Is there now a full color IR flag for the OCP?

2019-11-06T00:01:26-05:00

I saw a SSG on Bliss wearing a full color IR flag in OCPs. Is this a thing now? I know the reg says embroidered. Did something new come out or was this guy F’d up?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 5:22 AM

2019-11-06T05:22:47-05:00

According to the 25 May 2017 publication of AR 670-1, chapter 19 section 18 “Wear of US flag embroidered insignia”:

“All soldiers will wear the full color US flag embroidered insignia on utility and organizational uniforms unless deployed or in a field environment. Soldiers will wear the subdued tactical flag WHILE DEPLIYED OR IN A FIELD ENVIRONMENT.”

That’s the latest edition I can find, and considering it includes regulations on the greens, I believe it is the most accurate.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Nov 6 at 2019 8:41 AM

2019-11-06T08:41:57-05:00

There have been full-color IR flags since I joined. I know because my wife mistakenly bought several from Ranger Joe's while I was in OSUT. I don't know why they exist; to my knowledge, they are not supposed to be worn on the uniform.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 10:46 AM

2019-11-06T10:46:00-05:00

The subdued IR flags are only to be worn during a deployment and during field training. If he was wearing it in Garrison he was definitely f’ed up.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 10:49 AM

2019-11-06T10:49:30-05:00

Are you sure he wasn’t an Air Force TAC-P or Para? I’ve seen them wear it.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 6 at 2019 10:52 AM

2019-11-06T10:52:53-05:00

Without asking the soldier, it is nearly impossible to ascertain whether he was wearing something rogue or it was issued by his unit and he was instructed to wear it. I am always cautious to ask soldiers uniform questions because if they were instructed by their leadership to wear something, even if against 670-1 and I call them on it, now they are stuck between what higher ups in their unit have told them verses some random major grilling them. You as a peer have easier leverage to ask as this SSG was senior to you and can much easier tell you to pound sand than a junior enlisted tell me the same.

Response by SFC Luis (Coolwhip) Ochoa made Nov 7 at 2019 6:03 AM

2019-11-07T06:03:39-05:00

Next time you see him, ask him about it!

Response by SSG Greg Miech made Oct 31 at 2020 8:18 PM

2020-10-31T20:18:51-04:00

Save your money and go with what is issued as there is a reason for uniformity as well. Some things are good for the field craft, others have a tendency to go into the dumpster after a while.