Posted on Jun 29, 2014
Should all branches of the military wear a US flag on their uniform?
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Ok, I apologize in advance once again for bringing Civil Air Patrol into the mix, but an interesting and heated debate has arisen the last few days that might be relevant here.
-In 2007 CAP's national commander added the reverse american flag on the BDU uniform. This change was met with a lot of resistance, many people were not happy with the addition.
-A few days ago, CAP's new uniform manual began phasing the US flag out and once again, many people are upset, saying it's disrespectful to remove it from the uniform.
-Here's my opinion: The Army is the only branch that wears it, and CAP is not the Auxiliary of the Army. I read a few discussions about why most branches don't wear it and I agree. It is a work uniform and poses the risk of soiling or tearing the flag patch. I, as a Crew Chief understand this and would hate to have to replace it every time I spilled hydraulic fluid on it. The Army has it a little easier being their patches are Velcro so it can be easily replaced. I also heard by rumor that the Army was discussing removing the US flag as well. Is there any truth there or just rumor?
What are your opinions? Should all branches of the military wear a US flag on their uniform? Why do you support your opinion?
-In 2007 CAP's national commander added the reverse american flag on the BDU uniform. This change was met with a lot of resistance, many people were not happy with the addition.
-A few days ago, CAP's new uniform manual began phasing the US flag out and once again, many people are upset, saying it's disrespectful to remove it from the uniform.
-Here's my opinion: The Army is the only branch that wears it, and CAP is not the Auxiliary of the Army. I read a few discussions about why most branches don't wear it and I agree. It is a work uniform and poses the risk of soiling or tearing the flag patch. I, as a Crew Chief understand this and would hate to have to replace it every time I spilled hydraulic fluid on it. The Army has it a little easier being their patches are Velcro so it can be easily replaced. I also heard by rumor that the Army was discussing removing the US flag as well. Is there any truth there or just rumor?
What are your opinions? Should all branches of the military wear a US flag on their uniform? Why do you support your opinion?
Posted in these groups: 
Uniforms
Uniforms
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 41
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I think it really depends which uniform. I voted in favor of the flag in this poll. In the USAF, it's just those in flight suits who are able to wear them on a daily basis.
I've always been quietly jealous of the US Army's assaulting flag. I think having the flag and a unit patch on adjacent shoulders is a great reminder of "one team, one fight."
I've always been quietly jealous of the US Army's assaulting flag. I think having the flag and a unit patch on adjacent shoulders is a great reminder of "one team, one fight."
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Do you fight for or stand for America? Then, yes, you should wear it, and wear it proudly. Get rid of the reverse flag, we are always charging forward.
Police, Firemen, Military, all volunteer forces that stand for the American way of life. That flag is for everyone, not just the Army. I was proud to wear it and I hope they would be too.
Police, Firemen, Military, all volunteer forces that stand for the American way of life. That flag is for everyone, not just the Army. I was proud to wear it and I hope they would be too.
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I have no problems with it either way. I know that many of the international military members that I saw deployed to Afghanistan had their flag on their uniform.....what I don't know is if that was only for deployment or if it was also home station. If I am told to put it on my uniform, I will wear it with pride. If it is not authorized, I will not put it on. That simple!
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Suspended Profile
SSgt (Join to see) . . . and here I thought the US Flag patch was originally intended to serve as an EO / IR / UV / LASER / Night Vision Optical Tag designed to reduce fratricide in the field. Warmest Regards, Sandy
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I am indifferent but lean more toward no mainly because like others have said it could get dirty and need to be replaced. Not only that but most of our uniforms wouldn't look right with it, probably because the Army is the only one that we are used to seeing wear it but still.
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I can remember when it was official that all Soldiers must wear the uniform as we are a nation at war. I never agreed with it as I'm from the the age of you only wear it while deployed to signify that you are deployed, going to deploy or just returned from deployment. I honestly think we should either wear the flag or take the U.S. off our uniform (just kidding). We should retire the American flag to our wat chest to await the next war you deploy in support of.
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I think all services should wear the American flag on uniforms your an American man woman in the united States Military
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SFC Jeff Stevenson
I was so used to wearing the flag while stationed in Italy, then through most my SF time. It shows pride and there is no doubt who you work for. During deployments, that flag gets big. The Local Law Enforcement also wears theirs with pride. It shows we are a team. And behind our country, no matter who is in charge. I fully agree with Mark.
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The Marine Corps doesn't wear it on utilities. We now have the name strips which identify you as a "U.S. Marine". Back in the day we only had the iron on USMC and EGA on the left breast pocket.
The Flag It is not worn on any dress uniform. The Marine Corps is not big on patches on uniforms, period. I think we all know we are serving in the US Armed Forces. I see no reason to add it but have no issue with the Army or CAP having it on theirs.
I do think it could get soiled and if sewn on could be a pain to remove and reapply. I don't see the Marine Corps going to velcro on uniforms any time soon.
The Flag It is not worn on any dress uniform. The Marine Corps is not big on patches on uniforms, period. I think we all know we are serving in the US Armed Forces. I see no reason to add it but have no issue with the Army or CAP having it on theirs.
I do think it could get soiled and if sewn on could be a pain to remove and reapply. I don't see the Marine Corps going to velcro on uniforms any time soon.
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It is my understanding that most, if not all, wear the flag on the uniform while deployed. I could be wrong. Can anyone verify?
I don't think it is necessary while stateside or in garrison at any given base outside of war zones.
I don't think it is necessary while stateside or in garrison at any given base outside of war zones.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I've seen *some* newer Air Force Deployment uniforms that have the Flag on them. Guess I'm talking out of my rear, :).
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SrA Matthew Knight
I would guess that is because we wear the same multicams as the Army, therefor we apply the subdued flag to the right shoulder. I personally have never been deployed or received them but I have seen Airmen wearing them.
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I was in when the flag fiasco started. I don't know how many of you were in when we started to put them on our BDUs but it was not a fun time. Colored flags or subdued, which sleeve, it looked right when we ordered it But if you sew it on the right shoulder the stars are on the wrong side, etc.
It should be worn in a multinational environment where it matters. Not into something that can get caught, ripped, torn or dirty. Otherwise, if you need a reminder of what country you serve, I know every installation has a flag designated for that express purpose.
It should be worn in a multinational environment where it matters. Not into something that can get caught, ripped, torn or dirty. Otherwise, if you need a reminder of what country you serve, I know every installation has a flag designated for that express purpose.
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