Flags of the United States Armed Forces The several branches of the United States Armed Forces are represented by flags , among other emblems and insignia . Within each branch , various flags fly on various occasions , and on various ships , bases , camps , and military academies . In general , the order of precedence when displaying military flags together is the U . S . National Colors , U . S . Army , U . S . Marine Corps , U . S . Navy , U . S . Air Force , and U . S . Coast Guard . However , in any period , such as in wartime , where the U . S . Coast Guard is operating as part of the U . S . Navy , the U . S . Coast Guard flag would precede the U . S . Air Force flag . Maritime flags . Many maritime flag s have been used in the United States . All naval vessels belonging to the United States fly the Ensign of the United States , which is identical to the flag of the United States ( though originally was a design similar to the Grand Union Flag ) . All documented U . S . vessels , and all U . S . vessels in international or foreign waters , are required to display this ensign between 08 : 00 and sunset . Conversely , vessels of the U . S . Coast Guard display a unique ensign as a demonstration of its authority to stop , board , search , and conduct arrests and seizures aboard vessels subject to United States jurisdiction . Historically , the ensign displayed has changed as the flag of the United States has changed . Similarly , vessels of the Continental Navy flew many varied ensigns due to a vague standard set by the Continental Congress , the arrangement of stars and pattern of stripes being left to the commander ' s interpretations . Vessels of the U . S . Navy , Coast Guard , Military Sealift Command , and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration display the Jack of the United States from the jackstaff . Originally the First Navy Jack was displayed , a design containing the thirteen red and white stripes ; while some maintain that it was superimposed by an uncoiled rattlesnake and the motto " " Dont tread on me " " , reminiscent of the Gadsden flag . It was later changed to a blue canton with white stars , the " union " , and updated as each state entered the Union . However , all warships were directed to fly the First Navy Jack , including the disputed rattlesnake and motto , for the duration of the War on Terror in 2002 . A Commissioning or Masthead pennant is flown from the masthead and represents the commission of the captain of the ship ( and thus of the ship itself ) . Additionally , a Church pennant may be flown during religious services . This pennant , white with a blue cross ( or blue tablets and Star of David for Jewish services ) , is the only flags authorized to be flown above the national ensign , and only when at sea . In addition , hospital ships display the Red Cross . Ships and units ashore may also fly burgee s displaying unit citation s . Flags can also be used for signaling . Personal flags . Officers with certain offices or billets , as well as all general s and admiral s , have a personal flag assigned to represent their authority and / or command ; thus why they are often referred to as " flag officer s " . Ashore , they are usually displayed within the owner ' s office or raised on a secondary flagstaff near the unit colors ; while they are flown aboard ship according to rank . The appearance consists of a number of stars equal to the officer ' s rank insignia , the colors determined by service : red with white stars for the Army and Marine Corps , blue with white stars for Naval commanders and Air Force . Certain staff and non - line officers have unique colors : white with blue stars for non - command Navy admirals , while Army chaplains and medical generals use ecclesiastical purple and maroon backgrounds , respectively . Unique flags are given to the President ( due to his position as Commander - in - Chief ) , , Secretary of Defense , Deputy Secretary of Defense , Under Secretaries of Defense , and Assistant Secretaries of Defense , each of the Secretaries of the Military Departments ( Secretary of the Army , Secretary of the Navy , Secretary of the Air Force ) , Under Secretaries of the Military Departments ( Under Secretary of the Army , Under Secretary of the Navy , Under Secretary of the Air Force ) , and Assistant Secretaries of the Military Departments ( Assistant Secretary of the Army , Assistant Secretary of the Navy , Assistant Secretary of the Air Force ) , the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , and the chief of the Military Services ( Chief of Staff of the Army , Commandant of the Marine Corps , Chief of Naval Operations , Chief of Staff of the Air Force , and Commandant of the Coast Guard ) . An admiral , acting commodore , or Convoy Commodore aboard a ship each may fly a flag from their flagship . In addition , the Navy will display the flag of the Secretary of State ] ] when he or she is embarked as the representative of the United States . Other diplomatic personnel are also afforded a [ [ : File : ConsularFlag - USNSpec . svg | consular flag when embarked . The Coast Guard , being part of the , will utilize the Secretary ' s flag much like the Navy will utilize the SecDef ' s . Others . Many other flags are traditionally associated with the military . American Revolution . Not having made an official design until 1777 , a [ [ Commons : Flags of the American Revolution | numerous distinct flags ] ] were carried into battle by American forces . Even after , the vague wording of the [ [ Flag of the United States # The Flag Resolution of 1777 | Flag Resolution of 1777 ] ] led to many designs . External links . [ [ Category : Military flags of the United States | Military flags of the United States ] ] [ [ Category : United States military - related lists | Flags of the armed forces ] ]