What is the correct way to wear the American flag on your sleeve?

SSgt Paul Murray — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 02:35:55 -0500

Many years ago the Army Rangers started wearing American flag on their right sleeve with the Stars facing forward with the theory that you were always moving forward. Military regulations then allowed many other branches/units to do the same. Recently law enforcement, corrections officers and firefighters have copied this and switched their flags from the left sleeve to the right in essence copying the military uniform which technically for them, is against the US code. The American Legion and VFW Honor Guard still wear the American flag correctly on the left sleeve. Should LEO and those others be able to wear the flag incorrectly on their right sleeve?

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Feb 3 at 2020 3:11 AM

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 03:11:40 -0500

SSgt Paul Murray I would like to know the correct answer to this. So I am going to inquire, also.

Response by TSgt James Potter made Feb 3 at 2020 9:17 AM

TSgt James Potter — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 09:17:54 -0500

I personally believe that it should be left arm. I was flight crew for a time. That's how it was on flight suit. This is a debate that has raged on for quite a while.

Response by SSG Dale London made Feb 3 at 2020 9:25 AM

SSG Dale London — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 09:25:16 -0500

Simple answer: It is up to the command of the Law Enforcement Agency to determine that. The DoD established the policy with regard to how we wear our uniforms but their authority does not extend to firefighters, cops, forestry service personnel, etc.
Not to put too fine a point on it, it's none of our business.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 3 at 2020 10:33 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 10:33:48 -0500

Air Force One also has forward facing flags on each side of it’s fuselage. SSgt Paul Murray

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 3 at 2020 3:48 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 15:48:44 -0500

On the right sleeve is the correct placement. The Union (starts) always goes to its own right and forward. The flag is treated as a living, breathing object that has a right and left. Our right shoulder allows to the Union to be on its own right, same policy as when you see it on a stage, classroom, and other areas.