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 is shown that way on shoulder patches because it is meant to show old glory being carried forward, perhaps into battle, and fluttering in the wind. The reverse flag patch is part of the army uniform. Answer to quote, to wear our countrys flag properly, the field of stars is worn closest to your heart. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left. The air force uses the standard flag patch on flight uniforms. 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.
Shop flag patches at army surplus world army surplus world. Basically, the idea behind the backward 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. 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. Military patches, us army flag patch, us navy patch. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it should be displayed. New army policy on the wear of flag uniforms blackfive. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or. Inch american us flag embroidered cloth sew on iron on patch golden yellow border. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. A patch on the left shoulder will appear as the flying flag. The flag is only reversed on the right side of the uniform. For flag patches worn on uniforms, the same principle applies. On other military uniforms, youll see whats called the reverse side. Just like with displaying the flag, there are rules of etiquette for the proper use of american flag patches.
Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. Why is the american flag displayed backwards on military. 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. 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. 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. Why is the american flag backward on military uniforms. American flag reversed patch subdued olive and black. Why are the american flags on military uniforms reversed. This item 6 pack reversed american flag embroidered patch, gold border usa united states of america, us army flag patch, sew on unis 4 pack, 3. Here s why the american flag is always backwards on military uniforms. 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. 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 own right. 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 regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn. In reality, its position hearkens back to the civil war, and the standard bearer charging into battle with the flag streaming behind. Military uniform sleeves arent the only place where the flag is displayed this way. S american flag patch backwards on its serving military personnel. During the civil war, both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer, who carried the flag into battle. Army regulation 6701 addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. Army develop another uniform badge, the expert soldier. For those that dont know the reasons the reverse us flag is. In reality, its position hearkens back to the civil war, and the standard. 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. Reverse american flag patchesstickers represent the opposite symbolic meaning. The rule dates back to the army s early history, when both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer, who carried the flag into battle. On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch reversed. This backwards flag patch stands for the opposite of what america represents, life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
Tactical patch display panel holder board for military army combat morale uniform hook and loop emblems, 43 inches x 27. The position of the flag is noted in army regulation 6701, mandating the star field should face forward. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. Ar 6701, paragraph 1918 states, all soldiers will wear the fullcolor u. 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. Heres why the american flag is put on backwards on u. Think of the flag, not as a patch, but as a loose flag attached to the soldiers arm like a flag pole. The flag should be on the right or left shoulder so long as it faces 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. In 2003, in the beginning of the global war on terror, the uniform regulation for the army was updated.
Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national. Why is american flag backwards on soldiers uniform answers. 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. When authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left. Important notice april 26 2020 we are still able to ship most orders within 1 business day mondayfriday order by 3pm eastern time mf and most orders ship the same day. Respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. 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. The official term for this depiction is reverse side flag. 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. Free shipping buy 2 patches or more mix and match and orders sent via standard shipping within the us ship free. Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. Why is the american flag reversed on military uniforms.
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. When viewing the flag on a wall, the highest position of. 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. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. Military uniform american flag patch about flag collections.
The place of honor for the american flag is always to the right of. Why is the us american flag patch backwards on its serving military. This is more of a old wives tale than any factual evidence. Army regulation 6701, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. Both featuring a flag that is reversed the two vehicles are seen to be displayed with backward american flags for the same reason of the uniforms. Besides the feature of the american flag backward on military uniforms, usflagged aircraft and vehicles marked with the american flag are both no different from the uniforms. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. The truth is that the flag patch is only reversed when it is displayed on the right shoulder because the blue field of stars. Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. I am quoting the below from a reddit article and have heard similar before from historians national parks and pbs. 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. Find the perfect flag patches at army surplus world, in stores or online. 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.
Thus, if your patch is to be worn on your left sleeve, use a. The stars are to face forward, the regulation states. 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. Regulation 6701 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. President franklin delano roosevelt signed the official united states federal flag code in 1942, which includes instructions and rules for how to use. The regulation states that the stars are to face forward. Why are american flag patches on law enforcementmilitary. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. Is the american flag backwards on the side of space shuttle discovery. The same goes for military uniforms and government cars. Why are american flag patches worn backwards on military. Why is the u s american flag patch backwards on its serving. This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on. Flag is the same for all camouflage patterns of the army combat uniform.
Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on utility and organizational. Lots of answers here but what follows is the correct answer. If the patch is placed on the left shoulder, the stars should be to the left with the stripes going to the right. They are not backwards, the flag is running towards the battle. All of our patches have a heat seal backing so you can iron them on or sew. And that is the reason why only the flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed photos.
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. Army regulation 6701 outlines the proper placement of american flag patches on authorized uniforms. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette. Army regulation 6701, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. 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. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flags blue stars facing forward. Wear your flag with pride with one of our flag patches. On the issue of the clothing, the section requires that the american flag patch should always be on the right of the flag. An american flag patch and a first infantry division d977 65 003 4 new us army american flag military uniform velcro patch standard reverse acu first look pictures of u s mandos on the front lines in brooke army military medical. Us army uniform flag backwards about flag collections.
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