Combat Patch and Backwards US Flag

October 2, 2009

Here's a picture of us receiving our combat patches at Camp Anaconda in Iraq in November 2004.

You ever wondered why we soldiers wear the patch of the American flag backwards on our uniforms?

Per Army Regulation 670-1 (AR670-1 section 28-18), since the flag is only worn on the right-hand shoulder:

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.

I've also seen people explain it as being symbolic of soldiers carrying the flag forward into battle without a thought of retreating. A noble idea, indeed, but that's not the official reason. The reverse side of the flag is also used on military aircraft, as seen below on the President's plane, Air Force One. It makes a lot of sense when you see it on the tail fin of an aircraft. If there were an actual flag flying there, that is the view you would get.







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