On a rainy November night, crowds filled a downtown theater, eagerly anticipating a Veteran’s Day symphony concert. They were not disappointed. The evening began with a color guard from a nearby Air Force base. The audience fell silent as the Guard, dressed in pristine uniforms, moved as one through a series of precise steps to present their flags. After standing motionless while the orchestra played the national anthem, they repeated their steps and exited the stage—an impressive and dignified display.
Later that evening, the color guard returned as the orchestra performed Henry Mancini’s arrangement of The Armed Forces Medley. Mancini, an Air Force veteran and renowned composer, built the medley to crescendo with each branch’s anthem played in reverse order of precedence. As the announcer called out each service—beginning with the Coast Guard—veterans stood proudly throughout the theater to sing their branch’s theme. The cheers grew louder with each transition, culminating in a powerful finale honoring the U.S. Army. The performance was a stirring tribute to all who served.
The Top Rule for Flying Military Flags
Order of precedence: it’s the number one rule of U.S. military flag etiquette. Displaying the flags of our armed forces is a solemn act that should always be done with respect and intention. Just as the U.S. Flag Code dictates proper treatment of the national flag, there are specific rules for displaying military flags. Follow this guide to ensure your flag display honors America’s service members with the respect they deserve.
If you’re displaying a single military flag, treat it with the same reverence as the national flag. When displaying multiple flags, however, the correct order of precedence matters. Begin by determining the primary viewing direction—your audience’s left-to-right perspective defines the correct sequence. Military flag order is generally based on each branch’s founding date, with one notable exception for the Coast Guard explained below.
Military Flags in Order of Precedence
- Army flag
- Marine Corps flag
- Navy flag
- Air Force flag
- Space Force flag
- Coast Guard flag — flown in the sixth position during peacetime
The Founding of Each Armed Forces Branch
The United States Army
The U.S. Army is the oldest and most senior branch of the armed forces, established by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, with George Washington as commander. Its purpose was to unify colonial forces during the Revolutionary War. As the first branch, the Army flag always takes precedence.
The United States Marine Corps
Founded on November 10, 1775, the Marines were initially tasked with defending naval vessels but soon became vital to amphibious warfare. Though governed by the Department of the Navy, the Marine Corps flag is second in precedence.
The United States Navy
The Navy was first established as the Continental Navy on October 13, 1775, but was disbanded in 1785 and reestablished on March 27, 1794. Despite this gap, its founding date remains October 13, 1775, placing the Navy third in flag order. The Navy and Marines are considered co-equal sister services under the Department of the Navy.
The United States Air Force
For more than 170 years, America’s armed forces consisted only of the Army, Marines, and Navy. With the advent of aviation, a new branch was needed. Originating in the U.S. Army Signal Corps on August 1, 1907, the Air Force became an independent branch on September 18, 1947, through the National Defense Act. Its flag holds the fourth position in displays.
The United States Space Force
Founded on December 20, 2019, the Space Force became the newest branch of the U.S. military under the Department of the Air Force. It was established to address defense and security in the domain of space and occupies the fifth position in the order of precedence.
The United States Coast Guard
The earliest version of the Coast Guard was established on August 4, 1790, as the Revenue Marine, later merging with the U.S. Life-Saving Service in 1915. Unlike other branches, the Coast Guard’s original mission was not national defense but enforcing maritime laws and tariffs. As such, its peacetime oversight and flag precedence differ from other branches.
The Coast Guard Exception
The Coast Guard’s position in the flag lineup depends on whether the United States is at peace or at war. In peacetime, it operates under the Department of Homeland Security and is flown last in military flag order. During wartime, however, the Coast Guard transfers to the Department of Defense under Navy command, and its flag moves up—displayed fourth, after the Navy and before the Air Force.
Flying With Other Flags
When flying military flags alongside other flags, additional rules apply. The American flag always takes precedence, displayed in the first or leftmost position. If included, the state flag follows in the second position. The military flags come next in proper order of precedence, followed by the POW/MIA flag if displayed. When a taller center flagpole is present, the U.S. flag should fly h