If you display the U.S. military service flags, at a veterans' hall, a ceremony, a business, or a memorial, there is a correct order to fly them in, set by the Department of Defense. Getting the sequence right honors each branch properly. Here is the order of the United States military service flags and how to display them.
What is the order of the service flags?
The recognized order of precedence for the U.S. armed forces flags is: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. This sequence reflects each service's establishment and the official order of precedence used for displays and ceremonies.
| Order | Service |
|---|---|
| 1 | Army |
| 2 | Marine Corps |
| 3 | Navy |
| 4 | Air Force |
| 5 | Space Force |
| 6 | Coast Guard |
Where do the service flags go relative to the U.S. flag?
The U.S. flag always comes first and holds the position of honor; the service flags follow in the order above, after the national flag (and after state flags in a full precedence display). No service flag should be larger than or flown above the U.S. flag.
A note on the Coast Guard's position
The Coast Guard is listed last in this peacetime display order because it historically operates under the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Department of Defense. In times of war, when the Coast Guard can operate under the Navy, its order of precedence can change, but for standard displays, the Army-through-Coast Guard sequence above is the one to use.
How to arrange them in a row
- Place the U.S. flag in the position of honor (its own right, the viewer's left).
- Follow with the service flags in order: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard.
- Fly all the service flags at the same height and size as each other.
- Keep every flag below and no larger than the U.S. flag.
Indoor and ceremonial displays
For indoor or parade displays, the same precedence applies. Service flags often appear with gold fringe and on floor stands or carried on staffs in the established order. When in doubt, lead with the national flag and follow the Army-first sequence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct order of military flags?
Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, then Coast Guard, after the U.S. flag.
Why is the Coast Guard last?
Because it typically operates under Homeland Security in peacetime; its precedence can change in wartime under the Navy.
Can a service flag fly above the U.S. flag?
No, the U.S. flag is always highest and in the position of honor.
The bottom line
Display the U.S. military service flags in the official order, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, always after and below the U.S. flag. Keep them equal in size to one another and honor the national flag first, and your display will be correct and respectful.