Why does the Army wear a patch with a backwards American flag?

Question

I have always wondered this, but I just thought to ask here.

Whenever you see someone in the Army, they have a patch of the American flag on their right shoulder. But, the American flag on this patch is backwards: that is, the field of blue is on the right side of the flag, as opposed to the left.

Does this signify something? Can someone tell me why they do this? I am not sure if other branches do this, but I know the army does. If you do answer, please show some source, because people tend to make up answers alot on here.

Answer 1

The patches are designed to be worn as if the flag were flying free from a staff, with the blue field facing forward. American flags on airliners are done the same way for the same reason.

Answer 2

Everyone so far has it on the button. The formal source is Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and IInsignia, "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."

Answer 3

The place of honor in the military is to the right. That's why the flag is on the right arm. The stars on the flag are supposed to be next to the flag pole; the military members arm acts as a flag pole, always moving forward. There are two sides to a flag. Think about it. Same with cop cars, planes/ jets, etc.

Answer 4

The flag flies forward. Never backwards.

Imagine you're watching a parade from the right side of the street. The Honor Guard comes along and you see the flag. It's stars will be on the right instead of on the left, correct? That's why the flag appears "backwards". Really, no such thing as backwards.

Answer 5

The correct was to display the American flag if not on a pole is with the field of blue on the right. I don't know what source to tell you other than this is something that I know.

Answer 6

Blue part of the flag is always going and facing forward. A symbolic flag tradition, our colors never retreat

Answer 7

Team Chief is exactly right its also because the Army goes forward and never retreats and if the were moving forward thats the way the flag would fly if it was being carried.

Answer 8

because the colors are advancing, not retreating.