US Army Uniform Flags Displayed on Something Other than the Uniform

I often see Soldiers and sometimes Vets wearing Velcro American Flags on their hats, bags, and even body armor. I too, have a standard American Flag on my bag and one on a hat or two. I also see Soldiers and sometimes Vets wearing the U.S. Army Uniform Flag on their hats, bags, and body armor.

However, there is a definitive difference between these two flags. The U.S. Army Uniform Flag is printed or embroidered with the blue field and stars on the right side of the flag instead of on the traditional left side. This is done to give the flag, when worn on the right sleeve, the appearance that the flag is flowing backward as if the Soldier and the Army are moving forward into battle. The Army has directed all Soldiers to wear this flag on their uniform.

The issue I have is that many display the U.S. Army Uniform Flag not only on their uniform, but also on their hat, bag and body armor. When one displays the U.S. Army Uniform Flag on places other than the uniform, this causes the flag to be displayed improperly. The U.S. Army Uniform Flag when worn facing the front (like when worn on the front of a ball cap), points to a lack of understanding in some Soldiers and many in the general public of the proper display of the American Flag. The problem is that if a Soldier does not understand that he is flying the flag the wrong way, then what is the Army teaching the next generation about tradition and etiquette? I know that some of you will point out that the flag should not even be on the uniform according to flag etiquette, and I agree. However, we have been directed by the Army to wear the flag and so we do.

If I see the flag incorrectly displayed, I correct as many as I can. I generally find that most people quickly remove the flag. However, I have occasionally found some that become hostile when corrected. If I was king of the Army for a day, I would switch the flag to the other sleeve, like other branches of service, and have "Old Glory" flown properly at all times. This would alleviate this issue and the flag many of you have fought and bled under would receive the courtesy and honor it deserves. In the meantime, I am calling on others to join me and correct others when you see someone wearing the U.S. Army Uniform Flag incorrectly.

Just my thoughts!