CURRENT INDIAN ARMY FLAGS

REPUBLIC OF INDIA

CURRENT FLAGS OF THE INDIAN ARMY

The flags of the Indian Army originally followed the British Army system but over they years a number of modifications have been introduced. The flag of the Army as a whole was originally scarlet charged with the Army badge, the Sarnath Lion Capital over crossed swords in golden yellow. When the current Army Flag (an Indian Red Ensign with the Army badge in the fly) was introduced, the former Army Flag became the rank flag for general officers. At first it was the same for all generals but later stars were added in the fly to denote exact rank. The rank flag of a field marshal displays the insignia of that rank over five stars. This is an honorary rank, conferred for distinguished service in wartime, and only two officers have ever held it.

The flags for commands, corps, divisions and brigades of the Army are of two types: the camp flag and the command flag. The former is the formation sign (shoulder insignia) of the organization in flag form for commands and corps and the formation sign on a scarlet field for divisions. The command flag for a command or corps is identical to the camp flag with three stars added in the fly, these organizations being commanded by lieutenant-generals. The division command flag is a forked version of the camp flag with two stars in the fly, divisions being commanded by major-generals. Brigade commanders have scarlet triangular pennants with the formation sign of the parent division (for brigades organic to divisions) or the brigade formation sign (for independent brigades) and one star for the brigadier commanding. The Territorial Army is a volunteer part-time reserve force somnewhat analoglous to the US Army National Guard. In peacetime its missions include disaster response and public security, while in wartime it performs various rear area security missions and augments the regular army as required.

Variant Designs: The illustrations here presented are based on photographic evidence and descriptions and it should be noted that variant designs appear to exist. For example, one photo shows an Indian Army general officer seated before a display of command, corps and division flags, all displaying the shield-shaped formation signs on a scarlet field.

Flag Proportions: The Indian Army is made in 1:2 proportions. Other Army rank and unit flags are made in 2:3 proportions.

Images Added November 2024

Territorial Army Flag • High Command Appointment Flags