Current guidons are made so that letters and numerals read correctly on both sides. Old guidons show letters and numerals reversed as if printed through on the reverse of the guidon. Current guidons are made of heavyweight rayon banner cloth. Previously guidons were made of wool bunting, and if serviceable these older versions may still be used. By branch Army Īs described in Chapter 6 of Army Regulation 840-10, guidons are swallow-tailed marker flags in branch-of-service colors, measuring 20 inches (51 cm) at the hoist by 27 inches (69 cm) at the fly, with the swallow-tail end forked 10 inches (25 cm). Veteran soldiers know not to give up the guidon to anyone outside their unit, but new recruits may be tempted into relinquishing it by a superior, especially during a unit run. Other units may attempt to steal the guidon to demoralize or antagonize the unit. For example, should the guidon bearer drop the guidon, they must fall with it and perform punishment, often in the form of push-ups. Any sort of disgrace toward the guidon is considered a dishonor of the unit as a whole, and punishment is typical. 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 drill and ceremonies, the guidon bearers and commander are always in front of the formation. He or she stands in front of the unit alongside of the commander (or the commander's representative) and is the rallying point for troops to fall into formation when the order is given. It is an honor to be the guidon carrier for a unit, known as a 'guidon bearer' or 'guide'. When the commander leaves for the day, the guidon is taken down. When the commander is in service, his or her guidon is displayed for everyone to see.

The significance and importance of the guidon is that it represents the unit and its commanding officer.

A basic guidon can be rectangular, but sometimes has a triangular portion removed from the fly (known as ' swallow-tailed').

In the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, a guidon is a military standard or flag that company/battery/troop or platoon-sized detachments carry to signify their unit designation and branch/corps affiliation or the title of the individual who carries it. 19th century guidon used by the 7th Cavalry Regiment

Red platoon