The truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. Heres why the american flag is put on backwards on u. Why the us flag is reversed on military uniforms simplemost. Actually, the flag patch is worn backwards to give others the same impression it did when it was first carried into battle. Maybe youve noticed the same thing on military uniforms and vehicles. 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. Buy reverse texas flag patch full color at army surplus.
When authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left. A lot of people ask, why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. Nov 02, 2018 the flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it should be displayed. Apr 14, 2015 a stop at s flag patch etiquette page by terri deno notes. 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. Why are american flag patches on law enforcementmilitary. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. Why do soldiers wear a backwards american flag patch. 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.
The military has got many traditions that many people are not aware of, and most especially their meanings and what they symbolize. New texas flag patch in reverse that is machine embroidered with or without hookloop backing. Code prescribed that military use of the flag will always be red. 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. 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.
In reality, its position hearkens back to the civil war, and the standard. The issue with the flag on the uniforms is an example. Mar 11, 2016 so if the flag is meant to be seen with the blue field at the upper left, why has the u. Since the stars and stripes are mounted with the canton closest to the pole, that section of the flag stayed to the right, while the stripes flew to the left. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. 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 subdued tactical flag worn on deployments or in the field features muted colors.
The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. Just as the us flag dips to no man or king, and you will see even at the olympic ceremonies, the. Well, several years later, ive decided to search for the answer and as it turns out, theres a pretty good reason for it. On other military uniforms, youll see whats called the reverse side. To fully appreciate what this means, well go into detail on the specifics of flag placement on military uniforms. Oct 10, 2017 why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. 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. Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national.
Ordering flag patches in bulk for sports teams or organizations are economical since we offer a discount for larger quantities. 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. I have seen it on nfl and mlb teams and some police uniforms. Shop flag patches at army surplus world army surplus world. Can be attached to helmets, uniforms, back packs, vests, hats and other tactical gear. Have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military and other uniforms. Mar 30, 2018 have you ever noticed the american flag painted on the side of the airplane as you were boarding. Learn why the flag is worn backward on army uniforms, what it means, and how. Sep 28, 2019 they are not backwards, the flag is running towards the battle. 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. I am quoting the below from a reddit article and have heard similar before from historians national parks and pbs. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on military. I dont know about you, but ive always wondered that.
That position has always been the right shoulder with the flag s blue stars facing forward. 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. Many people believe the flag is in a reversed way, but according to the army regulation 6701, the flag is in the right position. Military american flag patch backwards about flag collections. 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 momentum of the flag bearer would leave the flag streaming behind, appearing backwards to enemies, or anyone else close enough to catch a glimpse. 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. Military uniform flag patch backwards about flag collections. America, the only country where youll be courtmartialed for not wearing your countrys flag backwar. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it. Find the perfect flag patches at army surplus world, in stores or online. Its the same reason that the flag is painted backwards on. If the american flag is worn on the left arm, the american flag appears normal with the stars on the left.
Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. March 11, 2014 bryan wendell uniforms 249 if you look at the right sleeve of a boy scout and of a u. The regulation states that the stars are to face forward. Why is the american flag reversed on military uniforms. Perhaps it stopped you in your tracks and made you think, why is the flag backwards. Wear your flag with pride with one of our flag patches. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on.
Feb 18, 2015 why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. 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. However, with the updated army battle dress uniform that was recently unveiled, the flag patch will become a camouflage, muted color. Navy announces new patches and insignia american flag patches backwards about why the american flag patch is reversed flag wornread more military american flag patch backwards. 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. Why does the flag on a military uniform appear backwards. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. Following is a quote from the department of defense website. Sep 23, 2019 american military uniforms feature 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. Why are the american flags on military uniforms reversed. However, on military uniforms, this stipulation is altered slightly, but for a good reason. Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. Military flags flag patches, world flag patches, ironon.
Cop destroys journalists call to remove the blue lives matter flag. I believe this was started by the us army because our unit patch was sewn. Mar 17, 2020 navy announces new patches and insignia american flag patches backwards about why the american flag patch is reversed flag wornread more military american flag patch backwards. Is the american flag backwards on the side of space shuttle discovery. Therefore, the flag is worn on the right shoulder, and wearing it backward gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. Instead, there is deep meaning behind this alignment. On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch reversed, but why is this. Embroidered ironon military flag patches from international armed forces. Respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. Have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on. According to united states army regulations, the fullcolor us flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward. S american flag patch backwards on its serving military personnel. Mar 27, 2018 whoever was in charge of making the outfits really messed up. 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.
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. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. 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. This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on. Mar 27, 2019 have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military and other uniforms. Everything from the precise way the flag is folded to the way military decorations are worn is done for significant reasons whether theyre well known or not. Posted on october 10, 2017 october 18, 2017 1 comment on why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. Mar 29, 2010 today i learned that a person will look at a backwards flag patch, sticker or painting of a flag on a vehicle and say it is not backwards but blowing in the wind.
This is more of a old wives tale than any factual evidence. 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. Get the best deals on reverse american flag patch in other original current military patches when you shop the largest online selection at. On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch. A stop at s flag patch etiquette page by terri deno notes. If the american flag is worn on the right arm, the american flag will appear backwards with the stars on the right. 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. This item military usa american reversed hook flag patch with gold border us army logo ironon embroidered patch tactical patch display panel holder board for military army combat morale uniform hook and loop emblems, 43 inches x 27.
Code prescribed that military use of the flag will always be red, white, and blue. The official reason for the backwards american flag. Apr 23, 2015 wearing the backwards flag patch and displaying the flag backwards. Reverse american flag patch in other original current.