The infamous Army "Ranger roll" of the patrol cap: right or wrong?

SGT Joseph Smith — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:31:54 -0400

I love brining this topic up, because everyone seems to have a right reason for it to happen, buuuuuuuuut!!! ☟☟☟

DA PAM 670-1

4–10. Headgear a. The patrol cap. (1) General. The patrol cap is standard headgear worn with the combat uniform in the garrison environment. The patrol cap has a visor, circular top crown, side crown with an outside crown band, and a hook-and-loop pad on the back of the patrol cap (see fig 4–1). (2) Wear. Personnel wear the patrol cap straight on the head so that the cap band creates a straight line around the head, parallel to the ground. The patrol cap will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without bulging or distortion from the intended shape of the headgear and without excessive gaps. No rolling of, blocking, or alterations to the cap are authorized. The cap is worn so that no hair is visible on the forehead beneath the cap. The nametape will be worn centered on the hook-and-loop pads on the back of the patrol cap. Soldiers may sew on the nametape and/or grade insignia as an option. Hook-and-loop fasteners for the nametape may be left on or removed when sewing it on to the patrol cap. If Soldiers choose to sew on the name tape or grade insignia, it will be at their own expense.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 6 at 2014 11:46 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:46:45 -0400

Clearly wrong. It's not really debateable.

Response by SSG Lawrence Campagna made Aug 6 at 2014 2:20 PM

SSG Lawrence Campagna — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 14:20:09 -0400

By regulation standards, it was wrong, is still "wrong". But everything is debatable, but debating (in this environment at least) doesn't change the reg's. However, I always preferred a roll in my cap as well and very few cared if I ever did outside of training atmosphere's anyway.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2014 6:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 06:47:18 -0400

It's wrong, we all know that and those that do it would have to defend their reasoning for being soldiers or leaders who knowingly violate regulations.
One would assume that Rangers of alll people, self proclaimed masters of stealth and camouflage would know that shaping the hat makes a very noticeable silhouette. I also dislike the ones who mash down the front like they are wearing a civil war cap.
Sure I don't like wearing a 2 quart sauce pan on my head either and wish they would redesign it but until then I will wear it like I am told.

Response by SPC Juan Alvaradoplatero made Aug 9 at 2014 11:40 PM

SPC Juan Alvaradoplatero — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 23:40:39 -0400

to be honest, us in the Airborne never had to worry about the LEG hat...hahahahha....we wore a beret all the time except when not on the rear. however, in the rare occasions we wore them, we had the roll. no one ever said anything. we always thought that it look stupid without the roll. This is going to sound bad, but i agree with the LT.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2014 1:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 13:34:04 -0400

PCs are for legs

Response by PV2 Chad Sill made Jun 12 at 2019 10:06 PM

PV2 Chad Sill — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 22:06:47 -0400

I served with 4th Bat. 31st Inf. Polar Bears 10th Mtn. Div. Almost all of us wore the roll. I don't remember ever being corrected as everyone over me wore them.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Sep 20 at 2020 1:59 PM

SSG George Holtje — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 13:59:05 -0400

no rolling blocking or alterations
Its that simple
It wasn't so simple when it wasn't printed in the reg