[Mustang Gregg]

The Army uniform has the Flag on the right shoulder (union fwd).

[Okiedokiejesus]

I was always taught in Boy Scouts that the blue field was always in the upper left hand side when facing the flag. I don't understand the flag being worn on our military uniforms with the blue field in the upper right hand side of the flag?

[ddlprov]

I am too learned;learnted in BOY SCOUT, and burden Green form

[RickAndCody]

Hi all. This is my first post here. I was told by an American Legion post in the Denver area that when embroidering an American flag on both sleeves of a shirt or jacket the star field should always be toward the back. Now, that seemed backwards to me but he was adamant about the star field being toward the back on both sleeves. Any thing to confirm what is appropriate would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick

[Peter Ansoff]

Greetings, Rick -- Welcome!

I was told by an American Legion post in the Denver area that when embroidering an American flag on both sleeves of a shirt or jacket the star field should always be toward the back.

Your friend at the Legion post is 100% wrong. Army and Air Force regulations are clear that the star field is always to the front, regardless of which sleeve the patch is on. This issue has been discussed quite a bit here in the form -- check out some of the earlier posts that include citations from the regulations.

Incidentally, the same thing applies to flags that are painted on the sides of vehicles and aircraft -- the star field is generally forward, so that the flag looks like it's flying in the wind as the vehicle moves.

Peter A.

[medtech87108]

That's an interesting explanation and makes as much sense as other traditions, but it still looks awkward. I wrote to the Army to ask about this and have not gotten a reply.

[Peter Ansoff]

Hi, Medtech!

That's an interesting explanation and makes as much sense as other traditions,

Again, it's more than just a tradition -- it's what is specified in US military regulations. Of course, those only apply to their respective military services. Civilians and civilian organizations can do it whichever way they wish.

but it still looks awkward

Why so? I think that it looks more awkward for the flag to be "flying" backwards, particularly when it's painted on vehicles and aircraft.

Peter Ansoff