Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on. 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. 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. No, the backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code. Free shipping on many items browse your favorite brands affordable prices. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it. 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 same flagpole mounted us flag would flow backwards as you ran into battle. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia.
The truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed. 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. 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. Actually, the flag patch is worn backwards to give others the same impression it did when it was first carried into battle.
When authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. It is not backward it is only orienting the flag to its natural position in movement. We easily have at least 30 different sizes and colors of embroidered american flags. The stars appear on the right side of the flag, not the left. 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. Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. And that is the reason why only the flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed photos. This guy had prosthetic leg, and visible damage to his arm.
The american flag patch represents the flag and when flags fly in motion, like a parade, the field of blue is always in the front and that is the only reason the right shoulder flag patch has the field of blue reversed. Comes with velcro hook backing for quick and easy attachment and detachment. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. The united states flag manual from the military salute project shows the american flag patch displayed with the canton always facing the. Look down below at that picture of two brave soldiers. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. Many sharpeyed civilians have noted an apparent oddity on the uniform sleeves of american military men. The one on the left is wearing a backward american flag patch. The flag is placed on the right shoulder because the right is the traditional place of honor. The reversed american flag patch small embroidered patch measures 3x2 inches. Flag patches shop embroidered flag patches thecheapplace. 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.
It is designed to be sewn on for permanent attachment to your uniforms, caps, bags, or other gear. 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 us flag, or any flag i think, flown upside down is a universal sign of distress. Reverse american flag patches stickers represent the opposite symbolic meaning the scouts of all people should know about patch design where are your morals. But the soldier on the right is wearing a normal american flag patch.
Is the american flag backwards on the side of space shuttle discovery. The simple reason for this is that tradition dictates the flag must always be facing forward. This reversed american flag patch is fully embroidered in desert colors. 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. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. The place of honor for the american flag is always to the right of. At one point, all us troops wore the flag backwards on their uniform because. Cop destroys journalists call to remove the blue lives matter flag. The way the flag patch is worn can help you tell the difference between civilian and military officials. 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. Heres why the american flag is put on backwards on u. Is it acceptable to wear a reverse flag patch as a.
The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be. This patch is designed to be worn on the right shoulder so that the flag always shows facing forward. This patch features the reversed american flag in nir reflective black and white. Just like with displaying the flag, there are rules of etiquette for the proper use of american flag patches. 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 flag s own right. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. Flag patches embroidered flag patches you can sew or iron on to clothes. Army regulation 6701 addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. Proudly display your patriotism with the tg american flag patch, the perfect way to honor the united states. Basically, the idea behind the backwards american flag on army uniforms is to make it look as though the flag. Why do soldiers wear a backwards american flag patch. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. 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.
The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. The power and politics of flags explains why american flags are reversed on military uniforms. The army reasons that with the flag patch worn that way, it resembles a flying flag. When viewing the flag on a wall, the highest position of. 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. Reversed american flag patch american flag patches. Ir patches brightly reflect infrared light to provide covert combat. Shop our selection of embroidered iron on flag patches. Only the flag patches affixed to right shoulders of uniforms are reversed, so the blue field of stars faces forward. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flag s blue stars facing forward. Tg american flag reversed patch tactical gear superstore. On the issue of the clothing, the section requires that the american flag patch should always be on the right of the flag. Is this anti american or do people get this when they return from war.
Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. 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. Both the reversed and the standard edition of us flags are fairly easy to come by the military uses the reverse, whereas civilian agencies use the standard display. This backwards flag patch stands for the opposite of what america represents, life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Gorucks reverse flag explained respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer s right, and. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of the flag.
It used to be in the army you wear the reversed us flag patch on your right arm when you deployed to a war zone. American us flag reversed patch gold border sew on. What does it mean when an americn flag patch is reversed. The subdued tactical flag worn on deployments or in the field features muted colors. First, youve got the common misperception that the reversed flag is the military version, as ive heard it called by civilians. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. The tricky part is finding a reverse flag that isnt hook and loop velcro. 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 should be on the right or left shoulder so long as it faces 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 flag s own right. Im a useless info junkie it may look strange at first, but it actually makes sense. This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on.
On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch. What does an american flag stand for if it is reversed and. 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 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. For those that dont know the reasons the reverse us flag is. What does a backwards black and white american flag mean. The power and politics of flags, explains why american flags are reversed on military uniforms. Ir reversed american flag patch night vision patch kellac. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national.
The tattoo was a black and backwards american flag. 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. Full color options are available for wear on military uniforms during garrison. The regulation states that the stars are to face forward. The official reason for the backwards american flag.