Does anyone actually use the pocket in their Patrol Cap?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 10:31:34 -0400

I am really enjoying the new hot weather uniforms we have but I'm not a fan of the Patrol Cap. I have been in long enough to recall the old caps that didn't have an pocket. Has anyone used the pocket in their cap? I wouldn't mind a thinner cap to be honest.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Mar 24 at 2021 10:33 AM

LTC John Griscom — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 10:33:13 -0400

I did, long ago.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 24 at 2021 11:14 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:14:02 -0400

I keep my compassion there.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 24 at 2021 11:20 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:20:54 -0400

The map flap has been part of the BDU cap since at least 1997 when I joined. And yes, I have used it... for maps.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 24 at 2021 11:25 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:25:29 -0400

That's where I keep my radio report templates (9 line, salute, UXO, etc...)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 11:48 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:48:52 -0400

I've utilized it to hold a spare nine line or other info cards and maps that I might find handy.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 12:17 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 12:17:13 -0400

I just cut it all out so it's a single layer hat like the ol BDU one was.
Maps don't fit, smart cards go in your rack, evasion charts/blood chits need to be more secure. So the pocket is good for????????? Heat retention, that's about it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 12:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 12:46:08 -0400

Great place to put an extra 9-line or demo card

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 2:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 14:18:36 -0400

In the UCP pattern, I did use it in Iraq I think. Or maybe it was when we were in the field. Actually I think it was more during field stuff. I can't quite remember but I know I did use it when I first came in and in my first unit when we were in the field or deploying. I can't remember exactly what I put in it. Info cards as others mentioned maybe?

Response by CSM Danny S. made Mar 24 at 2021 4:36 PM

CSM Danny S. — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:36:25 -0400

I never use this pocket because anything you put in there will eventually get sweat stains. Additionally it isn't practical, you have to take off your cover and bend it around to get your items out. I fold my cover and put it in my cargo pocket so I always have it with me so using the pocket wouldn't work very well. I looked at some BDU covers I had on a shelf in the closet and they didn't have one. I guess I chalk this up to the same category as the ear flap the winter BDU covers had. It's there but I never used it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 7:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 19:54:36 -0400

I put my COVID vaccine card in mine. Only time I've used it.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 24 at 2021 9:05 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 21:05:57 -0400

Whenever there was one I had a casualty card and a map protractor in it

Response by SSG Douglas Espinosa made Mar 25 at 2021 8:57 AM

SSG Douglas Espinosa — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 08:57:24 -0400

I remember having a pocket in some of my old BDU patrol caps and used them for maps, even a copy of the company phone roster (when pay phones were all over the place etc.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2021 9:38 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 21:38:29 -0400

I cut the whole inside out...I have a "Servicable" PC I keep in my truck in case I come into a situation where I may be slammed for it.