Department of Defense
INSTRUCTION
NUMBER 1005.06
July 17, 2015
USD(P&R)
SUBJECT: Display of the National Flag at Half-staff
References: See Enclosure 1
1. PURPOSE. In accordance with the authority in DoD Directive 5124.02 (Reference (a)), this
instruction reissues DoD Instruction 1005.06 (Reference (b)) to establish policy and assign
responsibilities for display of the national flag of the United States at half-staff:
a. On the death of present and former principal officials of the Federal Government.
b. During national days of mourning.
c. When directed by proclamation by the President of the United States, governor of any
State, territory, or U.S. possession, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia in accordance with
section 7 of Title 4, United States Code (Reference (c)) or by the Secretary of Defense in
accordance with Presidential Proclamation 3044 (Reference (d)).
2. APPLICABILITY. This instruction applies to:
a. OSD, the Military Departments (including the Coast Guard at all times, including when it
is a Service in the Department of Homeland Security by agreement with that Department), the
Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant
Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense
Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (referred
to collectively in this instruction as the “DoD Components”).
b. The Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, under agreements with the Departments of Health and Human
Services and Commerce, respectively.
3. POLICY. It is DoD policy that the national flag will be flown at half-staff:
a. Worldwide on all DoD buildings, grounds, and naval vessels:
