340.  The national flag will always be displayed at the time of firing a salute. (A.  R. 397.)

341.  The flag of a military post will not be dipped by way of salute or compliment. (A.  R. 405.)

342.  On the death of an officer at a military post the flag is displayed at halfstaff and so remains between reveille and retreat until the last salvo or volley is fired over the grave; or if the remains are not interred at the post until they are removed therefrom. (A.  R. 422.)

343.  During the funeral of all enlisted man at a military post the flag is displayed at halfstaff.  It is hoisted to the top after the final volley or gun is fired or after the remains are taken from the post.  The same honors are paid on the occasion of the funeral of a retired enlisted man. (A.  R. 423.)

344.  When practicable, a detail consisting of a noncommissioned officer and two privates of the guard will raise or lower the flag.  This detail wears side arms or if the special equipments do not include side arms then belts only.

The noncommissioned officer, carrying the flag, forms the detail in line, takes his post in the center and marches it to the staff.  The flag is then securely attached to the halyards and rapidly hoisted.  The halyards are then securely fastened to the cleat on the staff and the detail marched to the guardhouse.

345.  When the flag is to be lowered, the halyards are loosened from the staff and made perfectly free.  At retreat the flag is lowered at the last note of retreat.  It is then neatly folded and the halyards made fast.  The detail is then re-formed and marched to the guardhouse, where the flag is turned over to the commander of the guard.

The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground and should always be hoisted or lowered from the leeward side of the staff, the halyards being held by two persons.

SECTION 18.  REVEILLE AND RETREAT GUN.

346.  The morning and evening gun will be fired by a detachment of the guard, consisting, when practicable, of a corporal and two privates.  The morning gun is fired at the first note of reveille, or, if marches be played before the reveille, it is fired at the beginning of the first march.  The retreat gun is fired at the last note of retreat.

The corporal marches the detachment to and from the piece, which is fired, sponged out, find secured under his direction.

SECTION 19.  GUARD MOUNTING.

347.  Guard mounting will be formal or informal as the commanding officer may direct.  It will be held as prescribed in the drill regulations of the arm of the service to which the guard belongs.  If none is prescribed, then as for infantry.  In case the guard is composed wholly of mounted organizations, guard mounting may be held mounted.

348.  When infantry and mounted troops dismounted are united for guard mounting, all details form as prescribed for infantry.