Over the decades, the uniform underwent several iterations, but title 10, subtitle a, part ii, chapter 45 of. They may not be able to expose the administrations travesty, but i can. They all wear an american flag patch and you dont have to be a vet to be any of those things. The first thing to keep in mind about how to wear american flag patches on clothing is the placement. There is nothing illegal about the wearing or use of these items. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. The place of honor for the american flag is always to the right of.
As patriotic americans, we all love to proudly wear our red, white, and blue colors. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. And that is the reason why only the flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed photos. Up until 2005 or so, you only wore the flag once you deployed, but that was changed to make a more cohesive look, so now everyone wears it, but it stays on the right shoulder, because. Nothing in the flag code prohibits this unless the flag is being disrespected. This proviso pertains only to the uniform of the american legion. All personnel are only authorized to wear the matching aor american flag patch on the right. Is it illegal to wear apparel with the american flag. Reveille retreat etiquette news flag patches on uniforms backwards to salute or not that s u s flag code americanread more can civilians salute the american flag.
If you wear the flag patch anywhere else, it can be seen as a display of disrespect. Why wear american flag patch on the right side shoulder. The reason that you wear the flag on your right is because, with combat, you have seen the flag from the other side, and therefore it is a position of honor. Following is a transcript of the video with the answer you might looking for. The way the flag patch is worn can help you tell the difference between civilian and military officials. So, what does all this mean when it comes to wearing the flag. The one rule for wearing a flag is that if placed on the sleeves as it typically would be, it should be placed with t. Im a useless info junkie it may look strange at first, but it actually makes sense.
As a civilian, you should still wear the flag patch on the arm of the shirt in the same manner as soldiers and other military personnel. However being a civilian i dont wear, or show off these patches. Its a question that soldiers hear frequently as they travel through civilian airports, or talk to members of other services. 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. I have a tac hat and routinely wear the american flag, the tough patch etc. Some people might consider that inappropriate, but there are no laws against it. Wearing uniforms and military patches, how far is too far. If you are planning to wear only one patch, it is recommended that you wear a left flag on your left sleeve. Additionally, no emblem, name or patch shall be worn above the flag patch on the same sleeve. American flag clothing rules tactical pro supply, llc.
The truth is that the flag patch is only reversed when it is displayed on the right shoulder because the blue field of stars. While you can technically wear the flag patch in other areas, the sleeve is considered the proper placement by most. There are a couple exceptions such as my edc forums patch and my gadsden flag patch. People who say its illegal reference the federal flag code, 4 u. Things that are okay, imo, nonofficial patches or logos. You are free to wear the flag on either arm on your tshirt as long as the flag isnt upside down. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
It reads explicitly, the flag should never be used as wearing apparel. Navy announces new patches and insignia for sailors and. The flag belongs to every american, and the goruck forward facing flag is a brand so the same there. People are simply expressing their patriotism and love of country by wearing an article of clothing that happens to be red, white, and blue with stars and stripes. Why does the military wear the american flag patch reversed. Seals and other naval special warfare unit sailors, or those specifically authorized to wear the desert digital nwu type ii, may also wear a similarlycamouflaged dtom patch. Is it disrespectful for a civilian to wear an american. Navy seals ordered to remove dont tread on me navy jack. 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. Civilians always ask why the american flag patch is reversed when worn by army personnel on their uniform. Unless an article of clothing is made from an actual united states flag, there is no breach of flag etiquette whatsoever.
Dont be stolen valor patch guy, learn proper patch etiquette. The flag code does not specify how a flag patch should be positioned. Im putting a flag patch on because im a proud american. Code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. Why didnt they just have the american flag patch on the. Official unit patches, to exclude the american flag since any american can wear that. While this is clearly stated in the army code, it only applies to official military uniforms, and not tshirts worn by civilians. The american military uniform has a long and storied history. The issue can be a controversial one, especially around major patriotic holidays like independence day and world events.
The american flag code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. 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. 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 has to do with proper display of the flag. Of course, if you have actually earned the patches you can wear as you wish, this post is for civilians. Dude are flag patches on uniforms backwards is it acceptable to wear a reverse flag patch as civilian black americanread more can civilians wear american flag patches. Are you saying boy scouts, firemen, and policemen are scumbag pieces of.
No, i do not think that it is disrespectful for a civilian to have andor wear the american flag. A stop at s flag patch etiquette page by terri deno notes. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. Why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a. By resolution, the flag patch, when placed on an american legion uniform, may be placed at the shoulder of either sleeve as long as the blue field is forward. When another patch is displayed, the american flag is to be positioned in the superior position right side with the union closest to the bearers heart. The one rule for wearing a flag is that if placed on the sleeves as it typically would be, it should be placed with the stars forward, as if it were hanging off your arm and flowing behind you. Although the code is violated in many different ways each day, what matters most is the intent behind the use of the flag. The decision as to the sleeve on which the patch is to be worn is left to the judgment of the individual, post or color guard involved.
The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the reverse side flag. Civilians can wear military garb in certain instances. Many sharpeyed civilians have noted an apparent oddity on the uniform sleeves of american soldiers. It is absolutely alright for you to wear a us flag patch. 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. Im going to put the patch on my vest, im going to be proud of my country, and you can shove a pine cone up your.
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. Simply put, it is not illegal or immoral to wear any clothing with the american flag on it. However, i think that the reversed flag should only be worn on the right sleeve. Military guidelines specify that in support of joint or multinational operations as in iraq, the right flag is worn on the right sleeve see picture, 14 below the shoulder seam or 18 below any required unit patches. When viewing the flag on a wall, the highest position of. Can civilians wear american flag patches about flag. Why is the flag backwards on military uniforms and planes. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. Jason as a former sf medic and weapons guy, i get where you are coming from with the reversed flag, but it is to be worn on the right side sleeve only per regulations. Size flag patches are typically two inches tall and three inches wide.
Army regulation 6701 addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. Basically if ive earned the right to wear a patch, ill wear it at some point, or put it on my bag. Always remember that the flag code was created as a guideline, intended to be followed voluntarily by civilians. Warcom and group twoone have pushed out the uniform policy for nwu iii and any patches worn on the sleeve. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flag s blue stars facing forward. Is there a general opinion on civilians wearing its tactical patches. R patch another a vietnam campaign ribbon and a semper fi patch. For example, as of 2010, american soldiers continue to wear the army blue established during the revolutionary war.
The us code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. I earned the patches i do not wear any bad ass type patches mainly because i carry all the time and a bad guy will likely take out anyone heshe deems the most dangerous threat, i want them. It may be frowned upon to wear a flag on your person, but for the most. Uniforms that do not have a service name on them e. Many people like to show off their patriotism by wearing the american flag as clothing, but is that proper etiquette according the us flag code. How to wear american flag patches on clothing the flag shirt. Civilians can wear american flag patches as long as its in a respectful manner.
The edc forums is more of a general patch than military, and i feel the gadsden is appropriate right now. However, i think that the reversedflag should only be worn on the right sleeve. This is a discussion on civilian flag on right shoulder within the veterans affairs forums, part of the armed services category. Laws for civilians wearing military uniforms synonym. American flag patch in 310 days low price freeshipping. By paul lukas, on march 23rd, 2015 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. It is the regulation of the department of defense that the american flag patch on all fighting forces uniforms is to be displayed with the star field facing forward, or to the flag s own right. Heres why the american flag is reversed on military. Should or can you wear the american flag as clothing.