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Appropriate display of USA flag patch?
3/21/2012 8:51:37 PM
Hoping this is the right place to post this question! I recently got a tactical canvas case for my AR carbine on Craigslist. It has an OD green USA flag patch (velcro) on the front, and the flag is facing backwards. I'm not in the military and I've always wondered why I see service members with backwards flag patches. I looked it up online and found out a lot about it, including the fact that up until fairly recently the patches were required to be red, white, and blue as opposed to muted colors. The articles I found also talked about not wearing the flag when not deployed, etc. so it got me to thinking: (yes I'm FINALLY to my question)
Is it appropriate for a proud American citizen who is NOT in the military to have a USA flag patch (backwards or forwards) on his rifle case, backpack, baseball cap, etc. or is that reserved for service members on active duty? I don't want to inadvertently disrespect the flag.
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Is it appropriate for a proud American citizen who is NOT in the military to have a USA flag patch (backwards or forwards) on his rifle case, backpack, baseball cap, etc. or is that reserved for service members on active duty? I don't want to inadvertently disrespect the flag.
[3/21/2012 9:04:02 PM
As far as I'm concerned as a vet if you are an American or even like America you can wear any US flag patch you want to, as long as its warn with respect. When I was in Bosnia I used to give Russian soldiers US flag patches all the time, they loved them. The reverse flag usually goes on the right sleeve of a uniform; the normal flag patch would go on the left sleeve.
3/21/2012 9:18:11 PM
.mil here.
Full Color, reversed flag patch on right shoulder (above combat patch, if applicable) <~ how I wear it in uniform. As long as the canton is forward, the flag is being worn correctly and respectfully. WHEN NOT DEPLOYED.
Subdued or IR, worn the same when deployed (Iraq, Assghanistan)
As to the Velcro loop patch on my soft case, I don't always carry the case so that the canton is facing forward as I carry it...
Full Color, reversed flag patch on right shoulder (above combat patch, if applicable) <~ how I wear it in uniform. As long as the canton is forward, the flag is being worn correctly and respectfully. WHEN NOT DEPLOYED.
Subdued or IR, worn the same when deployed (Iraq, Assghanistan)
As to the Velcro loop patch on my soft case, I don't always carry the case so that the canton is facing forward as I carry it...
3/21/2012 9:45:24 PM
You are an American you rate to wear the flag in any respectful manner you chose.
The Army uses the flag with the union in the top right corner on their right shoulder
It is to indict the flag advancing towards the enemy
Like this photo
Monk
ETA: USA flag code site here
The Army uses the flag with the union in the top right corner on their right shoulder
It is to indict the flag advancing towards the enemy
Like this photo
Monk
ETA: USA flag code site here
3/21/2012 11:55:00 PM
Thanks for great input guys. And thanks to all you vets and currently serving for all that you do and have done!
3/24/2012 11:15:51 PM
Dude. You can wear any patch you want. This is motherfucking AMERICA, land of the FREE.
For now at least.
Just don't wear unit patches or skill badges tabs.
3/26/2012 11:21:37 PM
before i joined, i bought a tactical hat with a hook and loop on it, to show my support for the troops.
My best friend sent me a reversed American Flag patch (per uniform) from Afganistan when he was deployed.
wore that flag, on that hat every day untill he was wheels down on the tarmac.
I, now, wear that flag on my own uniform.
My best friend sent me a reversed American Flag patch (per uniform) from Afganistan when he was deployed.
wore that flag, on that hat every day untill he was wheels down on the tarmac.
I, now, wear that flag on my own uniform.
3/26/2012 11:25:39 PM
To sum up:
Wear whatever the hell you want, but understand that the patch you have was designed to be worn on a right shoulder.
Wear whatever the hell you want, but understand that the patch you have was designed to be worn on a right shoulder.
