Why is it that the American flag patch or design is inverted on military uniforms?

Question

I've seen that and just got an interest to know the reason

Answer 1

Correct me if I am wrong, but inverted means upside-down. An upside-down flag is a sign of distress. WE...are not in distress. We are vigilant.

To answer your question, at the start of the global war on terrorism, the department of defense changed the position/direction of the American flag patch on the uniform.
Prior to that timeframe, only members of the military who had deployed in combat were permitted to wear the US flag on their right sleeve along with their unit's patch. After the war on terrorism began, the dept. of defense adjusted the regulation stating that all members of the US military to include cadets and midshipmen in ROTC, will wear the patch.
With the onset of the war, when we were pushing for allies to join the US in the war in Iraq, the flag was then changed. It changed because of the fact that our colors NEVER run. The flag now "streams" to the rear so that if you were looking at it, it seems as if the servicemember is pressing forward toward combat...carrying the flag. Symbolizing the fact that the US will never ask for permission to defend its colors and that our colors will never run from conflict.

Answer 2

The shoulder patches are correct. They are made that way because in battle, the blue field would be seen as the direction of attack. In past wars,the flag led the way to the fight and marked the line of battle or the most forward position of an Army's advance. When you look at a flag from 1 side and then look at it from the other side,it will be the reverse also. #1 palin fan: The troops do support America,otherwise they would not be fighting anywhere.

Answer 3

The reason for the flag facing way it does on the military uniform - our flag keeps moving forward during battles and in wars.

Most non military uniforms have flags facing the other direction because they are not in a military conflict.

Answer 4

The flag is worn on the right shoulder to give the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.

Answer 5

It's not inverted.

It's positioned so that the flag appears to be carried in the direction the soldier is walking. Thus, the blue starry portion is towards the front (where the flagpole would be).

Also, inverted technically means upside down, rather than reverse side-to-side. FYI.

Answer 6

The American flag is always positioned to its own right. It is also displayed as if it were being flown on a pole that the soldier is carrying. It symbolizes our "Always Forward" way of thinking.

Answer 7

it isn't. The only flag patch is on each upper sleeve at almost shoulder height. On one side it has the stars to the left, and on the other side it has stars to the right. This is so it shows the flag "streaming" to the rear.

Answer 8

Picture our Flag on a Flag pole or Gideon and moving what way would the stars face signifies that we always move On.

Answer 9

Always moving forward!

Blue field is in the front. The reversed flag should be on the right shoulder area.

Answer 10

I first noticed it about a year and a half ago. I was sitting in a bar off post and some Army Reservists came in. They were acquainted with me and knew that I was in the USMC. I looked at their flag and said, “Why is your flag pointed the wrong way?” Army responds, “Because we’re running!” I responded, “Oh yea, I forgot that they teach the Army to retreat.” They all yelled, “No, we’re charging!” I could barely hear them over the laughter! :\/ For everything else there’s Master Card.