Which would look better during an Oath of Office Ceremony, a beret or a service cap?

2022-09-21T13:25:37-04:00

Hello everyone! So I'll be having my formal ceremony in about a couple of weeks. Since I am a direct commission, it is just going to be me with a few family members and friends attending. My buddy who is a captain in Marines will be doing the honor of swearing me in. In your opinion, which one looks better? I'm on the fence between the two. Thank you to all in advance for you input. God bless.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2022 1:34 PM

2022-09-21T13:34:10-04:00

Indoor or outdoor ceremony? Indoor, refrain from headgear. Outdoor....I'd say Service Cap. But then, I'm not a fan of the beret

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2022 1:37 PM

2022-09-21T13:37:38-04:00

Welp, one you probably already have one and the other is probably going to run you $100 to assemble.

The Cap itself
The strap
The buttons for the strap
The Army Coat of Arms for the front
Then the branch color band around it, and have it installed

I have the cap of course, totally looks cool, and I have the bullion shoulder boards. When in doubt always bling it up the most you can.

Response by SSG Dale London made Sep 21 at 2022 3:01 PM

2022-09-21T15:01:37-04:00

Go with the cap. It always looks sharper.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2022 3:48 PM

2022-09-21T15:48:39-04:00

Unless you're in an Airborne unit, avoid wearing a beret. You're going to have to get the cap eventually if you're not in an airborne unit, you might as well get it now

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Sep 21 at 2022 4:59 PM

2022-09-21T16:59:15-04:00

I concur with MSG Private RallyPoint Member the Service cap.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Sep 21 at 2022 6:23 PM

2022-09-21T18:23:23-04:00

I always think of the old WWII newsreels of Montgomery when someone says Beret. Service Cap is a clean professional look.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Sep 24 at 2022 10:53 AM

2022-09-24T10:53:00-04:00

Avoid the beret unless you are a juicy young White House staffer looking to get some attention. Or maybe Rerun from "What's Happening". Just kidding, but not kidding. Seriously. Berets should only be worn by trained, certified Rangers, Green berets, etc.,. Not every damn Joe that fumbled through basic.
And remember, the Marine Captain swearing you in doesn't typically return a salute unless he is wearing a cover. He may opt to, but it isn't the norm for Naval Services to salute indoors and uncoverd.

Response by SSG Walter Corretjer made Sep 26 at 2022 11:43 AM

2022-09-26T11:43:04-04:00

A Service Cap is much better in appearance and elegance with the Class A uniform.

Response by SFC Daniel Eliseuson made Nov 1 at 2022 10:52 PM

2022-11-01T22:52:13-04:00

Obtain your branch uniform manual + command SOP
Rangoon

Response by SFC Daniel Eliseuson made Nov 1 at 2022 10:59 PM

2022-11-01T22:59:59-04:00

Regulations prevail, personal desire does not
Rangoon

Response by SPC Joseph Kenny made Nov 30 at 2022 9:39 AM

2022-11-30T09:39:10-05:00

I realize this is a late post. For future, if all you have is the issued black beret, go with the service cap. If you have earned the maroon, tan, or green, wear it proudly ;-}