What are your thoughts on the wear of subdued flag on the new uniforms?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 12:22:16 -0400

There is a bit of confusion on which flag to wear with the new uniforms. However, ALARACT 85/2015 Paragraph 5 states...
INSIGNIA AND ACCOUTERMENTS WORN ON THE ACU MUST BE OF THE CORRESPONDING CAMOUFLAGES PATTERN COLOR. THE BACKGROUND MATERIAL OF NAME TAPES, SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA, TABS, GRADE INSIGNIA, FORMER WARTIME SERVICE, AND SEW-ON BADGES WILL MATCH THE CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN OF THE UNIFORM.

So what is your opinion on this?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 12:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 12:27:48 -0400

So, by this standard, the colored US Flag is unauthorized?

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 23 at 2015 12:35 PM

SGT David T. — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 12:35:23 -0400

I've always questioned the practice of putting a non-subdued flag on a camouflage uniform. Seems to me that a subdued flag would make more tactical sense. Maybe wearing a full color one in garrison might work.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 1:59 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 01:59:57 -0500

If an ALARACT message and AR 670-1 contradict each other, which of the 2 do we stick to?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2017 11:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 11:02:34 -0500

The full color American flag is authorized. Even if it isn't clearly stated, the common practice by your chain of command is a good indicator of "the right thing to do". If nothing else, blend in, that way you are all wrong together.
In fact though, I'm not sure if the subdued flag is authorized in garrison. In my state, only if the unit loses a soldier in garrison do we wear the subdued flag and only for a week or so.

Response by Sgt Jmeans M made Oct 17 at 2019 9:27 AM

Sgt Jmeans M — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 09:27:53 -0400

I personally would have full color in Garrison, Deployed or in the field it should be the IR subdued patches, I remember in Somalia we were sewing IR patches on the top of our helmets so that our pilots. using NVG's could see / Identify us, remember the ACU's had the IR patches on the arm pockets. it is a tactical tool, when you have NVG and you opposition doesn't.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 17 at 2019 9:42 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 09:42:11 -0400

Army policy looks very clear. Subdued flag and unit insignias appear to comply with guidance. All of the Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines I see at Scott AFB are wearing all subdued everything. (Scott has a large unified command HQ, so we have a multi-service workforce.)

Response by MGySgt Rick Tyrrell made Oct 17 at 2019 9:06 PM

MGySgt Rick Tyrrell — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 21:06:35 -0400

It’s the flag of our country and worn with honor. If you want to fight an order at least know the order! A good example of teaching a wrong practice... we were taught in boot camp to stand at attention when the National Anthem plays when in reality you are to stand an place your right hand over your heart. We break rules all the time but you should at least know the rule first!