the badges approximately 1/8 inch below the top of the pocket. They will wear marksmanship badges that have attaching devices at the top of the badge. When no badges are worn that have devices attached at the top, males have the option of wearing the special skill badge centered on the pocket flap, from left to right, with the upper portion of the badge approximately 1/8 inch below the top of the pocket. Each marksmanship badge is centered between the button and the left or right side of the pocket. The bottom of the badges is adjacent to the bottom of the pocket flap.

• Females wear these badges with the upper portion of the badges ¼ inch below the ribbon bar and spaced an equal distance apart.

Two special skill and one marksmanship badge, or one special skill and two marksmanship badges, or three marksmanship badges.

• Males wear these badges equally spaced on the pocket flap, approximately 1/8 inch below the top of the pocket.

• Females wear these badges with the upper portion of the badges ¼ inch below the ribbon bar and space and equal distance apart.

 

 

 

Chapter 2:

Drill and Ceremony

 

FACING MOVEMENTS

 

I. Ceremonial Fist

 

a. This will describe the position of the hands during all ceremonial

movements.

b. The proper placement of the “C” fist is so that the middle finger is

placed along the seam of the trousers. (See Figure 3-6a)

 

(Figure 3-6a)

c. The fingers are placed tightly together so that there is no gap between

any of the fingers. The fingers are curled loosely forming straight lines from each of the knuckles. This will allow the hand and arm to form tightly to the leg. (See Figure 3-6b)

 

(Figure 3-6b)

 

II. Position of Attention

 

Soldier will stand straight with both feet facing forward, with both toes and heels touching and together. Hands will be placed along the seams of the pants in a “C” fist. Head and eyes facing forward, with no movement in the body. Keep knees slightly bent and do not lock out the knees. (See Figure 3-2)

 

 

III. Right Face

 

a. The soldier will start the movement starting at the position of attention. (See Figure 3-2)

b. At the command of RIGHT FACE, the soldier will first move his right foot to face 90 degree angle from his left foot. The foot does not slide, but is lifted and placed in this position. (See Figure 3-3a) This will complete count one of this movement. The body and head remain facing forward during this count. (See Figure 3-3b)

 

 

c. The left foot will then be placed along side of the right foot, finishing this movement. This will be the second count of the movement. The body and head will then follow the left foot and face to the right. (See Figure 3-3c, 3-3d)

 

 

IV. Left Face

 

a. The soldier will start this movement at the position of attention.

b. At the command of LEFT FACE, the soldier will first move his left foot to face 90 degree angle from his right foot. The foot does not slide, but is lifted and placed in this position. This will complete count one of the movement. The body and head remain facing forward during this count.

c. The right foot will then be placed along side of the left foot, finishing this movement. This will be the second count of the movement. The body and head will then follow the left foot and face to the right.

 

V. About Face

 

(Figure 3-5a)

 

(Figure 3-5b)

 

(Figure 3-5c)

 

(Figure 3-5d)

 

VI. Ceremonial At Ease

a. The soldier will start this movement at the position of attention. (See Figure 3-5a)

b. At the command of CEREMONIAL AT EASE, the soldier will move the right foot approximately a shoulder’s width apart from the left foot, keeping toes pointing forward. Soldier will simultaneously move the left hand over the right hand in front of the body, keeping fingers together and covering the fingers of the right hand, making sure to tuck the thumbs. The hands are held centered on, and against the body, elbows are relaxed. Keep knees slightly bent and do not lock out the knees.

 

VII. Parade Rest

a. The soldier will start this movement at the position of attention. (See Figure 3-5a)

b. At the command of PARADE REST, the soldier will move the right foot approximately a shoulder’s width apart from the left foot, keeping toes pointing forward. Soldier will simultaneously move the right hand over the left in the small of the back palms facing outward, interlocking the thumbs, with fingers extended and joined. Head and eyes facing forward, with no movement in the body. Keep knees slightly bent and do not lock out the knees. This is a modified position of attention.

VIII. Marching

a. Soldier will march with hands in the ceremonial fist (See Figure 3-6a & Figure 3-6b).

b. Soldier will march on the outside of the feet, rolling foot from heel to toe.

c. Soldier will keep back straight while marching. (This is made easier by tightening of the buttocks)

 

Chapter 3:

Regular Honors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We perform these honors the most!

 

 

 

 

 

A regular honors team consists of a team leader and two additional honor guards to perform the service duties.

 

 

 

 

 

Each team has a team leader. There are three types of funerals: regular honors, full honors, and KIA.

 

I. Set Up

a. The team of seven (7) honor guards must set up the site before the funeral procession arrives.

b. The bugler will place the bugle 45 degrees off the "head" of the casket, (which is always next to the erect flag under the shelter).

c. The flag folders will survey the area of the shelter committal to look for obstructions--such as flowers and placement of the truck (casket dolly).

d. The firing team will place their weapons near the bugle.

e. The team will line up along the street to wait for the funeral procession.

f. When the funeral procession arrives, the honcho (front right) will salute the hearse carrying the flag draped casket until it comes to a complete stop.

g. The honor guards will pall bearing (if a casket) by helping the family (if requested) or by using the truck. If it is a cremation

h. While the flag is in motion, the bugler (or any other member in uniform) will salute until it passes.

i. Once the deceased veteran arrives under the committal shelter, the honor guards will post to their positions.

 

II. Position Posts

a. The bugler (if assisting as a pall bearer) will go to the bugle at a predetermined location.

b. The main flag folder will go arm’s length to the "feet" of the casket at a 45 degree angle toward the casket.

c. The holder/presenter of the flag will be arm’s length to the head of the casket at a 45 degree angle toward the casket.

 

 

III. Performing the Service

a. Once it is the military honor guards turn to perform the service, the presenter (at the head) will initiate a salute--3-second raise salute--and the main folder (at the foot) will follow; this is the queue for the bugler to play "Taps".

b. Once "Taps" has been completed, the bugler will lower the bugle with the left hand and salute with the right hand.

c. After the bugler slowly lowers the salute, the main folder will follow and queue the presenter to lower his salute.

d. When the salute is complete, the two flag folders will take two side steps to the edge of the casket (the first step is a step with a 45 degree turn towards the casket) to initiate the flag fold.

V. Presenting the Flag

a. The presenter will rotate the flag by using the left hand to grab the far right of the flag and turn it so that the flat side is pointed away from the presenter.

b. The presenter will walks towards the next-of-kin and say:

"Ma’m (or sir), as a representative of the United States Army (or military--if the deceased was not in the army), it is my high privilege to present to you this flag. Let it be a symbol of the grateful appreciation our nation feels for the distinguished service rendered to our country and our flag by your loved one."

c. The presenter stands at the position of attention and salutes the flag.

d. Afterwards, the presenter may shake the hands of the family and walk towards the rest of the honor guard team.

VI. Last Honors

a. The presenter will position himself next to the team and call "ceremonial at ease", which is the command to place feet shoulder width apart and hands in front, with left over right.

b. The team will wait until the vehicle with the flag begins to move and the presenter will call, "Honor guards, attention; present arms."

 

c. The vehicle with the flag will pass and the presenter will call, "order arms," which is the command to lower their salute. Once the family is out of sight the presenter will call, "Fall out," which means to mission is over.

Upon completion, the team will perform an After Action Review, to point out any necessary improvements and/or any sustainment.

Chapter 4:

Full Honors

I. Set Up

a. The team of seven (7) honor guards must set up the site before the funeral procession arrives.

b. The bugler will place his bugle 45 degrees off the "head" of the casket, (which is always next to the erect flag under the shelter).

c. The firing party will place their 3, 5, or 7 weapons 45 degrees off the “head” of the casket, next to the bugler.

d. The flag folders will survey the area of the shelter committal to look for obstructions--such as flowers and placement of the truck (casket dolly).

e. The team will line up along the street to wait for the funeral procession.

f. When the funeral procession arrives, the pallbearing team will salute the hearse carrying the flag draped casket until it comes to a complete stop.

g. The honor guards will assist in pall bearing (if a casket) or by using the truck if it is an extremely heavy casket. If it is a cremation

h. While the flag is in motion, the bugler, and the firing party (or any other member in uniform) will salute until it passes.

i. Once the deceased veteran arrives under the committal shelter, the honor guards will post to their positions.

 

II. Position Posts

a. The bugler (if assisting as a pall bearer) will go to the bugle at a predetermined location.

b. The main flag folder will go arm’s length to the "feet" of the casket at a 45 degree angle toward the casket.

c. The holder/presenter of the flag will be arm’s length to the head of the casket at a 45 degree angle toward the casket.

 

III. Performing the Service

a. Once it is the military honor guards turn to perform the service, the presenter (at the head) will initiate a salute--3-second raise salute--and the main folder (at the foot) will follow; this is the queue for the bugler to play "Taps".

b. Once "Taps" has been completed, the bugler will lower the bugle with the left hand and salute with the right hand.

c. After the bugler slowly lowers the salute, the main folder will follow and queue the presenter to lower his salute.

d. When the salute is complete, the two flag folders will take two side steps to the edge of the casket (the first step is a step with a 45 degree turn towards the casket) to initiate the flag fold.

 

V. Presenting the Flag

a. The presenter will rotate the flag by using the left hand to grab the far right of the flag and turn it so that the flat side is pointed away from the presenter.

b. The presenter will walks towards the next-of-kin and say:

"Ma’m (or sir), as a representative of the United States Army (or military--if the deceased was not in the army), it is my high privilege to present to you this flag. Let it be a symbol of the grateful appreciation our nation feels for the distinguished service rendered to our country and our flag by your loved one."

c. The presenter stands at the position of attention and salutes the flag.

d. Afterwards, the presenter may shake the hands of the family and walk towards the rest of the honor guard team.

 

VI. Last Honors

a. The presenter will position himself next to the team and call "ceremonial at ease", which is the command to place feet shoulder width apart and hands in front, with left over right.

b. The team will wait until the vehicle with the flag begins to move and the presenter will call, "Honor guards, attention; present arms."

 

c. The vehicle with the flag will pass and the presenter will call, "order arms," which is the command to lower their salute. Once the family is out of sight the presenter will call, "Fall out," which means to mission is over.

Upon completion, the team will perform an After Action Review (AAR), to point out any necessary improvements and/or any sustainment.

 

Appendix A:

Flag Folding Procedure

Once eye contact is made between the presenter and the main folder, each soldier will bend forward and grasp the flag at the center and simultaneously slide their hands out to the corners together.

On a signal (usually eye contact), the soldiers will stand using the "one, two, three, and step back" cadence.

The flag will be raised taut over the casket.

When this is done, the presenter’s right hand and the main folder's left hand will simultaneously slide to the bottom of the flag.

On a signal, the two will turn the flag to a horizontal position.

On the next signal, the second length wise fold will be made. When this is done, the presenter’s right hand and the main folder's left hand will simultaneously slide to the bottom of the flag.

On another signal the two will turn the flag to a horizontal position.

While the flag folders initiate the flag fold, the bugler will walk down towards the flag and post until the flag has been folded twice.

 

When the open end of the second fold is to the right of the main folder, the bugler (now the third folder), will grab the front right (bottom right when erect) of the flag with both hands and the thumbs are on top.

During the flag fold, the two folders will slide the fingers on the inside of the flag six inches. The third folder will throw the right hand flap of the flag over to the main folder, which the main folder will grab. Together they will step in on the second fold.

From that point on when a finder slide is executed, they will simultaneously side-step with the finger slide. This will allow them to work towards the presenter at the head.

At the completion of the folding, the third folder will stick their left thumb one inch to the left of the last fold. The presenter will fold the right-front flap of the flag in a 45 degree angle to the left of the flag, tucking about a half an inch into the bottom of the folded flag.

Once that is completed the presenter will place both hands facing down to the far left of the flag, to allow the third folder to slide their left hand facing down, knocking off the presenter and grabbing the far left of the flag, which the presenters left hand was grabbing.

The third folder and the main folder will make eye contact and twist the flag 90 degrees, so that the open end of the flag is facing the third folder, to complete the tuck. The third folder will tuck the excess end of the flag into the folded flag, making sure no red is showing.

The main folder will slide their right hand up the right hand side of the flag with the fingers extended and joined and back down the flag, which will be followed by the same hand coming over the center of the flat side of the flag to knock off the third folder, and bring the flag up to the chest, and fix the flag as necessary based off the third folder's eyes (the third folder will look at the left corner and to the right corner and then back to the main folder).

Once the flag has been inspected, the main folder will lower the flag centered over the casket, and "pop" the pointed edge of the flag into their stomach and execute a half right face, which is the queue for the presenter to make a half left face, facing the main folder.

The presenter will grab the flag, with the left hand over right, and the main folder will let go and do a slow hand salute and drop the salute (three seconds up, hold three seconds, and lower three seconds).

Once the salute had been completed the presenter will pop the flat side of the flag into their stomach and make a half right face. At the same time the main folder will make another half right face and the third folder will make a left face.

Once the facing movements have been completed, the two folders will walk away to the predetermined edge of the curb before the next-of-kins transportation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix B:

Taps

 

I. The Origin of TAPS

Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than Taps. Up to the Civil War, the traditional call at day’s end was a tune borrowed from the French called Lights Out. In July of 1862, in the aftermath of the bloody Seven Days battles, hard on the loss of 600 men and wounded himself, Union General Daniel Adams Butterfield called the brigade bugler to his tent. He thought “Lights Out” was too formal and he wished to honor his men. Oliver Wilcox Norton, the bugler, tells the story, “…showing me some notes on a staff written in pencil on the back of an envelope, he asked me to sound them on my bugle. I did this several times, playing the music as written. He changed it somewhat, lengthening some notes and shortening others, but retaining the melody as he first gave it to me. After getting it to his satisfaction, he directed me to sound that call for Taps thereafter in place of the regulation call. The music was beautiful on that still summer night and was heard far beyond the limits of our Brigade. The next day, I was visited by several buglers from neighboring Brigades, asking for copies of the music, which I gladly furnished. The call was gradually taken up through the Army of the Potomac.”

This more emotive and powerful Taps was soon adopted throughout the military. In 1874, it was officially recognized by the U.S. Army. It became mandatory at military funeral ceremonies in 1891. There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heard long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.

-from an article by MSG Jari A. Villanueva, USAF

-Department of Defense, The secretary of Defense Washington, D.C. 20301

II. Bugler Attention

a. This will describe the position of hands and feet during the position of attention. (two count)

 

b. (1st count) The bugle will be held horizontal at the belt level on the left side of the body with the bell of the bugle facing forward.

 

c. (2nd count) The left hand will grasp the forward loops and the right hand will form a “c” fist along the right side of the body running parallel with the seam of the trousers.

 

(Figure 3-7)

III. Bugler Ceremonial At Ease

a. This will describe the position of the hands and feet during ceremonial at ease while holding the bugle.(two count movement)

 

b. (1st count) The Bugle will be along the left side at belt level with the bell of the bugle facing forward.

 

c. (2nd count)Left hand will secure the bugle and the right hand will form a “c” fist will covering the bell.

 

d. (2nd count) Feet will be shoulder width apart toes facing to the front. (See Figure 3-8c)

 

(Figure 3-8c)

IV. Bugler Present Arms

 

a. This will describe the bugler’s actions returning salute to detail NCOIC to sound Taps.

 

 

d. Count two is the movement of the right arm and hand, finger extended and joined and brought to the brim of the dress blue cap. The arm is parallel to the marching surface. (See figure 3-9d)

(Figure 3-9d)

 

 

 

V. Bugler Sound Taps

 

a. This will describe the movement form the position of attention to the sounding of taps.(six count) (See Figure 3-8)

 

(Figure 3-10c)

 

d. The left hand will the thrust the bugle forward while the right hand grasps the top of the bugle (4th count)(See Figure 3-10d)

 

(Figure 3-10d)

 

e. The left hand guides it to the mouth (5th count). Once at the mouth the left hand cuts back to the left side of the body forming a “c” fist (6th count). (See Figure 3-9e, 3-10f) Note: At completion of “TAPS” bugler returns to attention in reverse order.

 

(Figure 3-10e) (Figure 3-10f)

 

Bibliography

Department of Veteran Affairs.

Department of the Secretary of Defense