New to the OCP uniform, or just checking you got it right? Here's where every patch, tape and badge goes on the Army and Air Force OCP coat, based on AR 670-1, DA PAM 670-1 and DAFI 36-2903. Everything attaches to the hook-and-loop pads on the coat unless you choose to sew it on.
Quick Reference: Army OCP Coat
Right sleeve
Chest
Left sleeve
Right Sleeve
- U.S. flag: On the right shoulder, worn in "reverse field" with the stars facing forward, so the flag looks like it's flying in the breeze as you move forward. Wear the full-color flag in garrison. Switch to the subdued tactical (OCP) flag when deployed or in the field, as directed by your commander.
- Combat patch (shoulder sleeve insignia for former wartime service, or SSI-FWTS): Below the flag, if you've earned one.
Chest
- Name tape: Wearer's right chest, on the pad above the pocket.
- U.S. Army tape: Wearer's left chest, on the pad above the pocket.
- Rank insignia: Centered on the chest. Rank is also worn centered on the front of the patrol cap.
- Combat and special skill badges (optional): Above the U.S. Army tape, up to five.
Left Sleeve
- Unit patch (shoulder sleeve insignia, or SSI): Your current unit's patch, on the left shoulder pad.
- Skill tabs (Ranger, Sapper, Special Forces and others): Worn above the unit patch.
Quick Reference: Air Force OCP Coat
Airmen wear the same OCP pattern but follow DAFI 36-2903, not Army rules. Tapes, rank, badges and patches use spice brown thread.
Right sleeve
Chest
Left sleeve
Right Sleeve
- U.S. flag: The spice brown flag is mandatory and is worn at the top of the right shoulder pad in reverse field, the same side as the Army.
- Squadron patch: Below the flag.
Chest
- Name tape: Wearer's right chest, on the pad above the pocket.
- U.S. Air Force tape: Wearer's left chest, on the pad above the pocket.
- Rank insignia: Centered on the chest.
- Occupational badges: Up to four occupational, qualification or skill badges, centered above the U.S. Air Force tape. Aeronautical, space, cyberspace, chaplain and missile operations badges are mandatory if you've earned them. Most others are optional.
Left Sleeve
- Higher headquarters patch: Your major command or higher headquarters patch (for example, Air National Guard), on the left shoulder pad.
- Duty identifier patch (optional): Patches like CYBER are worn centered at the top of the pad, above the higher headquarters patch. The Air Force reinstated them in January 2026 for approved career fields.
Space Force Guardians also wear OCP, but with a U.S. Space Force tape and their own thread color. Check current Space Force guidance before ordering.
What's Not Allowed
Only authorized insignia go on the combat uniform. Morale patches, foreign badges and other unauthorized patches are uniform violations.
FAQ
Can I sew my patches on instead of using hook-and-loop?
Yes. In the Army, most soldiers use hook-and-loop, but if you choose to sew on your badges, you must also sew on your name tape, U.S. Army tape and rank. The U.S. flag is the exception: the full-color and tactical flags are never sewn on and always attach with hook-and-loop.
What does OCP stand for?
Operational Camouflage Pattern. It's the camouflage pattern used on the Army and Air Force combat uniform.
Is the flag patch required?
Yes. The U.S. flag is worn on the right shoulder of the OCP coat in both the Army and the Air Force. The Air Force flag is spice brown.
Why is the flag backwards on the right shoulder?
It's worn in "reverse field" so the stars face forward, the way a flag looks when it's carried forward into the wind.
Should I wear the full-color flag or the OCP flag?
In the Army, the full-color flag is the default in garrison. The subdued tactical (OCP) flag is worn when deployed or in the field, as directed by your commander. Both go on the right shoulder in reverse field. Airmen wear the spice brown flag.
Where does the combat patch go?
On the right sleeve of the Army OCP coat, below the U.S. flag.
Which color name tape do I need?
Thread color depends on your branch. See our guide: How to Choose the Right Military Name Tape.
Where can I check the regulation myself?
AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1 are on the Army Publishing Directorate website (armypubs.army.mil). DAFI 36-2903 is on the Air Force e-Publishing website (e-publishing.af.mil). Uniform policy changes from time to time, so the official publication always has the final word.
Shop the OCP Uniform
- OCP name tapes (custom made to order)
- OCP rank insignia
- U.S. flag patches (full-color and OCP tactical)
- Army OCP unit patches
- Air Force OCP patches
