HERALDRY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
* Army Organizational Flags, Guidons and Streamers
U.S. FLAG ETIQUETTE
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WHAT US CODE GOVERNS THE NATIONAL FLAG?
Chapter 1, Title 4, United States Code governs the use/display of the National Flag for federal agencies and provides guidance for others. It should be noted that each state Attorney General has the responsibility to set flag policy, including the National flag, for their respective states.
WHAT IS THE PROPER MANNER FOR DISPLAY OF THE FLAG AFTER SUNDOWN?
Section 6(a), Chapter 1, Title 4, United States Code states that the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
HOW DO YOU DISPOSE OF A TORN, SOILED OR DAMAGED FLAG?
Section 8(k), Chapter 1, Title 4, United States Code states the flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
WHAT IS THE INTERMENT FLAG?
Interment flags are provided by the United States Government and used to cover the caskets of deceased military personnel. They are identical in color and pattern to all other National flags and are 5’ hoist by 9’6" fly.
WHAT IS THE GOLD STAR MOTHER’S FLAG?
This flag is an unofficial term referring to the gold star version of the Service Flag
WEAR OF THE AMERICAN FLAG PATCH
- The US Code states "no part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica should be worn on the left lapel near the heart."
-The US Code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. It is appropriate to wear an American flag patch on the left or right sleeve. When worn on the left sleeve, the union would appear towards the front and the stripes would run horizontally toward the back. When worn on the right sleeve, it is considered proper to reverse the design so that the union is at the observer’s right to suggest that the flag is flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.
- Since the law does not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. As many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag, you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney’s office regarding this matter.
WEAR OF THE FLAG PATCH BY ARMY PERSONNEL.
HQDA policy has been changed to authorize all soldiers throughout the force permanent wear of the full-color U.S. Flag cloth replica (approximately 2"x3") on utility uniforms. The patch is worn on BDUs, Desert BDUs, the Maternity BDU, the Cold Weather Coat (Field Jacket), Aircrew Battle Dress Uniform, and the Combat Vehicle Crewman Uniform and Jacket (Cold Weather). DA policy states that the patch will be sewn 1/2 inch below the right shoulder seam of the utility uniform. When the shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service (SSI-FWTS) is worn on the right shoulder of the utility uniform, the U.S. Flag insignia is placed 1/8 inch below the SSI-FWTS. The cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward or to the flag's own right. When worn on the right sleeve, it is considered proper to reverse the design so that the union is at the observer's right to suggest that the flag is flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.
WHAT IS THE ORDER FOR PRECEDENCE FOR DISPLAY OF STATE FLAGS?
State flags are normally displayed in the order of admittance to the State of the Union. However, they may be displayed in alphabetical order.
ARMY ORGANIZATIONAL FLAGS, GUIDONS AND STREAMERS
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WHAT IS A COAT OF ARMS? A complete coat of arms consists of a shield displayed on the breast of the eagle on the organizational flag and a crest which appears over the eagle’s head and a motto displayed on the scroll held in the eagle’s beak.
WHAT IS A CREST? The crest is placed above the eagle’s head. Active Army units having war/campaign service are entitled to a crest for their coat of arms. All reserve units have the Minuteman and all National Guard units display the crest authorized for the State to which assigned.
WHO IS AUTHORIZED A COAT OF ARMS? All TOE regiments and TOE separate battalions are authorized a coat of arms for display on the organizational flag. The request for the DUI is also used for the request for the coat of arms. TIOH will provide a design along with the distinctive unit insignia. After the command concurs with the design, TIOH will prepare a flag drawing and forward it to in Clothing and Heraldry Office in Philadelphia for permanent retention.
HOW DO I REQUISITION MY NEWLY APPROVED ORGANIZATIONAL COLOR? After the organization receives the authorization letter for the coat of arms, a requisition (DD Form 1348-6 Manual) for the flag may be submitted to the Clothing and Heraldry Office in Philadelphia.
HOW CAN I DETERMINE WHAT STREAMERS MY UNIT IS ENTITLED TO? The Center of Military History is the office responsible for determining lineage and honors. You can check their website http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg or contact their assigned points of contact for each branch.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT HOW A UNIT’S FLAG SHOULD LOOK?
Army Regulation AR 840-10, Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards and Auto/Air Craft Plates
The Army’s organizational transformation to a Modular Force has affected the design of many unit colors. It is best to contact TIOH at tiohwebmaster@conus.army.mil for assistance. Note that the only authorized source for procurement of flags is the U. S. Army Tank, Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), Integrated Logistics Support Center, Clothing and Heraldry Product Support Integration Directorate located in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, go to www.heraldry.army.mil.
ORGANIZATIONAL INSIGNIA
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IS MY UNIT AUTHORIZED ITS OWN INSIGNIA?
Distinctive unit insignia (DUI) are authorized for those types of units listed in AR 670-1. Units not listed in AR 670-1 (other than USAG) may request a DUI be authorized if the unit has at least 500 military assigned (250 for DA operating agencies). The Army element of joint commands may be authorized a DUI if the Army element has at least 500 Army personnel Shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) may be authorized for organizations listed in AR 670-1 and for other organizations with at least 500 military assigned.
HOW DO WE PROCURE OUR DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA?
Distinctive Unit insignia are not available through the supply system. Commanders must submit a local purchase request to their contracting officer to procure the DUI. The purchase must be made from an authorized manufacturer in accordance with AR 670-1.
HOW DO I REQUEST DESIGN OF A DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA?
A request for DUI should include a copy of the permanent orders activating the unit. After verifying any history and/or honors with the Center of Military History, TIOH will prepare a proposed design and forward it to the unit for concurrence. After the unit commander approves the design, TIOH will prepare a manufacturing drawing and authorization letter for the insignia. TIOH will contract at no cost to the unit for the development of prototype samples and upon its completion will forward a sample to the unit. The unit is also provided instructions on how to obtain the insignia through local purchase procedures.
HOW DO I REQUEST DESIGN OF A SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA?
A request for SSI should include a copy of the permanent orders activating the unit and a mission statement if the unit is TDA. TIOH will prepare a proposed design and forward it to the unit for concurrence. After the unit commander approves the design, TIOH will prepare a manufacturing drawing and authorization letter for the insignia. TIOH will contract at no cost to the unit for the development of prototype samples and upon its completion will forward the samples to the unit. The unit is also provided instructions on how to obtain the insignia through local purchase procedures. Recently approved SSI are not in the supply system.
HOW CAN MY UNIT GET A BERET FLASH OR BACKGROUND TRIMMING?
· Only Airborne, rangers or special operations units on jump status are authorized beret flashes and background trimmings under the provisions of AR 670-1. Divisions, brigades, groups, regiments, battalions and separate companies/detachments are entitled to a flash within their own right. Airborne units not on jump status (101st Airborne Division) are authorized only the background trimmings. All others will wear the Department of the Army Flash.
· Request for authorization of a flash or background trimming may be sent to TIOH for approval. The request must include a copy of the permanent orders showing the unit is airborne, a copy of the units MTOE and a color design of the insignia requested. The flash and background trimmings will not contain design elements except geometrical divisions or shape. Flashes and background trimmings are not available through the supply system. They may be obtained through local purchase procedures from manufacturers certified by TIOH.
WHAT IS THE PROPER CONVERSION FROM FULL COLOR EMBROIDERED INSIGNIA AND BADGES TO WOODLAND, DESERT AND ARMY COMBAT UNIFORM (ACU) UNIFORMS?
Army Grade/Rank Insignia:
Woodland:
Officers: Black 67138 On Olive
Base Cloth
Except 2nd
LT & MAJ Bronze 67147 On Olive Base Cloth
Warrant: Black 67138 &
Olive Drab 67133 On Olive Base Cloth
Enlisted: Black 67138 On Olive Base
Cloth
Desert:
Officers: Black 67138 On Khaki
Base Cloth
Except 2nd
LT & MAJ Brown 67136 On Khaki Base Cloth
Warrant: Khaki 67193 &
Black 67138 On Khaki Base Cloth
Enlisted: Black 67138 On Khaki
Base Cloth
ACU:
Officers: Black 67138 with
Foliage Green hook fastener on reverse
Except 2nd
LT & MAJ Brown 67136
Warrant: Foliage Green 504
67202
Enlisted: Black 67138
Army Branch Insignia & Badges:
Base Cloth: Khaki 2120
Black Embroidery Will Be Spicebrown
67196
Brown Embroidery Will Remain Brown
67136
Army Shoulder Sleeve Insignia:
Desert:
Base Cloth: Khaki 2120
Olive Drab Will Be Khaki 67193
Black Will Be Spicebrown 67196
Brown Will Remain Brown 67136
ACU:
Based on the Woodland subdued
insignia conversion notes (above), all Olive Drab areas will be Foliage Green
504 Cable No. 67202. All Black areas will remain Black Cable No. 67138
and all Brown areas will remain Brown Cable No. 67136
INSIGNIA AND DECORATIONS
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WHERE CAN I PURCHASE HISTORICAL INSIGNIA OR MEDALS?
The Institute of Heraldry does not endorse any distributors or collectors of insignia or medals. Many reputable dealers can be found by conducting an internet search.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON INSIGNIA AND MEDALS?
Our website, www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil, contains a vast amount of information on insignia and medals. Information is updated on a weekly basis. If you are seeking more specific information, it is suggested that you conduct an internet search or visit a local library to obtain books on these subjects.
CAN THE INSTITUTE OF HERALDRY HELP ME IDENTIFY INSIGNIA, RIBBONS AND MEDALS?
The Institute of Heraldry has a small staff of research analysts that can assist, on a very limited basis, with identification of insignia, ribbons and medals. This function is handled as time permits so there may be a long period before a reply is received. Inquiries that include a description or photograph can be sent to tiohwebmaster@conus.army.mil. There are also several private organizations that provide identification services for large collections. Listings of such groups can be found by conducting an internet search.
WHY IS MY UNIT INSIGNIA MISSING FROM THE INSTITUTE OF HERALDRY WEB SITE?
The Institute of Heraldry has an ongoing project to digitize insignia. As this project is worked on “as time permits”, we have made active unit insignia our first priority. All insignia designs were originally hand drawn. It is a time consuming process to convert these drawings into accurate computer renderings. As new unit insignia is added, it is shown under “Recently added items” on the left side of our home page.
CAN THE INSTITUTE OF HERALDRY PROVIDE ME WITH A GRAPHIC IMAGE OF MY UNIT’S INSIGNIA?
Requests for graphic images can be sent to tiohwebmaster@conus.army.mil. We will attempt to provide the highest resolution image available in our database, but note that all insignia are not yet available or in a high resolution/vector format. We provide this service as a courtesy to active and reserves military organizations only. Please give us time to retrieve images.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AWARDS POLICY AND UNIFORM WEAR QUESTIONS?
The Institute of Heraldry is responsible for design of unit insignia, awards, decorations, badges and flags, but does not determine awards or wear policy. Within the U. S. Army, the Military Awards Policy Branch, The Adjutant General Directorate, Human Resources Command has overall responsibility for Army Awards Policy. Their web address is https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/TAGD/awards/index.htm. For inquiries on awards policy, contact awards@conus.army.mil.
For information on uniform wear policy, consult Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. Uniform policy website and Point-of-Contact information is located at http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/uniform/default.asp
HOW DO I OBTAIN FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS’ MEDALS?
For guidance on obtaining Army service members’ medals and decorations, visit https://www.veteranmedals.army.mil.
ARE SERVICE SEALS PUBLIC DOMAIN?
Graphic images and guidance on their use is available at: http://www.defenselink.mil/faq/pis/sealuse.html
HOW DO I OBTAIN PERMISSION TO USE A SERVICE SEAL FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES?
Those wishing to use service seals (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force Coast Guard and Department of Defense) for commercial purposes should contact the appropriate office listed at http://www.defenselink.mil/faq/pis/sealuse.html
HOW DO I OBTAIN PERMISSION TO USE A UNIT INSIGNIA?
The Institute of Heraldry does not grant permission to use an individual unit insignia or maintain a roster of names of unit commanders. The unit’s commander is responsible for granting permission to use unit insignia for commercial purposes.
CAN I USE IMAGES FROM THE INSTITUTE OF HERALDRY WEBSITE?
Yes, images can be used for official, non-commercial purposes. If you are planning to link images to another website, please contact tiohwebmaster@conus.army.mil for permission.
HOW CAN I WORK AT THE INSTITUTE OF HERALDRY?
The Institute of Heraldry is located at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Its small staff of Department of Army civilians is made up of research analysts, illustrators, industrial specialists, a quality assurance specialist and an administrative assistant as well as several supervisory positions. All job announcements for TIOH are posted on the Army’s civilian recruiting website at www.cpol.army.mil. In addition to qualifications listed, successful employees will have a strong drive to produce the highest quality products and services for the military and other federal agencies, a commitment to customer satisfaction, a team player and the ability to think creatively.