What is a Guidon?

A guidon is specifically defined as a swallow-tailed flag carried by certain units within the military, particularly by companies, troops, and other smaller organizations. This type of flag has distinctive features that symbolize the identity and pride of the unit it represents. The unique design and swallow-tailed shape help differentiate it from other flags used by various military formations.

While it may be true that a guidon serves as a standard military flag and represents unit leadership, it is the swallow-tailed aspect that distinctly identifies it as a guidon. This design element is pivotal in establishing the guidon’s role within military traditions and unit recognition. Other types of flags, such as ceremonial flags for parades, serve different purposes and do not carry the same implications of unit identity and leadership that are inherent to a guidon.