When is the boonie cap authorized?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 15:01:38 -0400

When is the boonie cap authorized for wear? If it's over 100°? I can't find anything in the AR. AT is in California and will be over 100° the entire time. Wanted to know if it's authorized. Help?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 12 at 2017 3:05 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 15:05:00 -0400

When the commander says so, and it meets the conditions of wear in DA PAM 670-1

d. The sun (boonie) hat. The sun hat is worn with the combat uniform in field environments when the advanced combat helmet is not worn, on work details, or in other environments where wearing the patrol cap is impractical, as determined by the commander. Personnel wear the sun hat straight on the head so that the web band creates a straight line around the head, parallel to the ground. The sun hat will fit comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. The sun hat is worn so that no hair is visible on the forehead beneath the hat. The draw string on the sun hat can be worn under the chin, around the back of the head and neck, or tucked inside. The draw string will not be worn over the top of the sun hat. The sun hat will not be worn rolled, formed, shaped, blocked, or
with an upturned brim. Sewn-on or pinned-on rank is worn on the sun hat.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jun 12 at 2017 3:06 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 15:06:22 -0400

When approved in country by the commander!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2017 3:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 15:25:06 -0400

In the field per the commanders call. I have seen Soldiers wear the boonie in garrison but that was due to a medical condition where the doctor prescribed the Soldiers to wear it. And, you will find the guideline in DA Pam 670-1

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2017 4:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 16:07:14 -0400

In my experience, never.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jun 12 at 2017 5:45 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 17:45:53 -0400

As ordered.. or when ordered...

Response by SFC Chris Horvath made Jun 12 at 2017 7:12 PM

SFC Chris Horvath — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 19:12:49 -0400

In larger units these days never. But in smaller LRRP units I have worn it or in NATO fobs in Afghanistan during the summer and winter I was in a Beenie

Response by CSM Rik Williamson made Jun 12 at 2017 7:33 PM

CSM Rik Williamson — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 19:33:06 -0400

Commander ultimately has say-so, but his/her CSM should make logical & reasoned recommendation. Couple comments further down outline the specific regulatory guidance straight out of the reg. I was one of those Soldiers that often wondered why we couldn't wear the boonie. Once I made CSM, it was one of the first authorizations I suggested to my BC. His response..."Make it happen SMAJ!!"...and I did. My troopers couldn't believe they could dig their boonies out of the bottom of their duffle and wear 'em. NTC summer sun wasn't quite as bad that rotation.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 8:34 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 08:34:32 -0400

I have worn my boonie on all three of my deployments to the Middle East but I have never been authorized it stateside. However, one of my NCOs has a medical excuse to where one and a profile authorizing it so it is her primary head gear.

Response by Sgt Tylor Dewett made Jun 13 at 2017 4:22 PM

Sgt Tylor Dewett — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 16:22:15 -0400

heck i wore my boonie when i was in the field/range and when i was in Afghanistan. any other time was a no-no.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 4:34 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 16:34:56 -0400

Since everyone else seemed to state the actual regs, I'll weigh in and say I think it should be worn in all field environments when you're not wearing your helmet. It does a better job at keeping sunburns at bay. And that's worth it to me.

Response by CPT Randy Zales made Jun 13 at 2017 4:48 PM

CPT Randy Zales — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 16:48:37 -0400

It's a LRRP thing!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 6:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 18:15:27 -0400

Thats all they give us with DCU's in 03

Response by SGT Jorge Gio Otiniano made Jun 13 at 2017 6:26 PM

SGT Jorge Gio Otiniano — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 18:26:42 -0400

The boonie3,,also the soft cap in my service era,,,a combat arms extension for head dress,,,used mostly in tactical and for shade from the Sun in deployment mostly because of adjustment to foreign climates policy relaxed never stateside in garrison,,sometimes optional but you feel me

Response by SGT Andrew Sherman made Jun 13 at 2017 7:38 PM

SGT Andrew Sherman — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 19:38:57 -0400

Any damn time I want it to be, that's when. #dd214

Response by CPT Nick Bryan made Jun 13 at 2017 10:00 PM

CPT Nick Bryan — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 22:00:39 -0400

It was the required headgear for my Battalion when we landed in Kuwait and not wearing our helmet while in Iraq. Other than that it was never worn. Not even at JRTC in July!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2017 2:06 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 02:06:32 -0400

Now my question is, are these now being made in just Multicam? Or do we think they're going to do an OCP variant?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 14 at 2017 2:20 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 02:20:18 -0400

As I am the proud holder of a DD214 and Blue ID card, I wear my boonie hat WTF I want to! :)

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Jun 14 at 2017 7:57 AM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 07:57:06 -0400

When I was in, ('69-'71), boonies were unauthorized.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2017 8:20 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 08:20:53 -0400

When the commander allows. But pretty much never

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jun 14 at 2017 11:55 AM

SGT Tony Clifford — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 11:55:47 -0400

In my unit the answer was simple, it wasn't authorized ever and I agree. Usually the guys you'd see on the FOB wearing one were all the support guys who only left the FOB to catch their return flight to the US. A lot of line units forbid it for that reason alone. The other is that it looks stupid.

Response by SSG Mark Tsunokai made Dec 17 at 2017 11:14 AM

SSG Mark Tsunokai — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:14:03 -0500

CDR discretion.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Dec 17 at 2017 11:34 AM

1LT William Clardy — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:34:29 -0500

Whenever you're out in the boonies and there's nobody from on high saying you can't keep the sun or rain off your neck...

Response by 1SG David Niles made Dec 17 at 2017 11:40 AM

1SG David Niles — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:40:06 -0500

Commanders call, and for me, any time I want

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2017 11:54 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:54:21 -0500

Anytime in the field

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 17 at 2017 4:44 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 16:44:00 -0500

When ordered/ as ordered. When in N.M.
On a combined op. Army/AF. It was an AF exercise on a Army range.. whose rules counted.. Army or AF... I was soon to find out. In fact I was off duty and headed to town from the remote base and had my ‘Nam Boonie hat. Shoulda seen the looks I got! From the Army guys. A SSG(one of theirs.. “that hat’s Not authorized SSG! (He’d seen me at work and remembered my rank). It’s not a 100•F and you’re outta uniform .. ( my Cover is O.D. Green, i’m In civvies.. thier’s is Sand color (khaki)So, what’s The deal?.. So I stow it.. waited until I got to Ft. Bliss and got off the bus at the gate . And headed to the town bus stop.. got on the town bus to Juarez... got there and walked to the border cross’g
I just kept it in my O.D. BDUs pocket ..
Got through ok? ... Got across ok .. walking around .. and a Border Jeep pulled up.. Mex ofcr said I had to get in..
They drove me to our cross’g point.. and yold Me don’t come back until I was totally in civvies(he was nice, told me in English.. but didn’t let me go until one of our CBPs came and got me and signed for me.. ( What the hey!).. I got released back into the U.S..... I heard no more unl I got back to Lsngley AFB, VA. It was there I caught flak.. lucky for me I got off with suspended LOR.. The Army Co -Cmdr of our exercise wanted the L.O.R. My Cmdr sent back tgst’s What happened .. so, he kinda went out on a limb and lied for me and then issued a suspended L.O.R... Never knew of that to happen. It turned into a letter of counsel a couple weeks later.. Heard no more about it.. it appeared they were satisfied with it.. Whrn So Seen my Jacket, there was no further mention.. like the suspended L.O.R. Wasn’tbdver there.. so I got off o.k,
they had another exercise but I specifically was redlined by them (the Army?)!to return.. so they didn't Forget.. too hot There for me !..

Response by SPC Jefferson Maples made Dec 18 at 2017 12:30 PM

SPC Jefferson Maples — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 12:30:58 -0500

I wore it one time in marine combat training that was it :/

Response by SFC David Xanten made Jun 26 at 2018 7:48 PM

SFC David Xanten — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 19:48:30 -0400

We had soft hats in RVN and people loved them. I always wondered what The attentional head injuries rate was as a result. I did see the result of people not zipping up their flak jackets and it wasn’t always pretty. We tend to do in combat, what we do in training.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 9:27 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 21:27:49 -0400

Will never be authorized in my battalion even if it was 150 out

Response by SGT Tim Soyars made Jun 27 at 2018 7:51 AM

SGT Tim Soyars — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 07:51:02 -0400

I remember wearing it in Central and South America, Philippines, and North Africa. When we were training in Panama, we wore P Caps.

Response by SGT Jeff Fronk made Jun 27 at 2018 9:31 PM

SGT Jeff Fronk — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 21:31:20 -0400

I don't remember anyone telling us we were cleared to wear them during Desert Storm. They were issued with the DCU and we just put them on. I can't say the Army had any more logic back then.

Response by TSgt Mike Graham made Jun 28 at 2018 10:39 AM

TSgt Mike Graham — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 10:39:13 -0400

Response by CPL Jeremy Glenn made Jun 28 at 2018 11:17 AM

CPL Jeremy Glenn — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 11:17:17 -0400

It’s commander’s discretion but I’ve never seen one give it the ok. I served from 1996 until 2012 with a 2 year break in service and I never saw it once. I did spend my entire service in the CAV. Though.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 28 at 2018 11:44 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 11:44:22 -0400

Uniform is up to the Commander

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 12:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 12:31:36 -0400

I wore it out in the field daily on deployments, but I was alone so that was the dress and I sent it out to all concerned , me

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 12:44 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 12:44:29 -0400

I love a Boonie hat - mostly because it pisses REMF CSM and senior officers off. I authorized and provided them for my engineering units where the Kevlar or safety helmet wasn’t required. It’s a far superior piece of kit to a PC if you’re in the sun all day. I wore one every day of the three years I spent stomping around SWA.

Response by SFC Joseph Morini made Jun 28 at 2018 12:53 PM

SFC Joseph Morini — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 12:53:43 -0400

When authorized by the Sergeant Major.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 3:46 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 15:46:24 -0400

We wore ours in 2016-17 while in Kuwait, and later in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Response by SFC David Meberg made Jun 28 at 2018 4:02 PM

SFC David Meberg — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 16:02:50 -0400

Doc says, "Protect them ears! That sun will melt them right off your head!" I believe him here in ND.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 5:45 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 17:45:25 -0400

Always wore mine during deployments in the middle east. Out side of that never. Commander must approve it's wear.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 7:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 19:25:37 -0400

This is another makes no sense why not moments just like the ability to roll sleeves .
Too many commanders have no clue as to what they are doing to be able to make a logical decision such as this

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 8:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 20:08:34 -0400

Wish it was authorized all the time.

Used to hate them, thought they were a stupid affectation.

Then I wore one in Iraq. We were told two weeks before we left that we had to wear patrol caps again. I carried a patrol cap in one pocket, and wore the boonie anyway.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 8:14 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 20:14:58 -0400

At commanders discretion . just like the combat shirt.

Response by SSG Grant Hansen made Jun 29 at 2018 1:15 AM

SSG Grant Hansen — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 01:15:05 -0400

The only times I ever wore one was in Iraq and Kuwait when inside the camps and during training when I was a member of OPFOR.

Now that I'm retired I own a couple and wear them a lot. They provide a lot better sun protection than the patrol cap.

Honestly, if you're stationed in a desert environment, they should be standard wear during the summer months.

Response by LtCol Don Kaag made Jun 29 at 2018 3:19 AM

LtCol Don Kaag — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 03:19:12 -0400

It is an eminently practical part of the field uniform. It shades the eyes and neck from the hot sun more effectively than the patrol cap. You can fold it up and stuff it in a pocket. Troops love it, and wear it at every opportunity. Therefore most senior officers and NCOs hate it. Could we, for God’s sake, let the soldiers win one for a change? Make it authorized wear with field uniforms whenever helmets are not worn. Period.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2018 6:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 06:33:19 -0400

My unit wore them for deployment during Afghanistan and Iraq while I was in 82nd. Oddly, my next unit, a LRS company, didn't wear them ever.

Response by LTC David Baird made Jun 29 at 2018 8:44 AM

LTC David Baird — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 08:44:33 -0400

It is up to the local Commander, and a good Commander will always seek out and take the CSM/1SG’s advice on the matter first. A good CSM/1SG will be on top of the matter and usually seek out and provide that advice to the Commander so he ro she can make informed decisions.

Response by SSG Mark Tsunokai made Jun 29 at 2018 12:52 PM

SSG Mark Tsunokai — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 12:52:16 -0400

Commander's discretion. Being backed by the CSM is a major "plus." I think it is an incredibly useful headgear when in the proper environment. Worn it in Kuwait, Iraq, and Australia. Wished we could of worn it at NTC.

Response by Sgt Andrew Pouliot made Jun 29 at 2018 1:27 PM

Sgt Andrew Pouliot — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 13:27:51 -0400

I'm not army, so this probably doesn't relate but I've only ever seen Marine units authorize it in the field. Sometimes we'd happily pull ours out only to learn a few either forgot theirs or didn't ever have them, so our fearless leadership would say "oh good everyone wears 8 point covers then". At my current unit they don't care about uniformity so much so in the field we are authorized to wear it if you have it.

Response by Cpl Chris Stroud made Jun 29 at 2018 2:07 PM

Cpl Chris Stroud — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:07:05 -0400

Army regulations. Bah.

Try this: whenever the CO doesn't care because you're in the bush and irregular lines lead to more effective camo. And out there, no one worth the oxygen they reported cared how it was on your head, if you chose to wear one at all instead of the soft cover.

We were more concerned with doing the job than you Regular Army fashion plates.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2018 8:56 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 20:56:18 -0400

I'm an engineer sir force side and we were allowed to wear them when I was TDY in California last yeah

Response by SFC Wayne T made Jun 30 at 2018 1:55 PM

SFC Wayne T — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 13:55:15 -0400

In the 1st Cav we wore the boonie. It was called a Kevlar.

Response by SFC John McDonald made Jun 30 at 2018 5:44 PM

SFC John McDonald — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 17:44:12 -0400

I wear it with a pt belt... and my old black combat boots..... and stare at myself in the mirror.. thank you sweet bebbe jeebus for that 214!!!

Response by SPC Ron Cooper made Jul 1 at 2018 8:28 PM

SPC Ron Cooper — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 20:28:33 -0400

Wore the boonie hat on deployment in Central America, it was the uniform unless informed otherwise!!

Response by PV2 Christopher Graham made Jul 2 at 2018 12:50 AM

PV2 Christopher Graham — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 00:50:36 -0400

Now that I'm a PFC (Private Freaking Citizen), any time I want.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 1:14 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 01:14:40 -0400

Wore it almost every day in Afghanistan when it was hotter then the sun. As a fair skinned individual it really was a life saver for me. Caught a few disapproving looks every now and then but pointed out the same guidance from the senior NCOs above and continued mission. My Soldiers never once complained and as for their morale, it definitely didn't hurt it or their missons.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 1:32 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 01:32:51 -0400

During our rotation in APR-MAY, the Commander for the training site said they were not allowed during our in processing. We had a lot of driving, helmet was worn a lot especially when you got into live fire. Bring your Baclava for the sand and something to soak in Ice/water to keep cool. Be safe out there. There were fatalities during our rotation and the one before.

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Jul 2 at 2018 10:04 AM

Lt Col George Roll — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:04:07 -0400

AF is less stringent on wear. In the field it is often worn. The chin strapis often worn over the top and some roll the brim. A small expression to individualism.

Response by PO1 Barbara Matthews made Jul 3 at 2018 6:17 PM

PO1 Barbara Matthews — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 18:17:32 -0400

I was in the National Guard before I was Navy. While in the Guard I only wore the Boonie hat once. It was while I was deployed during Dessert Storm. I still have it. Now that I'm a veteran I wear it occasionally.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2018 2:39 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 14:39:55 -0400

Logic isn’t something often used in the Army. I’m glad you let your guys use them.

Response by CPT John Casto made Jul 6 at 2018 1:32 PM

CPT John Casto — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 13:32:38 -0400

It was the uniform at JOTC in Ft Sherman Panama.

Response by SGM J Bergquist made Jul 8 at 2018 11:49 AM

SGM J Bergquist — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 11:49:30 -0400

You know what's funny, when our unit first deployed in 2010 we were in Kuwait running convoy security missions up north through K crossing, and the first thing that the CSM puts out when we got in Country was, "I don't want to see anybody wearing that Booney hat's"?
What can I say, it wasn't more then a week after the CSM put that out that the medical officer went and paid the Colonel a visit

Response by SGT Joshua Bressel made Jul 8 at 2018 6:22 PM

SGT Joshua Bressel — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 18:22:51 -0400

Best cover to EVER see military service! Way better than the dang beret! When the CSM announced that we could begin wearing the boonies, in the field, on my first deployment, as a buck private, I learned the joy, and perfection, of the boonie. When I came back from that deployment, I got one for my high school football coach, who was a true mentor, to me, embroidered, in the back, by the Hadjis, with his name, in both English, and Arabic. He wears it, any time he's outdoors, coaching, or doing work, to this day, and it's his lucky hat.

Response by SFC David Bentley made Jul 12 at 2018 5:34 PM

SFC David Bentley — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 17:34:48 -0400

So... I have always been a fan of the sun hat (boonie). There are posts like Camp Roberts where the installation CDR took the ability to use the sun hat away from commanders. I just got diagnosed with skin cancer on my nose; carcinoma is caused from sun exposure. I have herd officers say the sun hat does not look professional, I think getting parts of my face cut off looks unprofessional, this is a lack of solider care plain and simple. We went from the stetson to the campaign hat, Brodie helmet all of them blocked the sun well. Post 911 I had to pull gate guard in a damn beret for 12 hours at a time for months. sun block is not the answer.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2018 6:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 18:17:26 -0400

It depends on the unit commander. I was never allowed to wear one untill I deployed with 1BCT 82nd Airborne! It was like the berets for when we deployed! We were the only unit and in fact may have been the only brigade to wear them. I remember when I deployed in Afgahnistan 2012 a NCO(E6) from another brigade said it wasn't authorized then he saw another group walking to chow with them on including my 1SG and CO and walked away lol!

Response by SGT Rob Premo made Jul 28 at 2018 6:28 AM

SGT Rob Premo — Sat, 28 Jul 2018 06:28:38 -0400

Well seeing as how I'm retired now, I think I can wear it anytime I feel like it.

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Aug 19 at 2018 2:16 PM

SPC William Szkromiuk — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 14:16:52 -0400

In the Boonies.
I am impressed with all the legalese responses. :-) Is there nothing more earth shattering to discuss. Sorry, I'm old and not easily entertained

Response by SGT William Boyd made Aug 22 at 2018 3:46 PM

SGT William Boyd — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 15:46:49 -0400

IF you earned the right to wear it, then when ever you want, as a civilian, because your oath never expires

Response by SSgt Gerald Davis Jr made Sep 1 at 2018 10:48 PM

SSgt Gerald Davis Jr — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 22:48:38 -0400

In the boonies.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Sep 1 at 2018 11:28 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 23:28:26 -0400

Whenever your command says it is authorized.

Response by SSgt Liam Babington made Sep 15 at 2018 8:18 AM

SSgt Liam Babington — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 08:18:01 -0400

I personally believe the Bonnie cap should replace the patrol cap!

Response by MSgt Wayne Owens made Oct 5 at 2018 6:04 PM

MSgt Wayne Owens — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 18:04:12 -0400

Fhat the wuck is a boonie cap?.

Response by LTC Stephen Franke made Oct 7 at 2018 11:03 PM

LTC Stephen Franke — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 23:03:46 -0400

Greetings.

Ref your good question: Strongly recommend that you ask your chain of command for clarification of that issue.
Where will your unit perform its annual AT cycle in CA - Camp Roberts, Los Alamitos JFRC, or elsewhere?
Does your unit S4 have a stock of those wide-brimmed "boonie hats" on the shelf for issue to all unit members?
Hope this helps. Today is Sunday, 7 October 2018.

Regards,
Stephen H. Franke
LTC, USAR Retired
San Pedro (Los Angeles Waterfront Area), California

Response by CPT Mike Sims made Nov 26 at 2018 10:49 PM

CPT Mike Sims — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 22:49:42 -0500

If it is issued by the Army or within the Army inventory for issue - then it is authorized. If a First Sergeant or Commander says otherwise, ask them to produce the AR that says otherwise. Commonsense dictates equipment and uniform needed for the mission - and while some in the chain can be uniform-nazis and like to dictate a uniform that makes no sense for the mission at hand... you will find most of those have never been in a real-world mission, but lived their life in garrison or in training exercises during their career up to this point. The boots issued today, quite comfortable and far aside from the black leather boots of the 80s and 90s... I once wore a 1st generation brown suede cushioned boot by Reebok (since we were in the desert in New Mexico)... I had been in 7 years by that time and just two years before the U.S. began tours in the middle east began after 9-11-01 - I figured I would test these boots out compared to our black leather boots in desert warfare training. Turns out they were cooler, more comfortable, and cushioned to the point that I practically glided across the sands. A new First Seargeant saw them, hated them, and requested I remove them. I was a brand new 2LT - spent the last three previous years as an NCO, so I asked why the First Sergeant was having such a hard time with it. He said, they weren't issued by the Army. At the time, he was right. So, I then asked him why not? He looked confused... so I told him that Soldiers should be informing our leaders about what equipment works and doesn't work or needs to be modified for certain environments (black leather boots in a desert environment doesn't work). So, I then asked the First Sergeant take a seat - I put my boot up against the sole of his boot, and I took them off and gave them to him. He wore them around at night so the troops wouldn't notice and by the time we ended our training he absolutely agreed... brown suede cushioned boots were better than black leather for the desert. So, make the right decisions for the troops and the mission, you can't be worried about making leadership happy about uniform decisions, but they will be happy if the troops accomplish their mission - and if a boonie hat is a better choice for the environment then so be it. Just be ready to explain why if you have to.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Mar 7 at 2020 4:00 PM

SSG John Jensen — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 16:00:21 -0500

a co-worker deployed with a unit where the Cdr. banned the boonie hat, and when he got back from deployment Eric had to have a skin cancer removed from his temple where a boonie hat would have shaded him.

Response by SGT Justin Jones made Mar 10 at 2020 11:38 AM

SGT Justin Jones — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 11:38:28 -0400

Circa 1999

Response by CPL William Knight made Jun 27 at 2020 8:37 PM

CPL William Knight — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 20:37:57 -0400

Commanders discretion

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2020 10:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 22:37:43 -0400

When your a 19D

Response by SP5 Anthony Guion made Jun 28 at 2020 5:34 PM

SP5 Anthony Guion — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 17:34:24 -0400

Vietnam, all year long. Loved it, helmets were heavy and hot

Response by Lt Col Steve Bonning made Jun 28 at 2020 8:32 PM

Lt Col Steve Bonning — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 20:32:23 -0400

Pretty straightforward. There's always a regulation. For this topic it's in the one covering uniforms

Response by CPT Robert Holden made Jun 30 at 2020 1:10 AM

CPT Robert Holden — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 01:10:32 -0400

Wouldn’t know where to find it in the regs but I’ve worn it and let my men wear it in the field . A Kevlar gets heavy . Especially on. Patrol

Response by MSG Jac London made Nov 8 at 2020 12:03 AM

MSG Jac London — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 00:03:33 -0500

Had a profile to wear while on deployment because of my vitiligo. Didn't wear it because I didn't want to be different, wanted to be uniform :-)

Response by SFC Ken Heise made Mar 7 at 2021 8:55 PM

SFC Ken Heise — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 20:55:54 -0500

Whenever the Soldier decides to wear it.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2022 6:43 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 May 2022 18:43:48 -0400

Per every document I've read. It's a field headgear. So if your in the field based on your unit sop it should be authorized. But once you're on Garrison environment, you should transition back to softcap.

Response by CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2022 9:07 AM

CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 09:07:11 -0400

Response by 1SG John Ayala made Jun 27 at 2023 9:56 AM

1SG John Ayala — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 09:56:16 -0400

Common sense would dictate in a field environment, e.g. down range, etc. yet there is always command’s discretion. On my second deployment the BN CSM didn’t think they were necessary the pc was good enough, by late July he finally allowed us to wear them but the strap had be under the chin only any deviances and you banned wearing it. After much countenance he final relented on the strap issue. I had one soldier cut his off and the CSM went ballistic so that soldier lost the “privilege” of wearing it. Of course this is the same command that required us to wear pt belts with the DCU on the FOB when outside.