Olympic Flag Protocol

DrillMasterProtocol and Flag 2 Comments

For international flag protocol, this is accepted. This image is from the International Olympic Committee when the organization announced the USA would have the 2034 Olympic games in Salt Lake City, UT.

I am not a fan of this in the least. The Olympic flag is placed to the right of national flags as far as the IOC is concerned. However, this is not stateside, it’s in Paris, France.

Having said that. Here is what the Flag Code, Title 4, US Code, has to say:

(c)No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations. (Bold text emphasis mine)

While the Flag Code was created decades ago and gives us broad and general guidance with a few specifics, we really don’t need anything more specific than what I highlighted in bold above: “No other flag should be placed to the right of the flag of the United States of America.” That’s pretty clear.

The Order of Nations in the Parade of Nations

Paris Olympics 1924 Parade of Nations
Paris Olympics 1924 Parade of Nations

The first flag and group of athletes is always Greece, the home of the first Olympic Games, regardless of the host country. The remaining flags and athletes are presented in alphabetical order in the language of the host nation.

See also The American Flag and the 2012 Olympics. This really angered some British folks.

Inappropriate carrying and escort of the flag

Handling the Flag

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There are proper ways to handle a flag. This article goes over several proper techniques and shows some that are less than desirable and even inappropriate.

The flag is hoisted up a flagstaff or mast or folded, that’s it. How it is held comes with a couple of options. This technique below, is not an option.

Flag Detail as Color Guard and Bad Carry
Flag Detail as Color Guard and Bad Carry

We do not walk/march with the flag draped over arms like this except for one time. Pallbearers remove the flag from a casket to place a pall on the casket in the church vestibule, a transition space between the exterior entrance and the interior of a church building. The flag is taken to an office and draped as is. At the completion of the service, the flag is retrieved, the pall removed, the flag placed, and the ceremony continues.

The image at the top shows a lack of awareness on two levels:

1. Escort of the flag with armed guards.

This group is called a Flag Detail, and no one is armed. It is not a color guard. We do not treat flags as a color guard. Colors mounted on staffs form the color guard. The ones who are to be unarmed escorting the flag are halyard bearers and flag tenders depending on how large the flag is. The Detail hoists and lowers the flag at the flagpole. For details on the hoisting and lowering ceremonies, see TC 3-21.5, MCO 5060.20, or AFPAM 36-2203, all available in the Resources section of this site.

Flag Detail as Color Guard AJROTC
Flag Detail as Color Guard AJROTC

2. Traveling with an unfolded flag.

When the flag is not flying from a halyard, it is folded. The American flag is always folded when it is brought down from the halyard and transported to and from the flagpole or mast. The flag is folded into a rectangle (everyone except the military) or a triangle (only military are required to make this fold).

The Polish military folds their flag in a big rectangle and marches with it with the bearer having outstretched arms, we don’t as you can see in the photo below. The Polish Airmen carry their flag their way while the USAF Airmen carry the flag, folded in a triangle, cradled in the Airman’s arms on the right.

Polish And USAF Military Flag Detail
Polish and US Air Force honor guard march to the flag poles during the Aviation Detachment Ceremony, Lask Air Base, Lask, Poland, Nov. 9, 2012.

Folded Flags

Triangle Flag Fold - Required for Military
Triangle Flag Fold – Required for Military

As noted above, the only the military is required to fold the flag into a triangle. Civilians can fold the flag into a rectangle. While the military requires strict adherence to the flag fold, the rectangular fold for American citizens does not have to be perfect.

Rectangle Flag Fold - For Civilians
Rectangle Flag Fold – For Civilians

When folding, the flag is brought to fully open and horizontal. This is called Popping to Tabletop/Horizontal. The only time you pop to an angle, like the demonstration photo below, is when you do not have room to bring the flag flat. Do not pop to tabletop, tilt, and then go back to tabletop as this is not authorized as part of the flag folding process. There is no such thing as “presenting the flag” like this by tilting it.

Flag Fold Tilt
Flag Fold Tilt

Carry Techniques

The US military uses carry techniques that are based more on tradition. Civilians and civil authorities have no obligation to use these techniques, but using one is highly encouraged since these techniques offer a secure hold.

The USAF or Army Carry technique shown above is a good default technique for anyone. There are poor techniques that either don’t look good or don’t fully support the flag.

Not the Best Hold Techniques

When Folding

Using Six handlers. Thumbs-up, like this.

Six Pallbearers Flag Fold Thumbs-up
Six Pallbearers Flag Fold Thumbs-up

Not fingers, like this.

US Fish and Wildlife Bad Hold Technique1
US Fish and Wildlife Bad Hold Technique with fingers-up

Having two handlers. Fingers-up.

What About A Wet Flag?

This is a great question that I receive every once in a while. The flag is taken down from the halyard, folded at the pole/mast as usual (unless weather conditions are dangerous, if so, get out of there so safety), and then transported indoors where it is unfolded and draped over something that will not stain the flag while it dries. The photo at right is an example at my home.

Once morning comes, the flag is folded, marched out to the pole/mast, and hoisted as usual.

The Ceremonial Application of Firefighter Equipment

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Some fire color guards will march different tools for the guards which does not necessarily provide clear communication with the audience. This image at the top of the Baltimore County Fire Department color guard do provide good communication. However, the possible issue is the tool, it’s a type of pike pole with a very unique head. A modified Boston Rake or Lockwood Hook? I’m not sure of the name.

Firefighter Color Guard with pike pole flagstaffs
Firefighter Color Guard with pike pole flagstaffs

Consider Communication

When selecting your equipment, consider how communication is affected. The look of the team is important in this respect and so is audience perception.

Ceremonial Fire Axe Position Examples
Ceremonial Fire Axe at Right Shoulder, Present, and Port
Axes at Right Shoulder
Axes at Right Shoulder

The fire axe is immediately recognizable and that’s what I suggest for all fire color guards unless they choose the rifle (teams in the northeast are more apt to arm their guards with rifles by tradition). Notice also, in the photos above and at left that the axes are being held at Right Shoulder with the axe head over the shoulder, opposite of what I am showing directly above. I steered away from having the axe head at my head. It didn’t feel comfortable to me for safety’s sake and controlling the axe from the heel of the handle didn’t work as well as I wanted.

Delaware firefighter color guard - guards armed with riflesDelaware firefighter color guard - guards armed with rifles
Delaware firefighter color guard – guards armed with rifles

Any type of pike pole is not necessarily the easiest to recognize by the public. Below is the short version of the ceremonial pike pole (about 3′). There is also a longer version (about 5′) and a flagstaff version that is even longer (about 8′, see the photo of the fire color guard above). Originally, the pike pole was a weapon used to unhorse a rider. Now, it is used to pull up flooring or pull down a ceiling.

Pike Pole Position Examples
Pike Pole Position Examples

A pike pole, either the short or long ceremonial version, looks like a stunted flagstaff. In terms of communication with the public in general, it doesn’t define itself at first glance.

Short Pike Pole
Short Pike Pole

I suggest not mixing tools. Having one guard with the pike pole and the other with a fire axe can be confusing, especially to anyone who is familiar with the military color guard. In the military, we don’t even mix rifle type.

Mixed equipment can look strange. I know that you are reading this and may be thinking? “So what if it looks strange?” I’m trying to emphasize a clear message to your audience, wherever they may be. Leaving your audience with questions isn’t as good as leaving them with a basic understanding of what they just witnessed. It depends on your audience, however.

Palatine IL Fire Color Guard with Mixed Tools
Palatine IL Fire Color Guard with Mixed Tools
Fire Color Guard with Longer Pike Poles
Fire Color Guard with Longer Pike Poles
Halligan At Port
Halligan At Port

The Halligan

This is heavy! The Halligan tool is a crowbar, wedge, spike, hook, and probably a few uses that are discovered in the heat of the moment, pun intended. What it is not is a tool that makes the crossover for ceremonial use.

The photo of me at the right was never intended to be published, it was to see how the tool and I looked as I figured out a bit of a manual of arms for it. Even though I did figure out Order, Port, Present, and Right Shoulder (Left Shoulder was extremely awkward), it wasn’t to create and disseminate the manual. A team I trained uses the Halligan in one of their internal ceremonies and wanted me to design the movement and positions for the tool.

Constant Port, Mirror Port, Unarmed Guards, or…

Below are two examples of what I call Constant Port. Constant Port means the guards remain at the Port position even if the color bearers are at Order or Right Shoulder (Carry). The only movement the guards perform is to go to Present. The team at the top chose to use the mirrored version while the team at the bottom chose the matching version.

North County Fire Protection District Color Guard Mirror Axes
North County Fire Protection District Color Guard Mirror Axes
Cromwell CT Fire District Colors Matching Port
Cromwell CT Fire District Colors Matching Port

Constant Port creates an easily recognizable view (I recommend splitting the axe into thirds with the hands, see my photo above). However, maintaining this position for an extended period can be quite stressful on the arms, especially if the guards are holding real axes.

Unarmed Guards. Nothing says the guards must carry a weapon or tool. EMS units use unarmed guards frequently.

Fire Colors Unarmed Guards
Fire Colors with Unarmed Guards

No guards. A lack of (trained) personnel can be an issue for some departments. Having just color bearers or even just one national color bearer is fine.

Color Bearers No Guards
Color Bearers No Guards

Uniformity of Technique and Style

Fire Colors Using Different Techniques
Fire Colors Using Different Techniques
Fire Colors with Bad Grip Technique
Fire Colors with Bad Grip Technique

Present the best, clear image that you possibly can, it is your responsibility to do so. Whatever you choose, make sure you hold the equipment is the same manner, wear your uniform in the same manner, and don’t carry the national colors below any other colors.

Never hold the silk of the flag when at the position of Right Shoulder (Carry). When the flagstaff is in the harness socket, it is to fly freely. The flag flying freely is a symbol of the freedom we enjoy each day. Every decision you make communicates a certain thought and you must be aware of that.

Internal vs. External Ceremonies

Know your territory. Most tools are best used for firefighter-specific (internal) ceremonies where everyone in attendance understands the meaning for the ceremony (station dedication, memorial, funeral, etc.). If members of the public are there, they are possibly small enough in numbers so that you can answer their questions. Going out into the public, in my view, requires thought as to how to the team wants to present itself, represent the station, and represent the fire service, in general.

The Order and Separation of Color Guards For Parades

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, DrillCenter News 4 Comments

Street parades or even a military parade (a pass-in-review, not “pass and review”) is a celebration of a special event like the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, Independence Day, Memorial Day, or Armed Forces Day. There are any number of reasons for a parade and this article will be helpful for parade organizers.

Joint?

The order of multiple color guards is a broad subject. We will go over information that you may not have considered. Before we continue, I need to ensure everyone is aware that agencies should not mix. That means filling positions in the same formation (i.e., CBP right rifle, US Army US color bearer, local PD bearer, etc.).

  1. Federal agencies do not mix together (e.g., military and Border Patrol).
  2. Federal agencies do not mix with state and local agencies.
  3. State and local agencies can mix, except for military, they remain separate.
ME ANG and Bangor Fire Department
ME ANG and Bangor Fire Department – Never Should Have Happened

While on the surface this color guard above of Maine Air National Guard Airmen and Bangor Firefighters looks to be the kind of togetherness we all desire, DoD, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force regulations state military color guards are made up of the members of each branch of military service and that’s it. The military does not mix with any other agency at the federal, state, or local level. Plus, we don’t carry the POW/MIA flag unless its for the funeral of a former POW. Never any other time.

Joint at the Federal and State Levels

We need to follow that standard at the federal and state levels. Just because someone might wear a uniform in another organization doesn’t mean mixing is authorized.

Read here for the difference between Joint Armed Forces, Joint Service.

Joint at the Local Level

The Joint Agency color guard is very common. This color guard is made up of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel.

First Responder and Military
First Responder and Military

The above photo shows how first responders and military work together – they do it separately. Color guards don’t integrate, that sends a bad message. Precedence: the team on the right can be the one in charge of the ceremony. When both teams are invited the precedence for what team is on the right goes in order: federal, state, county, city.

Tribal Color Guards

On tribal lands: the tribal color guard is always first, regardless of any other agency or unit present. This team should be comprised of tribal members deemed appropriate by the tribe (e.g., adults and teens or only adults, etc.).

Off tribal lands: The tribal team ranks as US territories rank, state, tribal, followed by territory. There isn’t any documentation on this at all. This is DeVaughn and me getting together and using logic to create guidance. Please see blow.

Federal Agencies First

These are the federal services/agencies that would field a color guard in a parade. Since all are at the federal level, they could be organized in this order.

  1. Department of Defense (War Department, 1789)
    1. Army (Jun 14, 1775)
    2. Army Reserve (April 23, 1908)
    3. Marine Corps (Nov 10, 1775)
    4. Marine Corps Reserve (August 29, 1916)
    5. Navy (Mar 27, 1794)
    6. Navy (Naval) Reserve (March 3, 1915)
    7. Air Force (Sept 18,1947)
    8. Air Force Reserve (April 14, 1948)
    9. Space Force (Dec 20, 2019)
  2. Department of the Interior ( March 3, 1849)
    1. National Parks Service (Aug 25, 1916)
    2. Fish and Wildlife Service (Jun 30, 1940)
  3. Department of Justice 1870
    1. US Marshal Service (Sept 24, 1789)
  4. Maritime Service (1950)
    1. US Merchant Marine Service (March 15, 1938)
      • Cadets of the Merchant Marine Academy would be the ones who march.
  5. Department of Homeland Security (2002)
    1. Customs and Border Patrol (Jul 31, 1789)
    2. Coast Guard (before time began, but the actual date is Aug 4, 1790)
    3. Coast Guard Reserve (February 19, 1941)
    4. US Secret Service (April 14, 1865)

For more on US military joint armed forces order, read here.

Foreign National Teams Here

If more than one foreign nation attends, they go in alphabetical order.

State Agencies Second

When multiple states are represented, go in the order of Admission to the Union.

  1. Army National Guard (Dec 13, 1636)
  2. Air National Guard (Sept 18, 1947)
  3. State agencies like Fish and Game/Wildlife
  4. State Guard Militia
  5. State Police/Troopers/Highway Patrol, etc.

Tribal Teams Here When Off Tribal Lands

If there is more than one tribe represented, contact the tribes and see what agreement they have between them for precedence. Some go by alphabetical, some by language, and others might use something different. There is no set standard across the country. If no agreement, alphabetical might be a good way to organize the teams.

Territory Teams Here

If more than one US territory would be represented, their order is when the territory was acquired.

Local Agencies Third

County/parish and city first responders. For more on first responder joint service order and how I came to find these dates, please read here.

  1. Sheriff (1626)
  2. Police (1751)
  3. Firefighters (1678)
  4. EMS (1865)

Cadet Organizations

Order is the same as the parent service.

  1. ROTC (Harvard 1915)
  2. ROTC/JROTC (officially created with NDAA 1916)
  1. Army ROTC
  2. Navy ROTC
  3. Air/Space Force ROTC
  4. Coast Guard ROTC
  5. Army JROTC
  6. Marine Corps JROTC
  7. Navy JROTC
  8. Air Force JROTC
  9. Space Force JROTC
  10. Coast Guard JROTC
    1. (Claude Pepper Leadership Program 1989, redesignated JROTC 2023)
  11. Civil Air Patrol (December 1, 1941)
  12. Military Explorers (1949)
  13. US Naval Sea Cadet Corps (1958)
  14. Sea Scouts (1912, under the Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2019)
  15. Independent Army-based programs
  16. Independent Marine Corps-based programs

Veteran Organizations

These are the organizations most likely to forma color guard and march.

  1. Veterans of Foreign Wars (Sept 82, 1899)
  2. American Legion (March 1919)
  3. Marine Corps League (Aug 4, 1937)
  4. Vietnam Veterans of America (1978)

Scout Programs

While names of the organizations may change, the establishment dates are set.

  • Boy Scouts (Feb 8, 1910)
  • Girl Scouts (1912)

Faith-Based Youth Programs

There are several programs, all might not march. The ones I know of follow:

  1. Salvation Army Junior Soldiers USA 1880
  2. United Boys and Girls Brigades of America 1887
  3. Christian Service Brigade 1937
  4. Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (AWANA, 1950)
  5. Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders Club (1950)
  6. Calvinist Cadet Corps 1952
  7. Royal Rangers 1961

When Does all of this Actually Matter?

Only when color guards will be one right after the other. If the teams will be spaced out by several other parade entries, then the order doesn’t necessarily apply, unless you, the parade organizer, wants it to apply.

This article was written in collaboration with DeVaughn Simper, Vexillologist

“Big Scary Rifles”

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Some school principals and superintendents are more “protective” in their looking after their students. JROTC can be a target for being overly “protective”. In reality, that “protection” doesn’t meet the definition of the word, but that’s a discussion for another time.

The Question

My school principal is not letting my school’s JROTC program use replica rifles in our color guard. Is there a specific regulation that says it required outside of Army Regulations? And does Army JROTC fall under Army Regulations since we didn’t take an oath to actually join?

The Answer

You wear the Army uniform, you are in an official Army program, and applicable Army regulations apply to all cadets. Specifically, and for this narrow subject of drill and ceremonies, you and your fellow cadets fall under TC 3-21.5, AR 840-10, and AR 600-25 (download the free PDFs from the Resources page under Military Manuals). requires the guards of a color guard to carry rifles. However, the principal, as well intentioned as he or she may be, can override that requirement and even the requirement to wear a cover (hat) in uniform.

While some may want to deride the seeming idiocy of a political decision like this, it is the principal’s prerogative to make these decisions for on- and off-campus activities because you represent the school.
If you have the inclination, I suggest that you spread the word among cadets and parents and bring this up to the school board. You can and must do this in a respectful manner.

Once you have a large group of supporters at the school board meeting, you can respectfully let your voice be heard. It’s my belief that if you solely go down the road of “the Army requires the guards to carry rifles”, you won’t get far at all. I think you should mention that, but your emphasis needs to be on the benefits of not only marching but handling equipment as well.

In the military, we carry and use rifles, swords, and flagstaffs. These are weapons of war that have been brought into the ceremonial drill world so that we can train, practice, and perform to the best of our abilities no matter what the situation.

Write up a short speech and tell the board. Have a couple of cadets speak who have excelled at drill and improved after marching or rifle spinning. I have more in this article here, The Benefits of Military Drill.

Even if you don’t change anyone’s mind, you can still be a part of and learn from the process.

US Air Force Seal, Emblem, and Symbols

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The US Air Force has different images that officially represent the military service in formal and informal settings. The Seal, Emblem, and other symbols are all trademarked for official use only. Educational use is authorized as well. Flag making companies are using the USAF Emblem to sell unauthorized cheap flags and members of the American public are buying them. If you have not read about the proliferation of the Emblem being used as the USAF flag, please read Official and Unofficial USAF Flags.

The following is meant to help you understand the various symbols of the USAF, what they mean, and how they are used.

The USAF Seal. This is the only official symbol that represents the USAF. It is for official use only. Commercial and other unauthorized use is punishable by law.

The Air Force Emblem, which contains the Coat of Arms encircled by an outer boarder that includes the words “United States Air Force” and the Department of the Air Force Seal are very similar in appearance and are often confused. As the Air Force Seal is only authorized for internal, official use only, the Air Force Emblem is an acceptable substitute for internal Air Force use and approved external commercial requests when the use of the Seal is not authorized.

DM- The USAF Seal, at the top, is not the USAF flag and that means the Emblem is not a substitute for the USAF flag and is not supposed to be a flag at all.

This, and only this is the USAF flag, the departmental color. There is no other authorized version.

The Gen. Henry H. “Hap” Arnold Army Air Corps Symbol and Army Air Force shoulder insignia. Henry Harley “Hap” Arnold was the only General Officer to hold the grades of General of the Army and General of the Air Force. Arnold was an aviation pioneer, Chief of the Army Air Corps, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Forces, and the only U.S. Air Force general to hold five-star rank.

The Air Force Symbol is the official symbol of the United States Air Force. Introduced in 2000 and made official in 2004, it honors the heritage of our past and represents the promise of our future. Furthermore, it retains the core elements of our Air Corps heritage, the “Arnold” wings and star with circle, and modernizes them to reflect our Air and Space Forces of today and tomorrow.

The USAF Roundel. The roundel, also referred to as the National Star Insignia, is to be used in applications (on aircraft) when camouflage is not required.

SoCal PGR

Salutes for Color Bearers

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Veteran groups tend to have difficulty with adherence to standards, especially when the group is mixed with civilians. For instance, the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). The organization was founded “to shield families of fallen heroes from those that would disrupt the services of their loved ones.” A noble cause, for sure. The issue is not with the organization or even the intent of the members, it’s the application of standards.

Wrong Salute for Color Bearers
Wrong Salute for Color Bearers

Color bearers NEVER EVER salute like this.

PGR members line funeral processions and are usually holding flags on makeshift staffs. Nothing wrong with that at all. Specifically, some members want to give more and possibly feel that “just” standing in line with a flagstaff in the right hand isn’t enough. Many members will now hold the staff in the left hand and render some type of salute.

The “Civilian Bearer’s Salute”

The civilian standing in the line can do whatever he or she wants as long as it conforms to the Flag Code. Holding the staff in the left hand and placing your hand over your heart is just fine.

Note. Small flags carried by individuals, such as those carried by civilian spectators at a parade, are not saluted. It is improper to salute with any object in the right hand or with a cigarette, cigar, or pipe in the mouth.

TC 3-21.5 Appendix A, note under para. saluting colors a-10.

The “Military Bearer’s Salute”

We military retirees and veterans must still adhere to military standards. We are to stand at Attention and hold the staff in the right hand. Color bearers do not render a hand salute at all, ever.

Color Bearer Attention Examples
Color Bearer Attention Examples

At left, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard; at right, Army, Air and Space Forces.

The Military Guidon Salute

Never. You hold the staff in the right, which is the appropriate hand, but the left hand doesn’t move at all. The American flag does not render a salute (except aboard ship, but that’s a long explanation and not applicable here) and the one holding the American flag, the national color bearer, never salutes either. This salute is for a military guidon bearer only. Read more about that here.

Bearer Guidon Salute - Not Authorized
Bearer Guidon Salute – Not Authorized

Lack of Uniformity

With the civilian members possibly holding the staff in the left and the military properly holding the staff in the right, it might be considered a “messy” look. One option is to have everyone hold their staff in the right hand, while the other is to line up with military on one side and civilians on the other having the flags on the side toward the oncoming procession.

Other Military Standards

Do what you can physically handle when standing at Attention, saluting, facing movements, Parade Rest, etc.

Thanks

To all in PGR members thank you for honoring my brothers- and sisters-in-arms, first responders, and their families.

Image at top, SoCal PGR.

The Order of Colors and the Order of Troops

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Is the order of colors (flags) the same as the order of troops? One would think so. It should be for all colors, but there’s mixed info. Let’s look closely.

If you haven’t, please read these articles on Joint Armed Forces Flags.

The Order of Colors

The Order for Joint Armed Forces is Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. There are rules and laws that enter into the order during a time of war, but this is the basis here. By the way, there are two other uniformed (not armed) services in the US government. Those individuals, colors, and seals are displayed separately from the military. That goes for any other government organization.

The military manuals that tell us this order are Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 5410.19, Vol 4; Army Regulation 840-10, Army Regulation 600-25, Marine Corps Order 5060.20, and Air Force Instruction 34-1201, and General Order 47. These manuals also tell us who mans each position.

Please note that the above-mentioned manuals explain joint order for the departmental colors. Organizational colors are never carried in a joint colors formation. Displays can have whatever flags are desired, but color guards are restricted.

The Army restricts what flags can be displayed to the right of the Army flag to just the US.

(6) Precedence.
(a) When displayed or carried with flags of Army echelons and no foreign national flags or State flags are displayed or carried, the U.S. Army flag (ceremonial or display) will be at the marching left of the U.S. flag. Other organizational flags according to echelon will be to the left of the U.S. Army flag (ceremonial or display). (Chap 4. 4-1)

g. Military organizational and distinguishing flags within an armed force by echelon. The flag for the regimental corps will have precedence immediately before the regimental proponent’s command flag. The regimental corps flag will never have precedence above an ACOM flag. (emphasis mine, Chap 2. 2-5)

AR 840-10

The Order of Troops

President Eisenhower started the ball rolling with dissolving the War Department in 1947 and creating the DoD, The branch flags were standardized between 1953-1956. Before 1977, there wasn’t a formal directive (either from the President or DoD) for deciding the order of precedence between the different branches of the U.S. military. Instead, each branch had its own rules, and traditions were followed for joint events.

  1. Each Branch’s Own Rules:
    • Army: Had its own books and manuals explaining how to do ceremonies and who should go first.
    • Navy: Followed the Navy Regulations for its ceremonies.
    • Marines: Used the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual for their order.
  2. Traditional Order: Even without one main rule, everyone mostly followed a traditional order based on when each branch was created:
    • Army (1775)
    • Marine Corps (1775)
    • Navy (1775/1792)
  3. Presidential Executive Orders: Sometimes, the President would give orders that influenced ceremonies, like how to display the flag, which also helped decide the order of precedence.
    • National Security Acts of 1947/1949/1955.
    • National Security Act Amendments of 1949, and 1969.
    • Executive Order 10860 (1960) and Executive Order 13161 (2000)
  4. Changes after World War II: In 1947, the government made big changes to how the military was organized, creating the DoD to bring all branches together under one main department. This helped set the stage for more formal rules.

In 1977, the DoD finally standardized precedence with DoD Directive 1005.8 stating what joint service order is for the military in formation and that includes the cadets and midshipmen of the service academies. For some reason, cadets and Midshipmen come before the Active Duty service members. The dates don’t back up the order in the Directive. The founding of the US Military Academy at West Point is 16 March 1802 and the birthday of the US Army is 14 June 1775.

For something like this (joint order), everyone would use Army dates – that is IF these dates were the reason behind the order (see École Royale Militaire below). For example, the US Air Force Academy was established on 1 April 1954, well after the birthday of my service, 18 September 1947. Yet, in the grand formation with each US military organization being represented, cadets and Mids of each service come first.

  1. MILITARY ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
    Pertinent parts of Department of Defense Directive 1005.8 of 31 October 1977 entitled “Order of Precedence of Member of Armed Forces of the United States when in Formations” follow:
    By virtue of the authority vested in the Secretary of Defense, under the provisions of Title 10, United States Code, Section 133(B) and pursuant to agreement with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Commerce, members of the armed forces of the United States and Merchant Marine Midshipmen shall take precedence in the following order when in formations:
NTP 13(B), Flags, Pennants, and Customs (1986)

But are troops and colors supposed to be represented in that particular order?

A message from the Army’s Institute of Heraldry

The order of precedence for military academies in the United States does have historical precedent and significance. The placement of these academies at a high level of precedence reflects their foundational roles in the development and leadership of the United States Armed Forces.

OK, that’s good to know, but the question is still there. Why, in 1977, was the DoD Directive created that put cadets before their military servicemembers? In step the French when we were just fledgling Colonies.

The fleur-de-lis

École Royale Militaire

This might be the explanation we are looking for, I’m not sure. There is still more research to be done. If you have anything to offer, please comment below. We need documentation for this.

Military Academies in the United States take their lineage from the École Royale Militaire (Royal Military School). Founded by French King Louis XV in 1750, this institution aimed to provide a formal military education to young nobles, preparing them for leadership roles in the French Army. West Point’s initial program was based on the curriculum and methods of the École Royale Militaire – most likely because they were not a British institution. This is why the fleur-de-lis appears in US military heraldry. The fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily used in many applications.

Many thanks to DeVaughn Simper for his help in researching this article.

Consideration of Color Bearer Height and Waist Level is Mandatory

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Honor Guard Training, JROTC Leave a Comment

It boggles my mind that harness socket height is rarely considered. It’s time members of a color guard were made aware of the requirement. Marine Corps Order 5060.20 states that colors are carried at the same level. If the same level is not possible, the national colors can be minimally higher but never lower. Training Circular 3-21.5 states colors are carried at the same level/height.

Notice the color bearers of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at top are very similar in height, but their waistlines are different by several inches.

You must, must consider bearer height and waistline level. If you don’t, you run the risk of putting the national colors in a position of dishonor as shown.

The image at right is of a State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College colors guard. Here, the color bearers should have switched places. This never should have happened.

Below are photos shared through various social media accounts.

The color bearer socket level issue is a hazard of some uniform combinations (the male shirt and female blouse tucked into the trousers). Team members wear web or ceremonial belts over, not above, their uniform belts and wear the colors harness under the belt. That means the socket frame is just under the belt or you’re risking #HarnessSocketCrotchSyndrome where the harness socket rest directly on the crotch – it’s not a good look. Speaking of Harness Crotch Syndrome.

What is extremely interesting about this issue is that, in some cases, bearer height plays a minor role, and waist level height takes precedence. In the photo above, notice that the organizational bearer is just slightly shorter than the national bearer and yet his waist level is higher.

Also interesting is that the military requires each member to wear the uniform correctly and not how each individual prefers to wear it. That preference leads to wearing the trousers on the hip bones making the uniform look horrendous. Your waist level is above your hip bones, females have a higher waistline while the male waistline is lower.

Good Socket Alignment!

Below is the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard at the monument for President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery.

Flag ceremony

The Disposition of American Flags

DrillMasterInstructional, Protocol and Flag Leave a Comment

There are instances where we may want to “honor” someone by doing something that possibly violates the Flag Code due to ignorance. This article aims to eliminate that ignorance and inform on ways to truly honor the ones who served our country. Burning

The American flag is a profound symbol of freedom and patriotism. Honoring a military veteran involves respecting that symbol and those that represent a veteran’s service and sacrifice.

  • When a member of the military retires he/she is presented with a folded American flag.
  • A general purpose/interment flag is traditionally draped over the casket of a veteran (this is authorized for all Americans, who folds it is the question).

When a veteran passes away, the question of what to do with the flag(s) arises. It is important to handle the flag with the utmost care and reverence to honor the memory of the veteran.

What to Do with a Flag After a Veteran Passes Away

Preservation and Display

One of the most common and respectful ways to handle the flag after a veteran’s funeral is to preserve it as a cherished keepsake. The flag is folded into a neat triangle and can be placed in a display case. This allows family members to honor and remember their loved one while ensuring the flag remains in pristine condition. Display cases can be personalized with the veteran’s name, rank, and service details, adding a personal touch to the memorial. It is important to include a document that tells future generations who the veteran was, where they served, and any memories or stories about their service. This makes the flag more meaningful as the reader understands what the veteran did while serving the nation. 

Donation

A meaningful donation to JROTC, Sea Cadets, Civil Air Patrol, or other cadet programs is a very good way to help the cadets understand the sacrifice and use the flag for training. What you might also consider is donation to a law enforcement department/office or fire/EMS department. The department honor guards need flags with which they can train for their funerals.

Another option is to donate the flag to an organization that respects and cherishes the symbol of the American flag. Many veterans’ organizations, such as the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), accept flags for ceremonies and events. Donating the flag can ensure it continues to be used in ways that honor the sacrifices of all veterans.

Handling and Appropriate Care of the US Flag

The American flag should be treated with the utmost respect and dignity, especially those that have draped the casket of a veteran or first responder. This begins when the flag is first placed on the casket and continues through the life of the flag.

Cleaning

Serviceable flags that have become soiled or water-stained may be cleaned in the manner best suited for the flag material. Water-stained rayon banner cloth will first be dry cleaned. If spots remain, flag may be laundered in warm water with a mild detergent. When completely dry, it should be pressed on a standard steam press. Indoor flags should be handled individually and in a dignified manner. They should not be mingled with other articles being cleaned or laundered.

AR 840-10, paragraph 10-3. Care of flags, d.

The Flag should Never be Used as a Receptacle

Over the last 30 years, it has become a tradition for the firing party to present three spent shells, while first responders present a badge or patch of the department they served with to the family as an additional keepsake. These keepsakes are often tucked into the flag just before it is presented to the family. I understand the sentiment but it is completely inappropriate and prohibited by the Flag Code, TC 3-21.5, MCO 5060.20, and AFPAM 34.1203 along with DoD directives. These keep sakes may be placed in a case with the flag but should never be placed in the folds of the flag.

Cremation of the Flag with Remains – NO!

There are occasions where veterans have passed away and there isn’t any family or next of kin to receive the flag. These veterans are still entitled to the funeral honors they earned. Following the service they are often cremated and recently crematoriums/funeral homes have the flag cremated with the veteran.

h. Unserviceable flags. Unserviceable flags will not be used for banners or any other purpose. When a flag is no longer suitable for display, it will not be cast aside or used in any way that may be viewed as disrespectful. If not preserved as specified in chapters 2, 5, 6, and 10, it will be destroyed privately, preferably by burning, shredding, or by some other method that does not show irreverence or disrespect to the flag.

AR 840-10, Chapter 1, paragraph 1-8

The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

4 U.S. Code § 7 – Position and manner of display, (n)

We can understand the restriction of not lowering the flag into the grave to mean that the flag is not draped on the casket nor folded and placed inside the casket. The same idea is applied for a casket or a cremation container. Stop placing flags in to be cremated with veterans or anyone else for that matter.

Combining the flag with human remains during cremation not only violates these guidelines but also diminishes the significance and honor that the flag represents. Families should seek alternative ways to honor the flag while respecting both the symbol and the memory of their loved one.

Properly Destroying the Flag

According to the U.S. Flag Code, flags that are worn, tattered, or otherwise no longer presentable/serviceable, are destroyed. The proper way to dispose of a worn or damaged flag is through a dignified burning ceremony (natural fibers) or shredding and burial (man-made fibers), conducted separately from any other items or remains.

The only direction provided by the Flag Code or military regulations, is that the worn flag must be destroyed, preferably by burning. Many veterans’ organizations and local community groups conduct flag retirement ceremonies, according to the traditions of their organization, where flags are respectfully burned in a manner befitting their significance. These ceremonies provide a dignified end for the flag’s service while honoring the values it represents. Participating in or attending such a ceremony can be a meaningful way for families to ensure the flag is treated with the respect it deserves.

Conclusion

Handling the American flag after a veteran has passed away requires care, respect, and adherence to established guidelines. Whether preserving it as a keepsake, donating it to an organization, or participating in a proper disposal ceremony, families have several options to honor both the flag and the memory of their loved one. By understanding and respecting these practices, we ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are remembered and honored with the dignity they deserve.

Guest post by DeVaughn Simper, Vexillologist