Final answer:
When colors begin and if you are in civilian clothes with a ball cap, you should stand at attention and remove the ball cap, placing your right hand over your heart as a sign of respect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the proper protocol for someone wearing civilian clothes when a military tradition known as 'colors' begins. During the colors ceremony, which is the raising or lowering of the United States flag, military protocol requires that individuals outside should pay respect to the flag. If you are in civilian clothes and wearing a ball cap during colors, the correct action to take is to stand at attention, remove the ball cap, and place your right hand over your heart. If the national anthem is playing, you should face the direction of the music or the flag. If you are a veteran or active-duty military not in uniform, you may choose to salute instead. The act of standing at attention signifies respect and the removal of the hat is a traditional gesture of honor.