Marine Corps Flag Sets and POW Flag Display Rules

What is the official protocol for the display order of military service flags?

The order of precedence for military service flags is determined by the date of establishment of each branch. When displayed together, they follow this sequence: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. For instance, in a joint color guard, the Army flag always occupies the position of honor to the right of the line, followed by the others in their respective order of seniority.

A notable nuance occurs when the U.S. flag is present; it must always take the position of honor, which is to the observer's far left or at the center of the line. If a foreign flag is included in the display, the U.S. flag remains in the place of prominence, and the foreign flag is placed according to international protocol, which typically requires it to be at the same height and size as the U.S. flag.

Are there specific regulations governing the use of the POW/MIA flag alongside the U.S. flag?

Yes, the POW/MIA flag is governed by the National POW/MIA Flag Act, which mandates its display on six specific days annually, such as Armed Forces Day and Veterans Day. It must never be flown higher than the U.S. flag and should be positioned behind or to the left of it.

How does the United States Marine Corps define the authorized configuration for ceremonial flag sets?

The Marine Corps defines its ceremonial flag configuration through the Marine Corps Order 5060.20, which governs drill and ceremonies. For indoor settings, the organizational flag—the Marine Corps Battle Color—is typically paired with the National Ensign. These are mounted on a staff with specific finials, such as the spearhead for the national flag and a battle-ax for the Marine Corps flag. The configuration is strictly regulated to ensure uniformity across all units, whether at a headquarters command or a small recruiting station.

One exception involves the use of streamers. When a unit has earned specific battle honors, the streamers are attached to the staff of the Marine Corps flag. This transforms the standard ceremonial set into a historical record of the unit's lineage, requiring specific placement protocols that differ from the standard, clean display used by units without such honors.

What are the standard sizes and materials required for official Marine Corps indoor display flags?

Official Marine Corps indoor flags must adhere to strict manufacturing specifications to make sure they maintain a professional appearance during formal ceremonies.

• Rayon fabric: This material is the standard for indoor flags because it provides a high-quality sheen and drapes elegantly without the stiffness of outdoor polyester.
• Gold fringe: A 2-inch wide gold fringe is required on all four sides of both the national and organizational flags used in indoor displays.
• Staff length: The wooden staff should be 9 feet long, topped with a brass spearhead finial for the national flag and a brass battle-ax for the Marine Corps flag.
• Flag dimensions: The regulation size for these indoor colors is 4 feet 4 inches by 5 feet 6 inches.

Does the Department of Defense mandate the inclusion of the POW/MIA flag in all military branch flag displays?

No, the Department of Defense does not mandate the inclusion of the POW/MIA flag in every military branch display. While federal law requires its display at specific locations like the Pentagon on designated days, individual units are not required to maintain this specific three-flag set for daily indoor operations.

What is the historical significance of the POW/MIA flag in relation to military service branch displays?

The POW/MIA flag serves as a national symbol of commitment to the accounting of service members who were prisoners of war or missing in action.

• 1971 origin: The flag was created by Mary Hoff, the wife of a missing pilot, to raise awareness for those left behind during the Vietnam War.
• Black and white: These colors were chosen to represent the somber nature of the cause and the stark reality of the missing service members.
• Silhouette image: The iconic design features a white silhouette of a prisoner in front of a watchtower and a strand of barbed wire.
• Motto text: The words "You Are Not Forgotten" appear above the design, serving as a promise to families and veterans of all conflicts.

Are there differences in flag display requirements between Marine Corps units and civilian organizations?

Marine Corps units must follow strict Department of Defense directives, while civilian organizations are only encouraged to follow the United States Flag Code as a matter of etiquette. A lot of people assume that the Flag Code is a set of federal laws that carry criminal penalties for private citizens, but it is actually a non-binding advisory document. Civilians can technically arrange their displays however they choose, though following the military's lead makes sure a respectful and traditional appearance that avoids common errors like improper flag height or incorrect order of precedence.

How should a three-flag display be arranged to comply with the United States Flag Code?

To comply with the Flag Code, the U.S. flag must occupy the position of honor, which is the observer's far left, with other flags placed to its right.

Use these positions to make sure that the U.S. flag remains the focal point, never being obscured or placed lower than the other two flags in the grouping.