Color Guard Flags

[Dad2-4]

Regs say a US flag and a CAP flag for a standard 4 person color guard. Is there a reg allowing an exception to that to carry a state flag instead of the CAP flag?

[ML07]

Yes.

Ref. CAPP 52-8 para 2.4.1

The Colors Element consists of no less than four members: Two flag bearers and two guards (When the Civil Air Patrol flag is not available, the colors element may carry the US and/or state flags). The Colors Element may consist of as many as needed to present the colors of the United States, State, Civil Air Patrol, all branches of services, POW and MIA flags

[NIN]

I've been in that boat where we were asked to present state flags at a veteran's event or similar (not a CAP event).  It would have made little sense to carry a CAP flag there, so we said "Sure, no problem!" and carried the state flag, POW/MIA flag, etc.

I got an earful from someone who claimed that it was "illegal" (love that word in a CAP regulatory context) to carry anything but the US flag and the CAP flag. 

I mean, really, you're asked by a community organization if you can provide a color guard for a community event. Do you say "Sure, but we can't carry any flag but our own. Sorry, its illegal.." ?  Heck no.

[PHall]

I've been in that boat where we were asked to present state flags at a veteran's event or similar (not a CAP event).  It would have made little sense to carry a CAP flag there, so we said "Sure, no problem!" and carried the state flag, POW/MIA flag, etc.

I got an earful from someone who claimed that it was "illegal" (love that word in a CAP regulatory context) to carry anything but the US flag and the CAP flag. 

I mean, really, you're asked by a community organization if you can provide a color guard for a community event. Do you say "Sure, but we can't carry any flag but our own. Sorry, its illegal.." ?  Heck no.

That's when I get to play my favorite game, "You get a reg cite for that claim of yours?"
And then when they can't produce one, because there isn't one, they usually come back with "well it should be illegal." 

[NIN]

That's when I get to play my favorite game, "You get a reg cite for that claim of yours?"
And then when they can't produce one, because there isn't one, they usually come back with "well it should be illegal." 

I swear it was in the D&C pamphlet, but perhaps I'm on crack.

7.1.1.3. The color guard will march only in line or in column formation, never inverted. The US flag is always to the farthest right or front amongst the flag bearers. If the color guard consists of only three individuals, the US flag bearer and two guards will comprise the unit. Organizational and/or state flags are never carried without the US flag.

Emphasis mine. I seem to recall there was a more specific prohibition right around that spot previously on what flags could be carried.

There is no similar language anymore.

[PHall]

That's when I get to play my favorite game, "You get a reg cite for that claim of yours?"
And then when they can't produce one, because there isn't one, they usually come back with "well it should be illegal." 

I swear it was in the D&C pamphlet, but perhaps I'm on crack.

7.1.1.3. The color guard will march only in line or in column formation, never inverted. The US flag is always to the farthest right or front amongst the flag bearers. If the color guard consists of only three individuals, the US flag bearer and two guards will comprise the unit. Organizational and/or state flags are never carried without the US flag.

Emphasis mine. I seem to recall there was a more specific prohibition right around that spot previously on what flags could be carried.

There is no similar language anymore.

Some people like to to point to paragraph 7.1.1.

7.1.1.  The color guard will consist of three or more cadets. The most senior cadets, when practical, should function as flagbearers for the US and Civil Air Patrol flags since these are positions of honor reserved for experienced personnel. etc...


But that doesn't sound "directive" to me. Besides it's a pamphlet so there's no authority behind it.
At least that's how I see it, YMMV, may not apply in your city, state or nation.