Posted on Jun 19, 2017
PFC Behavioral Health Specialist
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Responses: 358
CCMSgt Robert Hall
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As a 32 year CCM (USAF, Ret), I would only state that the “flag” onsidered in these communiques is discussions the “flag” as represented in color as red, white and blue. Camo representations should be respected, however, they are representations not our “colors”. If worn in respect of the meaning, I find Nogales with the “nitpickers”; if my brother is face down, in the dirt, from injuries received, one of my later thoughts will be the position of a representation of our Nations Flag on his/her uniform/ equipment.
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SSG Michael Raysses
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We are talking about the USA MILITARY FLAG correct gentlemen?....,well as a retired supply quartermaster sergeant myself.... we issued these flags to all of our troops for their uniforms, and other military belongings and gear!... I had them on all of my uniforms, my rucksack, even my cooks uniform chef coat... we wear them because it's proper... it's regulation.... and it's a sign of respect if nothing else, gentlemen... SSgt Mike Raysses, USAR-Ret.
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Gary Hanson
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A right facing flag is probably okay, never a left facing flag.
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SPC Phillip Lowe
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Yes
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SSG Al Gaeta
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I wore my uniform with PRIDE and I continue to keep a clean high & tight look, yes I was a LIFER,40 yrs, I am a AMERICAN RET. VETERAN HOOAH
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SSG Al Gaeta
SSG Al Gaeta
6 y
Hell I would be asked to remove my last name from the back of my BDU cap! Now look at TODAYS caps
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William Skinner
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Yes
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LCpl Brad Twidwell
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My thought is fly it every chance you get I’m sick and tired of it being abused , burnt, and disgraced. By scum .
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PO3 James Morgan
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No
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PFC James Tedeschi
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No
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CSM James Winslow
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Edited >1 y ago
I really, really don't like these questions, because they go into areas that involve mostly opinion and ego. The treatment of the US Flag and its replicas is covered in very much detail in this thread, so I will start with this from the FAQ section of the Institute of Heraldry (http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/FAQs/Faqs.aspx) -

"The U.S. Code states "no part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officials, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica should be worn on the left lapel near the heart."
The U.S. Code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. It is appropriate to wear an American flag patch on the left or right sleeve. When worn on the left sleeve, the union would appear towards the front and the stripes would run horizontally toward the back. When worn on the right sleeve, it is considered proper to reverse the design so that the union is at the observer's right to suggest that the flag is flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.
Since the law does not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. As 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."

That being said, I see no reason not to have a US Flag patch on a backpack as long as the method of display is (and now we get into the "opinion" part) appropriate, respectful and reasonable care is taken to ensure that the patch is not soiled or unsightly. As Army Regulations describe in great detail what "backpacks" are allowed in uniform (uniform in color, or camouflage matching the uniform of the wearer...etc.), I will only make this statement for the following: (now we get into the "ego part": If you see someone out in the civilian world and they are wearing a civilian backpack, AND you know them to be a Soldier in your formation, AND are in your chain of command, AND they are obviously wearing a flag patch that does not fit in the criteria described above, then, and ONLY then, should you walk up to them, identify yourself (as normally is done for on-the-spot-corrections when wearing civilian clothes) and request they correct the deficiency you noted. Usually, if done properly, the Soldier will comply, but be prepared to see them five minutes later with the patch back in place. As for the non full color versions and the UV versions, I have never seen, anywhere, at any time, any type of guidance about patches or combat insignia that resemble the US Flag (except for the required Red, White and Blue colors) except for those insignia worn on the combat uniform per AR & DA PAM 670-1. Feel free to shoot me down, but we are no longer in total control of our Soldier's actions, and the old adage of "the CSM is always right" is no longer true, as much as we would like it to be. Sometimes, even as a CSM, you have to choose your battles.
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