Guidon (United States)
[1] The guidon is a great source of pride for the unit, and several military traditions have developed around it, stemming back from ancient times.
In general, the following Army units are entitled to guidons: lettered companies, troops, and batteries of regiments and separate battalions; separate numbered TO&E companies; and headquarters elements of groups, brigades, divisions, corps, commands, schools, and similar organizations.
Lettered companies (troops and batteries in the cavalry and field artillery respectively) of battalions (squadrons in the cavalry) have guidons displaying the branch insignia, the company letter, and the battalion and regimental numbers.
[3][4] Separate numbered TO&E companies have guidons with their numerical designation under the branch insignia, e.g. the guidon of the 380th Quartermaster Company is buff with the insignia of the Quartermaster Corps over the numerals "380" in ultramarine blue, these being the named colors of the branch.
[5][6][7] Headquarters elements of Army commands, agencies, garrisons, centers, schools, depots and miscellaneous organizations are authorized guidons of distinctive design and colors.
US Army Garrisons, have a teal blue guidon with the branch immaterial insignia (the coat of arms of the U.S. within a ring) in yellow.
The guidon bearer normally stands with the platoon guide when stationary and marches at the head of the column.
Guidon-bearing elements of US Army Regimental System units are entitled to display all streamers awarded to the regiment, with those earned by its own higher echelon (battalion or squadron) denoted by the addition of the Earned Honor Device, an embroidered laurel wreath, at the fly.
The company level designation letter, abbreviated title, or number will be in the lower right corner.
[15] Fox Company 2nd Battalion 5th Marines "Blackhearts" are authorized white markings on a black guidon, Crossed rifle and shattered paddle and a Ka-Bar inset behind a black heart logo; skull wearing camouflage "Boonie Cover" superimposed at center above "Blackhearts."
[16] Prior to World War II, a red flag was used for naval artillery units.
Companies of the Brigade of Midshipmen attending the United States Naval Academy carry a gold guidon with blue numerals.
An Air Force yellow American Eagle design appears on the front of the guidon and on the reverse side as if printed through.
