Why does Hasbro keep doing this?

[Batmandk02]

Ok, I think I have seen about enough of the backwards flag on our GI JOE figures. I don't know what the heck the makers are thinking unless they are just un-american, but this is quite a disgrace. If anyone saw an American flag flying upside-down on a pole, you would probably go and tell someone about it. But why must the throw a backward flag on the arms of our figures?? WHY I SAY .. WHY!!! It's a complete disgrace if you ask me.

[mandingo_rex]

It has to do with how they actually appear on a right sleeve.

It's the direction the wind would blow if the person were running into battle and you were looking at them from their right shoulder.

It's accurate.

[The Commander]

It has to do with how they actually appear on a right sleeve.

It's the direction the wind would blow if the person were running into battle and you were looking at them from their right shoulder.

It's accurate.

Ditto (beat me to it).

Ergo, the figures are actually correct.

[rreynol]

Someone should tell our fine servicemen (and women) to stop disgracing the flag as well. \sarcasm


It's Army regulation, look it up.

[fogger1138]

Is it the "Stars forward" flag? Because that's correct in some cases.

See here: Flag Rules and Regulations (http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html)

What is the proper way to wear a flag patch on one's shoulder sleeve?

To wear our country's flag properly, the field of stars is worn closest to your heart. Further, when worn on the sleeve of a military uniform, the flag should appear to be advancing and not retreating. Thus, if your patch is to be worn on your LEFT sleeve, use a left flag (normal). For patches worn on your RIGHT sleeve, use a "right" or "reversed field" flag.

Since the Flag Rules do not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. Some elect to use the "left" flag on both sleeves. [Note: many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag; you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney's office regarding this matter.] If you are planning to wear only one patch, it is recommended that you wear a "left" flag on your left sleeve.
Military guidelines specify that in support of joint or multi-national operations (as in Iraq), the "right" flag is worn on the right sleeve (see picture), 1/4" below the shoulder seam or 1/8" below any required unit patches. (Class A uniform excepted.)

Some people find the "right flag" disrespectful of the flag and some are calling it the "wrong flag." They seek to gain support to encourage a change in the regulations to always use a "left flag" even on a right sleeve.

EDIT: Man, I got majorly ninjaed.

[Syn3sthesia]

Didn't we have this convo like months ago...

[joeMANdan]

It is not backwards, you are just seeing the other side of the flag. Believe it or not it is reversed like that so it looks like the soldier is going forward into battle rather than backwards away from it. I saw this on Mail Call on History channel with Lee Ermy, the drill instructor from Full Metal Jacket. Semper Fi, Owh Rah!

[VictoryLiger]

And if you do see the flag flying upside down, I hope you do go tell someone about it. It is a sign of distress.

[gunslingercbr]

Ok, I think I have seen about enough of the backwards flag on our GI JOE figures. I don't know what the heck the makers are thinking unless they are just un-american, but this is quite a disgrace. If anyone saw an American flag flying upside-down on a pole, you would probably go and tell someone about it. But why must the throw a backward flag on the arms of our figures?? WHY I SAY .. WHY!!! It's a complete disgrace if you ask me.

http://theprudentindian.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/egg-on-face1.jpg

[shlappyguy]

wow, that was super quick refutation of the the original post.

[Batmandk02]

Well, as long as more than 1 person knows this is correct, then I am fine with it. I just thought it may have been a misprint. But now I know... and we all can figure out the rest.

[Captain Carstein]

Hey, you might have been mistaken, but your heart was in the right place. (ie. not disgracing the US flag)

[fierce krypton]

now you know... and knowing is half the battle.