Backwards Flags

self | 2/9/09 | CTOCS

[Eric in the Ozarks]

It is certainly not.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

For cooperation of the various branches of the military in TV and movies Department of Defense regulations require certain things. One is that the actors be out of uniform on purpose so any of their actions don't disgrace it. Uniform errors people see in movies and shows usually aren't but are planned.

[DryFly]

You can buy reverse stickers here:

http://www.lifelibertyetc.com/product.aspx?pid=37

[CSM]

First, it is worn in the right shoulder, with the stars in the upper right corner. It is meant to look out of place and as if it is waving as a soldier advances. Why? Because US soldiers NEVER retreat!

“Then put it on the other sleeve.”

The left shoulder is the proper place for unit patches and if the flag were moved to that shoulder the clear message that we NEVER retreat would not be as obvious.

It is supposed to look odd, so that you (we all) notice the message that it is sending.

[CTOCS]

Not on the “left” side, it isn’t.

[jwparkerjr]

I seem to remember seeing one of the machines on a documentary made by Nation Geographic and noticing the backward flag. It might have been one of the Chinook’s. And then of course, I could be wrong. Wouldn’t be the first time, and barring death later today certainly won’t the last time!

Thanks!

[the OlLine Rebel]

This reminds me of people who use hyphens in the wrong places, as if they’re countering the often wrongly ignored hyphen seen now.

Just because you see alot of errors these days does not mean the way you use it is correct, or the way others use it is incorrect.

[Uri’el-2012]

Then put it on the other sleeve.

The left shoulder is the proper place for unit patches and if the flag were moved to that shoulder the clear message that we NEVER retreat would not be as obvious.

It is supposed to look odd, so that you (we all) notice the message that it is sending.

So you support disrespect for our flag, if some unit want to disrespect it.

How have you served to protect this Republic ?

[CTOCS]

Thank you for your time and input. Hard to argue with the photo in post #25.

At 61 years old, I guess I’m a little out of touch.

[mnehring]

What is the proper way to wear a flag patch on one's shoulder sleeve?

Left Flag

Right or "reversed field" flag

General David Petraeus

To wear our country's flag properly, the field of stars is worn closest to your heart. Further, when worn on the sleeve of a military uniform, the flag should appear to be advancing and not retreating. Thus, if your patch is to be worn on your LEFT sleeve, use a left flag (normal). For patches worn on your RIGHT sleeve, use a "right" or "reversed field" flag.

Since the Flag Rules do not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. Some elect to use the "left" flag on both sleeves. [Note: many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag; you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney's office regarding this matter.] If you are planning to wear only one patch, it is recommended that you wear a "left" flag on your left sleeve.

Military guidelines specify that in support of joint or multi-national operations (as in Iraq), the "right" flag is worn on the right sleeve (see picture), 1/4" below the shoulder seam or 1/8" below any required unit patches. (Class A uniform excepted.)

Some people find the "right flag" disrespectful of the flag and some are calling it the "wrong flag." They seek to gain support to encourage a change in the regulations to always use a "left flag" even on a right sleeve.

Source: Army Website FAQs

[stuartcr]

You’re talking about movies and tv, they do not have to be accurate or valid...I think that’s the fiction part.

[Cedar]

Thanks for providing the visual. Even though it is correct, it sure looks wrong to me (and probably many other non-military folks). LOL

[PowderMonkey]

You're most welcome

"ADVANCE THE COLORS!"
Keep the faith, everybody.

[mnehring]

If memory serves me correctly, this started with the first Gulf War re joint operations, we wanted to always send the message of moving forward (the charge flag)- ie, the US is in the lead of the charge.

[the OlLine Rebel]

What? Of COURSE it is!

I have a book on the history complete with the code on flag ettiquette since I was 10 years old (and gobbled it up then). The ONLY thing about flying on the same pole is that the other flags be BELOW the US flag. There is NO prohibition against flying multiple flags.

And when looking at a podium, etc, the US flag should be on the LEFT, if not in the middle. It should never be lower (shorter) than other flags - period.

[IYAS9YAS]

So some unit regulation trumps respect for the flag that represents our Free Republic

No, the respect is proper, no flag placement on uniforms is disrespectful. Your deployment may affect how the patch is displayed. See post 4. Also, for aircraft, this has been the rule for a long time (left side normal view, right side is reversed).

When I wore a flight suit in the Air Force, we had four places for "patches." The right chest was our Command (for me Air Combat Command), the left chest was our name patch. The right shoulder was our unit patch (41 ECS). The left shoulder was our higher headquarters patch (355th Wing) or morale patch (mine was the U.S. Flag which was a normal view because it was on my left shoulder).

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Nope. No other flag should share the pole with the US flag. Not a state flag (which should be lower and on its own staff) and no corporate or other flag such as the black POW flag.

[Uri’el-2012]

I believe that this disrespect for the flag
that represents our free republic was introduced
during the Clinton administration.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Let’s talk about REAL ignorance and disrespect for the flag - unintentional (hence “ignorance”).

-PEOPLE PUTTING FLAGS ON THE REAR OF THE CAR - ANYWHERE: BANNER FLYING FROM WINDOW, STICKER ON REAR END, STICKER ON REAR FENDERS. IT BELONGS ON THE VERY FRONT, AND IF YOU ARE FLYING A BANNER, THE VERY FRONT WINDOW EDGE. THAT INCLUDES ALL THOSE FIREMEN’S UNITS FLYING BIG FLAGS FROM THE BACK OF THE DIRTY TRUCK - BIG NO-NO!!!!

-PEOPLE LEAVING FLAGS OUT ENDLESSLY ON THEIR PERSONAL POLES. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TAKE IT IN IN BAD WEATHER, AND TAKE IT IN AT NIGHT, BARRING HAVING FLOODLIGHT ON IT.

These are actual violations of the code.

[TankerKC]

Then put it on the other sleeve.

The right side is the side of honor. When walking with someone of higher rank, they stand to the right too.