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Custom ocp Patches guide Teddypatches

OCP Patch Placement Guide for Tactical and Military Uniforms

TL;DR: Stars face forward on the U.S. flag. Army typically wears the current unit patch on the left sleeve and SSI-MOHC (combat patch) on the right sleeve only if authorized. Air Force OCP sleeve layout is different: flag and unit patch on the right sleeve, HHQ patch on the left sleeve. If you’re replacing worn tapes or unit identifiers, see our custom embroidered patches options.

If you wear the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform, patch placement is not a style choice. It is how the service communicates rank, unit, and identity at a glance. Getting it wrong can look sloppy and can also create confusion about your assignment or authorization.

This guide explains the standard placement patterns for Army and Air Force OCP uniforms, plus the mistakes that get corrected most often. Always follow your chain of command and unit SOP if it differs from a general guide.

Why Patch Placement Matters

Military patches communicate essential information fast: who you are, what you do, and where you belong in the chain of command. Correct placement supports uniformity, professionalism, and clear identification, especially in joint environments.

Regulations also get updated. If you are unsure, verify with current publications and unit leadership before you sew anything down.

Army OCP Patch Placement

The Army’s OCP setup is consistent in most units: flag on the right shoulder area, current unit patch on the left, and a combat patch on the right sleeve only when authorized.

U.S. Flag Patch

Your U.S. flag patch sits on the right shoulder pocket flap (the built-in hook-and-loop area). The flag is worn with the star field facing forward.

For the Army’s official rules on wear of uniforms and insignia, including flag wear policy, see AR 670-1 (PDF):

 

If you want the “how worn” details (placement specifics, diagrams, and wear notes), DA Pam 670-1 is the companion guide (PDF):

 

Unit Patch (Left Shoulder)

Your current unit’s Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) goes on the left sleeve (on the sleeve pocket hook-and-loop field). When you transfer, this is the patch that changes with your new assignment.

Combat Patch (Right Shoulder)

If you are authorized the “combat patch,” it is the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia–Military Operations in Hostile Conditions (SSI-MOHC) and it is worn on the right sleeve (commonly described as worn just below the U.S. flag when both are present).

If you want a clear, official reference for how SSI-MOHC eligibility can change, the Army’s announcement on expanded combat patch eligibility is here:
 https://www.army.mil/article/286868/army_expands_combat_patch_eligibility

Rank Insignia

Rank is worn in the designated rank area on the front of the OCP coat (commonly the centered chest field). Keep it straight and aligned. If your unit requires sewn-on vs hook-and-loop, follow your local guidance.

Name and Service Tapes

  • Name tape: right chest area 
  • U.S. ARMY tape: left chest area 

If your tapes are fading or peeling after repeated washing, it is usually easier to replace them than keep trying to “fix” them. Many units prefer hook-and-loop for easy swaps, and you can choose that when ordering replacement uniform patches

Air Force OCP Patch Placement

Air Force OCP looks similar at a glance, but the sleeve logic is not the same as the Army’s. Air Force guidance is very specific about what belongs on each sleeve.

U.S. Flag Patch

On Air Force OCP, the U.S. flag is mandatory on the right sleeve in the standard configuration.

Air Force OCP patch placement rules are in DAFI 36-2903 (PDF):
 https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafi36-2903/dafi36-2903.pdf

Squadron or Unit Patch

Under current Air Force guidance, the unit/organization patch is worn on the right sleeve under the U.S. flag (standard configuration rules apply, with limited exceptions).

(Reference: DAFI 36-2903 PDF)
 https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafi36-2903/dafi36-2903.pdf

Rank Insignia

Rank is required as part of the standard OCP configuration. Keep placement clean and consistent with your uniform setup and your unit’s direction.

Name and Service Tapes

  • Name tape: right chest 
  • U.S. AIR FORCE tape: left chest 

If you’re ordering replacements, keep thread color, layout, and backing consistent with what your unit approves. If you want a simple starting point for ordering, use the custom patches collection page and choose the patch type that matches your uniform needs.

Key Differences Between Branches

  • The Army’s combat patch system (SSI-MOHC) is a distinct authorization concept and does not map one-for-one onto Air Force patch culture. 
  • The Air Force sleeve layout is defined as right sleeve for flag and unit patch, and left sleeve for HHQ patch, under the standard rules. 
  • Both branches care about consistent placement and clean alignment because patches are meant to be read quickly and without confusion. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Flag facing the wrong way: the star field faces forward. 
  • Mixing Army and Air Force sleeve assumptions: Air Force unit patch placement is commonly misunderstood. 
  • Crooked rank or tapes: if it is even slightly off, it shows. 
  • Unauthorized patches: only wear what is authorized in current guidance and by your chain of command. 
  • Ignoring patch limits and mandatory items (Air Force): DAFI 36-2903 spells out what is required and what limits apply on sleeves.
     https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafi36-2903/dafi36-2903.pdf 

Quality Matters

OCP patches take abuse: heat, sweat, field time, Velcro wear, and repeated washing. Low-quality patches fade, curl, and lose edge definition quickly.

If you are replacing patches, focus on:

  • Correct size and text clarity 
  • Clean embroidery that stays readable 
  • The correct backing (sew-on vs hook-and-loop), based on your uniform setup and unit guidance 

If you need replacements made to your provided specs, you can review options at Teddy Patches.

Keeping Current with Regulations

Regulations and official guidance do change, and units often add local SOP rules. When in doubt, do not guess. Verify with current publications and your chain of command.

Recommended references:

Final Thoughts

Patch placement is a small detail that signals discipline before you say a word. The goal is simple: correct location, correct orientation, and correct authorization.

If you are unsure, check the reg, ask your unit, and set it up correctly the first time.