Army-Regulation Flag Etiquette

Army Regulation (AR) 840-10 provides an exhaustive list of rules and regulations regarding the display and maintenance of "Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates." It is a document with over 80 pages of specific regulations dealing with the iconic representation of the United States.

Indoor Flags

According to section "1-6. Materials," indoor flags should be made of banner rayon or heavyweight nylon and trimmed with a rayon fringe of 2.5 inches in width. There are two authorized sizes: 4'4" by 5'6" and 3' by 4'.

Outdoor Flags

Outdoor flags must be more durable than their indoor counterparts. According to section "1-6. Materials," they should be made of heavyweight nylon and not include a fringe. There are numerous authorized sizes of outdoor flags, ranging from 6" by 9" to 6'8" by 12', depending on purpose, as defined in AR 840-10, chapter 3.

Flag Display

The display of the U.S. flag depends upon the branch of the Army; in general, the flag may be displayed in a number of ways. These include having the flag standing in the center of other flags in an indoor line of flags, on the marching right of a procession with other flags, or hanging from a wall with the union--the blue field of stars--to the uppermost right of the flag.

Flag Uses

Army Regulation 840-10 covers numerous uses of the U.S. flag, including the use of a flag to cover a casket during a funeral, the use of a flag symbol on a uniform and the proper way to fly a flag in various settings.

Other Regulations

The United States Code (USC), title 36, chapter 10, sections 173-179, also deals with the proper flag etiquette for both civilians and service members. This includes the display of the U.S. flag on buildings and flagstaffs, days on which the flag should be displayed and the weather in which the flag should not be flown. The Army regulations supplement USC law and extend it to cover many noncivilian activities.

References

• Army Regulation 840-10
• U.S. Code Title 36, Chapter 10, Sections 173-179