SEALs are no longer allowed to carry their flags

Typical images of SEALs from recent missions, like the one above, usually have one thing in common: in addition to AOR1, the "Don't Tread On Me" (DTOM) flag patches, also known as "Navy Jacks", on their left upper arms. But now they have been forbidden from wearing them by the highest authority. Some suspect political influences or a "conspiracy" behind this, but there is a simple and correct answer: the clothing regulations for the NWU (Navy Working Uniform). These regulations do not allow flags to be worn outside of tactical, training, or mission situations. However, according to a new directive from WARCOM, SEALs (specifically NSW personnel) are now officially allowed to wear their flag patches, even when they are in the barracks.

For a short "Making Of" of these DTOM patches. About two years ago, East Coast teams ordered some of these DTOM flags for personal use from a patch manufacturer who was authorized to use AOR1 and AOR2. Later, they requested and were granted permission to wear a reversed US flag on the right upper arm and the DTOM flag on the left upper arm. Then the NWU came along - and it requires the Velcro patches on the upper arms to be left blank. However, the NSW soldiers thought this looked unprofessional and decided to keep the flags on their uniforms, even in the barracks. And the rest of the story has been described above.