Question about our military

[wisconsin]

I didn't serve so please excuse my ignorance on this question about our military personal. I've noticed lately when watching the tv that all our military personal in the field seem to have the American flag patch on backwards. Is it because of the tv or is it because we are at war. Or do I need to stop drinking coffee. As I said excuse my ignorance on this question I'm 54 and still learning.

[unique]

While we're at it, another question.  What does the military do for ear protection?  If you have ear plugs in, you can't hear what's going on, but you can't if your ears are ringing either.

[Ichiban]

I believe you are referring to the shoulder patches that look like they are backwards, the short answer is "they are."  The reason is that the union (blue star field) goes into battle first so on the right shoulder the flag is backwards to facilitate this. 

At least that's my understanding of it.
 

[2HOW]

I believe its a NATO thing , as far as ears ,they have the little spongy stickins ,but no one wears them, at least we never did. we didnt have the flag patch either. Ksail probably knows.

[wisconsin]

I believe you are referring to the shoulder patches that look like they are backwards, the short answer is "they are."  The reason is that the union (blue star field) goes into battle first so on the right shoulder the flag is backwards to facilitate this. 

At least that's my understanding of it.
 

Yes the shoulder patch

[Sponsor]

[Pathfinder]

The flag is "backwards" in that the star field is supposed to be upper left when displayed horizontally, or to the speaker's <edit> left right if hung down.

However, I believe a special act of Congress authorized the wearing of the flag with the star field to the upper right on the right shoulder as Ichiban stated, so that the star field goes into battle before the rest of the flag, as if it were on a pole being carried.

Hearing protectors are provided, with all of the guard folks around here in ND I have yet to get a close look at them. They are worn in a small plastic snap lid container on the front of the uniform in easy reach. I know nothing about what they are exactly.

Anyone else?

[Bill Stryker]

My ears are ringing right now! Infantry adviser in Vietnam -- thanks to being Airborne Ranger Recondo qualified. Field Artillery before and after. They use to tell us to look at the guns and open your mouth. Bull Feathers! I hope the troops wear their ear plugs now. I have hearing aids in both ears thanks to 27 total years in the Army. My advice to young guys is wear both ear plugs and ear muffs if you can get away with it.

[tombogan03884]

My ears are ringing right now! Infantry adviser in Vietnam -- thanks to being Airborne Ranger Recondo qualified. Field Artillery before and after. They use to tell us to look at the guns and open your mouth. Bull Feathers! I hope the troops wear their ear plugs now. I have hearing aids in both ears thanks to 27 total years in the Army. My advice to young guys is wear both ear plugs and ear muffs if you can get away with it.

I know what you mean Bill, 77-80 we had ear plugs, but those alone weren't enough, and yes my ears ring.
My Dad was a machine gun section leader in Korea, He says "what ?" a lot !

[unique]

I know what you mean Bill, 77-80 we had ear plugs, but those alone weren't enough, and yes my ears ring.
My Dad was a machine gun section leader in Korea, He says "what ?" a lot !

What? Who wears ear rings?  Women's voices are particularly tough, and kids, any higher frequencies.  Haven't heard birds in years.
I wasn't in the service, but forty years ago we didn't know about ear protection, and that .357 would really get your ears ringing.  Of course there was also the years of working in the pressroom of the local newspaper.

[gunman1911]

I was not in the service but let a few losse in a ally with tall  buldings some time, can you sing the song Ring my bell?