In an unclassified memo dated July 16, Defense Secretary Mark Esper issued a document outlining guidance on the display/depiction of flags across the Department of Defense.
“I am committed to fielding the most powerful military force the world has known by strengthening the bonds of our most valuable resource – our people,” wrote Esper in the memo. “The flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, treating all our people with dignity and respect, and rejecting divisive symbols.”
While topic of renaming of Confederate military installations and banning the display of the southern Civil War battle flag has been a topic of discussion over the past couple of months, the memo issued does not explicitly call out Confederate symbology as the reason for the policy update.
“In addition to honoring the American flag, which is the principal flag that DoD is authorized and encouraged to display, the Secretary provided a list of other flags, or representational depictions, that service members and civilian employees are authorized to display that promote unity and esprit de corps,” according to a DoD press release.
Accepted flags includes those representing states/territories, official military ceremonies, POW/MIA, as well as flags of specific commands/battalions.
“What has always united us remains clear – our common mission, our oath to support and defend the Constitution, and our American flag,” wrote Esper.
Photo by U.S. Army
