Why is it the the american flag is backwards on some military uniforms?

Answer 1

In fact, the rule is a nod to the U.S. Army's early history, when wars were fought as a series of carefully choreographed battles — two armies meeting on a field, clashing head-on until one side emerged victorious.

In those battles, both mounted cavalry and infantry units would always designate one soldier as "standard bearer," to carry the Colors into the fight.

As the standard bearer charged, his rapid forward momentum would cause the flag to stream back.

And since the Stars and Stripes is mounted with the canton closest to the pole, that section would always be forward.

So if a soldier is charging into the battle, the flag would give the appearance of forward motion. For the right shoulder, the flag only appears "backward."

And that's why soldiers wear the flag patches on the right shoulder "backward." Because retreat in battle, as any soldier will tell you, is not the Army way.

Answer 2

It is not backwards.

"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 appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the reverse side flag."

....As stated in the Army Regulation 670-1

The star field always flies to the flag's right (persons left, which is a law) so the flag is in its correct orientation on the left shoulder and is displayed on the right shoulder as if it is a single flag, which results in a reverse orientation on the right shoulder.

Answer 3

There is no backwards or forwards for the flag only upside down and right side up. The only time the flag facing a certain way is warranted is when you're getting it tattooed on you and then it must face your heart.

Answer 4

It's not. The flag is always (supposed to be) worn with the blue field forward, as it would be if you are advancing into battle. Having it the other way would be symbolic of your retreat. You're just used to seeing it displayed the other way when a flag is hung, or worn on the other shoulder. It is right though. I don't really think we need it on there at all, but that's another story.

Answer 5

The shoulder patches are maximum ideal. they are made that way because in conflict, the blue container might want to be considered because the route of attack. In previous wars,the flag led a thanks to the wrestle and marked the line of conflict or the most ahead position of a protection pressure's develop. once you look at a flag from a million aspect and then look at it from the different aspect,that is going to be the opposite also. #a million palin fan: The troops do help united states,in the different case they would not be struggling with everywhere.

Answer 6

Because it is not. When worn on a uniform the star field faces forward as the flag would wave if the person was moving. This looks backwards as it puts the field on the right if the patch is worn on the right arm.

You can read more about this here: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html#q57

You can find other interesting flag facts here: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

Answer 7

It's because the flag is oriented so that it looks like it is moving forward. In order for it to look "right", it would have to be retreating.

Answer 8

WHo says it is? It is made one way. Unless you turn one of your arms around backwards, the flag will be. Bored today?

Answer 9

So that the stars are facing forward, making it look like it's not retreating.

Answer 10

Because they are comming HOME