How do you remove an Army flag?

Removing an Army "flag" (Suspension of Favorable Actions) involves your commander initiating a request through the chain of command, often via the IPPS-A system for HR professionals, after the underlying issue is resolved, leading to a formal counseling and restoration of eligibility for favorable actions like promotions or schools. For a physical U.S. flag, removal means retirement through a formal ceremony, often involving burning in a dignified manner, as guided by the Flag Code and performed by veterans' groups or military units.


How to get flag removed in Army?

You can ask that the flag be removed as ``erroneous'' which requires your commander to submit a document, or you can do nothing. Depending on what flag you have, you'll be blocked from schools (BLC, etc.), promotion, and PCS while you are flagged.

How long does it take to get a flag removed in the Army?

AR 600-8-2, para 1-9c. Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions, Specifically, states “A Flag will be removed within 3 working days after the Soldier's status changes from unfavorable to favorable.” The Soldier's ERB should update automatically within 24 hours of the S-1 inputting the transaction.


How long does it take to get unflagged in the Army?

A flag will remain in place until the commander determines that the service member is no longer in an unfavorable status. This could take a few days or several months, depending on the circumstances. In at least one example, multiple Soldiers remained flagged for more than a year.

How to respectfully get rid of an American flag?

To respectfully retire an American flag, the U.S. Flag Code recommends dignified destruction, ideally through ceremonial burning or burial, often handled by veterans' groups like the VFW or American Legion; you can also drop it in disposal boxes at government buildings or police stations, or for usable flags, donate them to veterans or funeral homes. 


How to Fold an American Flag



Do fire stations take old flags?

Organizations that Accept Flags for Retirement:

Fire Department. Boy Scout Troop. Girl Scout Troop. Marine Corp League.

What is the most respectful way to dispose of a flag?

To properly dispose of a worn U.S. flag, the U.S. Flag Code recommends dignified destruction, preferably by ceremonial burning, but due to health/fire risks with modern synthetics, burial (in a box), donation (to veterans/scouts), or textile recycling (after separating parts) are excellent alternatives, often facilitated by VFW, American Legion, or Scout posts. 

What happens when a Soldier is flagged?

For example, a Flagged Soldier may not reenlist, be reassigned (PCS), be promoted, receive military awards and decorations, enroll in military schools, or use tuition assistance benefits, as well as other prohibitions. Can I PCS if I am Flagged? Flags may prevent Soldiers from PCSing to his or her next duty station.


What is the 8 year rule in the military?

Federal law mandates an 8 year statutory obligation, meaning during the first 8 years after enlisting into the military you are subject to recall to active duty in a time of war. Contractual obligation is your contract to serve in whatever branch you join.

What not to tell a military recruiter?

You should never lie to a military recruiter about your background (medical, legal, school) as it can lead to fraudulent enlistment, but you should avoid oversharing minor past issues or family mental health problems that aren't professionally diagnosed, focus on relevant jobs (not just one), and be wary of promises not in writing; instead, be honest about major issues, do your research on jobs, and maintain professionalism. 

How much money do you get if you get medically discharged?

With medical separation, eligible service members receive a one-time severance pay, which is typically two months of basic pay for each year of service, capped at 19 years. There are no long-term payments or benefits unless the disability is later deemed service-connected by the VA.


Can a veteran get a free flag?

Flags for Vets gives new flagpoles and flags to Vererans free of charge as a show of thanks for their service to their country.

Can you go to the board while flagged?

If a flag is supposed to prevent favorable action, then the centralized board shouldn't be exempt from seeing it. Flagged E4 and E5 cannot go to local boards if flagged.

Do you lose your P status if you get flagged?

Flags and Removal from Promotion Standing List. Question: Are Soldiers who are flagged automatically removed from the E5/E6 promotion standing list? Answer: Yes. If a Soldier is flagged the PPW system will remove the Soldier from the promotion standing list and place the Soldier into a NOT Eligible status.


What is the easiest way to get discharged from the military?

Inaptitude, failure to adapt to the military environment, failure to progress satisfactorily in a required training program, lack of effort, psychological or stress-related symptoms, lack of self-discipline, or minor disciplinary infractions are all examples of grounds for this separation.

How long does a military flag last?

However, despite their symbolic and aesthetic value, flags are susceptible to wear and tear, especially when exposed to the elements. Typically, a flag's lifespan is about 90 days if flown from sunrise to sunset and cared for properly during adverse weather conditions.

Does the military really give you a pension when you hit 20 years?

You must serve for at least 20 years to qualify for Army pension benefits. After retiring from at least 20 years of service, active-duty Soldiers can start pension pay at any age they choose. Army Reserve and Army National Guard Soldiers can start pension pay after turning 60 years old.


What is the 10 10 10 rule for military divorce?

The 10/10 Rule in military divorce dictates that a former spouse can receive direct, monthly payments from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) for their share of a military pension if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, and those 10 years overlapped with at least 10 years of the service member's "creditable service" for retirement. It's crucial to understand this rule doesn't determine if a spouse gets a share of the pension (state courts do that), but how it's paid, ensuring the ex-spouse gets payments directly from the government rather than relying on the retiree. 

How much does a 20 year E7 make in retirement?

An E-7 with 20 years of service receives retirement pay based on their highest 36 months of basic pay, getting 40% under the Blended Retirement System (BRS) or 50% under the older High-3 system, calculated as (2.5% x Years of Service) x Average High-36 Pay. For an E-7, this typically means a gross monthly pay in the range of $2,300 to over $3,000 before taxes/deductions, varying with years of service and pay scale, with BRS resulting in less but with a TSP match. 

How long does it take for a flag to be removed from the Army?

Flags will be removed within three working days after a soldier's status changes from unfavorable to favorable. Favorable personnel actions that typically are prohibited because of a flag include; Appointments, re-appointments, re-enlistments and service extensions.


Is it disrespectful to salute the flag if you're not in the military?

Yes, it's generally considered awkward or unnecessary for civilians to salute military personnel or the flag, as it's a military privilege; instead, civilians should place their right hand over their heart during patriotic ceremonies and opt for a simple "thank you for your service" or wave to show respect, reserving the formal salute for uniformed service members. 

How do I decommission a flag?

To properly dispose of a worn U.S. flag, the U.S. Flag Code recommends dignified destruction, preferably by ceremonial burning, but due to health/fire risks with modern synthetics, burial (in a box), donation (to veterans/scouts), or textile recycling (after separating parts) are excellent alternatives, often facilitated by VFW, American Legion, or Scout posts. 

What are three things one should never do out of respect to the flag?

To show respect for the U.S. flag, never let it touch the ground, use it as clothing or bedding, or put anything on it like words or designs; these actions, along with using it for advertising or as a receptacle, are considered disrespectful according to the U.S. Flag Code. 


Is it illegal to throw away an old American flag?

No, it's generally not illegal to throw an American flag in the trash, but it's considered disrespectful and against the spirit of the U.S. Flag Code, which advises dignified disposal, preferably by burning or through organizations like the American Legion, VFW, or Scouts, for flags that are tattered or soiled. While no one will fine you, the flag code suggests treating it with honor, so you should retire it respectfully (burning, burying, recycling) instead of tossing it in regular garbage.