Why reverse flag patch

As AR states, the patch keeps the blue union field moving forward, as if the flag were being carried into battle. The flag moves forward, not backwards, it does not retreat. Yet even with regulations that explain why is the American flag backwards on military uniforms there are still questions and part of that is because of the ambiguity in military regulations and ignorance of the flag code.

While AR explains the wear of the so-called reverse patch in the Army, all the services have varying guidelines for wear of the U. The Coast Guard, for example, wears a U. The union field is still facing forward, but the flag is worn on the left side of a uniform which many people argue is a sign of disrespect. The truth is Title 4 U. Code states no requirements that the U.

Title 4 U. Navy allows sailors to place the U. The reverse U. Air Force Instruction , Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, provides the least amount of uniformity on the matter, pardon the pun. While airmen wear the reverse U. Table of Contents Expand. Table of Contents. History of Flags On The Right. History of the Backward Flag. Updates to the Army Uniform Flag Rule.

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He is the senior vice commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 30 in Mountain Home and wanted to know: Why do Baxter County deputies wear the American flag backward on their uniforms? The sheriff, familiar with both the gentleman and his inquiry, said they've talked about it several times and that he's explained why the deputies wear the American flag the way they do on their uniforms.

We wear the flag the opposite of the military. Therefore, we stop, we evaluate, we take action. O'Meara said Old Glory should not be worn with the stars to the back, because it's a sign of retreat, of running away. The flag should be shown advancing, or charging forward, he said. According to the U. Code governing the American flag, the flag should be displayed with the union, or the canton, or the blue part with the stars, "to the flag's own right"; that is, to the left of whoever is looking at it.

That means, technically, if a flag patch is worn on the right sleeve of a uniform, the blue would be to the back. If it's on the left sleeve, then it would face forward. When displayed on a "moving object" like a person or vehicle, the highest position of honor is the front, and not the rear; so the field of blue should be displayed to the front.

The same principle applies to the eagle rank of Colonels or Navy Captains ; the eagles' heads are always worn facing forward when worn on the uniform, as the forward-facing eagle is the position of honor within heraldry.

In application, then, flags are displayed on moving vehicles with the blue-star field always displayed towards the front of the vehicle. In this way, the flag appears to be blowing in the wind as the vehicle travels forward flags are always attached to their flag poles on the blue field side.

If the flag were not reversed on the right hand side of the vehicle, the vehicle might appear to be moving backwards or "retreating".