Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. If the patch is worn on the right shoulder, the stars will be on the right side of the patch and the stripes will be on the left. Why does the flag on a military uniform appear backwards. Mar 23, 2018 however, according to army regulation 6701, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia, the regulation states when authorized for application to the proper uniform, the u. On other military uniforms, youll see whats called the reverse side flag on the right sleeve. If the patch is worn on the right shoulder, the stars will be. Free shipping on many items browse your favorite brands affordable prices. 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.
Wear your flag with pride with one of our flag patches. On the right shoulder, the patch will appear reversed, but, in fact, it is optimally placed to ensure the field of blue is in the forefront. This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on. Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms business. Mar 11, 2014 as you can imagine, we are frequently asked why the patch of the united states flag, as worn on the right should of the official bsa uniform, has the blue field of stars known as the canton in the upper left hand corner, and it is worn facing the opposite direction by members of the us army. Army regulation 6701, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia, updated most recently september 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. The official reason for the backwards american flag. Now that we know where to find a backward flag, lets talk about why it is backward and how that is not a show of disrespect as you may suspect. Lots of answers here but what follows is the correct answer. Fullcolor reverse us flag patch whook army acu from heros pride. Army regulation 6701 wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia requires service members to wear their american flag patch with the stars facing forward. When that soldier moves forward, the stripes will flow to the back and the blue field will face forward. The flag should be on the right or left shoulder so long as it faces forward.
Get the best deals on reverse american flag patch in other original current military patches when you shop the largest online selection at. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it should be displayed. The right shoulder is reserved for the former wartime service shoulder sleeve insignia also known as the combat patch. However, on an arm patch, this is seen as the opposite or reversed. Why is the flag on a soldiers uniform in reverse youtube. Code prescribed that military use of the flag will always be red, white, and blue. Nov 02, 2018 the flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it should be displayed. Flag patch traditionally, the right shoulder of a uniform. 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. Tactical patches of american flag reverse, with hook and loop for backpacks caps hats jackets pants, usa us military army uniform emblems, size 3x2 inches. Why is the american flag displayed backwards on military. If the flag is no longer in condition to be displayed, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning, according to section 8k of the flag code.
It follows how patches on us army uniforms are oriented. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of. A flag patch on the right sleeve should be displayed with the union to the viewers right. Army shoulder patches, officially known as shoulder sleeve insignia ssi, are worn on the upper left arm of the army combat uniform. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. This patch is the perfect addition to your combat uniform. Wzt 2 pcs regular and reverse american flag embroidered patches grey. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the reverse side flag. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. The reverse flag patch is part of the army uniform.
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. S army personnel in uniform i have seen in the last several years in person, on videotape, or in photographs have without exception had a flag patch on their right sleeve, and in compliance with regulation the flag was backwards. Army regulation 6701 says, 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. This item military usa american reversed hook flag patch with gold border. The flag is worn with the appearance of being backwards on soldiers right arm to symbolize early american armies which had a flag carrier. Sep 28, 2019 they are not backwards, the flag is running towards the battle. Why does the usa have their flag backwards on their sleeve. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or. A lot of people ask, why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. 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.
The flag must always be facing forward, which is typically seen as the stars on the lefthand side of the pole, seen as facing forward and never retreating. Dec 15, 2019 this is why the american flag patch reversed on military the american flag is backwards on military uniforms do youread more military uniform flag patch backwards. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. Can be attached to helmets, uniforms, back packs, vests, hats and other tactical gear.
However, with the updated army battle dress uniform that was recently unveiled, the flag patch will become a camouflage, muted color. The flag is not backwards on the uniform, it is pointed forwards towards the enemy. In 2003 the uniform regulation for the army was updated. Mar 30, 2018 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. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left. According to united states army regulations, the fullcolor us flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward. Dec, 2014 the flag is worn with the appearance of being backwards on soldiers right arm to symbolize early american armies which had a flag carrier holding our flag high which looks backwards from one. Why is the american flag displayed backwards on military uniforms. Mar 29, 2010 lots of answers here but what follows is the correct answer. Army regulation 6701 says, 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. If it were facing normally it would be retreating instead of advancing. Why the us flag is reversed on military uniforms simplemost. Why is american flag backwards on soldiers uniform answers.
They are not backwards, the flag is running towards the battle. Sep 23, 2019 in 2003 the uniform regulation for the army was updated. Respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it. I dont know about you, but ive always wondered that. When authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. Usa us military army uniform emblems, size 3x2 inches. 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. In reality, its position hearkens back to the civil war, and the standard bearer charging into battle with the flag streaming behind.
On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch. Tactical patch display panel holder board for military army combat morale uniform hook and loop emblems, 43 inches x 27. Ssi are available in ocp, multicam, and acu digital patterns. Army regulation 6701 wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia requires service members to wear their american flag patch with the. Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. The flag is worn on the right shoulder, because, in the military, the place of honor is to a military members right. Sep 14, 2011 the flag is not backwards on the uniform, it is pointed forwards towards the enemy. Im embarrassed every time i see this patch on an army uniform. On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch reversed, but why is this. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. I am quoting the below from a reddit article and have heard similar before from historians national parks and pbs. Instead, there is deep meaning behind this alignment.
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 army reasons that with the flag patch worn that way, it resembles a flying flag carried by a soldier who is moving. 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. Heros pride acu full color reverse us flag patch whook. Army regulation 6701 outlines the proper placement of american flag patches on authorized uniforms. But why does the army insist on the right shoulder and the backwards flag. In both cases the flag is facing forward and is streaming to the back as the person moves forward. Army regulation 6701, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. Find the perfect flag patches at army surplus world, in stores or online. Why does the military wear us flag patches that are backward. This is more of a old wives tale than any factual evidence.
This is why the american flag patch reversed on military the american flag is backwards on military uniforms do youread more military uniform flag patch backwards. There is even an army regulation code which refers to the backwards flag. A patch on the left shoulder will appear as the flying flag. Well, several years later, ive decided to search for the answer and as it turns out, theres a pretty good reason for it. May 25, 2018 why is the american flag displayed backwards on military uniforms. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. Why are the american flags on military uniforms reversed.
Why are american flag patches on law enforcementmilitary. Show everyone how much you love your country with the heros pride acu full color reverse us flag patch whook. The army reasons that with the flag patch worn that way, it resembles. Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on utility and organizational. The stars are to face forward, the regulation states. 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.
Army regulation 6701, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia, updated most recently on february 3, 2005, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. These suggestions are true for a military uniform bearing the american flag patch or a tshirt with a u. 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.
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. Heres why the american flag is put on backwards on u. The army has specific guidelines on when and how to wear the patch, which it has revised to reflect the fact that soldiers now are deployed at smaller echelon levels. Buy reverse texas flag patch full color at army surplus. Reverse american flag patch in other original current. Military uniform flag patch backwards about flag collections. The united states flag manual from the military salute project shows the american flag patch displayed with the canton always facing the.
Military uniform sleeves arent the only place where the flag is displayed this way. When the american flag is displayed in its proper position on a flagpole, the blue field is in the upper left corner, and the stripes are free to wave in the wind. Actually, the flag patch is worn backwards to give others the same impression it did when it was first carried into battle. Mar 27, 2019 army regulation 6701 wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia requires service members to wear their american flag patch with the stars facing forward. The army regulation 6701, formally known as the wear and appearance of army uniform insignia, is the portion of rules which dictate how a man or woman in uniform should wear. The air force uses the standard flag patch on flight uniforms. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. 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. Why is the flag backward on baseball and football uniforms. Why is the american flag backward on military uniforms. On the issue of the clothing, the section requires that the american flag patch should always be on the right of the flag. The regulation states that the stars are to face forward.
Think of it, not as a patch, but rather as a loose flag attached to a soldiers arm, as if it was a flag pole. This is not a military problem, this is an army problem. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on military. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. 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. Therefore, the american flag patch on the left sleeve of a military uniform should have the union stars to the viewers left. Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national. The story of a marine grunt in the first battle of khe sanh april 1967 duration. Oct 10, 2017 army regulation 6701, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. This does not in any impune the honor of army soldiers.
Why is the american flag backwards on military uniforms. Just as the us flag dips to no man or king, and you will see even at the olympic ceremonies, the. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. 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. 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. 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. Shop flag patches at army surplus world army surplus world. If the patch is placed on the left shoulder, the stars should be to the left with the stripes going to the right. Full color versions of these patches are worn on the now retired service green uniform, replaced by wear of combat service identification badges. New texas flag patch in reverse that is machine embroidered with or without hookloop backing. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer s right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.
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