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 say not on working uniforms, this is why: Title 4 USC, Subsection 8, Paragraph (e) states that the flag should not be fastened displayed, used, or stored in a manner as to permit it to be torn soiled, or damaged in any way. While it looks great and very patriotic, it's called a work uniform for a reason: It is made to be soiled; therefore if you have our flag fastened to it -- it, too, will become soiled, damaged, or possibly torn.
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I believe all branches of the military should wear an American flag on their uniforms. I'm in the navy and my command wears them.
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We should all be readily identifiable to all combatants of the world regardless of their language. Example: U.S. NAVY means nothing to a man that can't read English, but the flag is universal.
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I may be incorrect here when it comes to history but I do not recall ever seeing the flag worn on a Navy uniform of any kind. I know we did not from 75 to 81 when I was in. Even the ship name worn on the shoulder was not done while I was in. That has come and gone a few times or history. Not sure it's part of the current uniform.
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The flag is there to identify you as a US service member. If the CAP needs to be identified as such, then by all means wear the flag.
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We wear them in NSW. American flag on right shoulder, Don't Tread on Me on the left.
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Nope, only the U.S. Army should since our acronym is 'USA'. Just kidding, people.
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In garrison, I am for it but I don't think that it really matters all that much. While many have pointed out that it is obvious who were serve (to Americans), I can see where it would be advantageous in overseas garrisons. Almost every other country wears their flag proudly. As many different uniforms as we have, I can see it being a bit confusing for some.
When deployed, I think everyone should wear an IR version of the flag. The Navy has recently started issuing the IR versions of the US flag and Gadsden flag. The AF wears IR flags on their multicams. We wear them on our uniforms. The Marines seem to be the only ones (even though I did see a Marine in Navy Type IIs the other day....took me a bout three looks to understand what I was looking at). The IR version serves two practical purposes: it is less obvious when we are attempting to maintain concealment, but assists with friendly forces identification under IR conditions. Wearing the flag alone helps identify us and what nation we fall under which can be valuable. The Brits and Aussies now have multicam based uniforms which could really create confusion for some.
When deployed, I think everyone should wear an IR version of the flag. The Navy has recently started issuing the IR versions of the US flag and Gadsden flag. The AF wears IR flags on their multicams. We wear them on our uniforms. The Marines seem to be the only ones (even though I did see a Marine in Navy Type IIs the other day....took me a bout three looks to understand what I was looking at). The IR version serves two practical purposes: it is less obvious when we are attempting to maintain concealment, but assists with friendly forces identification under IR conditions. Wearing the flag alone helps identify us and what nation we fall under which can be valuable. The Brits and Aussies now have multicam based uniforms which could really create confusion for some.
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