Army, why do you hate your berets?

TSgt Terry Hudson — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:29:13 -0400

I really don't understand. I wish the Air force would implement a standard beret. I think the berets look nice and are more military-like than the patrol cap.

Response by 1SG Chris Brown made Sep 12 at 2014 8:39 AM

1SG Chris Brown — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:39:59 -0400

So many reasons. I think the number one reason is it's too much work to keep it properly shaped, shaved, and folded. Soldiers end up wearing it like a freaking chef hat and looks like crap. I could go on and on, but then I'd just be ranting.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 12 at 2014 8:48 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:48:44 -0400

Let's see the list includes but not limited to the following:

1) Wearing a 100% wool hat in the summer is awful
2) No eye protect in the sun.
3) Maintenance on the beret is very time consuming.
4) Not everyone takes pride and the time to shave and shape it correctly resulting in some ugly looking berets.
5) Wool is itchy

There are many more reasons but that is a good start.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 12 at 2014 10:58 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 10:58:51 -0400

It's hot, hideous, doesn't block the sun, it itches, and it's just not practical...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 11:15 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 11:15:21 -0400

Wear of beret should have remained only with those who had done something to earn it and would therefore take the necessary effort to wear it correctly with pride.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Sep 12 at 2014 12:03 PM

SFC William "Bill" Moore — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:03:03 -0400

Aside from being absolutely useless in anything other than covering your nugget from the sun, I wouldn't know ;-)

My personal belief is that someone couldn't cut it in an MOS that give Beret's and once they got in power, they stole one from an MOS that had earned it. Plus, this way we fit in with UN forces! Makes us look "Worldly" don't ya think?

It does look better in our dress uniform than the p@#s cutter ever did.

Response by SGT Marvin "Dave" Bigham made Sep 12 at 2014 1:12 PM

SGT Marvin "Dave" Bigham — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:12:53 -0400

The beret has no brim (sun block) and it is never the same shape on the head of each soldier in a formation (sucks on parade). I though caps were hot and smelly, but NOTHING is worse than a beret in the heat. You boys in the AF can have'm.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 1:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:15:15 -0400

It takes two hands to put the damn thing on. I don't need or want crew-served headgear.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 1:17 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:17:57 -0400

The beret should never have became what it is today. It was reserved for those that were in specialized units. For the elites. It gave a sense of pride when you dawn your beret when no one else had one. I had pride in my beret when I was in an airborne infantry company. But when they made it a common wear items it became an accessory and not a award. I am glad the army got rid of it as the common head gear. I wasn't that good. Our uniforms should be about function and not about fashion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 1:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:39:03 -0400

I like the beret for the dress uniform, however for everyday use its not practical. for one it does not provide adequate protection from the sun. 2nd The beret does not look good once it has been sun beaten and salt stains from sweat all over it. 3rd a lot of soldiers do not know either how to wear the beret properly or its shaped all kinds of crazy.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 12 at 2014 5:54 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:54:05 -0400

Noooooooo!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 3:00 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 03:00:52 -0400

I would not want a beret to be honest with you. I don't mind the flight cap. The one hat I really hate is the 8 pointed Navy/Marine hat that we adopted many years ago for the DCU's and tan flight bags.

I believe that the berets in the AF should only remain with specific units, such as the JTACS, PJ's and CCT teams. I forgot about the cops.

Response by TSgt Terry Hudson made Sep 13 at 2014 7:14 AM

TSgt Terry Hudson — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 07:14:31 -0400

Don't you guys have the option to wear the beret or pc?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 10:43 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 10:43:32 -0400

In our ASU's I think the beret is great. For an everyday utility cap it's a poor choice. Greasy hands in the motor pool make the flash unserviceable with the white stars never being white. With the Patrol Cap there's shade from the face, 0 sun shade provided by the beret. I would accept beret's in garrison for special events, parades and ceremonies. For an everyday work cap I'll take the patrol cap all day.

Response by SGT Joshua James made Sep 13 at 2014 1:26 PM

SGT Joshua James — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 13:26:26 -0400

I was in the reserves when the beret came out first and i did what i was told... we never wore it because we were engineers.

After i went active duty and was in MI, I realized two things.

1. The intent to give soldiers pride in their uniform is hogwash. I equated that idea to third world countries that issue the beret to every guerrilla fighter.

2. If it should have been issued, then it should only have been worn with the Class As and Bs.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Sep 13 at 2014 1:44 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 13:44:03 -0400

A utility uniform has its value in utility, not fashion.

Looking good is therefore not a a valid reason to add an accessory to a utility uniform.

In service and dress uniforms, looking good is relevant. While the beret is more appropriate than a patrol cap, I argue that the service cap is the best looking piece of headgear we have.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 13 at 2014 6:20 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:20:47 -0400

Where do we start?..........

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 9:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 21:32:56 -0400

Berets are for the French! And yes I'll say that to anyone's face who has an other-than-black one! The worst is that maroon one. That's just sissy.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 11:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 23:15:53 -0400

Because this guy, and:
1) Cardboard or no cardboard?
2) To wet or not to wet?
3) Shave or let the fuzzy run free?
4) Ranger roll or I-would-rather-be-a-Ranger roll?
5) That one Commander who likes to call formation with his back to the sun
6) Black berets cause the death of brain cells in the heat. Pseudo-scientific fact.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 5:28 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 05:28:45 -0400

I am so glad we have the 8 point

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 9:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 09:38:59 -0400

Try doing a work detail with a black wool beret in NC in the middle of summer. Also, while a beret done correctly looks very sharp, it is often not done correctly.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 14 at 2014 10:28 AM

LTC Hillary Luton — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 10:28:39 -0400

In my opinion, they are inconvenient. When you require two hands and a mirror to put on your head gear, and have to drop everything you are carrying, its not practical. On top of that, we found that when everyone was required to wear them, most did not know how. Several people walked around looking like they were either in the culinary arts or wearing a Scottish bonnie.

I agree with MAJ Fred Nace, it should have remained with the special operators (i.e. rangers, airborne) who have earned it. We finally went back to the field cap, but we are still wearing the beret for ASUs.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 10:42 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 10:42:55 -0400

Unless the beret is green or beige. Then it's a different story

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 10:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 10:59:56 -0400

Because they're hot and sweaty when its hot. You get tired of juior enlisted soldiers wearing it [beret] as if they were chef boyardee. But the main issue, is they get hot in the summer.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 14 at 2014 1:21 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 13:21:07 -0400

I used to refer to it as the "dirty Q-tip" It just wasn't practical for anything and you needed 2 hands to put it on correctly - P-I-T-A!! I agree with others here it looks great with the dress uniform, but that's about it.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Sep 14 at 2014 3:27 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 15:27:44 -0400

TO me the color was taken from a group of special personnel that earned the Beret. Then it was given to everyone, among others that were mention here also.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 4:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:34:49 -0400

While they may look more "professional" than a patrol cap, and certainly better than the "garrison cap", they are not functional in a day-to-day application.

Furthermore, while there should be one standard appearance, this was not attainable based up multiple manufacturers and individuals ability to form and wear.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 10:06 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:06:33 -0400

Personally, I loved mine. When formed, fitted and worn correctly, the beret can make one appear more professional. Additionally, the unit crest on the beret for enlisted personnel was a nice touch - helped you identify which soldier belongs to what unit, etc.

There were certainly a fair share of annoyances with them, a singular instance, black wool + sun in Ft. Hood heat - not ideal.

Even though I enjoyed having a beret, I still felt it was disrespectful to the soldiers who had earned them through more significant/meaningful ways, like Airborne or Green Beret. I will say it was a large aesthetic improvement upon the old flap hat - simply my opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2014 9:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 21:18:59 -0400

The beret, although it looks professional when worn properly, is very unpractical in a field uniform for many reasons - maintenance, hot, doesn't block the sun, etc. and wasn't a good replacement for the patrol cap. Replacing the Garrison cap with the beret was a great idea. I've seen too many sloppy berets in my career. Shape and shave your beret or get a preshaped & shaved beret, and it will look fine, replace the flash when it starts turning color from sweat. I always kept a field one and a Class A one for appearance reasons. Once the patrol cap came back, the field beret was unceremoniously retired.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2014 9:53 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 09:53:21 -0400

I don't care about the type of headgear I got to wear. If the Army says wear it then you wear it. I hear so many excuses on why we shouldn't wear the beret: it's too hot, it's impractical, it's itchy, it makes my feet hurt, etc. How about we all Patriotic up and just wear it with pride? Bring the pride of 239 years of winning America's wars into all that we wear. UCP sucks...so what? Wear it with pride until you can prove to Congress why it sucks. The beret sucks....so what? Wear it with pride. The Tankers wore the black beret first, and they use to wipe their hands with it. The Rangers took it and wore it with pride and brought their honor into it as they did with the tan beret. Maroon is probably not the most warrior-like color in the world, but Paratroopers took it and they wear it with pride and made it into the prestigious symbol it is today. Special Forces wear that green beret with so much pride to wear everyone wants to claim it. These entities that I mentioned don't give two cents about the type of headgear they are wearing because they know that it's what they do that makes them elite. However, they know if they wear it with pride that all who see them will want to become a part of their team. They made the beret mean something to all who see. The regular, conventional Army can do the same with the black beret as we show it off to all Americans. We can make it mean something to the world, but first we got to accept it.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 9:07 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 09:07:44 -0400

1. Hot in the summer time.
2. Few Soldiers learned to wear it properly. Resulted in A TON of on the spot corrections.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 8:28 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:28:40 -0400

The Army doesn't hate the Beret, but they hate the fact that no one in the Reg Army can wear it correctly according to the regulations. That is why the Army went back to the Patrol Cap for duty wear and the beret is only for wear with the dress blues. It made me sick sewing these young kids wearing their black berets like a soup sandwich from a 1 star chef.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 7 at 2015 10:37 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 22:37:11 -0500

TSgt Terry Hudson, all of the negative attributes already iterated are true. However, mine was green, so I liked it OK! By the way, we would never wear it in the field!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 10:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 22:40:51 -0500

Aside from the professional appearance of the beret it has pretty much zero up sides, and a whole laundry list of down sides that many other people have already listed. The Army rejoiced when we could go back to wearing patrol caps for good reason.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Feb 7 at 2015 10:52 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 22:52:24 -0500

It was stolen from an elite group and handed over to the general population of Soldiers with little thought of history.

Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Feb 7 at 2015 11:26 PM

SSG Sean Garcia — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 23:26:41 -0500

Because it just sucked. It is supposed to signify that you are a part of a particular unit. I.e. Airborne, Ranger, SF. Which in their case is earned.
Not because some guy had a great idea that everyone should have one. It should never have come about that way.
That was money that could have been put to better use somewhere else.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 11:29 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 23:29:35 -0500

All I have to say is RLTW! no issues with the beret here.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 27 at 2015 5:00 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 17:00:39 -0400

I like how sharp they look -- when done correctly. We get new privates who have only ever worn a beret for family day, their Turning Blue ceremony, and OSUT Graduation. Their berets look like piles of fuzzy maroon cow pies on their heads. I do wish there were mirrors at the exits of all buildings on base, just so I can make sure it's on straight. It's not easy to do by feel.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 5:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 17:05:14 -0400

Because no matter how hard I tried to shape it properly, it always looked like Helen Keller did it during a seizure. That and everything else everyone said already. In general, it's just impractical for everyday use.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 29 at 2015 4:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:39:13 -0400

We look like pastry chefs when the wind is strong.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 29 at 2015 4:44 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:44:52 -0400

I liked wearing my beret, I didn't like the fact that they stole the Ranger beret to give to others. When they first issued them to us some soldiers looked like they had a large black pizza attached to their heads, as it seemed that there was no uniformity in how they were produced.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Apr 29 at 2015 5:49 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 17:49:43 -0400

I could never get the right fold, or wear it proper. I looked like a pizzeria cook

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made Apr 29 at 2015 5:58 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 17:58:41 -0400

I dislike for multiple reasons, the biggest being that so many look like a pizza man or something; they don't know how to wear them correctly. They are also hot and require a lot more maintenance. Lastly, they should be reserved for the most elite...unless they don't like them either.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 29 at 2015 9:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 21:24:06 -0400

They are water and dust magnets. They don't protect your eyes from the rain and sun. I would not be surprised if they are infested with fleas.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 2 at 2015 9:03 PM

SFC Joseph James — Sat, 02 May 2015 21:03:30 -0400

It's hot, leaves a line in your forehead, causes stupid tan line, suns in your face, fuzz in your hair, the flash gets dirty and stained (need to buy another one). Should I go on?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 9:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 21:11:48 -0400

Personally I love wearing the maroon beret as compared to the PC. The maroon beret represents more than a different piece of head gear and you're proud to put it on. Whereas with the PC, it's like you're back in TRADOC. To some it's a pain to put the beret on, for me personally I can put it on with one hand no problem, to others it's a hassle. Either way beret>PC.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2015 3:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 15:57:48 -0500

In the Army, I like berets because they distinguish special forces, Ranger, and airborne personnel from regular soldiers.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2015 6:21 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 18:21:58 -0500

They are difficult to put on quickly and correctly.
They do nothing to block the sun.
They are wool. hot and designed to form a watertight seal around your head.
I am sure all of these have been posted prior, but I am SO glad they are no longer required to be worn with the uniform.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Nov 27 at 2015 6:23 PM

CW4 Guy Butler — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 18:23:03 -0500

Doesn't do a damn thing to keep the sun or rain out of my eyes, and the flash throws it off when used as a frisbee.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Nov 28 at 2015 6:20 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 18:20:04 -0500

I love Berets and it looks highly professional.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2018 1:00 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 May 2018 13:00:38 -0400

It's really hot outside. Think I'll put some black wool on top of my head! Need I say more?

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 3 at 2018 7:56 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 03 May 2018 19:56:32 -0400

Because it is a useless piece of gear, those who earned deserve it. The rest of us, it was shoved on us, it was a cheap rip off not made correctly, you could warm one ear up they were so idiotic looking, and we look less then special in them.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 3 at 2018 10:31 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 03 May 2018 22:31:20 -0400

Wore one of almost 20 years, loved them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2018 7:35 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 May 2018 07:35:14 -0400

I like my beret, but it takes effort for it to be shaped and have it look good.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 5 at 2019 11:04 AM

SPC David S. — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:04:52 -0400

I'd bet most would prefer their kevlar to their beret - just as hot but you have some eye relief from the sun, can put it on with one hand and it doesn't itch.

Not so sure how that would look with a dress uniform however Patton made it work and the Army is returning to the "new" dress green uniform.

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made Sep 6 at 2019 2:12 AM

1SG Cj Grisham — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 02:12:42 -0400

We have to work outside in them. The Air Force doesn't.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 6 at 2019 3:32 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 15:32:52 -0400

After all gat complaining, they will still wear it! Thank you all for your service.

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 6 at 2019 6:29 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 18:29:18 -0400

I swapped my Marine Corps utility cover with a French Mounataneer's cover during a four day field exercise. It rained the whole time. I'd rather have a wet smelly cat stapled to my head.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Sep 7 at 2019 2:46 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 02:46:12 -0400

Berets in the first place aren't very practical pieces of headgear and don't even have a visor to shade Your eyes. The tan below the edge of the front and lighter color skin where the beret did cover sometimes looked a bit strange. Often Sunglasses were needed with a beret and a visor made that less of a need. Another reason for the visor, especially with a service dress uniform, if worn properly itself You should be able to have only the width of two fingers between the bridge of Your nose and the bottom of the visor, why, because You need to walk erect to see properly and that actually improves Your posture, something a beret cannot do ! I found even without that sort of uniform hat on You got used to a proper posture and didn't even have to think about it and didn't look so slumped over. I found especially in a Military Academy where I was a Cadet and that's what We were taught that it actually worked and Mt better posture was even noticed by others when I wasn't in uniform. Berets were one way of people that were in elite functional specialty units to stand out ie Army Special Forces, Air Force Para Rescue to name a couple and they had to earned.

I don't have a problem with that but berets for everyone I never felt was a good idea and took away from making those people stand out for the effort, work and earned distinguished status they were supposed to represent. I was in an Air Force Specialty that wore a beret and like any other part of My uniform made sure it was worn properly although I wasn't all that thrilled when We changed to berets for the USAF Security Police (Now Security Forces) but then wearing it properly did look a lot more professional.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 7 at 2019 4:55 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 04:55:52 -0400

Berets are a pain, they don't fit well. They don't suit a lot of faces or hairstyles.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Sep 8 at 2019 12:45 AM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 00:45:00 -0400

I never liked them when they were only worn by special forces. They wore them because of their link to the British Commandos. I guess that's OK but the French were the first to wear them as far as I know. I was proud to wear my garrison cap. Still think berets look kind of goofy. I do appreciate what they represent and the soldiers who wear them, just don't like the way they look

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Sep 8 at 2019 9:26 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 09:26:36 -0400

In the early 80s, someone in the braintrust in D.C. decided the Marine Corps should test berets for the Corps. A very small group was issued the things for a test. The overwhelming opinion of the test group was that the Corps didn't need to look like the Army or the French by wearing a cover with limited utility and benefits at the cost of the traditional Marine Corps covers. The barracks cover may be more expensive and somewhat of a pain, but it was our pain and we'd retain the personality of our uniforms

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made May 24 at 2021 8:36 AM

CPT Lawrence Cichelli — Mon, 24 May 2021 08:36:53 -0400

I hate berets because they used to be for Rangers and Special Forces, now that lost all meaning. Another reason to hate berets, is that they look terrible and completely impractical and useless! A beret does not belong with a camouflage uniform and just looks stupid with dress uniforms. You completely lose uniformity with berets as each one is different. Going to the black beret IMHO is the worst idea since the gamma goat.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made May 25 at 2021 7:01 AM

SPC Steven Nihipali — Tue, 25 May 2021 07:01:06 -0400

Because it's freaking stupid... think about it, the thing gets dirty, little matts in the fibers, needs to reshaped every couple months. It doesn't mean what it used to mean anymore. Unit insignia is never on point and each unit has its own standard.