In a recent post Julie shared her experience at graduation, she mentioned that her son and his company didn't earn their colors until the latter weekw. For us uneducated to military life, what does earning the colors mean and what typically does it involve.

My guess would be the honor to carry the flag both the US and the USCG, is this right?

Thanks
Richard

US Naval Flag Bag contents define the "colors." The company gets to have the guidon (person leading the company) carry the company "colors" in front of the columns as they march.

If the company designation is Golf-101 they would earn the phonetic alphabet "G" flag, or Golf.

Though you are correct, in the traditional sense the term "colors" refers to the US National Ensign (Old Glory!).

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Last Edited : 5/14/2007 3:25:52 PM GMT

Hi Richard,

The companies at boot camp first get a stick - pole - that they carry with them wherever they go, on runs, hike, pool, wherever they go as a company the pole goes with them.

As they achieve certain qualifications, or preform required tasks as a company, they awarded flags - actually ribbons that designate their accomplishments. One company may score higher on the shooting test - that company will be awarded a ribbon for their pole.

My sons company won a lot of flags when he was in boot camp and my son was the guy that got to carry the flag wherever they went.

They take that flag thing pretty seriously.

I'm going to attempt to attach a picture of the 'colors' from my sons graduation.

There are also the traditional flag bearers that carry the Old Glory that the Coast Guard flags - but each company has their own 'colors'.

Mike

I feel cheated, we didn't get ribbons or streamers for our accomplishments. We did earn our Victor flag in week 6 beating out our sister company. They didn't earn their flag until week 8. Ouch.

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