AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Gen. A.C. Roper and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Charles D. Luckey unveil the three-star flag presented by Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Jeffrey Darlington, symbolizing promotion to the rank of lieutenant general during a promotion and oath of office ceremony for Roper at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 14, 2021. In the early 20th century the War Department designed the flags for their generals and admirals. Red flags with white stars were for the Army; navy blue for the Navy; scarlet, for the Marines; and more recently, ultramarine blue for the Air Force. Today, it is customary for the general’s flag to be posted outside his or her office, at a podium or in a parade. When in an official vehicle or in flight, either a small red flag or plate with the appropriate number of stars is fixed to the vehicle. The flag is used to designate the general officer's location. Lt. Gen. Roper, previously the Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Army Reserve Command, has accepted the position of Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). With his historic promotion, Roper is the first African American Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army Reserve. This also marks the first time there are three lieutenant generals in the Army Reserve serving concurrently.