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Can lower enlisted where the ASU service cap? I was looking through AR 670–1 and couldn't find anything in regards to if it is only authorized for NCOs and officers. I know I am not required to have one, but I think they look far more professional than the beret.
ASU
Service
DA Pam 670-1
Dress Uniform
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 32
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No. Per the regulation, the service cap is authorized for Corporals and above, as directed by the Commander...
f. Wear.
(1) Corporals and above may wear the service cap as an optional headgear with the blue uniform. The beret is the
primary headgear worn with the service uniform by all Soldiers unless the commander directs wear of the service cap
(for corporal and above).
(2) Personnel are not required to wear headgear when wearing the blue uniform as a formal uniform to formal
evening social functions (after retreat). However, on all other occasions, personnel will wear headgear with this
uniform.
g. Proper wear position.
The service cap is worn straight on the head so that the braid hatband on the service cap
creates a straight line around the head, parallel to the ground. Such positioning automatically positions the visor
correctly, so that it does not interfere with vision or ride up on the forehead. Personnel will not alter the shape of the
service cap in any manner
f. Wear.
(1) Corporals and above may wear the service cap as an optional headgear with the blue uniform. The beret is the
primary headgear worn with the service uniform by all Soldiers unless the commander directs wear of the service cap
(for corporal and above).
(2) Personnel are not required to wear headgear when wearing the blue uniform as a formal uniform to formal
evening social functions (after retreat). However, on all other occasions, personnel will wear headgear with this
uniform.
g. Proper wear position.
The service cap is worn straight on the head so that the braid hatband on the service cap
creates a straight line around the head, parallel to the ground. Such positioning automatically positions the visor
correctly, so that it does not interfere with vision or ride up on the forehead. Personnel will not alter the shape of the
service cap in any manner
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1SG Donald Elmore
I wore the Service cap from the first day I was issued the uniform. No regulation at the time specified that you had to be a Corporal or above to wear it. This is a Private E-2 in 1955.
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1SG Donald Elmore
SPC Charles Batchelor - I wore the Service Cap all during my career from 1955 to 1975 with the O.D., Khaki and Green uniform. This me greeting the Secretary of the Army in January 1962.
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Nope. Better try to get that lateral "promotion" to Corporal. Aren't you in the timeframe for being looked at for SGT? You might as well hold off a little longer and save your pennies to get that at the same time you convert your blues to NCO stripes. (Unless we all switch to "Pinks and Greens" soon)
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According to Para 13-18f(1), DA PAM 670-1, it's only authorized for wear by Corporal and above.
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MSG John Wirts
The service cap or saucer cap was the only terms I knew for that cap. The Garrison cap, overseas cap or the C**t cap was so named because it could be carried under the epilet, or under the belt, and it's resemblance to the female anatomy. I once bought a Garrison cap at a surplus store for my son on the receipt the female clerk wrote out one C**nt Cap!
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SPC Charles Batchelor
I hated the Oversea cap it was the regular headgear regardless of location unless you were authorized a Beret by the time I was in. The Service Cap was not regular wear except by Officers and and I think some SNCOs.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
1SG Donald Elmore - It had been called the oversea's hat from at least WWII up into the early 1960's. within the Army. What We now call the service cap had been called the Garrison cap in an earlier day. The term garrison cap however now applies to what We had called the overseas hat. Other than certain elite groups I never though the beret should have even been used but that's My opinion. To have options on what headgear to wear I never had a very high opinion of either, the purpose of a uniform is to keep a unified appearance. Certain headgear belong with certain uniforms. PS: Even though I ended up in the Air Force in a specialty the does wear a beret, which I do wear properly as required My first Military experience was as a Cadet in an Army program.
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This is a good question. Although it is generally for corporals and above, it is altimately the commanders decision. You will see lower enlisted wearing the service cap for certain events such as honor guard, color guard, or when a unit is require to be consistent in uniform. Before 2008, all ranks were allowed to wear the service cap.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SPC Paul C. would be so kind as to cite the reg paragraph that supports this "commanders decision" ? as Im only finding where the PA PAM 670-1 states something to the contrary..
Para 13-18f states
" Wear.
(1) Corporals and above may wear the service cap as an optional headgear with the blue uniform. The beret is the primary headgear worn with the service uniform by all Soldiers unless the commander directs wear of the service cap (for corporal and above)."
It does clearly state it is the commanders call to direct wearing the cap, but limits that decision to corporals and above.
Para 13-18f states
" Wear.
(1) Corporals and above may wear the service cap as an optional headgear with the blue uniform. The beret is the primary headgear worn with the service uniform by all Soldiers unless the commander directs wear of the service cap (for corporal and above)."
It does clearly state it is the commanders call to direct wearing the cap, but limits that decision to corporals and above.
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SPC Paul C.
I see what you mean SGM Erik Marquez. The regulation does imply that the commander has the authority to make this decision for only Corporals and above. And I certainly respect all NCO positions as they have worked very hard to get there. There are exceptions to this rule for honor guard and color guard. One example is the soldiers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. There you will see lower enlisted wearing the Army service cap as well as the belt. You will also see lower enlisted wearing the service cap at color guard events and funerals.
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Soldiers in the Old Guard wear them regardless if they are a CPL and above or not. They do it for uniformity.
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I was under the impression that only Corporals and higher could wear it. Wish we could though, I personally dislike the beret. I would prefer the garrison cap, though I'm sure someone disliked that too.
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SPC (Join to see)
Garrison Caps were amazing, but I like the beret just as much (probably from being in an Airborne Command). All in all, it'd be smart to bring back the Garrison Cap as an optional wear item.
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PFC (Join to see)
I'm not trying to come out in my wedding pics in a beret...gonna have to push back the wedding till I'm an E4
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You are not entirely correct. Soldiers who participate in Military Funeral Honors Programs are authorized to wear them. But only when conducting funeral honors or color guard details.
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My boss, a Colonel, were just discussing this this morning about a ceremony he attended where the US Army Soldiers in attendance were in both berets and service caps.
I agree the service cap is sharper, and I don't know of anything that states it can't be worn by non-NCOs or Officers.
I agree the service cap is sharper, and I don't know of anything that states it can't be worn by non-NCOs or Officers.
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SGM Erik Marquez
LTC (Join to see) - It is not a required clothing bag item, so not required to be maintained by the SM.
When the commander wants to direct the wearing of the cap for a specific event, say color guard.... It would not be uncommon for the unit NCO leadership to canvasses the unit to see who has one tasking them, or who has one to loan, or To ask SM's in the unit to purchase one and perform the duty.....Oh and get a 4 day weekend pass (or some other incentive) or provide unit or personal funds to purchase a cap for the only 6'3" NCO the unit has the BDE CDR has "mentioned" to the BN CSM and 1SG, he would REALLLLLLLLY like to see as the color bearer (not going to comment the legality of that).
When the commander directs wearing of the service cap for a unit function ... it is then an optional thing for the SM authorized to wear. ...But, the whole leading by example and peer pressure thing.. If the BN CSM and CDR, CO CDRs and 1SG's, all PSG's are announcing THEY will be in attendance with service cap.. you can bet others in the unit are feeling the unofficial "guidance" to do the same.
When the commander wants to direct the wearing of the cap for a specific event, say color guard.... It would not be uncommon for the unit NCO leadership to canvasses the unit to see who has one tasking them, or who has one to loan, or To ask SM's in the unit to purchase one and perform the duty.....Oh and get a 4 day weekend pass (or some other incentive) or provide unit or personal funds to purchase a cap for the only 6'3" NCO the unit has the BDE CDR has "mentioned" to the BN CSM and 1SG, he would REALLLLLLLLY like to see as the color bearer (not going to comment the legality of that).
When the commander directs wearing of the service cap for a unit function ... it is then an optional thing for the SM authorized to wear. ...But, the whole leading by example and peer pressure thing.. If the BN CSM and CDR, CO CDRs and 1SG's, all PSG's are announcing THEY will be in attendance with service cap.. you can bet others in the unit are feeling the unofficial "guidance" to do the same.
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SPC Paul C.
If my commander ordered everyone in our unit to wear the service cap, I would certainly follows orders and wear the service cap. And if there was a difference in opinion between the senior NCO and the Commander, I would have to follow the Commanders orders as he does out rank all NCOs. The intention is to wear the uniform with honor.
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LTC (Join to see)
My example SGM Erik Marquez was specific to special situations where the Fort Jackson Honor Platoon (fell under my BN) all had service caps that we purchased with unit funds and then only issued them for the duration of the Soldier's time in the Platoon. We also got a second set of ASUs because of all the additional wear and tear based on their duties.
I firmly agree that a commander (or anyone) can direct a junior Soldier to purchase and wear a Service Cap.
I firmly agree that a commander (or anyone) can direct a junior Soldier to purchase and wear a Service Cap.
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I think the only other way you may be eligable is to be on a Honor Guard, and I think you may only wear it during cerimonies. Any unknown sentries have any light on this?
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