Navy SEALs Ordered To Remove “Don’t Tread On Me” Navy Jack From Uniforms

According to Navy SEAL veteran Chris Hagerman, who writes over at NavySeals.com,“senior personnel from within WARCOM and Naval Special Warfare are putting out instructions and memos stating that Navy SEALs are no longer authorized to wear the ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ patch on their combat uniforms.”

Here is the text of one such memo, posted by Hagerman:
ALL:

WARCOM and GROUP TWO/ONE have pushed out the uniform policy for NWU III and any patches worn on the sleeve.

All personnel are only authorized to wear the matching “AOR” American Flag patch on the right shoulder. You are no longer authorized to wear the “Don’t Tread On Me” patch.

Again the only patch authorized for wear is the American flag on the right shoulder. Please pass the word to all.

Thanks,Senior Enlisted Advisor

[Name Redacted]

This is not sitting well with Hagerman and other SEALs. Here is some of what Hagerman had to say:

The “Don’t Tread On Me” flag or First Navy Jack has flown on naval ships throughout our history including during the American Revolutionary War. The rattlesnake is especially significant and symbolic. The rattle has thirteen layers, signifying the original Thirteen Colonies.
Official Navy instruction has authorized all naval ships to fly the flag throughout the duration of the War On Terror.

Why is it then that senior personnel from within WARCOM and Naval Special Warfare are putting out instructions and memos stating that Navy SEALs are no longer authorized to wear the “Don’t Tread on Me” patch on their combat uniforms along with other custom patches?

I have heard some defend this action stating that it is due to trying to maintain uniformity between the operators. We all know that is complete garbage.

(Read the rest here).

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