Military colours, standards and guidons facts for kids

For thousands of years, military groups have used special flags or colours to help their soldiers. These flags act like a meeting point for troops during battles. They also show where the commander is located. This practice likely started in Ancient Egypt about 5,000 years ago. The Roman Empire also used battle flags called standards with "SPQR" on them. This tradition became more formal in European armies during the High Middle Ages. Back then, flags often showed the commander's coat of arms.

Why Military Flags Are Important

Military flags, or colours, were once very useful in battles. Armies needed to stay in formation to succeed. In the confusion of battle, with lots of dust and smoke, soldiers had to know where their unit was. Their flag helped them find their way.

Leaders of a country usually give these flags to a military unit in a special ceremony. Because of this, flags are treated with great respect. They represent the unit's honour and history. Flags might also have the names of important battles or symbols of past achievements. These are called battle honours.

Units often have "colour guards" made of experienced soldiers. Their job is to protect the flag. Capturing an enemy's flag was seen as a huge victory.

Old flags are not simply thrown away. When they are too old to use, they are replaced. The old flags are then placed in museums, churches, or other special places. This keeps their history alive. However, in many modern armies, if a flag is in danger of being captured, it must be destroyed on purpose.

Today, with modern weapons and new fighting methods, flags are not carried into battle. But they are still used in formal events and parades.

Military Flags Around the World

Many countries have their own unique traditions for military flags. Here are some examples from different parts of the world.

Asia's Military Flags

Cambodia

In Cambodia, the flags of the military and other uniformed groups are similar to those in Britain, the US, and France. Since 2023, a new design is used. It features the unit's symbol in the middle and its name below. The colours change depending on the military branch: red for the Army, navy blue for the Navy, and sky blue for the Air Force.

China

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is China's main military force. It uses one main flag for all its branches. This flag looks like the national flag. Instead of four small gold stars, it has the Chinese numbers '8' and '1'. These stand for August 1st, 1927, when the PLA was founded.

Each branch of the PLA also has its own flag. These are based on the Army flag, but with different colours at the bottom:

• Ground Forces: The bottom 40% is green.
• Navy: The bottom 40% has blue and white stripes.
• Air Force: The bottom 40% is air force blue.
• Rocket Forces: The bottom 40% is a gold stripe.

India

The Indian Armed Forces use flags similar to those in the British military. The President of India gives special flags, called President's Colours, to distinguished units. These flags show the unit's symbol and any battle honours it has earned. The Indian Navy and Indian Air Force also have their own President's Service Colours.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, military flags are called Panji-panji. During important ceremonies, the flag of Indonesia is used as a national flag. Each branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces has its own service flag. Smaller units also have flags called Tunggul or Pataka. These flags often feature the unit's coat of arms.

South Korea

The Republic of Korea Armed Forces (South Korea) use military flag traditions mostly from Western countries. The Flag of South Korea is treated as the National Colour. Each service branch has its own regimental flags, often with gold fringes.

• Army: Blue and white with the service emblem.
• Navy: Blue with a white canton (corner design).
• Marine Corps: Scarlet with the service emblem.
• Air Force: Sky blue with a gold service emblem.

Thailand

Each unit of the Royal Thai Armed Forces receives a flag called the "Thong Chai Chalermphol," or Victory Colours. The King of Thailand personally presents these flags. Before the presentation, the flags are blessed in a special religious ceremony. The King himself helps attach the flag to its staff. These flags are similar to the Flag of Thailand and are treated with great respect.

Vietnam

A version of the flag of Vietnam is used as a National Colour by almost all Vietnam People’s Army units. It often has gold fringes for ceremonies. It also features the gold military motto "Quyết thắng" (meaning "determination to win"). The unit's name can also be written below the golden star.

Commonwealth Nations' Military Flags

The flags of infantry (colours) and cavalry (standards) in Commonwealth countries are large and unique to each unit. Soldiers can easily identify their own unit by its flag.

Australia, Canada, and New Zealand

The naval and air forces of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand also have similar flags based on their own ensigns. The main flag, often called the King's or Queen's Colour, shows loyalty to the monarch.

• Air Force: The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) King's Colour is based on its ensign. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) King's Colour is a national flag with the royal symbol.
• Army: Australian infantry units have a King's Colour (based on the national flag) and a Regimental Colour (with unit symbols and battle honours). Canadian infantry units also have a King's Colour and a Regimental Colour. New Zealand's infantry regiment has a King's Colour (based on the national flag) and a royal blue Regimental Colour.
• Navy: The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) King's Colour is the Australian White Ensign. The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) King's Colour is a variation of the Canadian Naval Ensign. The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) King's Colour is a variant of the Naval Ensign of New Zealand.

United Kingdom

In the British Army, most infantry units have two flags, called a "stand." These are large flags, about 90 cm by 114 cm.

• The King's or Queen's Colour is usually a version of the country's national flag, with the unit's symbol in the middle.
• The Regimental Colour is a single-coloured flag, often matching the unit's uniform facings (collar and cuffs), also with the unit's symbol.

Foot Guards regiments have a slightly different pattern. Their King's Colour is crimson, and their Regimental Colour is based on the Union Flag.

Rifle regiments do not carry flags. This tradition comes from their history as skirmishers and sharpshooters. Instead, they display their battle honours on their drums.

Cavalry units use smaller flags called standards (for heavy cavalry) or guidons (for light cavalry). These are usually crimson with the unit's symbol and battle honours.

Royal Air Force (RAF) flags are sky blue. The King's Colour for the RAF is a version of the RAF Ensign with the royal symbol. RAF squadron standards are air force blue with the squadron's symbol and honours.

Royal Marines have a King's Colour which is the Union Flag with their special symbol (a foul anchor and globe). Each commando unit also has its own regimental colour, which is dark blue.

Royal Navy ships use the White Ensign at the stern and the Union Jack at the bow. Principal commands in the Royal Navy also have their own King's Colour, which is a version of the White Ensign.

Europe's Military Flags

Denmark

Danish military units carry a unit flag. This flag is a version of the Dannebrog (the national flag), with the royal symbol in the middle. The unit's badge and name are also on the flag.

Finland

Units of the Finnish Defence Forces have a single flag. These flags can be "active" (for main units) or "traditional" (for smaller, historical units). The flags often show the emblem of the region where the unit is located. They also use traditional colours for each military branch.

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  The colour of the Finnish Guard Jaeger Regiment.

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  The colour of the Armoured Brigade.

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  The colour of the Pori Brigade.

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  The traditional colour of the Kymi Jaeger Battalion.

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  The traditional colour of the Eastern Finland Signals Battalion.

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  The traditional colour of the 7th Surface Combat Flotilla.

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  The colour of the Finnish Defence Forces International Centre.

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  The colour of the Karelian Air Command.

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  The colour of the Utti Jaeger Regiment.

France

After the French Revolution, French military flags changed to the new Tricolore design. Napoleon later added the Imperial Eagle to the top of the flag staff, which became a very important symbol.

Modern French military flags show battle honours from 1792 onwards.

• Flags for foot units (like infantry) are called drapeaux.
• Flags for mounted units (like cavalry or artillery) are called étendards (standards).

Both are silk flags, often with gold fringes. They have the unit's name and battle honours embroidered on them.

Germany

Units of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) have a single flag called the Truppenfahne. This is a square version of the national flag with the Bundesadler (national eagle) in the middle. It has a special border and gold fringe.

Greece

Traditionally, Army infantry and cavalry units have a single war flag. This flag is blue with a white cross and features St George and the Dragon in the centre. The unit's identity is written on the flagstaff. The Hellenic Navy uses the Flag of Greece as its naval ensign and national flag.

Italy

The flag for Italian Army units (except cavalry) is called a bandiera di guerra. It is a square version of the national tricolour. Cavalry units carry a smaller flag called a stendardo (standard). These flags are mounted on special pikes and often have the unit's decorations attached.

Poland

The military flags of the Polish Armed Forces are red and white. They feature the Polish military eagle (which looks different for each service) surrounded by a gold wreath. The unit's name is on the front of the flag, and the motto "God, Honour, Fatherland" is on the back.

Russia

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Russian Armed Forces brought back traditional Imperial Russian flag designs. The Russian Navy uses the St. Andrew's cross (blue on white) as its naval flag. New Army and Air Force flags are square, with a St. Andrew's cross in the colours of the Ribbon of Saint George. They have the unit's symbol on the front and the national coat of arms on the back.

Spain

Units of the Spanish Armed Forces have a single flag based on the national flag. This flag has the coat of arms in the centre, surrounded by the unit's name in gold letters. It is trimmed with gold fringe.

Turkey

The Flag of Turkey is used by the Turkish Armed Forces as a National Colour. It has special features: a golden "TC" (for Republic of Turkey) in the top left corner and the unit's name below the crescent and star. These flags are presented in a ceremony and carried by a Colour Guard.

The Ottoman army used to put verses from the Quran and the Shahada (a Muslim declaration of faith) on their flags. This tradition continued into the First World War.

Ukraine

The Armed Forces of Ukraine use maroon and gold flags. These flags feature the Coat of arms of Ukraine and an Orthodox Cross, which together form the emblem of the Armed Forces. The motto "For Ukraine, for her Freedom" is also on the flag. The unit's name is on the back.

North America's Military Flags

Mexico

The Mexican Armed Forces use the Flag of Mexico as their National Colour. It has the unit's name below the Coat of arms of Mexico and the country's official name above it. This is the standard design for infantry and other general services. Cavalry and artillery units also use this design as their National Standard.

United States

In the United States military, each branch has its own flag, called an organizational colour. These flags are often carried with a National Color (the U.S. flag) in a colour guard. The National Color is never dipped in salute, but stays upright.

• Each service attaches special ribbons called campaign/battle streamers to their flags. These streamers show the unit's participation in wars or special achievements.
• The Army uses the National Color and an Organizational Color. The Organizational Color is a single colour representing the branch, with the unit's coat of arms.
• The Marine Corps uses the National Color and an organizational colour that is similar to the Marine Corps battle colour, but with the unit's name.
• The Air Force uses the National Color and an ultramarine blue Organizational Color with the unit's coat of arms.
• The Navy uses the Flag of the United States Navy for ceremonies and parades.

South America's Military Flags

Argentina

Each unit of the Argentine Armed Forces carries a National War Flag. This is the national flag with the unit's name embroidered in gold. These flags are carried by the most junior officer and escorted by armed non-commissioned officers. If a unit has received a decoration, it is attached to the flag.

Brazil

Units of the Brazilian Armed Forces carry two flags. One is the national flag as a National Colour. The other is a unit standard, which differs for each service. For example, the Brazilian Army standard is white with the Army's coat of arms.

Chile

Units of the Chilean Army carry one main flag called the estandarte de combate (combat standard). This is the national flag with an embroidered star and the unit's name and honours. Some special units also carry a second flag called a bandera coronela (colonel's colour), which is usually red with a large white star.

Colombia

The main flags of the Military Forces of Colombia and the National Police of Colombia are the Flag of Colombia with the Coat of arms of Colombia in the centre. These flags also display medals and decorations. Each service also uses unit battle flags for brigades and battalions.

Venezuela

In the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela, the Flag of Venezuela serves as the National Colour. There are also Organizational Colours for each of the six service branches and Unit Colours, which vary by branch. The National Militia, for example, uses a red and black battle colour.

Guidons and Standards: Smaller Military Flags

A standard is a smaller flag used by heavy cavalry units. A guidon is an even smaller, swallow-tailed flag used by light cavalry units. These flags are designed to be carried by a soldier on horseback.

In the Commonwealth of Nations, standards and guidons are usually crimson with the unit's symbol and battle honours. In the United States armed forces, guidons are very common. Units smaller than a battalion are allowed to use them. These are swallow-tailed flags, often in the colour of the unit's branch, with the branch's symbol and the unit's identifying letters.

Guns as Colours

In the Royal Regiment of Artillery (British) and other Commonwealth artillery units, the guns themselves are treated with the same respect as flags. This is because it was hard for artillery units to carry flags into battle. The guns were the main rallying points for the soldiers. So, when artillery units parade, the guns receive the same honours as flags.

Because of this, artillery soldiers will try to prevent their guns from being captured by the enemy. For example, during the fall of Singapore in World War II, British artillery soldiers destroyed their guns rather than let them fall into enemy hands.

Respecting Military Flags

There are special rules for how military flags are treated:

• The Regimental Colour (or Standard or Guidon) is always part of a formal parade. The King's/Queen's/Presidential Colour is used only on special occasions.
• People always salute and show respect to uncased (uncovered) flags.
• When flags are paraded, they are carried by an officer or warrant officer. They always have an armed escort, called the Colour Party.
• When not on parade, most units keep their flags in the Officers' Mess. They are covered and secured every night.
• When a unit receives new flags, the old ones are "laid up." This means they are put on permanent display in a special place, like a Regimental Chapel.

Flag Ceremonies

Royal Navy

The British Royal Navy and other Commonwealth navies have a flag-raising ceremony every morning when a ship is in harbour. This ceremony is called colours. In British waters, it happens at 8:00 AM for most of the year and 9:00 AM in winter. In the evening, flags are lowered at sunset in a ceremony called sunset or evening colours.

United States Navy

The United States Navy has similar ceremonies called "Morning Colors" and "Evening Colors." These happen at 8:00 AM and sunset each day. During "Colors," people outdoors on Navy and Marine Corps bases must stop and salute if in uniform. If not in uniform, they stand at attention until the ceremony is over.

Yacht Clubs

Many traditional yacht clubs also have morning and evening flag ceremonies. At 8:00 AM and sunset during the sailing season, a bell sounds to alert everyone to stand at attention. A cannon is fired, and the national flag is raised or lowered.

Flags in Games

Capturing an enemy's flag was once a very important goal in war. This idea is still used in several games today:

• Capture the flag: A popular outdoor game where teams try to capture each other's flag.
• Stratego: A board game where the main goal is to capture the enemy's flag.
• Chess: In Estonian, the queen is called lipp (meaning "standard" or "flag"). In Italian, the bishop is called alfiere (meaning "standard-bearer").

See also

• Glossary of vexillology
• Historical colours, standards and guidons
• Presentation of Colours
• Trooping the Colour
• Vexillum
• War flag
• With flying colours