I have been posting critiques on social media for several years now. The critiques are meant to educate, and my overwhelming feedback shows it works time and again. Some view the critiques as personal attacks, I cannot help that, no matter how I structure my phrasing.
Holding others accountable in the area of drill and ceremonies, and protocol is new. I know of no other who has ever critiqued publicly or privately like I do. Many, many people and organizations have worked to fix errors that I have identified over the years and it’s quite possible Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes is one.
In the summer of 2023, I felt compelled to make a critique video of a graduation ceremony. You can see a screenshot below.
RTC Color Guard
The color guard in the 2023 graduation ceremony and for every graduation in years past, carried the POW/MIA flag. A flag that is not authorized to be carried in a color guard. For more on that read All About POW/MIA Flag Protocol, https://thedrillmaster.org/2019/01/15/all-about-the-pow-mia-flag-protocol/. In the 2024 image, you can see that just the US Navy Departmental and the RTC organizational are being carried. However, MCO 5060.20 does not allow for any other color to be carried besides the departmental. Navy units that do have a battalion organizational color can carry that in addition to the national and USN.
See my video critique of the graduation ceremony here.
As of May 2024, the POW/MIA flag is no longer carried, and I very much appreciate that. Next on the to-do list is to work on the state and territory color bearers adhering to color bearer standards clearly stated in MCO 5060.20 and the static display in the building where the graduations take place.
States and Territories Bearers
Carry is only executed with the staff vertical. Angled to the side and then whipped around in a sweeping motion to the front is not authorized. This is all “exhibition” type movement and quite inappropriate.
The palm-out hold technique is not authorized. You perpetuate that grip technique that is not used in the US, so no wonder others think it’s appropriate.
Several state colors have changed and need to be updated immediately.
NEVER push a color (a flag mounted on a flagstaff) forward at Parade Rest. Colors always remain vertical at Parade Rest. The colors are so large that they touch the deck.
You are using 4’x6’ colors. The Department of the Navy (DoN) uses 4’4”x5’6” colors. However, the military sized color is more expensive, and I see no reason to replace every single color, an extremely expensive prospect (over $10,000), just to be within a standard when it is not all that obvious.
Staffs are required to be the light ash wood guidon staffs 9’6” in length with gold-colored ferrules and middle screw joint. You are using the dark brown staffs that are for civilian indoor display that were never intended to be used in a color guard.
Finials are supposed to be the gold-colored battle-ax (battalion lance). You are using the flat Roman era spearhead.
Marching and Sword Manual
The marching in place with the extreme leg lift is not authorized. MCO 5060.20 states the toe is raised 2” and the heel 4” off the deck.
Platoon commanders (any rank) face the platoon for all commands given while static.
Color Guard
Fringe is not authorized on the national.
These staffs are also required to be the light ash wood guidon staffs 9’6” in length with gold-colored ferrules and middle screw joint. You are using the dark brown staffs that are for civilian indoor display that were never intended to be used in a color guard.
You are to march and stand at Close Interval only.
Left hands are cut to the side and do not swing when marching.
All color guard members wear the white web belt.
The harness socket is worn under the web belt below the waist (please avoid the placing it over the crotch) and each one shall be adjusted to as close to the same level as possible without the departmental being higher than the national.
Right arms are not pinned to the staff, the elbow is relaxed and at an approximate 30-degree angle from vertical.
You march at 116-120 steps per minute. Nothing slower or faster, nor changing tempo is authorized.
You cannot perform a Wheel movement (center rotation) as that is for joint colors formations only in the DoN, you must perform a Turn (rotation on the guard).
Guards cannot use a “Mirror Present”, they must follow the standard set down in the MCO.
On the first note of the Anthem (when the first word is sung, not the intro of the version used), the Departmental must be dipped in a 1-count move. That is ON the first note, not several notes in.
RTC Static Colors Display
Colors Display
On the stage, behind the speaker’s podium, also needs to be addressed. The same staffs and finials need to be implemented.
When appropriate the Personal/Positional Color of the visiting dignitary who takes part in the ceremony (reviewing officer, guest speaker) should be displayed.
The static display below does not meet flag protocol requirements.
The national must be on the viewer’s left. No other flag is displayed to the left of the national, ever.
Military displays do not post the US in the center because of the requirement that all staffs are the same length.
The gold-colored cord and tassels is not authorized for any display of departmental colors.
All finials must be the same type. The least expensive alternative to this would be to replace the spread eagle with the conical spear.
The staff are not guidon staffs, which is mandatory, but to not spend about $1400 on the correct staffs, leave them.
The staffs should be 9’6″.
The Colors should be 4’4″x5’6″ as per paragraph 1710, NTP 13(B) and AR 840-10, MCO 5060.20, and AFI 34-1201. These colors are most likely 4’x6’ and are not authorized for display or to be carried in the US military.
RTC Static ColorsRTC Static Colors
Kudos to the Drum Corps and Drill Team! But…
RTC Drum CorpsRTC Drum Corps Mallet PlayersRTC Drill TeamRTC Drill TeamRTC Drill Team Wrong Hands For Inspection ArmsRTC Drill Team Wrong Hands For Inspection Arms
The rifles in the images above are replica M1 Garands. What you see in the bottom three photos is the RTC Drill Team using the wrong hands for Inspection Arms for the M1 Garand (and M14). The M1903 has a bolt handle that is only actioned with the right hand as shown in the above photos. Inspection Arms for the M1903 is very different from the M1/M14 for the hands.
In contrast to that, both the M1 and M14 have an operating rod (charging) handle that is actioned with the left hand as shown below. The following images are from Enclosure 3, Appendix A, Manual of Arms with the M1 Service Rifle.
Just in case this argument tries to rear its ugly head, there’s no such thing as a local SOP or other guidance that veers away from the stated standards of the Department of the Navy. You can tighten standards locally, you can’t loosen.
In October of 2024, the Air Force furthered the coverage of instructions and other regulations to include AFI 34-1201. It is now DAFI, Department of the Air Force Instruction, 90-1201 aligning it under the AF Policy Directive 90 series. Did artificial “intelligence” write this? Because this is really bad.
By including the “D” (Department of the) in front of AFI (Air Force Instruction), the application of the instruction is for both the USAF and USSF. There are now letter “D’s” at the front of many abbreviations for instructions, manuals, pamphlets, etc. Download DAFI 90-1201 from the Resources page.
I appreciate the update! I do, but the wording is poor in areas and there is a severe lack of standardization and almost completely abandoning DoD flag standards. Here is a brief summary from DeVaughn Simper, Professor Flag, on social media.
From Professor Flag
The DAFI 90-1201 (8 October 2024) provides comprehensive guidance on protocol and customs for the Air Force and Space Force, replacing the previous AFI 34-1201 (18 August 2020). The instruction expands on flag protocols, ceremonies, distinguished visitor handling, gifts, and mementos, aligning with the Department of the Air Force Policy Directive (DAFPD) 90-12.
Key Updates:
Expanded Guidance on Flag Protocol:
Includes specific regulations for U.S., POW/MIA, state, and international flags, both indoors and outdoors.
Detailed procedures for half-staff displays and event-specific flag use.
US Space Force (USSF) Integration:
Incorporates Space Force-specific customs, courtesies, and organizational flags.
Distinct guidance on displaying and handling Space Force flags, streamers, and guidons.
Ceremonies and Social Functions:
Revised procedures for official ceremonies and events like senior leader changes of command, which now include Space Force protocols.
Updated guidance for organizing official social functions, including receiving lines, seating arrangements, and attire.
Gifts and Mementos:
Updated rules on gift giving and receiving, including authorized purchases for coins and other memorabilia.
Event Planning and Management:
New instructions for managing protocols at events, including attendee lists, seating charts, invitation management, and after-action reports.
Differences from AFI 34-1201:
Inclusion of USSF: DAFI 90-1201 integrates USSF-specific guidance and distinguishes protocol practices for Air Force and Space Force members.
Expanded Roles and Responsibilities: The protocol office’s roles now include a broader scope covering both services, and additional guidance is provided for program implementation, event management, and financial management related to official functions.
Additional Flag Guidance: DAFI 90-1201 provides more detailed flag regulations, especially regarding the POW/MIA flag and international flag displays, as compared to the previous AFI which had fewer specifics.
Modernized Social and Ceremonial Event Protocols: Enhanced clarity on the use of appropriated and non-appropriated funds and additional guidelines for planning events, such as uniform equivalency and customs related to Space Force attire and ceremonies.
Summary for JROTC Units:
The DAFI 90-1201 offers updated and comprehensive guidelines for handling flag protocols, ceremonies, and events involving both the Air Force and Space Force. For JROTC units, understanding these protocols is essential for ensuring proper conduct during official functions and ceremonies. This updated instruction emphasizes the importance of integrating Space Force customs and courtesies and provides extensive details on managing distinguished visitors, event coordination, and ceremonial flag displays. The DAFI builds on the foundations laid by AFI 34-1201, with expanded guidance that includes considerations specific to the Space Force and it modernizes procedures for current operational needs.
Rescind NOW!
Not double and triple checking information with Army standards (where we began) and ensuring text is as clear as possible is why there are Airmen around the USAF are using all kinds of unauthorized equipment. We need to go deeper.
By publishing this new AFI, the USAF has now completely confused thousands of Airmen, Guardians, and cadets. Did anyone run this by the Institute of Heraldry? I seriously doubt it. The TIOH, is the repository of US military history and standards. It never should have been published without a fresh set of eyes going over it. Tell you what, I will do that. You’re welcome. Rescind this manual, go back, and completely rework it.
There are many, many positives in the new version and to go over those would take longer than you and I want to spend on this article. I am only going over the negatives with a couple of positives in places. Here we go.
Flags
2.3. Outdoor Flag Display, Sizes, and Occasions. 2.3.1. U.S. flags designed primarily for outdoor display will be made of nylon-wool or heavyweight nylon without fringe. [Please add the rest of a flag’s nomenclature! Describe the header band with brass grommets at the header end. You inform the reader of the meaning of hoist and fly in Attachment 1, but you never use the terms in the AFI. The text falls short. You should also describe how to mend an outside flag.]
2.3.5.4. Commanders obtain instructions on the [add- use, display, and folding*] of flags in foreign countries from the office of the U.S. Defense Attaché located in the U.S. Embassy.
*Foreign national flags are usually folded into a rectangle or rolled.
Guidon Staff and Flagstaff Length
Guidons have been mounted to and carried on 8-foot staffs since the 1800s. We have never used the 7-foot staff for a guidon. By the way, any pole under 10’ is called a “staff” not a “pole”.
AFI 34-1201 (2020)
2.34.1.3. Guidon. Flagstaffs for guidons are 8 feet in length plus the staff ornament.
AFI 90-1201 (2024)
2.9.1.5. Guidon Flag. These flags are 1 foot 8 inches with a pole sleeve, by 2 foot 3 3/4 inches to the end of the swallowtail and forked six inches. Guidons are displayed on a 7-foot flagstaff.
2.10.2. Flagstaffs for guidons are eight feet in length.
You have given two lengths of staff for the guidon within a handful of paragraphs. The linear distance is less than an 11” page! The standard is an 8’gudion staff, period.
2.9.1.1. Ceremonial Flag. This flag is 4 feet 4 inches by 5 feet 6 inches with a pole sleeve. The flag is trimmed on three edges with fringe 2 inches wide (Space Force flag trim is 2½ inches wide). The flag is displayed on a 9-foot flagstaff.
2.9.1.2. Organizational Flag. This flag is 3 feet by 5 feet with a pole sleeve. It is trimmed on three edges with rayon fringe 2 inches wide (Space Force flag trim is 2 ½ inches wide). The flag is displayed on a 7 -foot flagstaff, (8 or 9-foot flagstaff when displayed with larger flags).
2.10.6. Ferrule*. The metal pointed bottom affixed to the flagpole, also known as a pike, is normally silver in color to match the finial, which is an additional length to the pole. The ferrule is not mandatory and changes the way a flag fits into a base or the overall height of the pole.
*There is an upper and lower ferrule to the guidon staff and flagstaff. The AFI wording, while poor and inadequate, now allows for the lower ferrule to be removed. Even with the lower ferrule removed, it is still not going to work. The bottom of the staff is tapered, the staff will still list to one side. Read this article to understand what a floor stand adapter is (a tube inserted into a stand) and how to use it. The adapter is the answer, not removing the lower ferrule.
Guidon and Colors Flagstaff Nomenclature
I have to add a brief note here. In all of my research I found only one company that offers a guidon flagstaff that does not have the lower ferrule, and the lower half of the staff does not taper. This would be the only staff that would meet the requirements for a static display without the adapter.
Keep the three bullet points above in mind for the following. The Protocol AFI not fully defining terms is why we have base honor guard, ROTC, and JROTC units with different length staffs and flags mounted to staffs without fringe.
“Guidon staff” and “flagstaff” are general terms meaning the whole staff, the wood plus the metal ferrules and finial. I have worked with color guards since high school (1979) and no one has ever said “flagstaff” and then said something like “but only the wood, not the ferrules and finial.” The measurement is just the wood, but the wording in the AFI is terrible.
Since the USAF can use either the one- or two-piece staff, the middle screw joint of the two-piece staff replaces the wood of the one-piece staff and is counted in length.
The historical source document from the early 1900s where the USAF gets its information, AR 260-10 and then AR 840-10, states staff length is 8’ and 9’6” for the US military and Presidential staffs are 10’ long. The USAF added the 7’ staff for internally (AF/SF) posted colors only, not for carrying around for any ceremony and never for joint service.
Ash flagstaffs come in 7’, 8’, and 9’6” lengths. These flagstaffs began life as only for the military and therefore only those lengths are offered. You constantly use the term “9-foot flagstaff” because you are only measuring the wood? If so, then when you reference the 8-foot staff, you need to make the term 7’6” and for the 7′ staff, use 6’6″. However, that is just a complete mix-up of wording that confuses. Flagstaffs come in 7’, 8’, and 9’6” lengths. Stop using bad wording.
2.9.1.2. now allows smaller flags to be mounted on a longer staff and displayed with larger flags. That leads to a mismatch in flag sizes in the same display. There was zero thought put forward here.
I have to break up the next partially incoherent quote of paragraph 2.10.1.
Flagstaffs are meant to carry a flag at full staff.
What? I mean that with all sincerity. What does that mean? Are you saying that the flag is attached to a flagstaff at the top and is never placed lower on the staff. Most people use the terms flagstaff and flagpole interchangeably when a flagstaff is only for indoor display or for carrying in a color guard and a flagpole is a permanent structure outside in the ground.
Wooden flagstaffs can be one piece or a breakdown style
“Breakdown style”? You mean “two-piece”.
and should be light ash in color.
Yes! I have to highlight this for everyone out there who has been such a thorn in my side, including an “HQ”. There you go, light ash wood guidon flagstaffs are the ONLY STAFF AUTHORIZED.
Flagstaffs in darker wood colors should be replaced through attrition with the light ash color and all flagstaffs in a display should be the same color.
Those using the junk brown staffs are going to push this to the limits just like those still using the ball finial. This also means metal staffs are not authorized.
Ensure all flags in a display are the same size and height.
You just said in 2.9.1.2. that an organizational flag can be displayed with a ceremonial flag! Per correct protocol, flag are ALWAYS the same size (US, state, territory, county, city, and military flags) or as close as possible (foreign, or US flags that are a different type, e.g. Ohio).
For clarification, the size of the flagstaffs does not include the staff ornament, head, or finial.
This clarification does not matter at all because your measurements are off. “staff ornament, head, or finial” those three are the same thing. You may want to rewrite that for clarity to read “staff ornament (head or finial)” or “staff ornament/head/finial”.
2.10.4. Eagle Ornament. It is by precedence the eagle finial be used only with the Presidential flag. However, if the U.S. flag is displayed with the Presidential flag, then both may have the eagle finial.
“It is by precedence”. That would be spelled “historic protocol” that the Presidential flags have the spread-eagle finial. It is not just the flag of the President; it is also the VP’s flag and the service departmental colors that are in the Oval Office. All of those 10-foot staffs are topped with the spread eagle.
“Both may have”? No, both will have the eagle finial. The USAF can do some internal things like adding the 7’ staff for a static display, what it cannot do is change higher protocol. All Presidential colors are topped with the spread eagle.
Breakdown of 2.10.6.
Ferrule. The metal pointed bottom affixed to the flagpole
There are two ferrules on a flagstaff. There are zero ferrules on a flagpole. Stop using the terms interchangeably. A ferrule is attached to wood to prevent splitting.
also known as a pike
Erroneously, yes. The USAF never used a pike (a 10’ or longer spear with a sharp point). Since the beginning of the Army Air Corps, the lance (historically, 8’) was used, the pike (historically, 9’6″) was for mechanized units.
is normally silver in color to match the finial
Nope, not “normally”. Remove that word because paragraph 2.10.3. Authorized Finial, it states that the “decorative device at the top of a flagstaff is the finial. The authorized finial for DAF use is the silver spade.” (Emphasis mine)
which is an additional length to the pole. The ferrule is not mandatory and changes the way a flag fits into a base or the overall height of the pole.
Flags do not fit into stands (a “base”), but flagstaffs do. It does not matter that the ferrule(s) change the length of the staff because staffs are sold as a whole including the hardware. You need to remove all of this confusing language referring to staff length with and without the hardware. You are not clear at all.
You fixed the order of precedence! In 2020 you had the Space Force last in paragraph 2.11. and fixed it and moved it to A12.10.
Flag Size
2.9.1.2. Organizational Flag. This flag is 3 feet by 5 feet with a pole sleeve. 2.9.1.3. Positional Flag. This flag is 3 feet by 5 feet with a pole sleeve. 2.9.1.4. Individual Flag. This flag is 3 feet by 5 feet with a pole sleeve.
2.9.2. A substitute size for the personal, ceremonial, and organizational size flags of 3 foot by 4 foot with a pole sleeve
Only this reg uses the term “individual” when everyone else on the face of the earth since time began has used “personal color” (PC for a general officer). You have to use “Individual (Personal Colors)” in several places and also write about “saluting individuals”, “death of individuals”, and “individual ceremonies”. See how this terminology for the PC possibly leads to confusion? It is a “PC” not an “IC”.
Ever since the USAF began as the Army Air Corps, colors only came in 4’4”x5’6”, ceremonial size, and 3’x4’, organizational size. Long ago, military flags used to come in 3’x5’ but in the 1800s when the colors were to be un/cased and the staff was held horizontal, most Soldiers were short enough that the flag material hit the ground. The Army’s solution? Cut off 6” from the header and fly ends. That set up the longstanding tradition of military colors being 3’x4’. Civilian size is 3’x5′.
3’x5’ has been a civilian size for around 200 years. That size is the “substitute size” if there needs to be, but there is no such thing as a “substitute size” because a substitute is never needed. By making the 3’x’5’ the standard size, you have made every USAF/SF organizational color and both types of PC larger than the other service colors or similar type. Can you even fathom what you have done here?
(2020) 2.27. Guidons. Guidons (Figure 2.30) are ultramarine blue nylon or wool bunting, swallow-tailed, 1 foot 8 inches by 2 feet 3¾ inches to the end of swallowtail, and forked 10 inches.
(2024) 2.9.1.5. Guidon Flag. These flags are 1 foot 8 inches with a pole sleeve, by 2 foot 3 ¾ inches to the end of the swallowtail and forked six inches.
By adding the wording “with pole sleeve” (it should be “staff sleeve” by the way), you have possibly shortened every guidon by three inches since the previous edition of the AFI. I know you did not mean this. Well, I hope you didn’t. Better wording here like “These flags are 1 foot 8 inches with a staff sleeve (the measurement has always included the staff sleeve)”.
Forked six or ten inches? It is 10″. Someone do at least a tiny bit of research instead of possibly just seeking an EPR bullet for getting an AFI out.
Your team is asked to present the colors at a game outside and there’s a chance of rain. What do you do?
Flag Material Types
Nylon – a common and inexpensive material that most colors are made of. Weather resistant.
Polyester – Similar to nylon, can look better. Weather resistant.
Rayon – and any blend with Rayon, is expensive and looks the best. Do not expose this material to any inclement weather at all.
Rain, Rain, Go Away…
There is no published guidance. It is up to you. As a suggestion to you, I offer the following:
There ceremony is about to begin, and the skies open up. Don’t present the colors.
The ceremony begins, the team is marching into place and the skies open up. On with the show and continue to present the colors.
Safety always. If there is lightning within 5 miles, it would probably be best not to present the colors or hold the game.
Recovery after Presenting in the Rain
If the ceremony starts, your team marches out and you and the flags get a little wet or soaked, as soon as you return to where you store your flags, unfurl and hang them up right away like in the image below:
Smooth the flags out and allow them to drip dry until completely dry. If the flag must be used before completely dry, try not to let the flag hang while the staff is vertical for very long and never allow a flag to dry while the staff is vertical, or it will dry out of shape and there’s not much that can be done for a flag in this condition.
The flag below is draped over a hanger. The header end, the end with the staff sleeve, is square, but the rest of the flag is completely out of shape because it was allowed to dry while the staff to which it was attached, was left vertical while the flag dried.
It’s an issue that has never been formally addressed before and the time has come to take care of the issue and give the US military guidance for all services. That means DoD Instruction 5410.19 Volume 4 needs to be updated. In this article I provide some suggestions for that.
Before We Begin
USAF BHG Color Guard in Germany with French Flag
Each individual service has their guidance for carrying a foreign national flag but it’s never addressed for joint teams. Those service regulations are AR 840-10, MCO 10520.3, and AFI 34-1201. The standard is simply stated: each service color guard can carry a foreign national color for a ceremony that meets all the requirements (the DoD Instruction mentioned above) in the color guard formation.
Marine Corps Color Guard with Separate National Colors in Static Line FormationMarine Corps Color Guard with Separate National Colors in Marching Line Formation
For the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard, the usual is to make a separate three-man color guard (2 guards, foreign color bearer), but it’s not mandatory. If you do not have the personnel, you can insert the foreign national bearer in the color guard proper*.
*The color guard proper is the rank with the US flag.
From this information, we can see that inclusion of a foreign national flag in a color guard formation, the color guard proper or a second (even multiple) three-man team, is authorized.
The Scenarios
Scenario 1. An event checks off all the boxes to have a foreign national flag carried by a US service member (that instruction mentioned above has the requirements). But… there is a request to have a foreign service member carry their foreign flag as a part of the color guard.
The Joint Armed Forces Color Guard (US military members only) only carries the US and service departmental colors. There’s nothing that states a foreign national, state, or territory color is authorized, only the Dept colors. However, from the information provided above, we can hypothesize that a foreign national color could be included in the formation. What would be the standard for that foreign national flag?
The foreign military member provides the harness, flag, staff, and finial and positions himself to the left of the US bearer.
The US military unit provides the equipment.
Fringe on the flag would be up to either the situation above. If the formation has the Army present, all flags would have fringe. If the Army is absent, the Marine Corps would then be the senior service, have the standards to follow, and both national colors would not have fringe. If the Navy or Air Force was senior, fringe on both national colors would be the standard.
Joint International Separated Colors
Arrival ceremonies for foreign dignitaries here in the US (shown above) requires fringe to not be attached to both the US and foreign flags, regardless of the service standards followed. To read more about this, click here.
While it’s good to know the standards for fringe, above, fringe on the foreign flag would be up to whatever is on hand unless you have time to plan and have all the equipment ready to go.
Scenario 2. A US military member is requested to be part of an international color guard or line of flags. Every ship at sea, installation, and deployed unit should have a complete set of color guard equipment at the ready. When a request for a color guard or even a single color bearer comes up, you have the appropriate equipment.
Wrap Up
International relations are often taken care of at the individual level. Government to government takes place but each man and woman in uniform, especially overseas, is the best representative of their service, the US military and the United States of America. We can also be the worst but hopefully those interactions are very few and far between.
In-ranks inspections matter because standards matter. All standards matter.
Who do we have inspections? Because everyone in uniform is expected to at least meet if not exceed a written standard. Some standards directly link to a life or lives of others. Other standards link to those standards.
Polish Army In-Ranks Inspection
You can’t enforce standards if you aren’t inspecting them.
Professor Flag, DeVaughn Simper
What does linked standards mean?
A simple standard, ensuring all the buttons on your uniform are all buttoned, is linked to ensuring your warehouse is clean and organized so that those who process thru your warehouse to be issued necessary equipment as they deploy down range, receive everything in working order. That is linked to the crew chief turning his F-16 can rely on the fuels tech to be there for a hot turnaround and the pilot can rely on everyone on the ground. The Navy Doc can rest assured his supplies are ready to go with his platoon. The admin personnel have what they need so that they can also concentrate on their jobs. Everything is linked. Every single standard matters and it all begins with drill and ceremonies as our foundation because we need to learn how to march to the inspection area, stand at Attention, and perform that seemingly insignificant task of buttoning all those buttons.
We used to say “If you don’t know if your blouse is buttoned, then you probably don’t know how many rounds are in your magazine.”
Will Pendragon, USMC veteran
Everything we do is based on standards and they are all linked. Some people don’t get that. They are the ones who make excuses for not meeting them.
Photos are hanks to our Polish friends at @dowodztwo_garnizonu_warszawa on Instagram.
All military departmental and organizational colors dip only in specific instances. The instances are fully explained for the departmental colors, and many do not understand that the restrictions to dip colors apply to all military organizational flags.
The image at top shows an Army ROTC color guard in the pass-in-review for a Basic Camp graduation at Fort Knox, KY.
Not to be Confused with a Naval Salute
From the US Navy Regulations Chapter 12. A naval salute involves lowering the colors in salute. For example, a merchant ship may lower its national flag to half-mast when passing a naval vessel. The ship then returns the salute by lowering its ensign to half-mast for a few seconds, then closing it back up. The merchant vessel then raises its ensign back up.
The tradition of dipping the colors was codified in 1594 when European powers agreed that only the Pope and King of Spain could continue to fly their colors when their ships encountered one another on the open seas. Ships of all other nations yielded precedence to these two and lowered their colors in salute.
The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard only return salutes from vessels flying the U.S. flag or the flag of a nation formally recognized by the Government of the United States. Warships never initiate such a salute, nor do they dip to each other. Submarines and or ships in which doing so would be hazardous for the crew are not required to dip the ensign.
This form of the dip does not apply to the other situations that are explained for a land-based color guard.
Dipping Colors for a Color Guard
The image at top shows an Army ROTC color guard in the pass-in-review for a Basic Camp graduation at Fort Knox, KY.
Two Nationals in One USN Ceremonial Guard Color Guard
National Colors
All national colors are not dipped. Ever. For military teams, carrying a foreign national must meet the requirements of DoD Instruction 5410.19, Volume 4, Section 5, 5.1. b.
(1) U.S. military personnel in a foreign location may carry the official national flag of foreign nations participating in official civil ceremonies sponsored and conducted by the U.S. Government or a State, county, or municipal government. (a) An official of the foreign nation concerned must be present in an official capacity to receive such honors. (b) The official must be an individual to whom honors normally are rendered. (2) In all other public programs or ceremonies, Service members in uniform and in an official capacity must not carry flags of foreign nations, veterans’ groups, or other non-military organizations.
Emphasis mine, above.
What the DoDI does not mention is what happens stateside. That means we look to other manuals for that guidance.
AR 840-10, 7-14. e. U.S. military personnel may carry flags of foreign nations in official military ceremonies when an official of that nation is present in an official capacity and is one for whom honors would normally be rendered.
MCO 5060.20, Chap 7, para. 5. e. The national colors of foreign countries will not normally be carried by the same color guard carrying the United States colors. When necessary, refer to reference (j [describes staffs and colors. -DM]).
MCO 10520.3, 4. Carrying Flags of Foreign Nations and Non-Military Organization. Marine Corps personnel may carry flags of foreign nations in official civil ceremonies when an official of the nation concerned is present in his official capacity and is one for whom honors normally would be rendered. In this capacity the flag of the foreign nation will be carried by a separate color guard (normally three Marines). This color guard will be preceded by a Marine Corps color guard during the ceremony. In all other public events or ceremonies, Marine Corps personnel in uniform and in an official capacity are not authorized to carry flags of foreign nations, veterans groups, or other nonmilitary organizations.
US Navy Regulations Chapter 12, 4. When a personal flag or a foreign ensign is required to be displayed ashore during the official visit of, or a gun salute to, a civil official or foreign officer it shall be displayed from the normal paint of display of a personal flag or pennant of the officer in command, and the latter’s flag or pennant shall be displayed at some other point within the command.
AFI 34-1201
2.12. At no time will a foreign national flag be dipped. [This means a foreign color can be carried. -DM]
2.22.7. When displayed or carried with flags of other Air Force organizations, foreign national flags, or state flags, the order of precedence is as follows: The United States Flag, foreign national flags, state flags, Air Force flag, and flags of other Air Force or military services organizations.
2.33.4. Flags of Friendly Foreign Nations. Flags of friendly foreign nations, when flown with flags described in this instruction, are approximately the same size. The designs are those selected by the foreign nations. They may be displayed or carried during ceremonies attended by officials or troops of friendly foreign nations.
TX Dept of Public Safety Color Guard Two National Colors
Civilian and civil (first responder) color guards can carry a foreign national flag. Notice that the photo shows the foreign national colors (here, Canadian) are not dipped. This team is using proper flag protocol.
Military Departmental and Organizational Colors
The Continental Color Guard of the US Army 3rd Infantry Division, The Old Guard
Two different ceremonies where it was appropriate to dip both colors and then only the organizational.
All departmental and organizational colors dip for:
The Star-Spangled Banner, To the Colors, and foreign national anthems. They DO NOT DIP for the Pledge of Allegiance.
The sounding of Taps and Hail to the Chief.
The President, VP, and members of the Cabinet.
All service Secretaries, Chiefs of Staff, equivalents, and higher. Also dipped for their representatives.
Foreign national dignitaries, civilian or military, of equivalent grade or higher.
In addition, all organizational colors are dipped:
To the unit commander*
*This is why JROTC color guards carry state colors in competition, understandable, but unnecessary. Replacing the AJROTC color should not be standard for any other ceremony. For more on this, read my article, The Why of the Military Color Guard – JROTC and State Colors. In any case, JROTC cadets need to stop immediately dipping their JROTC color, organizational or institutional, on command.
I know! The JROTC organizational colors are difficult to get and a bit expensive. Most cadets have no idea that the org color is mandatory to carry. I’m writing about what the standard is, not demanding you spend money you may not currently have to meet a standard (budgeting for this requirement is a really good idea).
References
AR 840-10, Chapter 4, 4-1, (7) Dipping the flag. The U.S. Army Ceremonial flag is an organizational color and is therefore dipped while the U.S. National Anthem, “To the Color,” or a foreign national anthem is played. The U.S. Army Ceremonial flag is also dipped when rendering honors to the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, their direct representative, or an individual of higher grade, including a foreign dignitary of equivalent or higher grade. The U.S. Army Ceremonial flag will not be dipped under any other circumstances.
AR 600-25, Chapter 2, 2-2 a. The flag of the United States is not dipped by way of salute or compliment. The organizational color will be dipped in salute in all military ceremonies while the national anthem of the United States, “To the Colors,” or a foreign national anthem is being played, and when rendering honors to organizations and individuals for which the military ceremony is being conducted. b. The U.S. Army flag is an organizational color and as such is also dipped under the situations stated in paragraph 2–2a.
MCO 5060.20, Chapter 7, paragraph 2. Color Salutes, b. By the Organizational Colors. In military ceremonies, the organizational colors salutes while the “National Anthem,” “To the Colors,” “Retreat,” or “Hail to the Chief” is being played, and when rendering honors to the organizational commander, individual of higher rank, or the dead, but in no other case. (See section 1, paragraph 5 of this chapter.)
Salutes by the Organizational Colors a. Once the color guard is at present colors, and when appropriate, the organizational color bearer will render a salute with the organizational colors by straightening the right arm and lowering the staff naturally to the front. The staff will rotate naturally as it goes forward causing the sharp edge of the spearhead to face down. (See figure 7-13.) b. Salutes by the organizational colors are not automatic when presenting colors. They will be rendered only during honors to national colors, to the commander of the organization represented by the colors or to an individual senior in rank to the organizational commander; (e.g., during a parade or review when the adjutant presents the command to the commander of troops. The organizational colors does not salute, unless the commander of troops is the organizational commander or of higher rank.) c. When musical honors are played, the organizational colors will salute on the first note of music. The colors will be returned to the vertical position following the last note of music or the last volley of a gun salute. If no music is to be played and a color salute is appropriate, the organizational colors will salute immediately after the color guard has gone to present colors. d. When marching, the salute is rendered when 6 paces from the reviewing stand or person to be saluted. Carry colors is resumed when 6 paces beyond the reviewing stand or person to be saluted.
AFI 34-1201, 2.22.8. The Air Force departmental flag is an organizational flag and is dipped while the national anthem, “To The Color,” musical honors for CSAF or higher, or a foreign national anthem is played. The Departmental Flag is also dipped when rendering honors to the SecAF, the CSAF, their direct representative, or any government official of equivalent or higher grade, including foreign dignitaries, and during a pass in review. Additionally, the departmental flag and other subordinate flags will be dipped during military funeral honors. (T-1). This includes the movement and transfer of the remains, the playing of “muffled ruffles” and “Taps”. The departmental flag will not be dipped under any other circumstances. (T-1).
This is an interesting aspect of flag display outside on a flagpole. What is required? Aesthetics is going to be your guide, but there is a bit more to it.
Definitions
For our purposes, we need to define some terms.
Flagpole/Mast- a permanent structure that is outside in the ground.
Flagstaff- what a color guard carries. For the military, that would be the guidon staff.
Halyard- a rope on a pulley system attached to a pole or mast.
Outside Flag- has grommets for attaching to a halyard, never mounted on a staff.
Indoor/Outdoor (parade) Flag- a flag with a pole hem ( staff sleeve) that is mounted onto a staff.
Multiple Flags at Half-Staff?
No. I came to a rest area that had three flags flying from a single pole. The flags were lowered to half-staff (“Mast” is associated with the sea services, the Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and maritime activities). Half-staff is only for the American flag, the other two should have been removed from the halyard.
What About Gaps Between the Flags?
Is there specific guidance on how much of a gap should be between each flag when multiple flags are flown on the same halyard?
No. There isn’t any guidance in the Flag Code or military manuals except for the Department of the Air Force. AFI 34-1201, Protocol, states:
2.10.8. …Minuteman, or Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flags to be flown on the same halyard with the United States Flag. They should be fastened to the halyard at a distance below the United States Flag so that when both are at rest the United States Flag does not touch or overlap the second flag.
As for any other flagstaff for the government, military service, civilian, or civil, a gap between flags is not necessary.
No. Governors, stop pandering. For POW/MIA Recognition Day, the third Friday in September, the US flag is not lowered to half-staff. Half-staff is a sign of mourning a death, not just sadness over one who is missing. We don’t know what happened to thousands of missing military. Let’s not assume the worst.
Half-staff is literally the flag halfway down the pole, not approximately. Two flags on the same halyard are not lowered to half. For more, read the DrillMaster Study of Half-Staff and Half-Mast here.
When is the American flag flown at Half-Staff?
For thirty days after the death of a current or former president or president-elect.
For ten days after the death of a current vice president, current or retired chief justice, or current speaker of the House of Representatives.
From the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of an executive or military department, a former vice president, or the governor of a state, territory, or possession.
On the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress.
On Memorial Day until noon.
Upon presidential proclamation.
Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15), unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7).
Patriot Day (September 11).
The first Sunday in October for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
Initially, the issue of US Navy and Coast Guard flagstaff finials can be complicated, but we will go through this systematically. A finial is the ornament or topper that is on the top of a flagstaff or mast. A flagstaff is only for static indoor display and to be carried by a color guard and a flag mast (flagpole) is a permanent structure out of doors or aboard ship.
The sea services are the Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Mariners, NOAA, and Public Health Service. None of the standards in this writing are for the Marine Corps which uses only one finial but does follow much of the flag protocol.
What this Article is Not
This article is not my interpretation. It’s not opinion. Your interpretation or opinion do not matter, just like mine. Let’s get that out of the way. I go by definitions, not what I think a manual is saying. There is quite a bit of information here, you are going to need to read it a couple times and probably bookmark the page to reread it when you need the information.
MCO 5060.20, Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies, (also applicable to the Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Mariners, NOAA, and Public Health*)
The long history of this manual
Starts in 1775 with von Steuben.
Takes two paths during the Civil War era through early 1900s.
Marine Corps and Navy come together with Landing Force Manual in 1921 and continued with the Landing Party Manuals through 1950.
Marine Corps League creates its own Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies manual in 1952.
NAVMC 2691 published in 1980 and 83.
Reclassified SECNAVINST 5060.22 (no copy available) in possibly 1982/1984.
Reclassified to MCO P5060.20 in 2003
In 2019, the “P” is dropped to be MCO 5060.20.
MCO 10520.3, United States Marine Corps Flag Manual
Replaced by MCO 4400.201 Vol 13 (2016), Management of Property in the Possession of the Marine Corps, Chapters 12 & 13 are a complete restating of MCO 10520.3
NTP 13(B), Flags, Pennants, and Customs (also applicable to the Coast Guard, Merchant Mariners, NOAA, and Public Health*)
US Navy Regulations Chap 12, Flags, Pennants, Honors, and Customs (also applicable to the Coast Guard, Merchant Mariners, NOAA, and Public Health*)
OPNAVINST 10520.1B CNO Policy on Flags and Streamers
*Merchant Mariners, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Public Health do not have marching programs, but the officers in each program need to be able to stand at Attention and execute facing movements at appropriate times. Each organization also follows the guidance for sea service flag protocol.
Below, my explanations appear between bracket [like this].
MCO 5060.20
MCO 5060.20, Chap 7, (2) d. When mounted on a vehicle, the national flag is called the “national standard” and the organizational flag is called the “organizational standard.” The term “standard” means the national standard only. The term “standards” means both the national standard and the organizational standard.
Fringe
Encl. 1, Chap. 7, Para. 1. p. The use of gold fringe on the U.S. Flag is expressly forbidden for Marine Corps organizations.
[This is for Marine Corps colors displays and color guards only. -DM]
Orders were issued on 2 April 1921 which directed all national colors be manufactured without the yellow fringe and without the words “U S Marine Corps” embroidered on the red stripe. This was followed by an order dated 14 March 1922, retiring from use all national colors still in use with yellow fringe or wording on the flag.
Here, the gold cords and tassels are not authorized the same as the finials
Cord and Tassels
q. The U.S. Flag, when displayed or carried on a staff (pike) is adorned with a red, white, and blue rope and tassel. The organizational colors are adorned with a scarlet and gold rope and tassel. However, once a unit has been awarded a streamer, the rope and tassel is removed from the organizational colors and a streamer attachment set added between the upper ferrule and the spearhead. Ropes and tassels are affixed to the top of the staff between the two ribs of the upper ferrule using a girth hitch knot.
MCO 10520.3
Annex B
Battle Color. See Battle Standard. [While a standard was carried by mechanized troops or mounted to the vehicles (most likely unfringed) and a color was carried by infantry troops, both names mean the same thing. -DM]
Battle Color of the Marine Corps. See Battle Standard of the Marine Corps. Battle Standard, The term “Battle Standard” refers to the distinguishing organizational flag authorized for CMC Approved command Slated Billets, bearing the title of a designated unit on the scroll.
Battle Standard of the Marine corps. A Marine Corps color, known as “The Battle Standard of the Marine Corps” and bearing the battle Streamers authorized for the Marine Corps as a whole, shall be kept at the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Color. The term “color” applies to a national flag or a unit or organization distinguishing flag carried by dismounted elements. It also applies to the distinguishing flag of comparable size, normally of rayon, authorized for certain high civilian and military officials, however, the term “color” will not be used in reference to personal distinguishing flags of Marine Corps officers, Ensign. The term “ensign” refers to a flag displayed on board ships of the Navy and at Navy and Marine commands ashore.
Flag. The term “flag” is a general term and is applicable regardless of size, relative proportions, or manner of display. The fly of a flag is its length measured horizontally; the hoist of a flag is its width measured vertically.
Mast. The term “mast” as used herein applies to a fixed shaft from which a flag is displayed.
National Ensign. The term “National Ensign” refers to the national flag displayed on board ships of the Navy and at Navy and Marine commands ashore.
National Flag. The term “National Flag” may be applied to the flag of the United States regardless of size or manner of display.
Staff. The term “staff’ as used herein applies to the shaft from which a flag carried by troops is displayed.
Standard. The term “standard’ originally applied to a flag carried by mounted, mechanized, motorized, or aviation units of the Operating Forces. Modern usage refers to a flag of the type described in Chapter 3, carried by both Operating Forces and Supporting Establishment.
Fringe
Chap. 1, 3. g. The use of fringe on national colors or standards within the Marine Corps is prohibited.
Miscellaneous
Chap. 3, para 15. b. Minor repair should be accomplished at the local level to maintain each item in a ready serviceable condition acceptable by the Government. Any minor repair work that is done cannot alter specifications of the flag. Major repairs and modifications are not authorized to be accomplished at the local level.
Chap. 3, para. 18.
a. Flagstaffs. Flagstaffs will be used at all times when displaying or carrying ceremonial or organizational flags. Flagstaffs and components authorized for use within the Marine Corps follow.
(1) Flagstaff, colors and standards, 9 1 6″
Components:
Flagstaff 8′ 9 7/8″ W/2 No, 7, 3/4″ round head wood screws
[These aren’t wood screws. They are brass and there are 4, 8, or 12 of them that screw into a brass tube to keep the brass hardware attached to the staff, depending on the configuration. -DM]
Spearhead section
Connector section
Ferrule
b. Flag Cases. Flag cases will be used to cover ceremonial and organizational flags when being stored or carried on other than for ceremonial occasions.
c. Flag Slings. Flag slings will be used at all times to carry ceremonial or organizational flags during ceremonies.
Foreign National and Other Colors
Chap 4, para. 4. Carrying Flags of Foreign Nations and Non-Military Organization. Marine Corps personnel may carry flags of foreign nations in official civil ceremonies when an official of the nation concerned is present in his official capacity and is one for whom honors normally would be rendered. In this capacity the flag of the foreign nation will be carried by a separate color guard (normally three Marines). This color guard will be preceded by a Marine Corps color guard during the ceremony. In all other public events or ceremonies, Marine Corps personnel in uniform and in an official capacity are not authorized to carry flags of foreign nations, veterans groups, or other nonmilitary organizations.
[The above is about carrying colors. Foreign national, state, and territory colors can be displayed at any time that is appropriate. The restriction comes when it should be carried. -DM]
NTP 13(b)
102. DEFINITIONS
(2) Ensign – The flag designated by a country to be flown by it’s men-of-war.
[An ensign is a flag that has a header band with grommets. It is an “outside flag”. -DM]
b. The national and organizational (regimental/battalion) flags carried by dismounted organizations are called the “national color” and the “organizational color”. The singular word “color” implies the national color, while the plural word “colors” implies the national color and organizational color.
c. The national and organizational flags carried by mounted or motorized units are called the “national standard” and the “regimental/battalion standard”. The singular word “standard” implies the national standard, and the plural word “standards” implies both the national and organizational standards.
e. Colors may be carried in any formation in which two or more companies participate, and by escorts when ordered.
f. No more than one national color will be carried by a regiment, or any part thereof, when assembled as a unit.
[Emphasis mine. A color is an indoor/outdoor/parade flag, a flag used in a static display and carried by a color guard in a parade. Keep these definitions in mind to understand the next section. To give you some context regarding the descriptions. The following quote is from AR 260-10 (1944)
(10) Staff-heads of design other than eagle, acorn, gilt halberd (Navy), ball, gilt star (Navy), spear, or flat disk (Navy) are not authorized. This restricts the display for official purposes of any color, standard, flag, pennant, streamer, banner, guidon, or similar device from a flagstaff bearing a head of a design such as a State crest, regimental device, society emblem, or any design not noted above. It does not restrict the display of a State flag from a staff bearing a State device, as when national and State flags are flown from adjacent flagstaffs.
h. Flag headings.
(1) Flags displayed from a halyard and all boat and airship flags will be equipped with a canvas tabling with grommets or flag staples or both.
(2) Flags displayed from a pike, lance, flagstaff, etc., will be equipped with a tube or tunnel heading.
We now call that “tube or tunnel heading” a staff sleeve. As you can see, the definitions of flag type were and still are universal. -DM]
104. FRINGE
The Navy’s policy regarding fringe on the national ensign is as follows:
a. Fringe will not be attached to the national ensign when displayed out-of-doors.
[This sentence creates the greatest amount of problems because so many do not understand how to apply the definitions above. Again, this isn’t about how you or I “interpret” it, it’s about exactly what it says. Let’s look:
“Fringe will not be attached to the national ensign” – the national ensign is a flag with a header band and grommets in the band. Aboard ship and in harsh weather conditions, the ensign can have a pole hem with a rope and thimble attaching system. An ensign is displayed out doors only.
“when displayed out-of-doors” – Displayed means on a mast, not a color guard. A color guard carries the colors, it does not display them. See 102. DEFINITIONS, letters e. and f., above. -DM]
b. Fringe shall not be removed from any flag of historical nature or value.
[g. The use of fringe on national colors or standards within the Marine Corps is prohibited. MCO 10520.3 -DM]
105. CORD AND TASSELS
a. Only red, white, and blue cord and tassels may be attached to the flagstaff of the national ensign (see Chapter 17).
[This is an imperative, meaning that a cord and tassels will be attached and that the only cord and tassels authorized for the national is red, white, and blue. The Marine Corps used poor wording here with “ensign”. -DM]
307. NAVAL FORCES ASHORE
Of the colors carried by a Naval force on shore, only the U.S. Navy Flag and the Battalion Colors shall be dipped in rendering or acknowledging a salute.
[This means the battalion colors can be carried as the third flag in the formation. -DM]
1003. STAFF ORNAMENTS
Staff ornaments for personal flags and pennants shall be the same as that prescribed for the U.S. national ensign (see Chapter 11).
[This means when the authorization for an Admiral or dignitary is a certain finial for the personal or positional color, the national must also have the same finial. -DM]
1101. BOAT DISPLAY
a. A staff ornament shall top the flagstaff upon which the national ensign is displayed in boats of the Naval service under the following conditions:
[This section is for the staff of the American flag when it is displayed in a ship/boat. -DM]
**(1) When an officer or civil official is embarked on an official occasion or
(2) When a flag officer, unit commander, commanding officer, chief of staff, or chief staff officer, in uniform, is embarked in a boat of his command or one assigned for his personal use.
**An additional staff ornament of the same type must top the flagstaff in the bow upon which is affixed the personal flag, command pennant, or commission pennant of such officer or civil official.
b. The topping ornament shall have a highly polished brass finish and be displayed as follows:
(1) A SPREAD EAGLE – For civilian officials and flag officers whose official gun salute is 19 or more guns. This includes such individuals as the President and Vice President, Secretaries of State, Defense, Army, Navy, Air Force, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, State Governors, and Service Chiefs. Tables of gun salutes of military officers and civil officials are contained in Chapter 10, U.S. Navy Regulations.
[19-gun salute and higher. -DM]
(2) A HALBERD – For flag officers whose official gun salute is less than 19 guns, and for civil officials whose gun salute is 11 or more but less than 19 guns. Included in this category are such individuals as the Under and Assistant Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; Naval or Military Governors; and flag officers of the Armed Forces other than those of 5-star rank or Service Chiefs.
[17-gun salute and higher. -DM]
(3) A BALL – For officers of the grade or equivalent grade of Captain in the Navy, and for such diplomatic officials as Career Ministers, Consuls, or First Secretary of an Embassy or Legation.
[15-gun salute and higher. In any display, foreign national flags are topped with a ball. -DM]
(4) A STAR – For officers of the grade or equivalent grade of Commander in the Navy.
[11-gun salute and higher. The flat truck is just the upper ferrule (ornament receiver) with the finial removed. -DM]
(5) A FLAT TRUCK – For officers below the grade or equivalent grade of Commander in the Navy, and for civil officials for whom honors are prescribed on the occasions of an official visit but are not the equivalent of those officials listed above.
[11-gun salute and higher. The flat truck is just the upper ferrule (ornament receiver) with the finial removed. -DM]
US Navy Regulations, Chapter 12, Section 8
I need to insert this here.
1275. 2. Staffs for the ensign, and for the personal flag or pennant in a boat assigned to the personal use of a flag or general officer, unit commander, chief of staffer commanding officer, or in which a civil officer is embarked, shall be fitted at the peak with devices as follows:
1275. 2. Staffs for the ensign, and for the personal flag or pennant in a boat assigned to the personal use of a flag or general officer, unit commander, chief of staffer commanding officer, or in which a civil officer is embarked, shall be fitted at the peak with devices as follows:
A spread eagle for an official or officer whose official salute is 19 or more guns.
A halberd:
(1) For a flag or general officer whose official salute is less than 19 guns.
(2) For a civil official whose official salute is 11 or more guns but less than 19 guns.
A ball:
(1) For an officer of the grade, or relative grade, of captain in the Navy.
(2) For a career minister, a counselor or first secretary of embassy or legation, or a consul.
A star for an officer of the grade, or relative grade, of commander in the Navy.
A flat truck:
(1) For an officer below the grade, or relative grade, of commander in the Navy.
(2) For a civil official not listed above, and for whom honors are prescribed for an official visit.
Back to NTP 13(B)
1102. LOCATIONS OTHER THAN IN BOATS
a. The staff ornament for the national ensign, when displayed other than in boats, shall be the battle-ax.
[Emphasis mine. This means flagstaffs in a static display or carried by a color guard are topped with the battle-ax. -DM]
b. Personal flags and command pennants shall be topped with the ornament prescribed for boat display when displayed indoors.
[Emphasis mine. This means that the finials described above are used as the finial for a flagstaff ashore. -DM]
1103. U.S. NAVY FLAG AND BATTALION COLORS
A battle-ax shall top the flagstaff on which is flown the Navy flag and battalion colors.
1104. GUIDON
The flagstaff topping ornament for the guidon shall be the spearhead.
[The flat, silver spearhead, “Army spade”, on a light ash wood guidon staff with silver metal hardware. -DM]
1723. CORD AND TASSELS
c. Cord and tassels may be used only with the personal flags of the officials and officers listed herein.
[This means a cord and tassels is not mounted on staffs for any Navy color other than what is shown in the NTP (AR 840-10, and AFI 34-1201), all are positional colors for Pentagon-level General Officers. -DM]
The Finial on Other Colors
The photo at the top of the page is of the US Coast Guard Academy color guard. Another photo is at the right.
The school’s color guard carries all the service departmental colors for some reason. They can, according to DoDI 5410.19 Vol 4:
Section 5, para. 5-1. A. (2) When a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard cannot be formed, a single Service color guard may carry each of the Military Service flags or the senior member of the senior Military Service in the color guard will carry the National Colors in accordance with the Department of the Army Training Circular 3-21.5. (Emphasis mine)
The issue comes when the departmental colors are all topped with the battle-ax finial. Now, if just the national, Navy, and Coast Guard colors were carried, for instance, the battle-ax would be authorized. However, since the Army or Marine Corps colors are carried, their presence requires the standards to match those of the senior services (read The Why of the Military Color Guard – Precedence and Command). When the Air Force, and/or Space Force color is in the mix, the finials also change, because of regs. Let’s take a look at all the applicable manuals.
Army Regulation 840-10, b. Spearhead (the spearhead is the only device used with Army flags) (see fig 8–2).
MCO 5060.20, 7-5. j. A metal spearhead screws into the top of the staff and a streamer attachment device may also be affixed to display an organization’s award streamers. (See figure 7-5.)
AFI 34-1201,
2.10.3.2. When a number of flags are displayed from staffs set in a line, all staffs will be of the same height and have the same style finials, or decorative devices, at the top of the flagpoles (Service specific guidance may differ in a joint environment).
2.34.2. Staff Ornament, Flagstaff Head or Finial. The decorative device at the top of a flagstaff is the finial. It is precedence the eagle finial be used only with the Presidential flag. All finials in a display or ceremony should be the same [emphasis mine -DM]. This does not restrict the display of a state flag from a staff bearing a state device when national and other state flags are displayed from adjacent flagstaffs; however, the Air Force does not provide such devices [neither do the other services, this means it’s a local purchase -DM]. The following finials are authorized for flags used by Air Force organizations:
2.34.2.2. Spade, silver in color (primary finial used by the Air Force).
The conclusions here for finial use for all colors displays and color guards:
The Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force are required to only use the flat, silver spade finial.
The Navy and Coast Guard (and NOAA, Merchant Mariners, & Public Health) are required to use the battle-ax finial as the standard finial unless certain requirements for a dignitary authorized to receive honors are met.
Arrival/departure ceremony afloat and ashore.
Ceremony display (e.g., back of stage).
Office display.
Deceased’s PC carried at funeral.
The finial of the senior service present, whether represented by a flag or individual, must be used.
Why the color bearers in the above photo (c. 1960s) are out of order, I’m not sure. However, I’m posting it because of the mixed finials. Most likely, the protocol of the finials was probably not considered back then.
Service Ensigns, Jacks, and Other Flags
A Naval Jack is a small flag, the size of the canton of the ensign, flown by a sailing vessel, from the jackstaff at the bow (front, ensign at the stern, rear) of the ship when anchored or in port. It serves as a symbol of a ship’s nationality and allegiance.
These flags above are never mounted on a flagstaff and not displayed ashore.
Summary
Fringe on the National is Mandatory
The Navy and Coast Guard (and NOAA, Merchant Mariners, and Public Health) must have fringe on the national in static displays and color guards.
There is no restriction on fringe except for the Marine Corps regarding the national color/standard. I’ve been wrong for years and it wasn’t until this deep dive into sea service regs, that I realized that there is a definite separation in the sea services, even though they have many similarities.
Finial use is Restricted
The standard for the Marine Corps is the spade for static display and when carried in a color guard.
The standard for the Navy and Coast Guard (and NOAA, Merchant Mariners, and Public Health) is the battle-ax for static display and when carried in a color guard.
NOAA, Merchant Mariners, and Public Health should not have color guards since the uniformed members are officers. Read why here.
At other times, finial use is situational, based on individual rank/position or the presence of a sister service.
The spade finial is required when other services are involved.
Cord and Tassels
A twisted red, white, and blue cord is required on the national for the Marine Corps.
A twisted red, white, and blue cord is required on the national for the rest of the sea services when a personal color is displayed and that PC is required to have a cord and tassels. No flag is displayed with more decoration than the national, so the R,W,&B cord must be attached to the national color.
When the Marine Corps departmental/organizational color is carried, it must have the twisted scarlet and yellow cord and tassels or service/unit battle streamers.
The gold-colored cord and tassels is not authorized in any sea service.
Only certain positional colors are authorized a cord and tassels listed in previously mentioned regs.
Flagstaffs
For the Navy, Coast Guard, and other sea-based services except for the Marine Corps, the staff is not identified for a static display. To me, this allows the brown staff that does not have the ferrules. This would be the least expensive option instead of replacing thousands of staffs throughout the Navy and Coast Guard. Keep the brown staffs, but you must replace the spread-eagle finials to match the other finials.
For a color guard, the light ash wood guidon staff/pike must be used by all sea services as is stated in MCO 5060.20.
Staffs for all sea services.
Must be light ash wood guidon flagstaffs.
Must be 9’6” long.
Navy and CG staffs should have gold-colored hardware and the battle-ax finial, but that staff type is very difficult to find. The default is the staff with silver-colored hardware and the Army spade.
Color Guard Manning and Colors Carried
Always two guards and a minimum of the US color.
The departmental/organizational is the second color to make a standard color guard. Two Marine Corps organizational colors can be carried when the commanding general is over two organizations authorized a color.
Navy units can add the battalion color (no fringe) as a third flag when the unit is authorized this color.
Foreign national colors can be carried when requirements are met.
State colors are not authorized to be carried.
We know this because the regs tell us what is authorized, not an endless list of what is not authorized, and state colors are never mentioned.
Territory colors can be carried.
The unincorporated territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and US Virgin Islands are considered to be nations under UN treaties and are afforded the same courtesies as independent nations.
These colors can be carried the same way as foreign national colors.
Color dimensions
Must be 4’4” long (the fly) x 5’6” tall (the hoist).
Use and display of colors of any other dimensions is not authorized.
Only the Army, Air Force, and Space Force are authorized to display and carry colors that are 3’x4’ on 8’ staffs.
Harnesses and Belts
Harnesses are always worn by the color bearers. The harness is never stated to be optional and shown in all photos.
The Marine Corps has complete information for Marines to wear harnesses and belts.
Harnesses for the Navy should be black and for the Coast Guard should be white. Should be made of leather or web material. This standard was set for each service by the honor guards in Washington DC.
Belts are always worn by all members of the team. Belts are never stated to be optional and shown in all photos.
Belts for the Navy and Coast Guard should be white (web or pistol belts). This standard was set for each service by the honor guards in DC.
Apparently, the Flag Code and military manuals are not enough for Americans to understand that the flag is special and needs to be treated with honor at all times.
The image at the top of the article is just meant to be tongue-in-cheek. Its from a Star Trek movie where Spock dies and is placed in a giant sunglasses case. His remains are ejected from the Enterprise after the Federation of Planets flag is removed.
Historical Reference
Pres Teddy Roosevelt early 1900s
The American flag was draped on all kinds of things, drawn up, and festooned (an item hanging between two points purely for decoration). In the photo above, you can see how the flag was drawn up/festooned for decoration. When searching online, you can find many similar photos.
A Casket
Fan Fold Half Couched CasketDraped flag on Fully Closed CasketFolded Flag in Fully Couched Casket
A casket has four sides, a coffin has six sides. Americans use caskets. The Flag Code (1947); AR 840-10, Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates; MCO 5060.20, Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies; and AFI 34-1201. Protocol, all state the American flag only drapes the casket.
(n) When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground. (4 US Code § 7)
Chapter 2, 2-4, j. (2) On a closed casket, the flag will be placed lengthwise, with the union at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. (AR 840-10)
Chapter 13, 1. g. When the national colors is draped on the casket, it shall be placed so the stars are at the head of the casket over the left shoulder of the deceased. Nothing shall rest on top of the national colors. The colors will be removed as the casket is being lowered into the grave, and in time so the colors will not touch the ground. (MCO 5060.20)
Chapter 2, 2.10.10. On a closed casket, the flag will be placed lengthwise, with the union at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. (AFI 34-1201)
Please note what these standards state, the flag drapes a casket. Please also recognize what they do not state, that the flag drapes anything else. I need to emphasize this because some American’s just don’t get it, they think that a flag draping something else will make that situation that much more meaningful, “honorabler”, or, my favorite, “ceremonialer”. Some will offer an excuse for just about anything as long as their feelings are involved. I call that “emotionaler”.
By the way, every American may have a flag on their casket. Who folds it is the question that must be answered. Read All About the Flag on the Casket.
A Military Transfer Case
Flag-Draped Transfer Case
A military transfer case is essentially a casket for military members who die while overseas in combat, an accident, or other reason. It is also draped by the flag and flown back to the US through Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
A Body Bag
For situations similar to what is shown immediately below, draping the bed is inappropriate. Folding the ends and sides of the flag under itself and placing it directly on the body bag so that the flag is completely inside the bed rails with no possibility of getting caught on anything or touched by hands pushing the bed is best. Read also, Handling the Flag.
In the situation shown directly above, a veteran passed away at a VA hospital in Georgia. It is definitely easier on others to see and honor a flag-draped body bag rather than see a bare body bag wheeled through the corridors. The same situation happened below, but this is 100% wrong.
Deceased Veteran Draped with US and SC Flags on top of each other
Having two flag, one on top of the other or even both beside each other, is wrong. we drape the deceased with one flag only. The next-of-kin decides if the deceased did not already leave directions on what to do. You never place multiple flags on a casket, and by association, that includes the body bag.
Please read When to Drape the Deceased for a situation where the flag is put in violation of 4 U.S. Code § 8 – Respect for flag, “(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.”
WWII US Navy burial at sea in cloth body bags
During World War Two (WWII), when the US Navy had casualties aboard ship, The deceased Sailors were placed in cloth body bags and the remains stored in the ship’s cooler or freezer in the galley. At an appropriate time, a burial at sea ceremony would take place.
Part of the ceremony entailed placing the bagged remains on a board, and draping both with the flag. At the appointed time, the board would be lifted and tilted so that the feet traveled first as the remains slid into the water. The flag was secured in the hands of the pallbearers along with the board.
The Flag Code was written two years after WWII using military manuals dated from that era. Before that, there was zero guidance for the use of the flag by Americans who were not serving in the military. Military manuals had guidance, but that was for the military.
The US Navy Landing Party Manual, Chapter 3, Section VIII (1950, earliest version I have) has information on funerals, flag folding info, but nothing on a burial at sea.
A Shipping Container – NO!
Draping shipping container in Louisiana from the Advocate of Baton Rouge, LA
No! Absolutely not. The flag is not to be exposed to an industrial area.
We have covered that the casket is the only thing draped by a flag.
This is in direct violation of 4 U.S. Code § 8 – Respect for flag, “(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.”
In the image above, not only is the flag being draped on a casket shipping container, but they also seem to be unaware of how the flag is supposed to be oriented. Other photos of that event show that the flag was placed upside-down, the canton on the right.
Casket in Shipping Container
The shipping container is a thick-walled cardboard top that fits into a wooden tray. The black straps are heavy nylon. Casket travel inside the cargo/luggage area of the aircraft. It is loaded last and removed first. When loaded, the container is sealed and placed into the aircraft.
When the casket is to be unloaded to change planes, pallbearers can be in place to carry the shipping container, as shown by the Airmen at left.
When the casket is to be unloaded at its final destination (casket change to connecting flights at times), the lid is supposed to be removed inside the cargo area, the flag placed onto the casket and, if available, a casket band placed around the flag so that it will not slide off at some point while it’s brought down the conveyor or lift.
A Cadaver, K9 – NO!
Draped Deceased MWD K9Veteran Body Inappropriately Draped
A cadaver is a dead body. The above photo on the right is real. That is not a mannequin, he is a veteran who passed away in 2017 and a messy story. This is unacceptable under any circumstances. Both the veteran’s remains, and flag are completely disrespected here.
The same goes for the Military Working Dog. The K9 is authorized certain honors because it is a member of the military branch and serves with rank. However, under no circumstances should a flag ever drape a dead body. It is in direct violation of 4 U.S. Code § 8 – Respect for flag:
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
A Chair or Table – NO!
Absolutely not. It does not matter what the reasoning is behind the display, draping anything other than a casket, transfer case, or body bag is wrong. You do not show respect by throwing a flag over something just because.
But, to Dry a Flag
The flag does not drape a chair, table, or anything else for a memorial, funeral, or what have you. It can drape an object when you have taken it down and it’s wet. See my two photos below.
Flag Drying – SmallFlag Drying – Large
You can do this if you need to dry your flag as long as the surface will not stain the flag. On the left is the flag at my house. We have some antique school desks that my mother-in-law used when she was very young, and the flag only touches certain parts of the desks. On the right is a garrison flag at an Army-based cadet program where I worked. The cadets and I brought the flag down, folded it, brought it inside, and spread it out across a dozen small tables and chairs. The next morning it was dry so it was folded and put away to be stored until next time we would raise it.
Speaking of Drying
The flag on the right is called a color. A color is attached to a flagstaff for an indoor static display and carried by a color guard. When a color gets wet, remove it from the staff as quickly as possible and lay it flat, if possible, until it is completely dry. The flag in the photo was left on the staff, dried, and is now permanently mishappen.
Remember, the difference in most cases is between displaying and utility.
A Bar or Hanger
Airmen stretch casket band for filming flag draping video Dover AFB DE Aug 2023
Dover Air Force Base in Delaware is where all deceased military remains go when the individual was stationed or deployed overseas. What you see in the photo above is flags, received from the manufacturer, are unfolded, ironed, and draped over the bars ready to be used to drape caskets. This is not a display, it is a utilitarian method of preparation for use.