Just out of curiousity, why is the american flag backwards on military uniforms?

Question

I want to say, I have no problem with it, I just don't understand it. It's not like im anti military or anything. I love our military. So please nobody bag on me. I am just nieve to it.

Answer 1

When it is worn on the shoulder the field of blue stars is usually displayed closest to the front of the person, so the stripes trail. When the flag is on the right side it will appear to be backwards. Actually, there is no backwards, since the flag is two-sided.

When the flag is a decal on an airplane the same thing applies. Stripes trail as they would if it were a flag on a ship.

Answer 2

The reason that all flags are "backward" is because the flag is supposed to look like it is going forward into battle. This is actually called a "reverse flag" patch. They are always to be worn on the upper right sleeve of a uniform. This uniform regulation was put into place in so that every soldier is known to be deployable at any given time.

Answer 3

Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, is the governing authority for the wear of Army uniforms. Paragraph 28-18 governs the wear of the United States Flag on Army Uniforms.

The flag may only be worn on the utility and organizational uniforms (such as the camouflage BDU). The flag may only be worn during joint-duty and multinational deployments. When the servicemember returns to home station, the flag must be removed. (Guide Note: A message went out in February 2004 changing this restriction, and making the U.S. Flag a mandatory uniform componant for all soldiers, effective October 1, 2005).

Chapter 1, Title 4, United States Code, provides for the design of the U.S. flag and specifies the colors as red, white, and blue. Colors other than red, white, and blue violate the U.S. Code; therefore, subdued-colored flags are not authorized for wear. Joint commanders have to make the decision as to whether or not the wear of a full-color flag, for morale purposes, is more important than having all aspects of the uniform camouflaged.

When approved for wear, the full-color U.S. flag cloth replica is sewn 1/2 inch below the right shoulder seam of the temperate, hot-weather, enhanced hot-weather, and desert BDU; the BDU field jacket; and the cold-weather uniform. The flag is worn on the right shoulder, because, in the military, the "place of honor" is to a military member's right.

The full-color U.S. flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag’s own right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer’s right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.

The rule dates back to the Army's early history, when both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer, who carried the Colors into battle. As he charged, his forward momentum caused the flag to stream back. Since the Stars and Stripes are mounted with the ca

Answer 4

The reason is so that, as the person is walking, it looks as if the flag is flying. Imagine that person were holding a real flag and walking, it would look the same as the patch. These flags are worn only on the uniforms of US military personnel stationed outside of the US.

Answer 5

In the military, flags that are on your uniform are always positioned so that the stars (which represent the states we're all from) are on the left (which is the side of the body are heart is on) so that we always keep our home close to our hearts. At least that's how my hubby, the Marine explained it.

Answer 6

so it looks like they are moving toward the enemy not running away from them; it is not "just" worn by deployed soldiers or soldiers stationed outside the u.s. it is worn by every soldier starting in basic. also to tell if a soldiers has been in combat look for a unit patch under ( on regular BDU's and DCU's) the flag and above( on the new ACU'c ) the flag

Answer 7

just think of the soldier as a flag pole. as they walk, the flag drifts backwards. the flag on the right shoulder has the stars up against the flag pole (front of soldier) and the stripes wave behind (rear of soldier) kinda confusing... hope it helps a little

Answer 8

to make it simple it showes forword movment along with AR 670-1

Answer 9

Didn't know that

Answer 10

dunno.. am curious too