We appreciate and share your concern for the respectful display of our american flag on the uniform of the u. Army regulation 6701 states, the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flags. Mar 27, 2019 on an arm patch, you are looking at it differently, and when the soldier or marine marches forward, the u. According to united states army regulations, the fullcolor us flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag s own right. Embroidered military patch emblems are available in the military flag design and the round seal patch design. If the flag patch is being worn on the right shoulder. Each of the five us military services is represented. Feb 18, 2015 why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. Jun 24, 2017 tim marshall, the author of worth dying for. Why are american flag patches on law enforcementmilitary. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. According to united states army regulations, the fullcolor us flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flags own. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag s own right.
The momentum of the flag bearer would leave the flag streaming behind, appearing backwards to enemies, or anyone else close enough to catch a glimpse. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered. The power and politics of flags explains why american flags are reversed on military uniforms. In a forward charge, the canton would always be facing forward. Is it acceptable to wear a reverse flag patch as a. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. There are many military traditions and symbols of which large portions of society do not know the meaning. The arrangement is in deference to standard bearers, or the soldiers who would carry the flag into battle.
American flag embroidered patch reverse black united states. Reverse american flag patch in other original current. When moving forward, therefore, the star field is always to the front as the. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform.
I called it a modern game of capture the flag in my last post and im sticking to this and believe it to be more than a theory because i have seen what the. We all know by now that if an american flag patch or decal applied to the right sleeve or the right side of an object should always have the blue field facing forward, even if it makes the flag look backwards, because thats how the flag would look from that side when advancing forward. According to united states army regulations, the fullcolor us flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flags own right. The subdued tactical flag worn on deployments or in the field features muted colors. When old glory is on a flagpole, she will be in her most significant position with stars on the lefthand side next to the flagpole. Following is a quote from the department of defense website. Department of defense has declared this patch must be worn, right or left shoulder, so the star field faces forward, or to the flags own right. Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. Ive noticed when ive seen an american flag patch on a military uniform its always backwards, like a mirror image, why is that. The issue with the flag on the uniforms is an example. Many people believe the flag is in a reversed way, but according to the army regulation 6701, the flag is in the right position. Sep 23, 2019 american military uniforms feature the u.
Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national. Why is the us american flag patch backwards on its serving military. This is why the flag is reversed on military uniforms. Is it acceptable for a civilian to wear u s flag patch and. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flags blue stars facing forward.
The american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag s own right. Apr 27, 2020 goruck s reverse flag explained military backwards flag patch about ppt flag etiquette and customs flag patches on uniforms backwards american usa flag etiquette. Army regulation 6701, iwear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia,i updated most recently. Many people believe the flag is in a reversed way, but according to the army regulation 6701. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flags own right. Gorucks reverse flag patch explained the reverse flag dates back to the armys early history when both cavalry and infantry units would charge ahead as the stars and stripes streamed back. In the early stages of my army enlistment, an old family friend gave me this reverse american flag patch pictured above from a uniform he wore in the early days of the war in afghanistan. New texas flag patch in reverse that is machine embroidered with or without hookloop backing. On a military uniform arm patch worn by a soldier, the u.
Heres why the american flag is put on backwards on u. That soldier is fighting for our freedom, and the stars always lead the way. Flag patches for the military are worn with the stars facing to the front while civilians such as fire and police officials wear flag patches with the stars facing backward. The reason for this is because the stars on the flag should be displayed in high position meaning the stars are always placed so they are in the top left corner when displayed. Most of us are familiar with the image of the american flag in what is called a wall mount, with the blue star field called the union in the upper left as the flag is suspended facin. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch. On an arm patch, you are looking at it differently, and when the soldier or marine marches forward, the u. Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on. Buy reverse texas flag patch full color at army surplus. Why is the flag backwards on military uniforms and planes. Why the us flag is reversed on military uniforms simplemost.
Black and white american flag patch meaning about collections. Why is american flag backwards on soldiers uniform answers. Well, several years later, ive decided to search for the answer and as it turns out, theres a pretty good reason for it. Just as the us flag dips to no man or king, and you will see even at the olympic ceremonies, the. And the military is always in forward charge hence, the right flag patch appears backwards. Why are american flag patches worn backwards on military. The united states military wears the flag patch backward on the right sleeve to signify how the flag flies against the wind when carried into battle and charging the enemy.
Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. To fully appreciate what this means, well go into detail on the specifics of flag placement on military uniforms. The flag faces the observers right and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the person in uniform, car or airplane moves forward. This is more of a old wives tale than any factual evidence.
Free shipping on many items browse your favorite brands affordable prices. When the flag is on a moving object, on a vehicle or on a person for that matter, the highest position for the blue field is for it to be at the front, and not the rear. Gorucks reverse flag explained respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. That is a very good question with an interesting background. Code prescribed that military use of the flag will always be red, white, and blue. Mar 23, 2018 when you look at the the gold fringed flag in our courthouses and the backwards patch on military and police uniforms i really think that there is a bigger story behind this. Army regulation 6701 addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. The way the flag patch is worn can help you tell the difference between civilian and military officials. A backward flag is only seen on the right shoulder of the uniformed professional.
And that is the reason why only the flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed photos. Get the best deals on reverse american flag patch in other original current military patches when you shop the largest online selection at. Heres why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. Im a useless info junkie it may look strange at first, but it actually makes sense. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.
Put the flag on the right shoulder and keep in mind that the stars and blue should be going forward as if moving, and youve got yourself a backwards patch. The place of honor for the american flag is always to the right of. If the american flag is worn on the left arm, the american flag appears normal with the stars on the left. When putting a flag decal on my car or boat on both sides, ill cut the decal and reassemble for the same purpose. Many combat veterans still wear the us flag in the reverse on hats, backpacks, and tshits, etc to let others know they are a combat vet and are proud of that fact. Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. Can be attached to helmets, uniforms, back packs, vests, hats and other tactical gear. It all has to do with proper display of the flag the blue field of stars should always face forwardbe in the highest and most prestigious position of honor. I am quoting the below from a reddit article and have heard similar before from historians national parks and pbs. Jul 03, 2018 the backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. In past wars,the flag led the way to the fight and marked the line of battle or the most forward position of an armys advance.
Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. On the us military combat uniforms, where the flag is put on the sleeve of the uniform, the flag patch is displayed with the stars facing forward, in the direction the wearer is facing. They are not backwards, the flag is running towards the battle. I have seen it on nfl and mlb teams and some police uniforms. What does a backwards black and white american flag mean. If the american flag is worn on the right arm, the american flag will appear backwards with the stars on the right. The american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flags own right. For those that dont know the reasons the reverse us flag is. When you look at the the gold fringed flag in our courthouses and the backwards patch on military and police uniforms i really think that there is a bigger story behind this. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the reverse side flag. So if the flag is meant to be seen with the blue field at the upper left, why has the u. One that many dont know about is the reversal of the u. A lot of people ask, why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. Its okay, im in the air force and i still think the flag looks backwards when i see it on army uniforms air force uniforms dont have a flag patch.
This is why the american flag patch is reversed on military. Have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on. In fact, a soldiers right shoulder is not the only place youll see the flag that way. If the american flag is worn on the left arm, the american flag appears normal with the stars on. Why are army flag patches backwards about flag collections. The difference is the arm that the flag is worn on. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it should be displayed. Why do soldiers wear a backwards american flag patch. I dont know about you, but ive always wondered that. Why is the american flag patch on military uniforms backwards. Wear your flag with pride with one of our flag patches.
Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on utility and organizational. However, with the updated army battle dress uniform that was recently unveiled, the flag patch will become a camouflage, muted color. Cop destroys journalists call to remove the blue lives matter flag. The official reason for the backwards american flag. The army actually has two authorized flag patches, one to be worn on the left shoulder, with the canton facing left, and another reverse field. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. The meaning of a backwards flag as a tactical professional, you are well aware that your profession has its own unique set of codes and language which can easily confuse a civilian. Many people notice that on american military uniforms the flag is reversed on the right side, but they dont know why.
Army surplus world is a premier supplier of usgi and commercial products for past and present members of the military, public service. Basically, the idea behind the backwards american flag on army uniforms is to make it look as though the flag is flying in the breeze as the person wearing it moves forward. Military patches, us army flag patch, us navy patch, marine. Actually, the flag patch is worn backwards to give others the same impression it did when it was first carried into battle. When it comes to the meaning of a backward flag, this is one of those many things that may be well known to a tactical professional yet a mystery to a civilian. Of course, the flag also flies the normal way when carried in such a manner from the other perspective or vantage point. Find the perfect flag patches at army surplus world, in stores or online. Black and white american flag 5 myths about the american flag rules for displaying the american flag flag sometimes earsread more what does a backwards black and white american flag mean about flag collections. The army actually has two authorized flag patches, one to be worn on the left shoulder, with the canton facing left, and another reverse field patch worn on the right, with the canton facing right.
The only time you should see a backward or reverse flag is on the uniform of a military professional as an arm patch worn on their sleeve. The reverse flag patch used in the military is to keep the blue field of stars forward. The military has got many traditions that many people are not aware of, and most especially their meanings and what they symbolize. On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch reversed, but why is this. Why are the american flags on military uniforms reversed. Most of us are familiar with the image of the american flag in what is called a wall mount, with the. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer s right, and. Mar 11, 2016 so if the flag is meant to be seen with the blue field at the upper left, why has the u. They are made that way because in battle, the blue field would be seen as the direction of attack. This is why us flag is reversed on military uniforms. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. The next time you see a soldier wearing that backwards american flag, think of it as a reminder of that persons bravery.
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