how come people in the Army have the flag on their sleeve backwards?

Question

I've seen that people in the military have a U.S. flag patch on their left arm sleeve. But I've noticed that it is facing the other way. Why is this?

Answer 1

its not backwards it is moving forward

Answer 2

Army Regulation 670-1, “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia,” updated most recently September 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the U.S. flag patch on the Army uniform. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the American flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, 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 appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the ‘reverse side flag’.”

Answer 3

Left arm flags are facing the normal way people are accustomed to seeing them. Right arm flag explanation below:

Yuriy
S Best Answer - Chosen By Voters

I will assume that you are referring to a flag worn on the right arm...
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The proper way to wear a US flag patch is for the Union (Blue Field) to face forward.
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So, basically, it's not backwards. When I first saw a right arm patch myself it threw me until I looked it up in the 'flag code' to verify what was explained to me.


Flag patches are worn on many different kinds of uniforms and depending on the uniform it may be prescribed on the left or right arm.
I believe, if worn on the left arm the flag would go below the unit patch with a spacing of 1/8".

Answer 4

To wear our country's flag properly, the field of stars is worn closest to your heart. Thus, if your patch is to be worn on your LEFT sleeve, use a left flag (normal). For patches worn on your RIGHT sleeve, use a "right" or "reversed field" flag. Since the law does not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. Some elect to use the "left" flag on both sleeves. [Note: many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag; you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney's office regarding this matter.] If you are planning to wear only one patch, it is recommended that you wear a "left" flag on your left sleeve. Military guidelines specify that in support of joint or multi-national operations (as in Iraq), the "right" flag is worn on the right sleeve (see picture), 1/4" below the shoulder seam or 1/8" below any required unit patches. (Class A uniform excepted.)

See page 241 of the 2nd link for Army regulation concerning the wear of the Flag replica patch.

SSG US Army 73-82

Answer 5

the same reason it is backward on an airplane. Imagine a flag is on a pole and the wind is blowing. from one side the flag is blowing correct, but from the opposite side, it is blowing backwards. They should be on the right arm. it is incorrect if it is on the left arm. like others have said the flag is always moving forward.

Answer 6

Look at a flag pole. Now grab a flag and run with it. Which way is the Flag going; how does it look? That's why. Basically physics says the flag points that way.

Answer 7

The flag is not backwards, it symbolizes the flag flying in the breeze as the individual moves forward

Answer 8

In a time of war, the flag is backwards to simulate the flag flying backwards (going towards the "enemy" while in combat. Hope this helps!

Answer 9

So that when they walk forward, it looks like the flag is advancing. If it were the other way, it would look like the flag was retreating.

Answer 10

So it looks proper when they are retreating! It is improper to display the American flag in this manner. It should stop immediately. This shows how pathetic the US military is currently, that they don't know the proper method to display the US flag! This is currently condoned by the high command!