There are many different levels of military insignia, which are symbolized through certain aspects of service member’s uniform. Even the more universal Armed Forces patches, such as the US flag, have their purposes. You may have asked yourself at some point in time what a backwards flag on a military uniform symbolizes, and this is exactly what it stands for.
The Basics
A backwards US flag patch is worn only on the right shoulder of the combat uniform, symbolizing the way a flag would be facing the troops as they marched toward liberty. The stars are to be in the upper right-hand corner, facing onward as our forces press on for victory and freedom.
This tradition started with a few branches of service and then became more uniform as each branch adopted the patch to honor the fallen as well as wars and victories of the past. It was also adopted for what it has always stood for: the pursuit of liberty.
The History Behind the Meaning
The US flag is always carried on the right flank of the ranks when they’re marching in a division or battalion. Certain military branches even adopted the term “assaulting forward” to describe the way the flag would be waving in the wind as the troops marched forward with it.
Rules for Wearing the Flag
The patch is only worn during operations and deployments. If the service member is actively at war, the colors will change to a muted gray and black. The chain of command must strictly approve for an individual to wear the patch.
Military uniforms and the regalia that come with them have a long, rich history. They’re full of symbolic meaning that may only have significance to the wearer or to anyone who is well-versed in military tradition and history. But it’s important to know things such as what a backwards flag on a military uniform symbolizes and stands for, especially if you want to honor a veteran or show respect for what they do.
