US AIR FORCE POSITIONAL COLORS & RANK FLAGS

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

POSITIONAL COLORS & RANK FLAGS

Images Added December 2004

Positional Colors

Notes

Positional colors for senior officials and officers of the US Air Force follow the standard pattern of the military departments. The colors are made of heavyweight rayon banner cloth; dimensions are 4 feet 4 inches at the hoist by 5 feet 6 inches on the fly (plus fringe). In the center of all colors is the coat of arms of the air force, minus the scroll. The civilian secretaries have stars in the corners of their colors, while the Chief and Vice Chief of Staff have stars placed horizontally. Field and star colors are white or ultramarine blue. The fringe is yellow for all colors except those of undersecretaries, which have ultramarine blue fringe.

General officers of the US Air Force are authorized to display individual flags of rank. Designs are as follows:

All rank flags have an ultramarine blue field with white stars and 2 1/2-inch yellow fringe. For a General of the Air Force, the flag's dimensions are 4 feet 4 inches at the hoist by 5 feet 6 inches on the fly (plus fringe). For all other generals, dimensions are 3 feet at the hoist by 4 feet on the fly (plus fringe). Fringed rank flags for indoor display and parade use are made of heavyweight rayon banner cloth. Outdoor versions without fringe, known as command flags, are also authorized. These have the same dimensions as the fringed flags and are made of wool or wool/nylon bunting. The command flag is displayed outside a headquarters building only when the general is personally present.

General officers are issued the appropriate fringed rank flag and a corresponding National Color. These flags become the general's personal property and are authorized for retention by the individual upon promotion to the next higher grade or retirement from active duty. Command flags are unit property and are not authorized for retention by individuals.

Except for their ultramarine blue field color, US Air Force rank flags for general officers are identical to those of the US Army.