Latest OCP guidance OKs current subdued patches Published Dec. 27, 2018 By Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Biscoe 439th Airlift Wing WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. (AFNS) -- Latest Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform guidance OKs current subdued patches Airmen wearing OCP uniforms are authorized to add their former Battle Dress Uniform subdued patches until the mandatory brown subdued ones go into effect. Highlights from Air Force Instruction 36-2903, which will be mandatory wear April 1, 2021: The U.S. flag patch is mandatory and will be subdued using the spice brown color criteria (cloth) centered at the top of velcro and worn while in–garrison and deployed. Notes: Current subdued black and green (cloth) U.S. flags may be worn until June 1, 2020, then spice brown will be the only accepted version. Infra-red U.S. flags are not authorized. -- The higher headquarters patch is mandatory and will be subdued using the spice brown color criteria (cloth) centered under the U.S. flag patch. Current subdued version of HHQ patch may be worn until the patch color conversion has been completed or until April 1, 2021, whichever is sooner. -- right sleeve. A maximum of two patches may be worn.