How do I Wear US Army Patches?

Patches are worn on the military uniform for the purpose of identification and should only be worn at the location designated by military regulations. There are four basic patch types on ACUs, or Army Combat Uniforms: the flag, the shoulder sleeve insignia or unit patch, the name ribbon and the U.S. Army insignia

Insignia

The U.S. Army insignia is written in black lettering across an olive drab green ribbon strip. The insignia patch should be sown across the top of the left breast pocket.

Name

All military personnel must wear a patch which displays their last name on their uniform. The name is written in black lettering on an olive drab green ribbon. The patch should be sewn across the top of the right shirt pocket.

Flag

According to Army Regulation 670-1 the American flag patch can be worn on either shoulder, a half inch down from the shoulder seam. The flag should always be placed so that the star field is facing forward.

Unit Patch

A unit, or heraldry, patch which represents the brigade or higher organization that the serviceman is a part of should be located on the shoulder which does not display the American flag.

References

• Army Study Guide: Distinguishing Insignia Placement
• United States Flag Association: Flag Patch Placement
• AR 670-1, 3 FEB 05, WEAR AND APPEARANCE OF ARMY UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA
• University of Michigan: Army Combat Uniform Briefing