Flag Etiquette · Flag Precedence
How do I set up three flags on a stage for a military ceremony — U.S., POW/MIA, and Navy?
Answered by Al Cavalari · The Flag Guys · Posted 1996, still relevant
Sorry for the delay. I was out of town and behind on my e mail. The flag code for civilian use is silent on your question. I do not know what the US Navy says about the matter. I see no reference to it in your Navy regulation NTP13 (B). The Army says it is a discretionary matter. The Air Force places the POW flag after all other flags. See my reference below. As the flags are viewed from the audience, I would put USA, US Navy, then POW US Army Here is what The Institute of Heraldry says about it.. The Institute answers questions regarding flag usage in The US Army: "DISPLAY OF THE POW/MIA FLAG. Display of this flag is covered by Section 902, Title 36 of the United States Code. The POW/MIA flag should be flown beneath the flag of the United States, if displayed on the same pole. The US Code does not address display of the POW/MIA flag with organizational flags. The order of display would therefore be at the discretion of the organization."
US Air Force AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 34-1201, 4 OCTOBER 2006, 2.34.6.8. "There is no precedence for the POW/MIA flag. It shall always be displayed in a location subordinate to all other flags."
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