Why is the U.S. Army the only branch that wears the full-color U.S. Flag?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 11:15:56 -0500

I've consistently wondered why the U.S. Army is the only branch that wears the full-color U.S. Flag patch on the combat uniform. Marines don't wear anything on their combat uniform, but Navy and Air Force both wear the subdued U.S. Flag patch on theirs. AR 670-1 Ch 19-18 states "All soldiers will wear the full-color U.S. Flag embroidered insignia utility and organizational uniforms, unless deployed or in a field environment. Soldiers will wear the subdued tactical flag insignia while deployed or in a field environment." While I understand the regulation, it seems to me that wearing the subdued flag insignia would make more sense because it matches the uniform pattern. What are your thoughts? PFC Private RallyPoint Member SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" LTC Stephen F. CPL Dave Hoover SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SSG Private RallyPoint Member Capt Dwayne Conyers CPT Jack Durish SGT Ben Keen CPT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 17 at 2020 11:19 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 11:19:13 -0500

You have sound merit behind your question, I tried not to question the higher ups on their logic when I was in, they have their reasons for what they do.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2020 11:21 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 11:21:03 -0500

Because someone with a lot more rank and a much higher position was visited by the Good Idea Fairie and forgot to bring their bug repellent.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2020 11:47 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 11:47:44 -0500

Can’t speak to current day but these WWII flags are impressive. A lot more @ WWII museum in NOLA and the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Eglise.

https://www.paratrooper.be/articles/invasion-arm-flags/

Invasion arm flags - Paratrooper.be

Various types of these ‘invasion’ armflags were worn by paratroopers in the course of the war. They were worn specifically by paratroopers to identify them as American forces because paratroopers would be dropped behind enemey lines and risked to be mistaken for Axis soldiers by the main US assault forces approaching them over land. Flag patches continue to be worn by US forces of all branches of service today.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 17 at 2020 12:02 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 12:02:48 -0500

You answered your own question, it is in the reg. I personally know that when the patch, flag became part of the uniform it was intended to stand out. Pride in service, pride in country, PRIDE.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2020 12:10 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 12:10:23 -0500

I have seen both navy and airforce wear color flags in duty uniform (though they may not have been "combat" uniform but certainly flight suits.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 17 at 2020 12:40 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 12:40:44 -0500

"I've consistently wondered why the U.S. Army is the only branch that wears the full-color U.S. Flag patch on the combat uniform"

We do not wear the full color flag on the prescribed uniform when deployed to a combat area
But because we wear that same uniform in the US and non US "Home Stations" when not at combat , thus its simply the prescribed uniform and those that set policy wanted the public to see a full color flag.

Oh and we are not the Marines, there is much we dont do as they do, some of it for the betterment of the force, some less so.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2020 12:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 12:42:46 -0500

In 2014 when I was in Afghanistan we were issued the subdued flag to wear???

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2020 12:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 12:49:16 -0500

Because we're the pride of the nation and we're proud of that nation - MURICA!!!

Response by SFC Bert Linson made Jan 17 at 2020 1:05 PM

SFC Bert Linson — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 13:05:23 -0500

Before 9/11 no flag was worn on the uniform. At least not when not deployed.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Jan 17 at 2020 3:40 PM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 15:40:44 -0500

I wonder if the Marines are the only branch of the service that can land on foreign shores to protect American lives and property without declaring war, is the reason they don't wear an American Flag on their combat uniforms. We have Marine security detachments at our embassies around the world. That's the way it was when I was in the Marine Corp 59-63. If its different know let me know. Semper Fi.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jan 17 at 2020 7:13 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 19:13:05 -0500

As a Marine... I cannot put forward a reason that is not a joke, and I've apologized enough today for unappreciated jokes.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2020 9:12 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 09:12:05 -0500

Boom!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 18 at 2020 10:25 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 10:25:02 -0500

I certainly concur with you my friend SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member that instead of a full color patch on "combat uniforms " "it seems to me that wearing the subdued flag insignia would make more sense because it matches the uniform pattern."

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Jan 18 at 2020 9:12 PM

SPC Richard Zacke — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 21:12:25 -0500

Because the Army has the most soldiers and can affored to lose some by flashing the colors in the field. That just a joke don't jump down my throat the real truth is some pencil pushers in the Pentagone forgot what combat is. May look good to us but it's a bulls eye for any tango that spots the colors in the field.

Response by LCpl Mike Niemeyer made Jan 20 at 2020 11:20 AM

LCpl Mike Niemeyer — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:20:45 -0500

Dont know about the rest of the branches, but in the Corps your camo utities are to be worn as if you are in the field at all times. Yes we used to iron them till the new stuff came out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2020 12:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 12:40:49 -0500

The nation is at war and will be for the foreseeable future. As an expeditionary Army, our Soldiers' commitment to fight and win our Nation's War, at home and abroad is best exemplified by permenantly wearing the U.S. Flag insignia on the utility uniforms.

Response by Sgt Dan Catlin made Feb 21 at 2020 12:36 PM

Sgt Dan Catlin — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 12:36:49 -0500

To a Marine looking at the Army uniform, it seems as though someone in charge has a mania for hanging stuff on ya'll. There is an Army reg somewhere that says "No part of the uniform shall go unadorned by something." Seriously though, you do have a lot of stuff on all your uniforms; not just the flag. I liked the Marines philosophy of keepin' it simple, keepin' it clean.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 12:13 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 00:13:26 -0500

This falls in line with the Army requiring that everyone's rifle be painted black rather than camouflaged.

Response by SPC Steven Oxley made Mar 7 at 2020 10:25 PM

SPC Steven Oxley — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 22:25:39 -0500

I don't understand the need for all this stuff on the uniforms now days. To me the flag looks like its pointing backwards. Can't see the rank except up close and don't know what all is hanging off the velcrow. Looks like over kill to me.

Response by MSG Jim Surratt made Mar 16 at 2020 10:17 PM

MSG Jim Surratt — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 22:17:22 -0400

Full color flag are about the same as officers wearing shinny brass in combat !!!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 17 at 2020 9:56 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 09:56:55 -0400

I imagine it has something to do with certain senior officers and stock ownership.

Response by SP5 Lynn Adams made Apr 16 at 2020 8:01 AM

SP5 Lynn Adams — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 08:01:44 -0400

When I was in Vietnam our unit patch( First Air Cav on helicopter, was painted the correct color so the enemy knew who was giving them hell. I see the full colored flag as showing pride.

Response by 2LT Paul Denhup made Apr 16 at 2020 10:23 AM

2LT Paul Denhup — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 10:23:49 -0400

HOOAH that's why.

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Apr 16 at 2020 10:35 PM

MSgt Michael Bischoff — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 22:35:33 -0400

So they can tell which arm is left and which is right!

Response by SSG Sam Jackson made Apr 27 at 2020 10:20 AM

SSG Sam Jackson — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 10:20:21 -0400

I just saw this question and I am curious why anyone would question or wonder about it. 1. The reg you quoted says to and also says not in field environment or while deployed. 2. What good soldier would not be proud to wear it in full color. 3. Had it been in the regs when I served I would have danced with joy when it was introduced as well as feel bad the other branches weren't allowed the same privilege.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2020 3:46 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 15:46:21 -0400

Who cares...that Mickey Mouse

Response by Cris Stuart made May 7 at 2020 5:41 PM

Cris Stuart — Thu, 07 May 2020 17:41:31 -0400

I'm use to AR-76-1 for dress uniforms, I did 3 1/2 years in Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps in High School

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Jun 6 at 2020 6:29 PM

SSG Dave Johnston — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 18:29:28 -0400

It's because of the "swamp gasses" that surround the "Not-Square" building in Arlington, Virginia.

Hmmmmm; Didn't having the US Flag added to the uniform happen around the time General Shinseki was Chief of Staff of the Army? I know he decided to eliminate many of the tracked combat vehicles from inventory and then there was the "Black Beret" controversy, hmmmm… Maybe the Army side of the "Not-Square" building thinks wearing the flag on the Uniform will keep Army soldiers from shooting each other in a firefight, maybe; something to ponder.

My first Uniform with the Flag requirement was the Chocalate Chips issued for the MFO assignment in '89. So...…
Yes, I blame it on the "Not all there Not Square" building in Arlington VA.

Response by SR Robert Clarence Cramer made Jun 12 at 2020 7:41 PM

SR Robert Clarence Cramer — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 19:41:17 -0400

Federal codes does not address the flag patch. Some of the services place the flag"s canton over our left shoulder. The army has a regulation that places the canton over the right shoulder.

Response by LTC Lars Staack made Jun 18 at 2020 8:51 AM

LTC Lars Staack — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 08:51:28 -0400

I wore the U.S. flag on my left shoulder when I served with ACE Mobile Force in Germany. It was a multinational brigade that conducted combined operations with NATO oversight, so everyone wore the flag of their country. When the Army directed the wear of the U.S. Flag on the right shoulder, I assumed it was an acknowledgement of the Army's commitment to the conduct of combined operations with it's various international partners. The Army has since reduced the emphasis of combined operations.

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Jun 23 at 2020 9:23 PM

SSG Everett Wilson — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 21:23:44 -0400

I was told its because of joint operations with other countries, and its easier to see what country the individual belongs, the same reason we wear patches

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Jul 11 at 2020 11:20 PM

MSgt Allen Chandler — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 23:20:18 -0400

This is a little bit off the question but I’d like to ask why is everyone still wearing combat uniforms every day to the office? Just as one example: watching a general march across Lafayette park next to the President of the United States. Everyone in business suits except for him in combat fatigues. In my opinion he just looked out of place. days later when he made a speech about that night he was in full dress uniform. When the gulf wars started everybody switch to combat uniform as sort of an esprit de corps thing. I think we lost a lot of the military looking sharp image. In my opinion there are many jobs that could be better done in casual uniform or class A rather than combat uniform.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 12 at 2020 12:05 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 00:05:51 -0400

Because the Army bought a whole bunch of Full Color Flags and needs to use them.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 5:23 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 05:23:35 -0400

It definitely made us stand out during African Lion.. smoking outside the hotel when a bus full of tourists pulled up and immediately knew I was American. About 50 phones were clocking away as I tried to run inside and hide my nationality lol

Response by PO1 Steve Mitchell made Jul 12 at 2020 12:51 PM

PO1 Steve Mitchell — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 12:51:14 -0400

No idea....but the Army has become a bunch of Karens

Response by Sgt Aaron Cook made Jul 12 at 2020 4:20 PM

Sgt Aaron Cook — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 16:20:55 -0400

I think a more useful question is why the Army still wears the thing backwards instead of just putting it on the other arm so it can still be "waving in the wind"

There's not usually a lot of confusion about which country our uniforms represent.

Response by Sgt Sheldon Best made Jul 12 at 2020 4:48 PM

Sgt Sheldon Best — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 16:48:35 -0400

I have often wondered why the Army uses Velcro on their uniforms. It looks tacky and there is no way you can keep sticks, leaves and sand from getting caught in the loops.
Get rid of the Velcro and adhere your patches permanently, like the Corps and Navy, and subdued colors are the ONLY ones that make sense.

Response by Lt Col Leslie Bryant made Jul 12 at 2020 6:41 PM

Lt Col Leslie Bryant — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 18:41:44 -0400

Wow, I’m jealous! As retired USAF, would have loved to have worn a fully colored US Flag! During my Service time, the only time we wore a subdued flag was when we were on deployment. Wore subdued on a deployment to Bosnia during Operation Joint Forge and 9/11. I chose military service after having been held hostage twice in childhood under military coupes in Peru and Libya. Wish I could have done 28 yrs wearing a fully colored US flag on my uniform! It becomes even more meaningful as our citizens refuse to respect the flag, trample on it or burn it! I learned early in life and before military service that freedom isn’t free and often comes at a price and not everyone or every country has freedom! You US Army folks are really, really, really lucky to wear a colored US flag!!!

Response by Capt Raymond Lewis made Jul 13 at 2020 12:31 AM

Capt Raymond Lewis — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 00:31:08 -0400

I think that maybe all the Marines know what flag they represent and do not need to wear one to remember. Just my thought.

Response by COL Thomas F. made Jul 13 at 2020 11:38 AM

COL Thomas F. — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 11:38:39 -0400

If you look at most other allied countries, they wear their full color patch, albeit a lot smaller. Much like putting rank on the center of our chest, I believe this was to fall in line with our partner nations. It might also be some nostalgia when US troops invaded Europe in WWII, we had those ginormous american flags to prevent fratricide. Take your pick. I'd rather have the IR patch myself.

Response by CSM Donald McGlasson made Jul 14 at 2020 9:07 AM

CSM Donald McGlasson — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:07:05 -0400

First and foremost, the Red, White, and Blue are the "only" true colors of our flag. The reasons are as it was explained to me years ago are; the subdued flag represents the status you happen to be in at the time, the field/deployed flag is able to be seen at night with night vision devices (not necessary in garrison environment), and last but certainly not least, the uniform differences distinguishes one service from another and don't have the same missions.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 14 at 2020 9:44 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:44:47 -0400

USAF aircrew wear full color flag on left shoulder. Recent pictures show some aircrew wear other patches on left shoulder. May vary by MAJCOM. On real combat missions aircrew may remove all their patches before the mission. Bright colors aren’t good for escape and evasion.

Response by SP6 Betty Yeary made Jul 15 at 2020 4:34 PM

SP6 Betty Yeary — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 16:34:30 -0400

I am a retired staff Sergeant I love seeing the flag on our uniforms the whole flag I think everybody should wear them it's sharing our country and I'm not ashamed of my uniform or my country

Response by SPC Joseph Kopac made Jul 16 at 2020 7:27 AM

SPC Joseph Kopac — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 07:27:37 -0400

The 101st didn’t wear subdued patches in Nam.

Response by Cpl James Arnold made Jul 16 at 2020 8:22 AM

Cpl James Arnold — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 08:22:59 -0400

Because the Army seems to like lots of color, all over their uniforms.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jul 16 at 2020 5:45 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 17:45:59 -0400

I'm sure someone has answered this.
Colored flags are for CONUS weer. While deployed and in hostile territory, we ear the subdued ones. I was a Medic in an Infantry unit for most of my time. We would take off those patches as it would be harder to ID personal soldiers and ranking soldiers while outside of the wire.
Soldiers have worn things to ID them specifically and by company/regiment/etc. The Romans were quite colorful in their garb. Tradition is also a big thing with the military and something we shouldn't give up. Can we alter things as to be more efficient while deployed? Of course.

Response by LCpl Andrew Montoya made Jul 16 at 2020 6:40 PM

LCpl Andrew Montoya — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:40:16 -0400

For the USMC, I believe a big reason Is as other folks mentioned. Camo is for work and only work. Dont wear them out in public either because they are for field work. Just different mindsets on the purpose of a uniform.

Response by SSG John Lasseigne made Jul 23 at 2020 4:08 PM

SSG John Lasseigne — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:08:09 -0400

When they added the flag to bdu's...not so smart as it was sewn on. On acu's...it takes two seconds to change a velcro patch...wheres the problem?

Response by SPC Thomas Kosakowski made Jul 30 at 2020 8:05 AM

SPC Thomas Kosakowski — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 08:05:20 -0400

subdued Flag should be worn by all members of all the services while in basic utilities

Response by CPT Stephen Feldman made Aug 5 at 2020 9:39 PM

CPT Stephen Feldman — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 21:39:55 -0400

It is in full color to give the guy that is trying to kill you something to shoot at.

Response by PO3 Thomas Genzale made Aug 10 at 2020 9:54 AM

PO3 Thomas Genzale — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 09:54:21 -0400

My question is why are the stars always displayed on the wrong side, the right side. The stars should be displayed on the left side of the flag. I know since we were engaged in these endless wars in the Middle East it has been like that. They said it has to do with our country on the move therefore when the flag is moving the stars move to the right. ???

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 4:48 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:48:02 -0400

in garrison it is colored, subdued when in field or deployed..

Response by SSG Bob Hicks made Aug 12 at 2020 11:57 AM

SSG Bob Hicks — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 11:57:23 -0400

Subdued version makes more sense on duty/field uniform.

Response by LCpl Gary Harrell made Aug 14 at 2020 8:47 PM

LCpl Gary Harrell — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 20:47:31 -0400

Marines are not soldiers were lean mean fighting machines or amphibious monster's

Response by Sgt Mario Soberal made Aug 15 at 2020 4:44 PM

Sgt Mario Soberal — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:44:29 -0400

Marines don't go into battle looking like Christmas trees. I'm surprised the Army doesn't put lights on it's officers - to make them clearly visible during ops. My question to you, is why does the Army have to wear all that crap?

Response by PO3 Bill. Wattie Watkins made Aug 15 at 2020 9:25 PM

PO3 Bill. Wattie Watkins — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 21:25:19 -0400

I don't know

Response by CW3 Walter Goerner made Aug 16 at 2020 12:50 AM

CW3 Walter Goerner — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 00:50:52 -0400

We don't in a field or tactical environment. We wear the subdued flag. Check the regulation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 8:38 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 20:38:20 -0400

I serve 22 years In the United States Army. I’d like to fuck over flag wow in Garrison but while deployed I believe it should be the subdued one

Response by CW3 Dick McManus made Aug 28 at 2020 2:29 PM

CW3 Dick McManus — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 14:29:39 -0400

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Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2020 6:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 18:34:26 -0400

When I crossed over from the Marines to the Army in 2006 I felt like a total clown when I first put on the Army utilities. Which consisted of the digital concrete pattern, removable velcro patches and US flag patch, and an annoying BERET. uuuuuuuuuuughhh!!!

After a few months it kinda grew on me. Things got better when we went back to the soft cover in 2010. And with the introduction of the multi-cam pattern.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2020 10:53 PM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 22:53:57 -0400

Dates to the 1990s during the Bosnia and Serbia operations. Those deployed he region of the former Yugoslavia wore the US Flag patch to distinguish them from other NATO forces as many wore a similar BDU style uniform. As Soldiers had to remove them upon return there was the issue of cost. These deployments the flags were not subdued. Then Afghanistan kicked off. Again, wearing flag patches became the norm, removed upon return. So it was decided to make it permanent about a year before the ACUs started to come out. Color when Garrison, subdued when deployed/field.

Response by Maj Gary Gault made Sep 11 at 2020 3:33 PM

Maj Gary Gault — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:33:48 -0400

Showing the US Flag is part of the mission of the US Army when deployed or at home. Yes, wear the subdued version when practical, STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER! God Bless America and Troops everywhere!!!

Response by Cpl Daniel Woodruff made Sep 11 at 2020 11:00 PM

Cpl Daniel Woodruff — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 23:00:58 -0400

Also, it makes a great target!

Response by CW2 Bruce Greiner made Sep 15 at 2020 11:25 AM

CW2 Bruce Greiner — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:25:48 -0400

For at least 30 years on official memorandums if there was an attachment you listed them as "inclosures" or abbreviated it as "Incl." instead of Enclosure because someone, who had a lot more stars than anyone one else in the Army, insisted that was how it was spelled. It finally was officially fixed when computers and spell checkers kept changing it. BTW we used to keep sharpies around to fix the flag problem.

Response by MAJ John Moran made Sep 15 at 2020 5:22 PM

MAJ John Moran — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:22:40 -0400

Because why not?

There is no reason to wear a subdued flag in peacetime garrison environment.

They attach with velcro, so they are easy enough to swap out with subdued flags for field or operational duty.

So why not? The Navy and the USAF aren’t impressing anyone with their camouflage flags in the mess hall on base.

The US flag is Red, White and Blue. There is no good reason to not proudly display those colors in a non-tactical environment.

Response by LCpl Samuel Maynard made Sep 16 at 2020 2:19 PM

LCpl Samuel Maynard — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:19:32 -0400

the reson marines dont wear the flag is due to the nature of the marines duty . we do the dirty work and are known to be the presidents own. we are the only service that can be anywhere anytime at just the presidents say so. we are for america dont you be fooled but we are the presidents own.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2020 1:55 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:55:42 -0400

It kind of begs the question, "If we wear a full color Flag, why can't we have full color unit patches in garrison?"

While assigned to Korea, even when I was assigned to the Brigade TOC, I had to carry both full-color and subdued American Flags, because when my unit went to the range or the field, I had to, first of all know when that happened, and then switch out my full color Flags for subdued Flags. When my unit came back, I had to switch out once again. Silliness.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 19 at 2020 12:16 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 00:16:53 -0400

Be thankful they have it going in the right direction, that hasn't always happened.

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Oct 8 at 2020 10:43 AM

SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 10:43:29 -0400

why does it matter. I'm no longer in the army but fly my flag each day, proud and in full color

Response by MSgt Peter Erkelenz made Oct 9 at 2020 3:58 PM

MSgt Peter Erkelenz — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 15:58:22 -0400

You kind of answered your own question. It is in ARMY Regs that you wear a full color patch. Since the other branches of the military have their own regs. It stands to reason we don't follow AR's.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Oct 9 at 2020 8:57 PM

SSG Harry Herres — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 20:57:28 -0400

Why not wear full color with pride? Wish we could have in the 60's. Foreign countries did and still do. Wear it, you earned it, you are a 4%er

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Oct 11 at 2020 10:45 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 22:45:11 -0400

USCG tactical units also were subdued patches.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2020 9:25 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 21:25:52 -0400

This is a carryover from BDUs. In the 80, 90s and early 2000s on BDUs, you would have your patches permanently sewn on the sleeves. At the time, everyone except the Navy wore those BDUs, so did many partners in NATO and across the globe. When you deployed you removed the patches, moved them down and sewed a US Flag on your right shoulder to distinguish us from the other countries, primarily during NATO missions in the Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosova, and the Sinai. Because of the constant removing and reattaching of patches (which left little glue marks and stitch marks) the Army simply decided to make it part of the uniform in the early 2000s.

At the same time, realizing the need for a combat appropriate insignia, it also authorized the subdued flag. In the end it serves the same purpose of the unit insignia, to distinguish the US Army from in a "combined" element.

Because of the way other services operate, which is mostly unilaterally, and with organic elements, there is no need for distinguishing unit or country insignia. Although the Marines did wear unit insignia in WWI and WWII when they operated in a joint and combined environment.

As for other comments on velcro, it was because of the changing of patches during deployments and PCS. Special Forces had long ago modified its BDUs and removed the lower BDU pockets and attached them to the sleeves and put velcro on them to make use of subdued flags, call sign, and IR patches. The rest of the Army followed suit in the development of the ACUs.

Response by SGT Curtis Robinson made Oct 14 at 2020 9:10 AM

SGT Curtis Robinson — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 09:10:46 -0400

Because the Army always has and will lead the way contrary to what some others believe, ijs.....

Response by Capt Hansel Bumgarner made Oct 18 at 2020 9:34 AM

Capt Hansel Bumgarner — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 09:34:18 -0400

Some General’s wife thought it would look nice.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Dec 19 at 2020 10:22 PM

SGT Michael Hearn — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 22:22:30 -0500

Hello fellow veterans
Correct me if I am wrong The US ARMY is the oldest branch in the military!

Response by SFC Joseph Behmke made Dec 21 at 2020 9:39 PM

SFC Joseph Behmke — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 21:39:01 -0500

I think after a "little inducement", some Brass in the Pentagon figured that would make it easier to distinguish Army personnel from Air force and Navy personnel in a situation that required it. As there are more Army personnel then any other branch, sales of the full colored patch to the largest service would be more profitable to the Congressman or Senator who the owned the company that "just happened" to get that contract. Many years ago when the Army switched to Brown T-Shirts and Handkerchiefs, it "just so happened" a certain elected congressional official owned the company that got that contract, go figure. Rations: Check out who owns the Texas Biscuit Co, go figure. JMHO

Response by SPC Larry Weigel Jr. made Dec 22 at 2020 9:43 PM

SPC Larry Weigel Jr. — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 21:43:09 -0500

It’s just this easy: the Army was first, always leads the way and is the BEST there is!! As for the other branches, they just can’t hang!

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jan 21 at 2021 9:12 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 21:12:01 -0500

The only USAF personnel that wear a full color flag patch are flight crew. Now it has been nearly 30 years since I retired, I go to the base hospital, BX and commissary and observe the current active duty members (both USAF and ARMY), in how they wear the current uniforms. I see ARMY wearing full color flag patches and only USAF aircrew members wearing full color flag patches. All other USAF personnel just wear command and unit patches, along with their speciality badges and rank. One thing you might notice what differs USAF from ARMY is the flag patch is worn on the left shoulder sleeve and the ARMY the flagbis worn on the right shoulder sleeve. But the "stars" are always worn facing forward and never backwards.

Response by LTC George Morgan made Jan 26 at 2021 1:10 PM

LTC George Morgan — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 13:10:09 -0500

Per the British Army Line Forces, we do not consider the Coloured Union Flag, commonly mistakenly called the Union Jack, adheres to the standards required of Camouflage. The USA Army standard is contrary, as is their right of decision. However, I should like to bring to notice the USA WWII dress code. Look to the back of the Helmet during that era, note the vertical white line present for nocturnal map reading! From a snipers perspective: From the rear, aim at this white target, descend 2" from its base and your target is omnipresent: A sad truth for so many!
My advice, respectfully given, as I am now a long term (1983), proud, Naturalized US Citizen who votes: Change your camo requirements and save the unnecessary amounts of trauma to which I have been a part of providing Surgical expertise to in both the UK Royal Army Medical Corps and twenty-seven years in USA Operating Rooms.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2021 8:43 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 08:43:58 -0500

Not sure why an infantryman in a combat zone would want any full color patch, but definitely in CONUS / garrison. Navy finally adopted rank tabs that can actually be seen before you’re point-blank and at the ‘oh shit’ point.

Response by MSG Gregg Clement made Mar 5 at 2021 2:02 PM

MSG Gregg Clement — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 14:02:48 -0500

I guess I didn't have a problem with it.
When were we were all conus we wore the subdued one anyway.
Let's not bring up the ballistic PT belt requirement that we had in OEF.

Response by MSG Gregg Clement made Mar 5 at 2021 2:04 PM

MSG Gregg Clement — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 14:04:25 -0500

Oops. I guess I shouldn't use talk to text when I found out that I can't edit my typos.
When I said OCONUS, it wrote all conus.
And I didn't catch it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2021 10:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 10:46:03 -0400

There was a time when the U.S. flag was not on the combat/utility uniform. I believe it was the same guy that came up with the idea of berets for all Soldiers that instituted mandatory flags on uniforms.

Response by Lt Col Scott Arnott made Apr 3 at 2021 10:16 PM

Lt Col Scott Arnott — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 22:16:34 -0400

In the USAF, it depends on the uniform! During some years I was in (I was in almost 27 years), we wore subdued flags on fatigues, other years it was full color. On flight suits, the vast majority of the time, if we were wearing our flag, it was full color. And, there were different patches if you wore it on the right or left sleeve but, the stars always went forward! Our Flag does not retreat!

Response by TSgt Greg Natsch made May 2 at 2021 7:57 AM

TSgt Greg Natsch — Sun, 02 May 2021 07:57:59 -0400

I wore full color flag patches on my flight suits for 12 years. While deployed in 02, I wore full colored flag patches on my Security Forces Brassard. Oh yeah, I’m Air Force.

Response by PO1 Edward Pate made May 17 at 2021 12:03 PM

PO1 Edward Pate — Mon, 17 May 2021 12:03:45 -0400

When I was in the Navy we wore dungarees and the only thing on our shirts was our name and an iron on rank on the left sleeve.

Response by Sgt Ed Beal made Jun 7 at 2021 10:39 PM

Sgt Ed Beal — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 22:39:05 -0400

As a vet that was trained on FLIR in 79 I totally understood why the air force changed our name and branch from blue and white to subdued.
Not to be disrespectful but back when I was in this would show up as a target, my question is the same but a from a different prospective, why do we put neon targets on our young soldiers? No disrespect in any way.

Response by Amn Dale Preisach made Jun 12 at 2023 11:46 AM

Amn Dale Preisach — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:46:36 -0400

A subdued seems appropriate on all uniforms. However... it is much easier nowadays to use velcro - as some uniforms have and have both style patches - colorful and subdued interchangeable and put on the velcro when called for- subdued in the Field, and colorful in Conus bases . for the Uniform