The image above is from the US Naval Air Forces Instagram account (Dec 2025). The colors display is in an aircraft hangar on NAS North Island (San Diego, CA). It is a majority civilian standards display mixed with a military accent.
Carrying History: What Belongs in a Color Guard for the 250th?
With the United States approaching its 250th anniversary, I’ve started receiving more questions about historical flags—specifically whether groups can carry items like the Betsy Ross flag or the Gadsden flag in parades and ceremonies.
What Governs Joint Military Flag Displays?
Joint military displays are governed not by location or uniform, but by service ownership of the colors and joint-service hierarchy rules. Below is the doctrinal reason, the governing principle, and the correct application for joint displays on a Navy installation or by a Navy-only color guard.
Flag Spreaders and the Hidden Divide in US Military Doctrine
I wanted to explain the two types of doctrinal authority in the US military and use the flag spreader debate as a case study.
Naval Flagstaffs, Mast Systems, and Ceremonial Display
The Navy does not have protocol specialists assigned to units like the Army, Air Force, and Space Force do. That’s understandable since protocol is not necessary at sea a majority of the time. However, giving this responsibility to a Petty Officer aboard ship as an extra duty without the Navy providing clear guidance is a recipe for problems.
Ceremonial Integrity and Authority — Why Military and First Responder Color Guards Must Remain Separate
This article is written as a thought-leadership piece designed to bridge the gap between respect for first responders and the non-negotiable standards of military protocol. Its goal is not to diminish anyone’s service, but to defend institutional identity and restore ritual integrity in public ceremonies.
When the Conversation Isn’t About the Flag Anymore
Large-scale flag displays at athletic events often generate the same recurring responses when standards are addressed.
“You Got Peanut Butter on my Chocolate!” and the POW/MIA Novelty Flag Argument
“You got chocolate in my peanut butter!” The old commercial for Reece’s Peanut Butter cups was about “it’s all how you look at it” and was fun.
The Merchant Marine Academy Battle Standard
Color guards are carefully structured ceremonial formations. Every flag within the formation represents a specific authority: the nation, the foreign nation, the state or territory, a military service, or the organization hosting the ceremony.
When the Flag Is Altered to Fit the Display
A recent public display featured an oversized United States flag modified with multiple circular openings cut directly through the fabric to reduce wind load and prevent structural failure.