How should a national ensign be raised when the Union Jack reaches the t-bar?

Raising the national ensign as the Union Jack reaches the t-bar is done with specific ceremonial protocols to convey respect and honor. The ideal practice is to quickly raise the ensign to the top of the flagpole, which signifies promptness and military precision. This action reflects the importance and reverence associated with the national flag.

Once the ensign is at the top, ceremoniously lowering it is a sign of respect, acknowledging the flag's significance and the values it represents. The sequence not only emphasizes the contrast between the speed of raising the ensign and the deliberate nature of its lowering but also aligns with military customs that highlight discipline and tradition.

This method reinforces the visual and ceremonial impact of the National Ensign, enhancing the overall solemnity of the occasion. The other options do not adequately follow standard protocol, focusing either on incorrect speed or lack of the ceremonial aspect entirely. Thus, the correct choice captures both the urgency of the moment and the respect required in military ceremonies.