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AFH 1 · Chapter 24 · Section 24.12

Types of Flags

Part of Career Progression · 2 sections · ~486 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Types of Flags — Installation, All-Purpose, Storm, Ceremonial

Specific Sizes and Occasions

Sizes Vary
There are specific sizes, types, and occasions for proper display of the United States flag.
Understanding Significance
Understanding the significance of each of these types of flags will ensure its proper display.

Installation Flag

Installation Flag Specs
The installation flag is:
  • Lightweight nylon bunting material
  • 8 feet 11 3/8 inches by 17 feet
Installation Flag Use
Only displayed in fair weather from an installation flagstaff. This is the typical flag used at USAF installations.

All-Purpose Flag

All-Purpose Flag Specs
The all-purpose flag is:
  • Rayon bunting material
  • 3 feet by 4 feet
All-Purpose Use
This size can be used for outdoor display with:
  • Flags of friendly foreign nations
  • Arrival ceremonies for international dignitaries
  • To indicate joint occupancy of a building by two or more countries

All-Purpose (All-Weather) Storm Flag

Storm Flag Specs
The all-purpose, all-weather storm flag is:
  • Lightweight nylon bunting material
  • 5 feet by 9 feet 6 inches
Storm Flag Use
Use this size as an alternate for the installation flag in inclement weather.

Ceremonial Flag

Ceremonial Flag Specs
The ceremonial flag is:
  • Rayon or synthetic substitute material
  • 4 feet 4 inches by 5 feet 6 inches
Ceremonial Trim
Trimmed on three edges with yellow rayon fringe 2 inches wide.

Types of Flags — Organizational, Retirement, Garrison, Interment

Organizational Flag

Organizational Flag Specs
The organizational flag is:
  • Rayon or synthetic substitute material
  • 3 feet by 4 feet
Organizational Trim
Trimmed on three edges with rayon fringe 2 inches wide.

Retirement Flag

Retirement Flag Specs
The retirement flag may be either:
  • 3 feet by 4 feet, OR
  • 3 feet by 5 feet

Retirement Entitlement

Retiring Member Flag Entitlement
Members retiring from the USAF are entitled to presentation of a United States flag.
Retirement Flag Reference
For details, refer to DAFMAN 65-605, Volume 1, *Budget Guidance and Technical Procedures*, on using Organization & Maintenance funds for this purchase.

Garrison Flag

Garrison Flag Specs
The garrison flag is 20 feet by 38 feet.
Garrison Use
This flag is flown on holidays and special occasions and can be substituted with the installation flag.

Interment Flag

Interment Flag Specs
The interment flag is:
  • 5 feet by 9 feet 6 inches
  • Cotton material

Interment Eligibility

Interment Flag Eligibility
The interment flag is authorized for:
  • Deceased military personnel
  • Deceased veterans

Use

Interment Use
This is the size flag used to drape over a closed casket.

How to Receive an Interment Flag

VA Form 27-2008
To receive an interment flag from the Department of Veterans Affairs, fill out VA Form 27-2008, *Application for U.S. Flag for Burial Purposes*.
VA Form Online
Available online at: https://www.cem.va.gov/burial_benefits/burial_flags.asp

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