On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch reversed, but why is this. An interview i did with my father about why the american is worn backwards and why its. Wzt 2 pcs regular and reverse american flag embroidered patches grey. 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. The only time that isnt the case is when she is flown upside down, as others have mentioned, as a sign of distress, as a distress call, or when it is a right shoulder patch, with the star field on the flags own left but towards the forward of the wearer. 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. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform.
S american flag patch backwards on its serving military personnel. 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. S flag on the shoulder of the army combat uniform upside down. Ssi are available in ocp, multicam, and acu digital patterns. The backwards flag resembles what it would look like, were it being carried into battle. I have seen it on nfl and mlb teams and some police uniforms. Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. If the patch is placed on the left shoulder, the stars should be to the left with the stripes going to the right. 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. Army regulations call for the flag to be worn so that to observers, it looks as if. Choose between 24 us embroidered flag patch designs, rectangle american flag patches, shield us flag patches, and other popular us flag patch designs. In 2003 the uniform regulation for the army was updated. The truth is that the flag patch is only reversed when it is displayed on the right shoulder because the blue field of stars.
Flag isn t backward it s aulting flag patches on uniforms backwards flag isn t backward it s aulting whyread more army us flag backwards about flag collections. I dont know about you, but ive always wondered that. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. When authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left. 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. They are not backwards, the flag is running towards the battle. What does it mean when an americn flag patch is reversed.
Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. 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 the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on. 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. Usa us military army uniform emblems, size 3x2 inches. American flag patches range in size up to the large embroidered 8 x 12 patch.
This item military usa american reversed hook flag patch with gold border. Find the perfect flag patches at army surplus world, in stores or online. I am quoting the below from a reddit article and have heard similar before from historians national parks and pbs. 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. Why are american flag patches on law enforcementmilitary. If the patch is worn on the right shoulder, the stars will be. Why is american flag backwards on soldiers uniform answers. Why is the u s american flag patch backwards on its serving. Lots of answers here but what follows is the correct answer. Flag patches, us flag patches, american flag patches, us.
Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on. Heres why the american flag is put on backwards on u. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. Military flags flag patches, world flag patches, ironon.
On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch. Buy reverse texas flag patch full color at army surplus. Shop flag patches at army surplus world army surplus world. 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. Im having a party for my son who just enlisted and is getting ready to leave for basic. The power and politics of flags, explains why american flags are reversed on military uniforms. Wear your flag with pride with one of our flag patches. The star field is always to be displayed on the flags own right. However, on military uniforms, this stipulation is altered slightly, but for a good reason. Army regulation 6701, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. I get why the patch is backwards when worn on the right shoulder. The army reasons that with the flag patch worn that way, it resembles a flying flag carried by a soldier who is moving. However, with the updated army battle dress uniform that was recently unveiled, the flag patch will become a camouflage, muted color. So if the flag is meant to be seen with the blue field at the upper left, why has the u.
Why are the american flags on military uniforms reversed. Military uniform sleeves arent the only place where the flag is displayed this way. Well, several years later, ive decided to search for the answer and as it turns out, theres a pretty good reason for it. 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. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. I believe this was started by the us army because our unit patch was sewn onto the left shoulder of our uniform. Army patches are of the highest quality and your satisfaction is guaranteed. For those that dont know the reasons the reverse us flag is. 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. 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. Code prescribed that military use of the flag will always be red, white, and blue. Why the us flag is reversed on military uniforms simplemost. Why didnt they just have the american flag patch on the left shoulder. Just like with displaying the flag, there are rules of etiquette for the proper use of american flag patches.
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. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it should be displayed. Reverse american flag patch in other original current. Get the best deals on reverse american flag patch in other original current military patches when you shop the largest online selection at. Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. 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. The truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed. The official army guidelines on the donning of flag patches add that the forwardfacing stars give the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the. This is why us flag is reversed on military uniforms.
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. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of. Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national. Army regulation 6701 outlines the proper placement of american flag patches on authorized uniforms. National armed forces day may 16 2020 today why is the u s flag worn backwards on uniforms why the u s flag is worn backward on army uniforms why is the u s american flag patch backwards on its serving here s why the us flag sometimes ears backwards. Army surplus world is a premier supplier of usgi and commercial products for past and present members of the military, public service professionals, outdoor enthusiasts and patriotic americans. 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.
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. Embroidered ironon military flag patches from international armed forces. 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. 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.
In reality, its position hearkens back to the civil war, and the standard bearer charging into battle with the flag streaming behind. The rule dates back to the armys early history, when both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer, who carried the flag into battle. 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 of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it. This is more of a old wives tale than any factual evidence. Civilians often wonder why the american flag on military uniforms are worn backwards. Why is the american flag reversed on military uniforms. 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. 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. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. Full color versions of these patches are worn on the now retired service green uniform, replaced by wear of combat service identification badges.
Army shoulder patches, officially known as shoulder sleeve insignia ssi, are worn on the upper left arm of the army combat uniform. A patch on the left shoulder will appear as the flying flag. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. The regulation states that the stars are to face forward. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. 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. Tactical patch display panel holder board for military army combat morale uniform hook and loop emblems, 43 inches x 27. This way the flag is on its right and is moving forward, which would have been a different case if the flag appeared the other.
When that soldier moves forward, the stripes will flow to the back and the blue field will face forward. Military uniform flag patch backwards about flag collections. 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. The flag is worn with the appearance of being backwards on soldiers right arm to symbolize early american armies which had a flag carrier. I am just wondering why it was decided to not have it on the left shoulder where its orientation would be what most people traditionally expect. 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.
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