Why is the boonie cap so demonized in the army?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:46:40 -0500

Seriously I wanna know. Mainly from you senior leadership and your mentality when it comes to this specific headgear, or even as to why it's frowned upon in the field when it's clearly authorized to be worn in the field.

Also if you are just going to bash me or make smart ass remarks because I'm asking this question, then don't even leave a comment. Thanks

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 4:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:50:16 -0500

Haha! Good order and discipline. Established unwritten standards. We did it back in the day and suck it up mentality. If it makes sense it doesn't make sense.

Response by SSG Tarrence Fussell made Dec 11 at 2019 4:51 PM

SSG Tarrence Fussell — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:51:03 -0500

Good question.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 4:53 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:53:56 -0500

My unit was not allowed to wear anything but the boonie while in Iraq in 03.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 4:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:56:25 -0500

I prefer to be warm, but if one of my soldiers doesn't have it, we all suffer. Otherwise I enforce the standards put out. I think it is dumb in KS to not be able to wear it when the windchill puts the temperature damn near 0.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 4:57 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:57:54 -0500

The best answer is that wearing it makes too much sense. The actual answer is that soldiers do not wear it correctly. They want to shape and form it to look like some Australian sergeants major. So instead of constantly correcting soldiers, leaders just decided to not even let anyone wear them. Pretty sad but that's the truth.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 11 at 2019 5:05 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:05:51 -0500

You’re preaching to the chorus here!

We used it a lot during the initial pases of both Afghanistan and Iraq, 2001 and 2003 respectively, but as time went over some soldiers began to wear it as if “back in the block” rather than just place the damn thin on their heads. Leadership, rather than get in their asses, decided to just simply ban it. Or to emotion that most of the leadership didn’t like the idea because, like I heard an old fart SGM from CFLCC, it resemble too much of ‘Nam troops!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 5:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:07:48 -0500

What's this "you senior leadership" statement? Most senior leadership outside of CSMs don't care. It's usually CSMs who have the issue and that's because they have to have some kind of pet peeve. A 1SG once jokingly said that at the SGM Academy they all get assigned a pet peeve.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Dec 11 at 2019 5:13 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:13:35 -0500

I wore mine in Iraq and A-Stan, I wore initially it because it kept the sun off my neck and it was an issue piece of the uniform, I caught the occasional stink eye from a CSM or other SRNCO but in the end I also wore it to piss off the few dillwads that lacked critical thinking skills.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 5:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:16:54 -0500

We was allowed to wear them down range. ( just got back) I agree with a few of the comments already.
SM’s do not wear them correctly. It gets frustrating correcting the same SM’s multiple times. Yes it is just easier not to allow it.

Response by SPC Andrew Murray made Dec 11 at 2019 5:25 PM

SPC Andrew Murray — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:25:48 -0500

Who cares if it cuts down on skin cancer by providing better sun protection? Who cares if it is more comfortable? Who cares if it looks better? It's different and anything different is bad.

Response by MSG Roy Cheever made Dec 11 at 2019 5:46 PM

MSG Roy Cheever — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:46:46 -0500

The Boonie is meant for covert ops to help conceal the human form (breaking the lines of a round head).
Perhaps you could suggest patrolling techniques practice to your command, so you and your team can practice in style.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 6:05 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:05:23 -0500

I guess they just wanted you to buy it instead of wearing it. Maybe it’s just your leadership personnel that don’t like wearing them because they may look funny in them?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 6:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:07:38 -0500

If you're complaining about not wearing the boobie cap count yourself luck you werent in before the late 00's. You were not allowed any sniveling gear until it was actually 32 degrees, and when you were allowed snivel gear everyone wore the exact same piece of snivel gear because it was the uniform put out by the 1SG or CSM.
As for the bonnie cap, I think it's just something people forget about in the bottom of their b bag. I do get super tired of correcting people that dont wear it properly. You're not crocodile dundee or a bonnie lass, you put the string in the god damn hat.

Response by SPC Kurt Hesselden made Dec 11 at 2019 6:50 PM

SPC Kurt Hesselden — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:50:03 -0500

During Tet 68 when the 199th and the 1st ATF Diggers patrolled the same areas in the Bien Hoa/Long Binh approaches. It seemed half my rifle company was sporting a boonie hat after a few patrols. The barter system was alive and well then. The best duty I pulled the first week of Tet was when a few of us were pulled off patrol and assigned to protect the small hospital they had in downtown Bien Hoa. I was 18 and totally loved the way the nurses talked. Only lasted a few days though before they were evacuated, but memorable.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 11 at 2019 9:10 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:10:45 -0500

I wore it every day on deployment. Loved that thing. Wish I was standard wear.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 12 at 2019 11:12 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 23:12:33 -0500

Don't want comments then don't ask. 1. If you are in the field then you should be training, so unless you are special (LRSC, Sniper/Recon) then you should be in battle rattle!. You should always train as you would fight. The is the upmost reason, of course they fact the folks abuse it to hell and back by trying to customize it.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 13 at 2019 11:09 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 11:09:18 -0500

I think it's dependent on the unit and COC.
I wore mine when issued and we wore them on deployments to Central America and in OIF.
In combat my goal was that everyone wore approved headgear appropriate for the mission, an approved soft cap of some kind on the FOB, COP or LSA and the only time I cared about uniformity was if we had an award or memorial ceremony (proper dignity for the occasion). ACH or K-pot when out the gate .

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Dec 13 at 2019 5:22 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 17:22:38 -0500

Your point is well taken. Boonie hats were allowed in garrison during my first tour in Iraq in 2003 to 2004. On my second tour they were not allowed to be worn with ACUs and could only be worn with the PT uniform - which many "old" soldiers took exception to.

Personally, I think it should be allowed for wear in the field in hot weather. (We will define hot weather as over 85 degrees.)

Response by MSG Allan Davis made Dec 15 at 2019 11:05 PM

MSG Allan Davis — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 23:05:49 -0500

I have zero reasons that boonie shouldn’t be worn. As long as it’s worn correctly. A boonie should be basically folded up and crunched then worn. The idea is to break up the outline. Any other wear is not correct.

Response by LTC Patrick Mulloney made Dec 17 at 2019 8:19 PM

LTC Patrick Mulloney — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 20:19:19 -0500

Yes, that is true. I was a commander my whole 30 year career. I realized early on that soldiers are their own worst enemy. Just about everything you try to do for them or give them they always end up constantly breaking it or changing it against rules and regs. Ex. We were deployed and stationed in an area where beer was served, each soldier was given three beer tokens a day for that day only. At Monday morning formation I told my soldiers I was allowing them to partake but that they would lose this privilege once it was abused. By Thursday an E-4 was found drunk. Turns out others had given him their unused tokens for that day.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2019 8:52 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 08:52:53 -0500

Hear the wisdom of these senior NCOs. It’s all about mass punishment, I get to tired for on the spot corrections, and I don’t even understand the purpose of a piece of clothing. It’s actually called a sun hat, with a purpose to keep the sun off your neck, similar reason we are told to keep our sleeves rolled down. In a tactical or training environment it can be used to place camo on for concealment and it does help break the outline, but that is not its primary purpose of issue. Senior NCOs have you read the reg covering the patrol cap? It is to be unformed, basically flat billed. Do you tell your subordinates they can no longer wear their PC and now must wear their ACH? No because it’s hypocrisy at its finest in our senior NCO Corp of pick and choose, those pet peeves as one writer said. To train as you fight in full battle rattle is ignorance and leaves no progression in training and is probably why there is so many injuries and/or so many uneducated or untrained soldiers in skill level 1 tasks. The reason bud is most of my battle buddies struggle to find relevance in the formation and need something to be known for. I say wear your boo IR when it makes sense, ECWCS as needed, and we should put our hand in pockets because my hands are cold.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2019 9:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 09:58:03 -0500

On my units deployment to A-Stan in 2014, we hated wearing it because it was being use by the Sustainment Brigade we fell under as an identifier.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2019 11:47 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 23:47:54 -0500

My unit in Iraq, 04-06, wore it. Except my 1SG. But only on the FOB. There wasn't an issue. Now once we got back home, it got packed away to never be seen again. Until we deployed again to the MFO in Egypt. It was either the MFO specific boonie or the MFO specific beret. Now when I was on state active duty for flood fighting, my 1SG allowed us to wear them, unless the Old Man and CSM where coming out. In my experience it just comes down to COC and operational environment.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 1:49 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:49:18 -0500

I honestly asked myself the same question especially being stationed at Fort Hood where the temps reach triple digits. My answer to this question is honestly I don't know. One thing I do know, is that every installation is not the same and some need to specific uniform standards for that location. I mean Alaska has specific uniforms why cant locations stateside have specific uniform standards. Standing in a formation when the heat index is 115° definitely should be taken into consideration.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Dec 29 at 2019 3:03 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 15:03:04 -0500

It is because you can not get it to "look sharp" like you can the patrol cap. And doing so would ruin the purpose of the boonie cap. it is meant to be ruffled in order to break up the outline of the head.

Now when we were in the field, we were allowed to wear the boony cap if we were going "soft covers".

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Jan 6 at 2020 7:04 AM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 07:04:50 -0500

If it's any consolation, this subject's nothing new. Boonie hats were unauthorized in my unit in Vietnam. Pretty much the only guys who could wear them were Sneaky Petes and some leg units. With some of them, there was some unique, individual examples. Stateside? Forget it. Leave it home, or give it to your kid brother.

Response by MAJ Kevin Mason made Jan 9 at 2020 8:41 PM

MAJ Kevin Mason — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 20:41:03 -0500

As a separate company commander I allowed them when we deployed to hot climates. I always thought CSM felt they represented the ‘undisciplined’ Vietnam Era army versus VOLAR during the transition years. Perhaps the stupidest remark I heard a CSM say was he wanted the US Army and name tapes horizontal to the ground on jungle fatigues because they were too hard to read on the slant aligned with the pocket flap! Probably the same idiot who designed the top pockets of the BDUs, not realizing the were originally on the slant for easier access when wearing LBE. Don’t get me started in the buttons and tabs placed on the side where your web-belt or ruck rode.

Response by MAJ Ralph Barnes made Jan 10 at 2020 8:29 AM

MAJ Ralph Barnes — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 08:29:18 -0500

I was in Iraq in 2007 and had some 82nd ABN soldiers with me. I saw them wearing the PC but never the 'boonie' hat. I asked why, since I was certainly wearing mine. Their response was that the CSM had told everyone that it was not authorized for wear. I took mine off and looked at the laundry tag which clearly said "Hat, Sun". I never found the CSM that put this out but I always wondered why we would not wear a 'hat, sun' in one of the sunniest places we had ever been stationed. I wonder how many former 82nd ABN soldiers will end up with skin cancer on their nose as a result of not wearing the proper headgear in a sunny environment.

Response by SGT John Pearson made Jan 12 at 2020 12:26 AM

SGT John Pearson — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 00:26:32 -0500

Can't give you a reason but back in early 80's as a lowly PFC I would wear one in the summer in the field while on a remote relay site. Wasn't general issue but nobody had a problem with it, till the CO showed up one day. I couldn't wear it after that, just had to let my ears blister in the hot sun like everyone else.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Jan 13 at 2020 12:56 AM

SSG Harry Herres — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 00:56:21 -0500

Best damm hat mad, Sun shield, rain stopper, command hated it because the brim was not starched and no one could see rank on it. No one in the bush lined the sides up, it kept the deal from going down your collar. Still have mine after 50 years, great when I cut the lawn

Response by Sgt Crusty Buck made Jan 13 at 2020 3:31 AM

Sgt Crusty Buck — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 03:31:37 -0500

Incorrect wear, tired old standards, as much as it is fun to wear it strung up, it’s still not the standard. But get downrange and unless you got a green snco it’s not really addresses unless your junior enlisted or making an asshat of yourself (and your MOS/COMMAND by proxy)

And for the sake of taking shots, some twats gain rank and just need something to bitch about since they’re usually being shit on for being a twat by peers and superiors alike. Just don’t wear the dang thing if it’s a local policy, one of those pick your battle type situations.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2020 8:59 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 08:59:55 -0500

Sr NCOs fight things like boonie caps because they are busybodies and need something to do.
I am a bit of a contrarian (no surprise, for those who know me).
One AT, I went the other way and ordered that the boonie cap was part of the uniform of the day. The Guard people in the contonement area went nuts, trying to talk about there was a Guard regulation (don't care, we're USAR... and it wasn't true) or a post commander edict (there wasn't) and who authorized it (this guy, with more stripes than you high-speed).
All of the kerfuffle was a lot of fun, frankly. And my troops loved it, especially when it was time for chow. "Refer all questions to the 1SG" was the order of the day, and very few would have the balls to roll up and question me.
Marys.

Response by SGT Ed Matyjasik made Jan 13 at 2020 9:18 AM

SGT Ed Matyjasik — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 09:18:49 -0500

For my time in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne I never even saw or heard of a boonie hat. We were out in the bush 24/7 and even slept with the steel pot on. And on occasion used the old steel pot [helmet] to cook up some Boonie Rat Stew. Mmmmmmm good.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2020 11:06 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 11:06:56 -0500

the same reason some CSM makes a policy to wear a freaking reflective belt over your body armor.....

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2020 8:50 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 08:50:01 -0500

As if the other headgear wasn't a pain. Almost nobody wore the dang beret IAW 670-1, not to mention "ranger roll" of the patrol cap.

Response by SPC Bill Ratajczak made Jan 15 at 2020 9:10 AM

SPC Bill Ratajczak — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 09:10:00 -0500

My captain would only let us wear them in the field, but not during movement or anytime we would be seen by civilians or out of the AO.

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Jan 15 at 2020 9:58 PM

SPC Richard Zacke — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:58:51 -0500

Sorry I really could'nt tell you. I went in in 1978 and we wore them on a regular basis. There great for the jungle but I hear the new military has to fight in the city, I was not cut out for that kind of fighting. You guys and gals have big brass ones! Good luck and GOD bless.

Response by Maj Martin Smith made Jan 16 at 2020 11:46 AM

Maj Martin Smith — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 11:46:42 -0500

With all the deployments to very high sun exposure locations taking place then it will just be a matter of time until the VA starts reporting 'increased melanoma' especially to ears and face. Wear the hat! Many world military forces make it a requirement. Check Canada.

Response by SGT George Stephens made Jan 17 at 2020 2:26 PM

SGT George Stephens — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 14:26:28 -0500

While I can't give a full answer on this I can tell you what worked for my unit and how we got it authorized by command.

We found the regulations on how the boonie cap was to be worn first then we explained the protection that it offers soldiers in the field from the sun so and we explained it to our unit during a climate related injuries course.

After that command allowed it.

So that's how we were allowed the cap but it may not work for everyone. Also there are a lot of people who don't wear it properly

Response by SSG David Kaelin made Jan 17 at 2020 3:29 PM

SSG David Kaelin — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 15:29:42 -0500

I keep seeing the lame answer "because some don't wear it correctly". That smacks of lazy leadership.

When I was a PSG, I targeted individuals specifically for their "sins" as well as their achievements. I am often amazed at the weak leadership that goes in for the old mass punishment schtick. If you have someone that repeatedly wears it incorrectly, make that soldier give a class on proper wear of the boonie and counsel. If the soldier continues, come up with some next level, creative form of corrective action and counseling. If the behavior continues, recommend UCMJ/Art 15. Counsel the soldier along the way.

Instead, the lazy, thoughtless leader decrees prohibition and that all should suffer because of a few doltish irreconcilables.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jan 26 at 2020 11:02 AM

CPT Brad Wilson — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 11:02:33 -0500

Good question. On a side note we had an E-7 that got a temporary profile to wear one after getting skin cancer on his head and neck That later turned into a permanent profile his last 2 years before he retired. He greatly enjoyed the hate and discontent he spread showing his profile every time someone called him outfit it

Response by PO2 Doc Blake made Jan 30 at 2020 10:47 PM

PO2 Doc Blake — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 22:47:48 -0500

"Correctly," Bull Shit; they are in the fucking Boonies, who gives a rats ass how they wear it? Except some pencil-pushing, snot-nosed, Socialist, Adam Schiff look-a-like!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 8:02 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 20:02:19 -0500

The boonie cap absolutely is the right tool for the job when forward-deployed or in the field. If they don't want military personnel to wear it, then it shouldn't be issued in the first place. When it is 125 degrees F outside and the sun-hot wind are baking-burning your head, it is ridiculous to tell military personnel not to wear this critical piece of headgear, especially when it is issued specifically for that purpose. Nobody cares what it looks like under those conditions - only functionality and protection matters to prevent unnecessary heat injuries. In fact, they should bring back DCUs for desert mobilizations. It is the perfect uniform for that environment, not all these other uniforms attempted since then.

Response by SFC Mamerto Perez made Feb 12 at 2020 7:30 AM

SFC Mamerto Perez — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 07:30:34 -0500

In the first place they never should have allowed them, except for the Air Borne and SF.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Feb 13 at 2020 4:05 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 16:05:18 -0500

Actually, that's a good question. I. loved wearing the boonie cap while I was stationed in the Gulf War. I am not sure as to why. I know field trading involves wearing the Kevlar etc, but a great alternative is the boonie cap. Perhaps you could try to push this up the flagpole.
I do remember when then General Shinseki ( not sure if I spelled his last name correct)...basically ordered us to wear the black beret. Most Soldiers across the board did NOT want to wear the beret. But we did because it was a 4 star. The Soldiers were not heard. Which in my opinion is pathetic.
Point I am trying to make, it will take an act from God to get the Army to wearing anything that makes sense..
Hoooah!!!

Response by CPL Bo Porter made Feb 13 at 2020 7:37 PM

CPL Bo Porter — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 19:37:38 -0500

Speaking directly but on the teams we wore them any damn way we wanted. Never had anyone try and tell me otherwise. This sounds like a preoccupation with crap that doesn’t have anything to do with a mission. To much time for n the hands of those stirring shit.

Response by SPC Scott Currens made Feb 14 at 2020 11:37 AM

SPC Scott Currens — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 11:37:04 -0500

I often wondered that myself. Especially after they gave the Black Beret to everyone that enlisted and made it through Basic Training, and instead of teaching them how to properly wear, shape and care for it. When I was in you earned the right to wear the beret, regardless of color of the beret you earned it. Funny thing to back then most that earned the beret were also allowed to wear the boonie hat in the field. Oddly enough the soldiers that earned the beret knew how to wear and care for it and also wore the boonie appropriately.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 8:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 20:03:04 -0500

Never was for me. In the 82nd it was the standard head gear on deployment or anywhere else If not wearing beret or helmet.

Response by MAJ Jay Callahalm made Feb 14 at 2020 9:47 PM

MAJ Jay Callahalm — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 21:47:02 -0500

Well, I wasn't all that far up the food-chain as a Major, so my opinion doesn't amount to much. We had the Boonie Hats in the 60s - 70s and no one in my units ever got too uptight about how they were worn. We figured: Dress uniform - make it strac. Field uniform - make it practical.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 12:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 00:27:30 -0500

EOD offers in service recruiting.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 2:09 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 02:09:45 -0500

I haven’t heard of it ever being an issue or a bad thing, I’d it’s comfortable and you’re concealed it doesn’t matter how you wear it, anyone more worried about professional appearance when you’re working in the field clearly doesn’t understand the intent.

Response by MSG Brian McDow made Feb 15 at 2020 11:11 AM

MSG Brian McDow — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 11:11:02 -0500

Good question brother. But, in my 22 years, I never had an answer.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Feb 16 at 2020 1:12 AM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 01:12:02 -0500

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boonie_hat

Boonie_hat

Response by SFC Tom Crenshaw made Feb 16 at 2020 2:02 PM

SFC Tom Crenshaw — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 14:02:49 -0500

I wore mine folded up sides string tied up and over. My jump wings pinning the strap up. When confronted I just pointed to my wings and said " I wear it cause I got these and I can."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2020 2:35 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 14:35:02 -0500

I've worn my boonie cap on three deployments just to piss off SGMs, CSMs and O-6s. Had one GO tell me he wished his CSM would let him wear his. The hat isn't a spec-ops thing designed to "break up the human form" (though it does that well), it's a Sun hat, period. It was designed to keep the sun of your face, ears and neck. Several years ago (before OIF/OEF) I took some of my engineers to do a humanitarian project in a southern latitude area and told my supply sergeant to order us some, had to explain to him they were authorized because the commander (me) said so and the CTA allowed it. Had a run in with some touring pouge of a SGM about it while we we there - he failed to notice the "hard hat required" sign on the construction site when he came to "educate me" on the "error of my ways". I told him to get lost (while wearing a full brim construction helmet). After he got back to the states an told on me, I got a phone call from the engineer group commander wanting to know how I'd ordered them because he wanted all of our engineers to have them (both boonies and the full brim hard hats)

Response by SGT Martha Cain made Feb 17 at 2020 1:57 AM

SGT Martha Cain — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 01:57:46 -0500

I still like mine, it is a survival cap & good for tropical sun shade I wondered why it was issued & never used once. I liked the mosquito netting too, used with it.

Response by LTC Charles "Pappy" Patchin made Feb 17 at 2020 10:31 AM

LTC Charles "Pappy" Patchin — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 10:31:10 -0500

It is supposed to be a hat for the field. It is not shaped.
EVERYBODY GET UNIFORM. (said no 1SG/CSM, ever)
My guess is too much time on their hands and a cap, which in it's own creation represents "conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline" just makes all the stripes apoplectic.
And, of course, soldiers make the best of it by using the boonie cap as a form of "up yours".
I'm waiting for someone to invent the camouflage reflective belt.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Feb 17 at 2020 12:20 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 12:20:23 -0500

Nothing is wrong except the O-6's and above have a problem with the way it looks. Not Starched or Blocked. I Love Them...

Response by SFC Patrick Kelly made Feb 17 at 2020 3:23 PM

SFC Patrick Kelly — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 15:23:23 -0500

I never understood why this wasn’t the daily headgear. Made more sense than that stupid beret. It’s more practical than most pieces of headgear. But I do understand some of the mentioned issues. Heck most soldiers try to make there PC’s special and have to be told to undo it (myself included).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2020 3:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 15:26:50 -0500

First thing you have to do is separate the Army into it's proper groups. Combat, Combat Support, Combat Service Support, etc...
Then you can see where the disconnect between fashion and function starts. I have been on deployments where troops weren't allowed in the chow hall without shined boots. That's what happens people in leadership positions (notice I didn't say leaders) get bored.

Response by MSgt Gregory Mason made Feb 19 at 2020 11:36 PM

MSgt Gregory Mason — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 23:36:46 -0500

As a retired USAF Security Forces person, I never understood why we were forced to wear a barrette while humping around aircraft all day on the boiling sun. Troops faces and ears got fried. The leadership said it looked more professional. They sat in AC offices or vehicles

Response by Cpl Gabriel F. made Feb 24 at 2020 8:11 PM

Cpl Gabriel F. — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 20:11:15 -0500

Good question. Some good response. The 10% at the top or in the rank will screw it up for the rest.
Good luck in your tour.

Response by CSM William Payne made Mar 15 at 2020 10:57 PM

CSM William Payne — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 22:57:54 -0400

I was OIF 2006 - 2007. I was a senior CSM at the GO level and I had no issue with my Soldiers wearing the hat.

It was extremely hot and the sun was intense, which was a perfect situation for its use. It was part of the issue, and I figured if they didn’t want you to wear it, they wouldn’t have issued it to us. So I had no problem with it, as long as it was worn properly.

I received no guidance from higher command either denying or discouraging its use.

I wore mine on those days when it was intensely hot and the situation didn’t warrant wearing the ACH.

Response by CPL Stephen Zavosky made Mar 16 at 2020 6:28 PM

CPL Stephen Zavosky — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:28:29 -0400

When I was deployed ('03-'04, '06-'07 both Iraq) we were required to wear the boonie when not in full battle rattle. From the day we left Ft. Bragg until the day we got back. Boonie or brain bucket was what we were authorized

Response by Sgt Ivan Kenter made Mar 17 at 2020 9:54 PM

Sgt Ivan Kenter — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 21:54:05 -0400

Bought my first boonie in the px at 29 palms, first trip there, it was green, not cammo, and the command did not give a crap, as long as I did my job

Response by MAJ Jonathan Stein made Mar 19 at 2020 2:47 PM

MAJ Jonathan Stein — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 14:47:39 -0400

A Boonie cap is great-on patrol, or for fatigue duty, work parties, etc. It's potential downfall is that other than in fabric, it eludes presenting a uniform appearance from soldier to soldier, unless you do ridiculous things to it, like starching it to make it look like a bush hat, etc. By intent, it looks somewhat shapeless and perceptually "sloppy." It is what it is. So leadership either needs to embrace it as situationally desirable, and then determine when and what wear can be allowed.

Best, JonInWA

Response by 1stSgt Jeff Blovat made Mar 19 at 2020 7:27 PM

1stSgt Jeff Blovat — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 19:27:05 -0400

I loved mine. The only place I got to wear it was in Silver Flag Alpha. Indian Springs I think? It was good to wear to keep the sun off the neck. Of course none of us wore it properly but I wore it the two weeks I was there.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 22 at 2020 11:39 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 11:39:40 -0400

I wore mine religiously and leaders gave orders to remove it in Afghanistan and Iraq. The sunburn being out on the flight line was incredible in 02 and 03. NCOs, Soldiers and Warrants wore the bonie only to be told to remove them. Not sure why the stigma was there with CSMs and Leaders, kind of like a mustache and hands in your pockets. It was ISSUED as part of the deployment uniform. Chaplains seeing morale affected and the medical issues to arise asked for leaders to allow it, medical personnel as well. It took a lot of man hours and power to get the leaders to adopt the issued head gear and to this day, working outside, in the sun it should be a staple in garrison and overseas.....my .02

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2020 10:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 22:21:05 -0400

For the record, I've never met anyone between E1-E7, All Warrants and O1-O3 who didn't love it. Those CDRs and 1SGs and CSMs who railed against it to the best of my knowledge did so because they were supporting the directives of higher HQ. It has always been my favorite, otherwise ...
I.
HAVE.
NO.
F***ING.
IDEA.

I just wish the Army's brim was as wider like the USMCs.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2020 10:56 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 22:56:10 -0400

I always loved my Boonie! Wore it in Iraq and had I a command at the time I’d have allowed them to!

Response by MSgt Joseph Holness made Mar 23 at 2020 12:25 AM

MSgt Joseph Holness — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 00:25:23 -0400

During my time in the Army I was a Tanker, so we didn't see boonie caps. However, when I joined the Air Force we used them quite frequently when not wearing kevlars, especially during my time in the Middle East, with the exception of my time in Saudi Arabia / PSAB. Not quite sure why the Army has a thing about boonie caps.

Response by SFC Terry Bryant made Mar 23 at 2020 11:35 AM

SFC Terry Bryant — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 11:35:40 -0400

I just retired in 2018 from the Army after 32 years. While in Fort Hood Texas getting ready to be deployed to Iraq in 2006, I was issued my first permanent profile. I have an old injury to my nose that required a skin graft. My nose was considered pre-cancerous and my profile was that I "would" wear a boonie hat for the remainder of my days in the Military as well as putting on sun block at all times while outdoors for any period of time. This was issued by a O-6 dermatologist. While there at Hood I was "ACCOSTED" no less than 3 dozen times by junior and senior NCO's who felt my profile was not justified. Mind you these people were not courteous, they were ruthless and over bearing in their attempt to bully me into conforming to what they decided was right. Why on earth would an O-6 issue me a boonie hat that would potentially save my life as opposed to me obeying "TRADITION". After all is not tradition more important than the safety of our fighting men and women. I even had one SGM forcefully reach up and snatch my hat off my head and tell me I was a damn drama queen for wearing that hat.

One prime example of this also went to the wearing of the beret when, "In 1979 the new Army chief of staff, GEN Edward C. Meyers, directed that the black beret be authorized wear by Ranger units only. AR 670-1 was updated in 1980 to include this provision. In 2001, the black beret became the primary headgear for both the service uniform (in garrison setting) and dress uniform for all United States Army troops unless the soldier is approved to wear a different distinctive beret.

So to answer your question even when the hat is approved at all times it has to be approved by a Army surgeon or by the command for certain non garrison situations like FTX or outdoor activities. Even when it is approved or in my case mandatory, it will always be frowned upon by the traditionalist within the Military services even if it is justified. That is human nature my friend. While there are many traditions that are set in regulations like AR 670-1, there has to be exceptions and there often is. But just because there is an exception does mean people within the Military services are going to accept them. I am proof of that.

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made Mar 23 at 2020 3:25 PM

GySgt Gary Cordeiro — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 15:25:16 -0400

Because the senior staff does not know where the crown and brim is Located on said headgear. The crown does not hold any shape, yet the senior staff demands that it does maintain the same shape as the field cap.i experienced this in FOB Union 3, Baghdad. These were all Army senior staff. Coming from the Vietnam era myself, I can appreciate the qualities of this headgear. For some reason garrison duty is the same as combat duty, it seems. I’m glad to see troops alive and moving, REMFs makes sure your uniform is perfect. I’m glad we don’t have to shine our boots!

Response by Cadet 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2020 4:47 PM

Cadet 2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 16:47:06 -0400

I thought the scouts were allowed to wear them?
Cool question though, never actually thought about it.

Response by Lt Col Valorie Baggenstoss made Apr 13 at 2020 10:10 PM

Lt Col Valorie Baggenstoss — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 22:10:03 -0400

Bonnie caps are my favorite piece of uniform clothing ever! I have them in a few different prints from various deployments and I wear them now as a retiree. I get they are not as sexy looking as a beret or as formal as other caps, but I wish they were a daily wear option, because they rock!

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Apr 17 at 2020 2:32 PM

Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:32:34 -0400

I had one in Nam and liked it. Super great hat when it rained an in heavy sun.

Response by SP5 Ward Posey made Apr 17 at 2020 9:27 PM

SP5 Ward Posey — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 21:27:37 -0400

Getting into the country in '67, we were issued boonie hats. and they damn sure helped in the heat in the jungle and those of us flight crew guys who worked on our ships in the hot unshaded flight lines. Later we got a new Co. commander and he told us we were no longer to wear them and issued us flimsy baseball caps that weren't worth didley squat in the hot sun.

Response by SP5 Chris Del Regno made Apr 17 at 2020 11:02 PM

SP5 Chris Del Regno — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 23:02:29 -0400

During the Vietnam War, the standard headcover was that ugly ass OD baseball cap. Guys in the bush preferred the bush hats because they have a full circle brim and make ya look all badass.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Apr 19 at 2020 8:11 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 08:11:42 -0400

The only answer I have for this is that a lot of First Sergeants hate the fact that their Soldiers wear this hat incorrectly.

Response by CDR Jon Van Dermark made Apr 19 at 2020 4:34 PM

CDR Jon Van Dermark — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 16:34:53 -0400

Wish I had worn mine more during my years of deployments and duty ststions in the sunnier climes. Now I regularly have skin cancers whacked off my dome and ears.

Response by SFC David Dean made Apr 19 at 2020 11:49 PM

SFC David Dean — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 23:49:43 -0400

Not going to dispute or argue. Just point to the obvious reason which is...its called a Boonie cap because it was designed to be worn in environment and not as a common type headgear. Comfort aside, the military has myriad of items designed and designated to be used/worn in limited circumstances. Should not come as a surprise and I do not ascribe to the notion that leaders could not find a way to determine its proper wear.

Response by 1SG Mike Turnipseed made Apr 20 at 2020 9:01 PM

1SG Mike Turnipseed — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 21:01:19 -0400

I agree with majority of respondents that blame this on poor leaders or CSM being bored. That being said, you need to stick around & speak up if you want to shape the future Army. We didn’t get authorization to wear sunglasses in uniform/formations until the mid 1990s, take a look around today. The uniform seems to change every 4-5 years, at least the only people wearing berets today went to a school or belong to a unit that should be wearing them.

Response by SPC Richard Kucken made Apr 21 at 2020 2:22 AM

SPC Richard Kucken — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 02:22:30 -0400

I do not feel the need to bash anyone, I believe it is a good question, and knowing our government... probably the correct answer as well. However... I've not only seen it being worn, I've worn it myself. Yup, even know it was a no, no. The top brass isn't always right, and I'm sure you know that as well as I do, and 10's of thousands if not 100's of thousands of other's both now and those who walked before us.
I hope that was okay, not trying to be a smart ass sir, just my opinion, and yes, i know opinions are like ___ Holes, and everybody's got one, but it is also a well known fact that they are worn anyways.

Response by SSG Jason Clark made Apr 22 at 2020 2:29 PM

SSG Jason Clark — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 14:29:50 -0400

I never understood why the bookie hat was issued and never allowed to wear. In regards to not knowing how to properly wear boo or hats, the same applies to patrol caps and berets, and that goes from PV1 all the way up to CSM. Too many Soldiers want to wear them with their own style, if they even wear them at all.

Response by SGM Charles Twardzicki made Apr 23 at 2020 4:01 PM

SGM Charles Twardzicki — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:01:41 -0400

I had a Co Cmdr in Korea that wanted to have the soldiers wear the pile cap in garrison. I argued that it would be oily, dirty and ineffective when needed if worn when we had the cap with the drop down ear covers. Of course he was the Co and we wore that dam pile cap.

Response by CPT James Mills made Apr 23 at 2020 8:52 PM

CPT James Mills — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 20:52:24 -0400

In Vietnam the boonie hat was issued along with your gear when you hit the repo depot. I was assigned to the 2d Battalion 3d Regiment(The Old Guard, George Washington's original unit in the Revolutionary War). The soldiers in the battalion shaped their boonie hats into a three corner shape much like you see in the Revolutionary War depictions. It was a unit identity and a morale booster to wear your hat like a colonial Revolutionary soldier. That is until some Colonel decided that it was not appropriate and forbid any such shape to the boonie hat. Nothing like killing morale in a war where morale was not the norm among the troops in many units. The 2/3ds had something of distinction that gave them an identity.
Too bad that someone couldn't figure out how important morale building is important to combat units.

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Apr 24 at 2020 6:59 AM

SFC Mark Klaers — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 06:59:50 -0400

The US military, and the Army in particular, have "personalized" headgear throughout history. To most of the command element, it's viewed as unprofessional. In the ranks, it's a source of pride and a statement. I'm good with it not being worn on post while in garrison. In the field and especially at the front, why not let these boys and girls have this one thing?

Response by Capt Rob Carty made Apr 24 at 2020 12:35 PM

Capt Rob Carty — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 12:35:39 -0400

This entire thread makes me smile.

Response by MSG Loren Tomblin made Apr 24 at 2020 4:10 PM

MSG Loren Tomblin — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 16:10:16 -0400

Trang Bang, 1966. I still have that hat. People should enhance their calm when it comes to combat zones. I had a XO that required us to look strac even down range. We squared him away by saluting him several times. He gave up.

Response by SPC Michael Dehn made Apr 25 at 2020 10:11 AM

SPC Michael Dehn — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 10:11:24 -0400

I bought a green woodland pattern at the clothing and sales store on Fort Gordon in Georgia because I thought it was cool. I still have it.

I gave the only one I was issued in Desert Shield/Storm to my brother when I ets'd. Unfortunately it's long gone.

During my short 4 year career I was issued 3 styles of headgear.

1. BDU woodland pattern cap
2. The airborne maroon beret
3. The circa 1990 desert pattern boonie cap.

The most practical on was the boonie cap. The least practical one was the beret but it looks the best. Especially on the Class "A's".

Given the choice I would wear the boonie cap in the field and garrison.

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Apr 25 at 2020 1:42 PM

CW5 Mark Smith — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 13:42:40 -0400

It isn't allowed so when you get old you can have repeated pre-cancerous and cancerous spots and lesions removed from your face, neck, and ears.

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Apr 25 at 2020 4:25 PM

SGM Ronald Cheatom — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 16:25:22 -0400

I don't have an answer, to your question, because my patrols wore them. That being said, don't feel bad about asking any question. I had a great CSM, once tell me, the only stupid question, is the one that never gets asked. I have used that, in all of my leadership roles, Army, and civilian.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2020 7:56 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2020 19:56:38 -0400

Unless you are in the Marines, they actually wear it. I know I wore mine during my time as an 0311 and 0341 (11B/11C) and I have seen Marines wearing it nowadays. Yes, it was under field conditions and during deployments. Obviously wearing it could come down to Command decision, this is a standard-issue good old Army gear/uniform, so I guess a Commander in coordination with his CSM could authorize the wear of it.

Response by SPC Steve Bryant made May 20 at 2020 7:14 PM

SPC Steve Bryant — Wed, 20 May 2020 19:14:46 -0400

When I was at Bliss, CSM had authorization from post command to wear Stetsons and spurs on Fridays. "Talk to CSM Williams." He loved that.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2020 8:54 AM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2020 08:54:15 -0400

Not everyone who wears rank is a leader. Some failures need cheap and easy ways to throw their weight/rank around. I was once told I can’t wear my Boonie during gunnery operations in July/August by the MSG running the range. My commander and SGM got pissed, told me to put it back on and told the MSG to focus on the tasks at hand and mind his own !@$& business. The leadership then went and got boonies to encourage other soldiers to do the same. It’s a safer and more comfortable option when you spend the day out in the sun.

Response by SN Robbie Malone made May 23 at 2020 11:06 PM

SN Robbie Malone — Sat, 23 May 2020 23:06:57 -0400

what is a boonie cap? just asking?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2020 12:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 May 2020 12:24:30 -0400

At our FOB in OIF II we were permitted to wear only Kevlar or boonies on the FOB, no patrol cap. Outside the wire it was Kevlar only. I don't ever remember a time someone was corrected for improper wear of the boonie.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2020 11:47 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 May 2020 23:47:26 -0400

Back in the day we had the BDUs and they had the winter cap with the ear warmer and we could never use it. Just a waste of money for the military.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made May 25 at 2020 8:42 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Mon, 25 May 2020 20:42:08 -0400

Speaking for myself, I look at it this way. The Boonie Hat was issued to me, it served a purpose. It did its job, protected me from the heat and hot sun. Mission accomplished. I never had an issue of someone saying that couldn't wear it.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made May 26 at 2020 1:54 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Tue, 26 May 2020 13:54:25 -0400

That's another good question. But if I were to ask it, I would also have to ask "why are you going to issues troops equipment and not allow them to use it?" Units in the 82nd Airborne Division are infamous for that. I got issued all kinds of different gear, but was never allowed to don it as part of my uniform. If YOU get a satisfactory answer, please share it because I still want to know why in spite of the fact that I'm retired.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2020 4:41 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2020 16:41:04 -0400

Well, I am a CSM and I have preferred the boonie cap since I was a SSG. Someone said the reason we do not wear it was because we will not wear it correctly. Well we had many not wear the beret correctly and we have even more that do not wear the current patrol cap correctly (Ranger roll is not authorized). I have heard senior leaders say the boonie hat makes Soldiers look unkempt or sloopy, but the hat does it’s job better than the others; 360 degree visor is better than the 180 degree. So why do we not wear it? Beats the hell out of me, I wore it on my last deployment and I saw no other senior leader wear it besides me. In fact some praised me fir wearing but mostly I received dirty looks from them. But my Soldiers sure did love wearing it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2020 7:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2020 19:33:34 -0400

I’m at North Ft Hood under the 1st Army umbrella and we’ve been rocking them at the flightline. No questions asked and no statements made.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2020 3:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2020 03:47:13 -0400

We were authorized by our unit, 1st BDE 82nd Airborne to wear it downrange. I remember a 3rd BDE NCO tried to get on one of my guys in the Stan, I had to step in and let him know that's how 1st BDE rolls! Lol! Seriously idk why more units aren't allowed to wear it especially in hot weather environments. As long as everyone is the same who cares? It blocks out the sun all around, it feels lighter and cooler, looks better in my opinion as well. I say for downrange and training it's far superior! So as long as everyone in your unit is the same then why not?

Response by SP5 Robert Hayhurst made May 27 at 2020 10:32 AM

SP5 Robert Hayhurst — Wed, 27 May 2020 10:32:39 -0400

It was great in the desert, kept that sun off in the gaarrison

Response by LTC John Griscom made May 27 at 2020 12:10 PM

LTC John Griscom — Wed, 27 May 2020 12:10:47 -0400

Don't recall ever seeing guidance on how to wear it. Just did a better job protecting from sun and rain. Had one with mosquito netting.

Response by SMSgt John Lemon made May 27 at 2020 3:02 PM

SMSgt John Lemon — Wed, 27 May 2020 15:02:24 -0400

When I was a kid, when my dad was stationed at Clark AFB, the boonie hat was referred to as the "go to hell hat." Also we had the same problem with the boonie hat in the sandbox. I have since noticed that the military has once again banned the boonie hat and gone back to the ball cap.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 27 at 2020 3:06 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 27 May 2020 15:06:55 -0400

It has to be a block of instruction at USASMA, it’s not the BN/BDE Precommand Course.

Response by LT John Stevens made May 28 at 2020 1:12 PM

LT John Stevens — Thu, 28 May 2020 13:12:08 -0400

I can offer no reasonable explanation as I am not and have never been in the Army. However, I have a related anecdote that some may enjoy. I was a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy serving aboard ship 1974 -1977. We operated throughout Asia and the Pacific, often in tropical locales.

My CO mentioned several times that he would really like all of the officers on our ship, to wear what was called "Tropical Uniform Golf." This uniform consisted of khaki shorts, khaki knee socks, black shoes, khaki short sleeve shirt, and a "Tropical Pith Helmet, Khaki." All of the above was readily available from a variety of sources except the pith helmet. Pith helmets were not available through the Navy exchange, nor were they available to the Navy in the naval supply system.

During a port call in Guam, I noticed that all of the US Marines wore tropical pith helmets when on guard duty. I went searching for the Master Gunnery Sergeant and worked out a bit of a comshaw trade with him in exchange for a case of "Tropical Pith Helmets, Water Damaged." My men and I performed some electrical work in the Marine barracks, my men got extra liberty, and I got the helmets, which I immediately issued to all of the officers of our ship. I wish I had a photo as we looked like we were right out of McHale's Navy.

Response by Cpl Mark Roeder made May 28 at 2020 10:57 PM

Cpl Mark Roeder — Thu, 28 May 2020 22:57:28 -0400

They are in love with their colorful berets. Why anyone would adopt anything with ties to the French military is beyond me.

Response by 1SG Charles Simpson made May 30 at 2020 7:38 AM

1SG Charles Simpson — Sat, 30 May 2020 07:38:30 -0400

I am not presently on active duty (retired from the army in July 88 after a 28 year career) so I cannot comment on what is authorized to wear by today's 670-1. However, I do know the "boonie hat" that originated with the Vietnam War. For those of you too young to have had the pleasure of serving in that jungle paradise, I will let you in on a little secret; AR 670-1 was pretty much ignored except by the REMFs whose function was to look pretty, lie to the press and make sure the PX was well stocked with the items necessary for REMF lifestyle. The boonie hat was part of that PX requirement. The boonie, although never actually legal for wear was ignored because it was practical and had that John Wayne look that impressed the folks back home. It became a habit that just stuck after we ended the fun in Vietnam and it followed the troops as they left and were dispersed to other duty stations around the world. As a soldier who always wore the steel pot instead of the boonie, I always thought it should have been outlawed from the getgo because many young soldiers would still be alive today if they had been forced to keep that pot on their heads at all times except when sleeping behind a safe perimeter. John Wayne belongs in the movies, not in our army,

Response by CPL Justin Higgins made May 30 at 2020 5:33 PM

CPL Justin Higgins — Sat, 30 May 2020 17:33:14 -0400

In my opinion it looks unprofessional compared to other types of headgear. One of my battalion CSM decided that the fleece was a no-go, even though other battalions were authorized to wear it. Reason being, he thought it looked unprofessional, and I agree with him. Perhaps the boonie would be more appropriate when function is more necessary as opposed to appearance. Example: Being down range and your concern is more focused on staying alive and keeping the sun off your face and neck.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2020 2:18 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 02:18:45 -0400

Because the Marines wear it in the field. An a soldier should never wear anything that a Marine wears.

Response by SSG Andrew Wagoner made Jun 1 at 2020 1:08 PM

SSG Andrew Wagoner — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 13:08:40 -0400

I wore mine all the time on my first deployment in 03. Loved it as a e3/e4. It was different and something we couldn't wear at home. Plus the DCU uniform pattern was awesome and I believe the DCU pattern boonie cap looked better than the ACU boonie cap. On my second deployment I wore my patrol cap by choice because I felt it looked more official and proper. I worked in a detention facility in Baghdad and wanted the detainees to see me as a serious soldier who went by the book, not a goof in a weird hat.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2020 8:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 20:15:44 -0400

When I was in the 82nd ABN, we were issued the boonie hat, and told to wear it in the field, our steel pots were on our ruck sack, no one needed to tell us when to use our steel pot, it was common sense.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 2 at 2020 1:31 AM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 01:31:32 -0400

Another Army hat question. Presidential Candidate Vermin Supreme wants to save your clothing allowance. He proposes you wear boots on your heads
-Thanks for the laugh, signed The Marines.

Response by 1SG Karl Rivers made Jun 28 at 2020 12:14 PM

1SG Karl Rivers — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 12:14:40 -0400

From my experience, Soldiers won’t wear the Boonie properly. They have to be constantly corrected. When Soldiers are corrected, they quickly get an attitude about it. Most of the Soldiers that remain loyal to the proper wear of the Boonie were Drill Sergeants. It’s a shame because I think it’s a great cover in the extreme heat. I’m retired now so I wear it when I cut my grass.

Response by MSG Karl Lehrke made Jul 29 at 2020 4:21 PM

MSG Karl Lehrke — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 16:21:49 -0400

I think that Sergeants Major get bored.
As a MSG, I was in charge of A PSYOP Team that went into Iraq approx 3 days after initial ground forces (OIF). Several weeks later, we returned to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait for a little R&R.
While we were gone, everything changed. Subway moved in along with a laundry service. And the Sergeants Major actually had a conference to determine the correct wear of the Boonie Hat.
As a team, we decided that wearing Boonie hats in the rear was for Pogues so we wore PCs until we went back into Iraq.
Life was better in Iraq until the Sergeants Major finally arrived with their Clearing Barrels.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 30 at 2020 11:30 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 11:30:19 -0400

Does it look like my BN CDR or his OPS SGM had a issue wearing the sun hat headgear?

Response by Neal Chamberlain made Jul 30 at 2020 6:12 PM

Neal Chamberlain — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 18:12:07 -0400

The boonie is one of the most comfortable pieces of gear available. I am a lifelong civilian, but when I was growing up on the farm, I would order mil surplus to work in. There is nothing like full-cotton fatigues to wear in a hayfield during Dog Days. Loved those lined gloves and the M-65 in the Winter too.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2020 1:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:17:57 -0400

My first deployment it went from “you can’t wear it” to “you can if you want” to “you have to wear it” to you can’t wear it” in the space of three months.

Response by SSG David Kaelin made Jul 31 at 2020 6:44 PM

SSG David Kaelin — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 18:44:42 -0400

I've always said this.

There are two types of Leaders in the Army.

2. Those who read regulations and see what is authorized.
1. Those who read the regulations and see what is NOT authorized or what is prohibited.

The best LEADERS see what is authorized. The majority of turds see what is prohibited.

I made my second to last First Sergeant so angry that she teared up when I told her that she was a Prohibitor. These people disgust me.

I always read DA and DOD regulations with an eye towards what I could get accomplished. Too many Army "leaders" look to stymie their people with prohibitions.

I abhor these people.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2020 10:05 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 22:05:13 -0400

I've pretty much been in a sniper or recon section my whole career and that's all I've worn in the field and deployed

Response by PO2 Thomas Thompson made Aug 2 at 2020 3:22 PM

PO2 Thomas Thompson — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 15:22:27 -0400

We all wore a boonie hat in Vietnam

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Aug 2 at 2020 9:26 PM

1LT Peter Duston — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 21:26:18 -0400

I love boonie caps. They are so practical shading my eyes, neck and ears from the sun that conspires to produce skin cancers on my head, Besides, in the rain, the boonie keeps the runoff from running down my neck. Boonies Forever!

Response by SGT Jerry Ericsson made Aug 2 at 2020 10:15 PM

SGT Jerry Ericsson — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 22:15:32 -0400

They were part of the uniform when I was in Vietnam back in 70-71. We shaped them to our preference. I had mine shaped more or less like a cowboy hat since I hailed from North Dakota. To make it hold it's shape, I inserted some stiff solid core wire in the seam around the brim, it held it's shape nicely, then I took some inside house wire and weaved a hat band for it. Nobody ever said a word about it, but then that was back when Christ was a Corporal.

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Aug 2 at 2020 11:15 PM

MSgt Allen Chandler — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 23:15:57 -0400

I always thought it looked better than the Barre

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Aug 3 at 2020 10:35 AM

CW5 Mark Smith — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 10:35:34 -0400

Wore one in Vietnam and Iraq. Didn't wear one for 30 plus years when not deployed. Might be the reason I regularly visit the dermatologist who carves on my ears and neck (or blasts me with liquid nitrogen) to remove damage from the sun. I think it safe to say that dermatologists would choose the boonie hat.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Aug 3 at 2020 4:51 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:51:02 -0400

Since just before WW2, the US ARMY has issued boonie hats, that were uesed for garrison details. Details like company area clean up and such. Then during WW2, troops used these hats in the field in place of the M-1 helmet because of the weight of the M-1. The boonie hat provided more shade to your head and eyes. It was also alot lighter to wear. Troops were deemed "unmilitary" looking when found wearing boonie hats. There's no real way to make them look neat, even when iron pressed. The Army patrol cap became the answer. Round, stiff and proper looking for the brass and civilian authorities, the patrol cap became the choice to wear. Then when we became involved in Vietnam, troops began finding some stocks of boonie hats being worn by the VC & NVA troops! Lighter in weight, cooler in the heat of the tropics and less noisier the a helmet! But again, they were unmilitary looking. The brass let those troops in the field wear the boonie hats, while in the field, but forebade them in garrison. One division's band found a way to wear the boonie hat in garrison by iron pressing them into a presentable condition. But after Vietnam the boonie hats disappeared into the supply stocks for some years. When the OD uniforms went the way of the dodo bird and BDUs came in fashion, some enterprising person thought "why not bring back the boonie hats!" The 80's did not see much use of the boonie hats, but the 90's brought on a new thinking for using the boonie hats. Desert Shield and Desrt Storm saw more troops being issued boonie hats. Floppy in appearance but cooler than the patrol caps, the troops found them very acceptable to wear. But still the brass were not happy with them. Sure you can press them into ARMY standards, but they represent dissent and unmilitary look.

Response by CW3 Dan Mackey made Aug 3 at 2020 11:58 PM

CW3 Dan Mackey — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 23:58:45 -0400

The boonie hat was the only hat I wore in the field as a sniper because it did not have a uniform shape and worked great for holding natural camo. That non uniform shape is what makes the rear area types hat them.

Response by SSG William Bruno made Aug 4 at 2020 1:24 AM

SSG William Bruno — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 01:24:40 -0400

If you didn't use language that says you are looking for a fight, people might just give you a direct answer.

Response by SP5 Norman Binder made Aug 4 at 2020 6:31 PM

SP5 Norman Binder — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 18:31:39 -0400

Couldn't wait to get home(civilian) to get my own.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2020 11:58 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:58:40 -0400

You’re questioning the thought process of an army who decided on a beret as a legitimate cover? A wool blanket for your skull that provides absolutely no shade. I think thr bookie is a far superior cover to the cap; great sun protection, good for camo, has eyelets that breathe, etc.
and if “proper wear” were a concern, they would throw the cap in the fireplace after seeing how that thing gets rolled and bent to look like a civil war era hat. Someone with a star has a problem with it and that’s your reason.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Sep 8 at 2020 11:42 PM

SSG Harry Herres — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 23:42:22 -0400

Sorry, best head gear ever, protected everything. Why was it issued, because it did the job. Why was it condemned, because it worked.! Those who did not do the work controlled those that did. Sorry get out and care about your people, not your power! If you care not, they care not for you. Pay back can be a bitch!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2020 4:27 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 16:27:56 -0400

Some people just have a lot of hate in them and want to spread that feeling all over.

Response by SGT Martha Cain made Sep 10 at 2020 2:06 PM

SGT Martha Cain — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 14:06:31 -0400

Not hardly, I raised my right hand/arm ; 7 April 1975. A Vet of Vietnam & Desert Storm, trained at Fort Bragg N.C., 35th sig , 50th sig Abn D, XVIII Corps, 4th Psyop Gp~66th MIG, USREDCOM, US Soldier Support, USSOC, USCENTCOM

Response by Maj Gary Gault made Sep 11 at 2020 3:30 PM

Maj Gary Gault — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:30:27 -0400

The Boonie Cap is a Field Cap and worn in the field or in training for the field. Simple and effective, designed to keep off sun and bugs, wear it with pride! Cheers,

Response by PV2 Ross Bryan made Sep 12 at 2020 3:44 PM

PV2 Ross Bryan — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 15:44:00 -0400

WHILE BACK IN MY DAYS OF ARMY RESERVES
(1963-1967) WE HAD NOTHING LIKE THE BOONIE CAP!
THE FATIGUE CAP WE HAD AFTER BCT WAS
A HARD SIDE CAP!
I DONT REMEMBER THE REAL NAME OF THIS CAP BUT IT DID LOOK GOOD AND A SMALL RANK INSIGNIA PIN WAS USED ON THE FRONT OF IT.
THE UNOFFICIAL NICKNAME OF THE CAP WAS THE "CASTRO CAP" AS FIDEL CASTRO
WORE THE SAME STYLE CAP!
IN 1966 THIS CAP WAS FORBIDDEN TO USE
AND WAS REPLACED BY A BASEBALL STYLE
CAP!
I HATED ALL THE UNIFORM STUFF IN THOSE DAYS BUT DID LIKE THE CASTRO CAP!!
WHEN I GOT OUT OF RESERVES OCT
1967, ALL MY STUFF HAD TO BE TURNED BACK, SO IT ALL WENT IN THE DUFFLE BAG AND ACROSS THE COUNTER!
NEVER WANTED A UNIFORM, DONT MISS IT NOW, LOL

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made Sep 13 at 2020 1:18 AM

CW4 Keith Dolliver — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 01:18:22 -0400

Because the Army needed a new hat to demonize after the BDU winter cap with ear flaps went away.

Response by MSG David Gagnon made Sep 13 at 2020 3:07 PM

MSG David Gagnon — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 15:07:38 -0400

It seems that most regs are just BS made up by worthless SMG’s.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2020 8:58 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 20:58:50 -0400

The boonie hat is the best headgear ever designed by the military. I think it should be the primary headgear for all units in the field or when not wearing a beret. Get rid of the patrol cap. Add rank for garrison, blank for the field.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 3:23 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:23:54 -0400

Oh boy, this always got me fired up. The Air Force is just as stupid about it. They used to let us wear it on the flightless in Tucson if we used the string to keep it on our head but later said that was a no-go as well. At least enlisted in the AF don't wear rank on their hats.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 10:20 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 22:20:45 -0400

I think it all boils down to uniformity and commanders discretion, not saying that it is right

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 10:31 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 22:31:27 -0400

In RC East, I had a SGM that walked around with a thermometer and raised hell if we were wearing the Felt PT cap if it wasn't the AR prescribed temperature. He caught me one morning and wanted to see my 1SG, I took him to the grumpy AF Chief, he got more than he wanted as far as conversation! #priceless

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 5:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:15:58 -0400

Simple it does not look Professional to many of the Senior Leadership. It fops. No Clear lines no neatness to it. Like you I like the boonie cap. It shades your eyes better. Protects your skin better. I am getting what My RN Daughter says looks the beginning of skin cancer now. So while there are many great things to say for and about the boonie cap it does not look professional to most of the Senior Leadership.

Response by SGT Bob Knox made Sep 17 at 2020 9:38 AM

SGT Bob Knox — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 09:38:04 -0400

I loved the boonie I still wear mine today
Bob

Response by LTC Ben Chlapek made Sep 29 at 2020 11:47 AM

LTC Ben Chlapek — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 11:47:19 -0400

Same thing happened to us on a deployment. Snow, wind chill ~ 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and a Specialist came in with frostbite on the ears. He asked if he could wear his green or black stocking cap issued at the mobilization station. I told him "absolutely" and everyone working outside today and tonight needs to wear it. As the XO, I told my SNCO that was now the headgear of choice and no more government property called "ears" were to be destroyed due to extreme cold. I asked him to make it happen and spread the word through the Chain of Command. You would have thought I'd passed gas in church. The CSM came in and asked me "who authorized this?" I told him I had and we weren't getting Soldiers injured by being stupid. I further said if they Army didn't want us wearing it, they wouldn't have issued it and it was just plain common sense. After over 30 years in, I knew better than to bank on common sense. The CSM ran to the milquetoast CO and the CO came down and said "XO, be nice to the CSM" in his best whining voice. Needless to say, the TF CSM found out in a matter of minutes and the whole TF was wearing stocking caps. Mike Charlie. The same thing happened with boonie hats when the weather got hot. It makes you wonder how some people get promoted. Caveat: my apologies to all of my friends who are great CSM's and "get it." It's about taking care of our charges to get the mission done.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Oct 6 at 2020 2:51 PM

1SG Patrick Sims — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 14:51:18 -0400

From a safety standpoint, the soldier should be wearing appropriate headgear associated with his MOS. Other than that, I could care less about what type of headgear is worn in the field.

Response by MSG Pat SingR made Oct 27 at 2020 11:27 AM

MSG Pat SingR — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 11:27:54 -0400

It depends, when is cold outside, my CSM allows us to wear them as long as it safe in the environment you're in. --common sense works sometimes in the Army too.

Response by LTC Philip Marlowe made Nov 1 at 2020 8:01 PM

LTC Philip Marlowe — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 20:01:09 -0500

I suggest it has more to do with MILITARY SNCO managers and Commissioned Officer leaders having OCD. The boonie hat, no matter how you slice and dice it simply doesn't look 'in order'... The military DEMANDS 'dress right dress' and when you've 40 different bends in bonnie hats throughout a formation - you get OCD response. Even the Beret, which soldiers have found multiple ways of wearing it - at least seems to appear 'consistent' throughout a formation. However, you have a formation of boonie hat wearers and it will drive someone with OCD absolutely NUTS! When the BDU cap was introduced, everyone attempted to 'block' it - me, I crushed it. I took the front of the hat, bent it down to the brim and then folded the 2d half so I could put it in my cargo pocket...the result - a SADDLE (high front and rear ridge - crush in the middle) My Commanders went nuts. Said I couldn't wear it like that - I said: Show me and they couldn't because there is nothing written that made it policy to 'block' it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2020 11:31 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 23:31:32 -0500

This is my favorite part of aviation. We can wear this while on the flight line since its the only head gear that can be worn on it. So we damn near get free reign when it comes to our jobs but any other aspect its the pc.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2020 9:06 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 09:06:56 -0500

Because...Army. It's pretty sad to think about all of the things that are issued for soldier comfort that aren't used because a hard-ass SGM/1SG/etc is too Army to allow it. They like to cite AR 670-1 like Pharisees spouting scripture, but miss the part where it says commanders set uniform policy. So, if you have dumb uniform policies, it's on the commander and not NCOs. The commander may be either too dense to understand that soldiers don't have to dress for misery while they experience it, or too lazy - leaving it up to the NCO chain. If the CO says "We're wearing boonie hats.", then we're wearing boonie hats. The senior NCO doesn't have to like it, but he is not in COMMAND. As a former NCO, I fully support turning over complete execution of orders to NCOs. That includes implementation of COMMAND uniform policy. Of course, some commanders set stupid policies, too...but that's because they can.

Response by SSG Douglas Espinosa made Nov 5 at 2020 4:22 PM

SSG Douglas Espinosa — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:22:17 -0500

I know when I was in the 82nd everyone in the Brigade wore it in the Field and while we were deployed. I liked the boonie cap

Response by SSG Douglas Espinosa made Nov 5 at 2020 4:43 PM

SSG Douglas Espinosa — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:43:55 -0500

Response by SGT Stephen Jaffe made Nov 5 at 2020 11:47 PM

SGT Stephen Jaffe — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 23:47:46 -0500

I was in the Army 1965-1968. We had to wear the ball caps. Some guys got decent ones, and others like me had the kind that looked like a parrot's beak. Looked kind of crappy to me, but they didn't ask me if I liked them or not, so I wore them.

Response by PO3 Edward Riddle made Nov 6 at 2020 8:58 PM

PO3 Edward Riddle — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 20:58:15 -0500

I was in the Navy and we worked with the Army in the Mobile Riverine Force in Viet Nam when the Boonie Hat came out . We wore them when we weren't on an Op or when we weren't wearing a Helmet mainly to keep the sun off of our face or neck. Who cares what it looks like? Lighten up.

Response by SPC Mike MacDonald made Nov 6 at 2020 10:47 PM

SPC Mike MacDonald — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 22:47:44 -0500

We got a new Major General in the 1st Infantry Division in 1969 in Vietnam. When I reported to him he asked "what is that on your head?" I said "a ball cap Sir". He told me to throw it away, he was issuing boonie hats to soldiers "cause we're in a war zone". That was MG Albert Milloy.
Mike MacDonald, President, 28th Inf. Reg. Assn.

Response by CW2 Jalistair B made Nov 7 at 2020 12:47 AM

CW2 Jalistair B — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 00:47:16 -0500

Great question, I have often wondered this myself. Clearly it is the most effective cover, other than a Stetson, in the Army.

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Nov 7 at 2020 5:58 PM

SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 17:58:07 -0500

many of the fellow in the Nam wore the thing like a cowboy hat and that set some of the old E8,9 on edge. but as you can see on my Avitar, I still have mine

Response by LTC Ray Morris made Nov 7 at 2020 9:11 PM

LTC Ray Morris — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 21:11:27 -0500

In my opinion, Boonie-hats should be the uniform of the day while in the field. In many combat units, it pretty much is! In mine, it was. The only one I liked more was the old "Ranger" patrolling hat. Kept your ears warmer. :) And to answer your question, many people, when they get into leadership positions, act as if they have a poker up their butts most of the time. My advice? Lighten up. Don't take yourself too seriously. If you can do that, the troops will work their asses off for you and make you a general someday! IMHO

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2020 10:04 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:04:50 -0500

Because some sergeant major had too much time on his hands and decided this was more important than taking care of soldiers and training them

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2020 9:45 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 09:45:53 -0500

The boonie cap is a patrolling cap specifically used when the need for noise and silhouette reduction justifies the trade off in security offered by a helmet. But also some people look really dumb in it

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2020 9:09 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 09:09:13 -0500

Some enjoy their work more than others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oF0XYRhRvA&list=PLRDo6LhKTT8z9_LpGsFtKi1_1FCqzP7KA&index=245

watch

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2020 11:06 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 11:06:33 -0500

Never been a fan of the boonie cap, just don't like the look. I wore one once going downrange into Iraq and Kuwait in 2006, also lots of guys wore them in Thailand in the 70s... called them "go to Hell hats" as in "if you don't like my hat, you can go to Hell" :-)

Response by CW4 Steven Bowyer made Dec 16 at 2020 9:39 AM

CW4 Steven Bowyer — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 09:39:06 -0500

While in Iraq with the 1st Cav, I never saw it frowned upon. A lot of guys just wore their patrol cap, but that sun was pretty fierce on the ears that way. Not wanting skin cancer, I always wore my boonie hat and no one ever said anything about it. It was an option. Same with everyone else. Now, if we wore our Stetson into the Mess Hall, the mess sergeant had fits. That's right, Mess Hall. I never agreed with this whole DFAC thing. I don't call it resisting change, I call it respecting tradition.

Response by Jerry Rivas made Dec 16 at 2020 11:09 PM

Jerry Rivas — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 23:09:44 -0500

Some senior NCO's just need to bitch alot.......

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Dec 17 at 2020 6:14 AM

SFC Mark Klaers — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:14:15 -0500

The solution is simple; if you don't like the boonie cap...QUIT ISSUING IT! Heaven forbid somebody pin up a side or tilt down the front! The entire US Army's Good Order and Discipline" will collapse because some Specialist wore an "altered" boonie cap while on patrol in Afghanistan. How can we possibly beat the CCPA with platoons of soldiers whose hats aren't uniform? The more appropriate question would be "Why do we even have Sergeants Major in the first place?"

Response by SCPO William Akin made Dec 18 at 2020 4:37 PM

SCPO William Akin — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 16:37:47 -0500

As concerns this subject I recommend a song from a few decades ago..
"Saigon Warrior" by Saul Broudy and Robin Thomas
(on Youtube)

Response by SGT Tom Recupero made Dec 18 at 2020 11:20 PM

SGT Tom Recupero — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 23:20:42 -0500

As soon as it goes on, someone ultimately goes full crocodile Dundee and flips the side or both sides up. I assume that is why

Response by SSG John Jensen made Dec 19 at 2020 12:47 AM

SSG John Jensen — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 00:47:13 -0500

just like way back when - when nobody could wear sunglasses. - then the Army got the ballistic glasses, and to make soldiers want to wear them they made them as sunglasses - it happened after I left Active Duty so I didn't get to see the response?!?!

Response by SSG John Jensen made Dec 19 at 2020 12:49 AM

SSG John Jensen — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 00:49:48 -0500

a co-worker in the shop had to get a skin cancer removed from his temple after he got back from Iraq - he had bee in a unit that outlawed boogie hats - he wouldn't have the cancer if he could wear a boonie hat

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2020 9:19 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 09:19:04 -0500

It is mass stupidity starting from one egotistical senior leader.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2020 9:20 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 09:20:08 -0500

Damn , 5,000 more views on this post and it will reach 100,000. That’s awesome

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Jan 10 at 2021 5:58 PM

SGT Randall Smith — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 17:58:06 -0500

I know it was the old days, but we had quite a few guys wear the boonie in Nam. I would when on compound but never when on a convoy or in the field. I wanted every bit of safety I could get. Heck, on convoys I even sat on a folded up flack jacket. Was it comfortable? Hell no. But did my butt fell safer, Yup.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 7:14 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 19:14:09 -0500

Well being both active and now in the reserves..
Simply put..
Not everyone gets issued one. I've never had one. Same with the nice under armor combat tops..
One team one fight

Response by MAJ Mark Steskal made Jan 12 at 2021 10:21 AM

MAJ Mark Steskal — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 10:21:33 -0500

Check out the headgear in my photo and you can tell how this will go. The idea of the boonie hat was to increase camouflage while at the same time providing increased protection from the sun as well as visibility to the wearer. That said, it could not be pressed at a time when all uniform items were to be starched, so it looked 'unprofessional.'
It was fairly standard in the fileld when I was in the Marines in the 1980's, and was part of the normal headgear when I was in the Army (Guard under 3 BDE, 101st Abn) in Afghanistan in 2010.
I do agree with the 'Busy Body,' nature of some of the Sr. NCO's. I heard that Command SGT Magor at Bagram became a stiller for turning people away from the chow hall if they did not have eyepro and gloves on at the door.
They say that 'cream rises to the top.' But it is also true of floaters in the crapper.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2021 11:34 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 23:34:14 -0500

retired as a Major, love the boonie, was authorized to wear ONE time, ONE day in over 20 years

Response by HN Chris Robinette made Jan 27 at 2021 1:36 PM

HN Chris Robinette — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:36:47 -0500

Love the Boonie Cap and I was Navy corpsman attached to Marines!!

Response by CW3 Dan Mackey made Jan 27 at 2021 3:04 PM

CW3 Dan Mackey — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 15:04:58 -0500

As a sniper I only worn a boonie cap when in the field and deployed. Best design to break up the profile of the head.

Response by Neal Chamberlain made Jan 28 at 2021 6:29 PM

Neal Chamberlain — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 18:29:49 -0500

The military has never issued any headgear more practical than the boonie. I bought one at a flea market a few years ago that was a small notch too small and gave it to my son. He is retired Air Guard and had never seen one it is now his favorite hat for working outside. Outside of safety concerns, there is nothing in the entire uniform closet to beat it.

Response by SFC Terry Bryant made Jan 29 at 2021 9:30 AM

SFC Terry Bryant — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 09:30:04 -0500

Tradition and the strict rules of authorized Military clothing. The boogie hat is just not authorized in garrison. Unless you did as I did. I had the beginnings of skin cancer on my nose and ears and had to go to a medical board which gave me a medical profile that stated, "Soldier will wear boonie hat at all times while outdoors. Now for me not to wear my boonie hat is a possible article 15. There is NO PERSON OF ANY RANK that can force me to remove my hat. Oh do not doubt I got pinged on a Dailey basis about my hat. Even when I told some of these uniform natzi's that I have skin cancer and needed to protect my head I still was forced to show my profile. I eventually got it on my phone.

Response by SFC R. Lee Linebarger made Jan 29 at 2021 11:59 AM

SFC R. Lee Linebarger — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 11:59:49 -0500

Simple, the Army for the last 70 years has had no desire to look better than any other branch. Also, anything that makes sense is questioned with idiotic scrutiny i.e. you can't roll the sides of your boonie hat up like a "cowboy hat" looks unprofessional, but stickingbit on your head all wrinkled up is ok.

The Army has forgotten more of its own history and tradition that it no longer has a sense of pride. Example, the new "pinks and greens".....

The way regs are written is another issue. When the Army re-introduces something from the past, it is written as though it is something new, when in reality it's an old policy being brought back.

Finally, the Army G1 is incompetent and ignorant when explaining the regulations.

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made Jan 29 at 2021 2:07 PM

SFC Michael Peterson — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:07:37 -0500

The boonie cap is the best head gear in the inventory. It’s too bad some unit commanders don’t approve of it. There were three times I can remember being allowed to wear them. One was during the time we were waiting to go home after Operation Desert Storm. Another was when I was on loan to JOTC (Jungle Operations Training Center) in Panama and, the last was when we were on the FOB during the counter-insurgency phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We were told not to try and “shape” them and, I don’t remember seeing anyone do it.

Response by LTC Carlene Salazar made Jan 30 at 2021 12:46 AM

LTC Carlene Salazar — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 00:46:25 -0500

Sad truth is you rarely see either boonie hats OR patrol caps in the field any more. Usually, when a unit goes to the field now, its a PSAT(?) /Kevlar. Something that gives you headaches and neck aches all the time.

Response by SSG Paul Carrier made Jan 31 at 2021 7:44 PM

SSG Paul Carrier — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 19:44:55 -0500

My theory is since THEY never go t to then why should you get to ...

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Feb 1 at 2021 6:06 PM

MAJ Steve Daugherty — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 18:06:03 -0500

As a physician I would think that using a full brim hat would actually be healthier tha a cap

Response by 1stSgt Jim Heney made Feb 27 at 2021 3:58 PM

1stSgt Jim Heney — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 15:58:22 -0500

It's entertaining to read the posts that go back and forth over such trivial matters... two words, "ARMY"!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2021 11:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 11:44:07 -0500

In the Marines the boonie hat was authorized for wear during every deployment anywhere, anytime. Even during some training exercises. But for some reason in the Army it was not the case. Which was very annoying.

Response by PO1 Conan MacLafferty made Mar 1 at 2021 9:25 PM

PO1 Conan MacLafferty — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 21:25:47 -0500

In the navy as well. The shade they provide is awesome, especially if you have been out in the weather for long periods of time. Helps keep the chance of skin cancer way down on the face, neck and ears.

Response by CWO3 Jim Grindstaff made Mar 2 at 2021 8:48 AM

CWO3 Jim Grindstaff — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 08:48:22 -0500

SGT,
We all get frustrated from time to time, but I would step back, take a deep breath, and reevaluate your approach to the matter. Your post--particularly the wording and the dismissing of opinions that may not conform to yours--is written like something I would expect from someone who has a long journey ahead in terms of leadership and an ability to change the opinions of your superiors. If you were to approach me with such an attitude for a mission brief, I would find it difficult to refrain from showing you the door and choosing another unit to do the mission.
"Seriously I wanna know. Mainly from you senior leadership and your mentality..."
From the beginning of your post, you are disrespectful, whiny, and put the reader--especially those in leadership roles--on a defensive position. Could it be that the push-back you are receiving has little to do with the headgear and much more to do with an immature and unprofessional demeanor that flows down from the unit SGT to the rest of the troops in your charge?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2021 1:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 01:37:24 -0500

Man I still got boonies in the plastic because we couldn’t wear them on deployment, such a waste of money. I got about 9

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Mar 5 at 2021 2:37 PM

1SG Harold Piet — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 14:37:21 -0500

I believe that my issue with the boonie cap is that it always looked disheveled and would not stay in a particular shape. I love to wear it but never did like it in formations.

Response by SFC James Welch made Mar 5 at 2021 7:05 PM

SFC James Welch — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 19:05:41 -0500

I see nothing wrong with it except the desire for everything to the same. I like the boonie hat myself. I still have one. When the BDU’s first came out they were wash and wear. The next thing you knew Senior Officers started showing up with them starched and ironed. I don’t think they can help themselves actually!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2021 7:22 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 19:22:15 -0500

Yes. A frustrating topic. It was especially exacerbating right after 9/11. The big Army recognized short comings in field gear and issued stuff to soldiers in order to help them cope. Unfortunately, updates to AR 670-1 came out slower than the equipment. The big ones that seemed to really piss off senior NCOs were black fleece, boony hats, and ballistic sunglasses. I remember having the following argument with a senior NCO about new boots that were issued. “Sir; you can’t wear those. They aren’t in AR 670-1.” Me: “But the Army gave them to me. They must want me to wear them.” Senior NCO: “Sir, they aren’t in AR 670-1.” Me: “Yes sergeant major. We established that. But the Army issued them to me.” Senior NCO: “Sir, but they aren’t in AR 670-1 so you can’t where them.” At that point a quote about arguing with idiots came to mind.
The one that really blew me away was the ballistic glasses. I was going into a chow hall and there was a poster of a soldier with his face pockmarked with shrapnel, including his ballistic glasses. Which saved his eyesight. The caption read, “NCOs, make sure your soldier always have their ballistic glasses.” Meanwhile, a 1SG was inspecting soldiers coming through the chow hall lime for uniform violations. Among other things he was telling soldier to take off their ballistic sun glasses. If they were in your pocket they were probably going to break (as several of mine did), and you wouldn’t be in a position to get them on.
The boony hat wars the same. Provided extra protection for soldiers, albeit against the sun, not shrapnel. But senior NCOs didn’t care.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Mar 6 at 2021 10:13 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 22:13:12 -0500

Most likely your battalion or company commander decided that wearing of the boonies cap wasn't warranted for the field exercise. This decision should have been briefed before heading out. Can you quote the AR regulation covering the wear of the boonies cap?

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2021 5:56 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 17:56:40 -0500

You see...the army loves to do really dumb things and that has become part of our culture. I’m shocked we aren’t still wearing fro point hats. Take the beret for example...good for NOTHING. It’s literally one of the few hats you can wear that provided no shade AND makes you hotter. The bookie hat SHOULD be the default and the PC an alternate.

Response by SFC Daniel Eliseuson made Apr 15 at 2021 1:06 AM

SFC Daniel Eliseuson — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 01:06:36 -0400

I don’t recall ANY situation where it was dissed in the Bush, excluding incoming this replaced by the steel pot or it was so faded that it stood out thus negating is effectiveness

Semper Fi
Cheers
Rangoon

Response by COL Robert Davies made Apr 16 at 2021 11:38 PM

COL Robert Davies — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 23:38:54 -0400

At San Antonio (IMWE), I was a 9/11 mobilization and a very senior O6, some one was constantly asking my O5 chaplains why he didn't correct me. You go chase him down and correct him. The O5 and I were friends and I approved his assignments. I had a CSM in the desert who reminded me every time he saw me about my boonie and I reminded him I was still an O6 and he was welcome to his opinion.

Response by PFC James Edward VERNON jr made Apr 19 at 2021 6:55 PM

PFC James Edward VERNON jr — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 18:55:01 -0400

THE BOONIE CAP IS A BADGE OF HONOR TO MOST 11B SOLDIERS. YOU HAVE TO ACTUALLY BE A "GRUNT" TO UNDERSTAND.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2021 10:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 22:21:17 -0400

Guilty, I was one of those types that wore it "incorrectly" with the sides pulled up and the drawstring over the top. For me it was more comfortable that way and still kept the sun off my head, neck and face. And with the sides down it tended to screw with wearing commo headsets or ear muff ear protection. So yeah, guilty as decreed.
Personally, I always felt that field uniforms and how they are worn during normal day to day operations should have a bit of latitude for the wearer. Too many folks are hung up on starch and spit shines still and think everyone should be parade ground pretty every where they go when wearing field/fatigue type uniforms. (LOL, I am getting an image of a bunch of paygrade E8s and 9s loosing their minds over my remarks complete with redden faces and steam shooting out their ears.) But ya know what, by being just a bit relaxed on the trivial my folks got their missions done to and above standard even if they did look rumpled and raggedy. But you tell them there will be an in ranks garrison type uniform appearance inspection at the start of the duty day or as part of the duty day (payday activities, dog and pony shows, etc.) and they would look like the pretty boys and girls at the Pentagon and Arlington.

Response by CSM Robert Moore made May 28 at 2021 12:35 PM

CSM Robert Moore — Fri, 28 May 2021 12:35:24 -0400

I didn’t wear one because I just didn’t care for, however I didn’t care if soldier’s wore theirs. I would say about 50 percent of my brigade wore one

Response by SFC Larry Brown made Jun 13 at 2021 6:31 PM

SFC Larry Brown — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 18:31:36 -0400

Back in the 70s the Army allowed each unit to choose it's own headgear. We had red ones and green ones and blue ones. We had baseball caps or boonie hats or berets. DA decided this was a detrimental to discipline and required everyone to were OD green ball caps. The Airborne had a formal funeral for their berets. It really did produce a much less circus atmosphere on post. The Airborne later rejoiced when they finally got their berets back.

Response by LTC Robin Gronovius made Jun 14 at 2021 12:55 PM

LTC Robin Gronovius — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 12:55:42 -0400

Probably because there is too much variation in the way soldiers wear a boonie cap that a dozen guys can all look different. The baseball style cap our Army has used for generations has a well defined standard look; although back in the BDU day, there were some formed caps and some looked like they were pulled out of the cargo pocket.
I'm a firm believer in using the equipment the Army makes available to us for the weather around us. For people with fair skin, other head gear provides no solar/UV protection for the ear lobes.

Response by SSG Randall Speck made Jun 14 at 2021 1:58 PM

SSG Randall Speck — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 13:58:33 -0400

OK, same situation. My seniors issued us flight coveralls in Vielsek Germany back in 83 when we we training for the Canadian Army Trophy Competition. (I was a tanker back then) anyway, our trainers, their 1SG, and CSM had a fit over it saying it wasn't authorized. Our LTC stepped in and told them he was authorizing it thru the 3RD Armor commander, and they could take it up with him. Well that shut them up until we pushed the issue and wore them into the PX and around off duty. Same thing had to be done with the Post Commander. Shit just happens sometime!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2021 3:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:42:49 -0400

I personally hat the boonie but that is just my preference. The only way I would hem someone up about wearing one is if not everyone is wearing one. I still believe in uniformity. If we are in the field I don't care.

Response by COL Lisandro Murphy made Jun 18 at 2021 8:17 AM

COL Lisandro Murphy — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 08:17:31 -0400

I don't get it either. I was issued one when I went overseas, but was forbade to use it. Personally, I think it much more useful than the PC in the field. Just my $0.02.

Response by SSgt Robert Van Buhler III made Jun 22 at 2021 9:06 AM

SSgt Robert Van Buhler III — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 09:06:29 -0400

Attempts at individuality are inversely proportional to TIS and rank. Top of that, now they all watch Seal Team on TV. Boonie hats are kind of like the USAF 50 mission crush hat in expressing individuality. Consider the word uniform.

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Jun 24 at 2021 7:40 PM

CW5 Mark Smith — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 19:40:43 -0400

Ask a dermatologist why they should be worn.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2021 7:52 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 19:52:20 -0400

I'm all for them but people are not going to wear them correctly

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2021 8:19 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 20:19:28 -0400

One team one fight.. it may be nice but not every one has one.. I did ten years.. never had one.. simple as that.. dress right dress.. never had a woobie either.. it's all a mater of luck.. but if some soldiers are never issued the equipment.. so to make everything equal, they go with the basic stuff.

Response by SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2021 8:51 PM

SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 20:51:30 -0400

Many folks I know only take issue when the individualism expressed by some subordinate leaders hurts our strive to function as members of a team. We must remember and be constantly reminded that our organization exists to serve something greater than ourselves. In being forced to comply and conform (the application of which should be deliberate), we are reminded that we serve a greater purpose and that our individual desires come second to that truth. No one.. including the senior leadership, can afford to lose sight of this fact. I do not believe that this "works as intended" all of the time. However, when deciding how much individualism vs uniformity you will tolerate, also understand the cost vs benefit of said policy while also keeping in mind the cascading effect such policies can have in emboldening or inversely discouraging further practices at those levels below you. I apologize for my grammar. This paticular post caught my eye and I did not want to wait to edit and revise before at least making the case for those whom act contrary to your beliefs. Small words and actions can convey strong messages. Headgear is a relatively small issue. However, I would need more context about where the unit stood in your CSM's eye before he decided that was a line in the sand to understand why this policy was enacted. All leaders make unpopular decisions. Try to understand why they were made before demonizing them, especially in front of your subordinates.

Response by CPT Tommy Curtis made Jul 21 at 2021 12:09 AM

CPT Tommy Curtis — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 00:09:31 -0400

We only wore them on certain missions, and in my opinion they are are a field only headgear.

Response by SGT Kyle Fogarty made Jul 23 at 2021 4:28 PM

SGT Kyle Fogarty — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 16:28:37 -0400

I wore my boonie on my two deployments in Iraq as it was the only piece of headwear that protects both the face, ears, and neck. The truth is it is senior NCOs that have nothing better to do than enforce a standard. A standard in their own head.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2021 6:08 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 18:08:54 -0400

Exactly and now females can wear pony tails.
The army is just anti comfort. Well at least for one side

Response by MAJ Lyle F. Padilla made Jul 25 at 2021 1:10 AM

MAJ Lyle F. Padilla — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 01:10:21 -0400

I personally suspect it has something to do with the Boonie Hat having been the headgear of choice for CPT Benjamin F. "Hawkeye" Pierce as played by Donald Sutherland in the original M*A*S*H movie, that incarnation of Hawkeye Pierce having been one of the most unmilitary and slovenly characters in a service movie, and his hat matching that image. I'm sure it's raised the hackles of a few Old School officers and SNCOs in the half-century that that movie has been around!

Response by SFC Michael Wilkins made Jul 25 at 2021 1:30 AM

SFC Michael Wilkins — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 01:30:18 -0400

I myself never ever wore one. Because it was to floppy and didn’t look sturdy. But if it was worn I would not and did not care. Plus I did not force my will about it on others. Unless the uniform called for was something else.

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Jul 25 at 2021 10:40 PM

SFC Charles Kauffman — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 22:40:30 -0400

It all depends on the unit’s Commander, which generally depends on the relationship the 1SG has with the commander. I never had a problem, because I was a strong 1SG with a strong Commander. Oh, and BTW, I sure as hell never had to explain to a Supply SGT why he should order them.

Response by SFC Jonathan Adams made Jul 26 at 2021 8:55 AM

SFC Jonathan Adams — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 08:55:02 -0400

I had a Commander detailed from SF to command a regular infantry company. While in the MFO mission the uniform of the day was chocolate chips and boonie hats. Made a whole hell of a lot more sense than a WOOL BERET that the other companies in the task force were wearing.

Response by MGySgt Charles Restifo made Jul 27 at 2021 1:26 AM

MGySgt Charles Restifo — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 01:26:03 -0400

This is my own opinion, the large majority just look for anything to complain about. If your entire unit was/is conforming to your "judgement call for uniformity" so be it. You made the call live with it. I will provide an example.... I had a commaning officer years ago state that no one would shave their head.... removing my cover I asked " you mean like this"..... just an example but nothing more was said. Buy no means should this be taken as ground breaking, ask your senior leadership prior to issuing said derective. Do not be just another "cowboy" if there is a valid reason for the devotion inquire first, explain later.

Response by CPL Jerry Galloway made Jul 27 at 2021 8:34 AM

CPL Jerry Galloway — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 08:34:29 -0400

Not sure. I was never issued one. I got one to wear when doing lawn work at home. Why i was never issued one is beyond me.

Response by PO3 German Corea made Jul 28 at 2021 12:40 AM

PO3 German Corea — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 00:40:56 -0400

I remember when I was stationed at the Naval Weapons Station in Seal Beach, CA with CRS-11, I saw a poster mentioning the boonie cap only authorized OCONUS. Also, my LT whom was the division officer would ware it and, of course, no one would tell her anything but I didn't see any one from my squadron ware one, just her.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Jul 30 at 2021 11:14 AM

SSG Bill McCoy — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 11:14:27 -0400

I have no idea. In Vietnam, I'd have LOVED to have had a boonie hat, but alas, I was with a Marine unit that didn't have them and I don't recall ever seeing anyone (in that unit) wear one.
If for no other reason, they provide protection from the sun. Today, I keep having to have pre-cancerous moles or marks removed. In battalion rear areas, we wore either the USMC ball cap, OR went without headgear alltogether.
So what do I wear when working the acerage on my property? A BONNIE HAT!

Response by CSM Stuart Fuller made Aug 4 at 2021 8:07 PM

CSM Stuart Fuller — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:07:46 -0400

If it's authorized and issued no problem

Response by SSG James Stodola made Aug 9 at 2021 10:42 AM

SSG James Stodola — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 10:42:03 -0400

Well like many have said, Sr NCO's sometime have nothing to do and want stir up shit for the sake of stirring up shit. The boonie hat has its place in the operational spectrum, i.e. for specific mission environments. Wearing this headgear in normal duties not in an environment that it was designed for is pretty much pointless, unless you are trying to impress the girls. In garrison or on weekend drill duty is not the place for that, the patrol cap is a far better choice, but then you have the beret issue which in my personal opinion was the dumbest move ever.

Response by CPT Lea Ball made Aug 23 at 2021 8:28 PM

CPT Lea Ball — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 20:28:22 -0400

Wore them in Vietnam.

Response by SFC Michael Bush made Aug 24 at 2021 11:48 AM

SFC Michael Bush — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 11:48:58 -0400

When worn correctly the bonnie cap offers far more protection against the sun than a patrol cap. To this day I still wear mine from Jungle School (OD Green) and Desert Storm (old chocolate chip one). I did read CSM post citing too many customizations making it easier simply to disallow them which makes sense; however, they were created for a reason and one could argue that there is a great deal more sun exposure when in garrison than while utilizing concealment in the field.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2021 8:53 AM

Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:53:07 -0400

I'll take a guess and say it's simply because it's more informal looking vs other headgear. That's about the only logical reason I could think of.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2021 9:10 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 21:10:28 -0400

We were issued them in the Fall of 1969 while in the Big Red One. I much preferred it to the awful standard issue soft cap. Westmoreland’s cap was not standard issue and was sharp. Marine 8 points are the best. I guess the modern army’s trying with its issue of berets which is an improvement over the uniforms we were wearing in the 60s. The pinks and greens are great. I almost want to re-up.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2021 2:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 14:49:53 -0400

One of the first bad experiences I had on deployment was an SFC who asked my about my boonie. As he was dressing me down verbally, I mentally dressed down just how pathetic he was to think that headgear had anything to do with our mutual mission. It's the most useless use of rank I'd seen to that point.

Response by SPC David Elzinga made Aug 27 at 2021 10:20 AM

SPC David Elzinga — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 10:20:29 -0400

Absolutely true, in 1995 my Guard unit went to jungle school, when we returned our BC said we could wear our boonies in the field, someone complained about it so of course that whole thing was stopped

Response by SFC Jeffrey Port made Aug 27 at 2021 6:47 PM

SFC Jeffrey Port — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 18:47:40 -0400

When I was recalled to Active duty to train and supervise soldiers how to build a suspension bridge. I wore my old khaki sun helmet from back in the early 80's to protect me because of burns scars that sill hurt when exposed to direct sunlight.. A 2LT, who was not actually a part of our team, but worked at BDE, freaked out an told me I couldn't wear it without valid reason, so I went to the Senor Medical Officer, a Major and he gave me a limited duty profile outlining condition I could wear it. The 2LT went ape over my profile, said it was not valid and he went to see the Major and told him he was not authorized to give me a profile to wear it. The Major eat him alive, threw him out and gave me an expanded profile that allowed me to wear it at all times as necessary, and gave his contact if I had any issues! lol.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2021 10:19 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 22:19:29 -0400

I wore mine in Iraq! It’s functional in the desert! Those that didn’t like it (in my opinion) just didn’t like it so they wouldn’t let anyone wear it!

Response by SGT Michael Padilla made Aug 29 at 2021 1:13 AM

SGT Michael Padilla — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 01:13:34 -0400

During Operation Provide Comfort we wore ours all the time unless we went out the gate with our vehicles on a convoy to Batman or across the border to N.Iraq.
While stationed at Ft.Ord in 84 we could change caps to our red Truckers caps that had 915s airbrushed on them as well as 301st Transportation as long as we were heading over 50 miles from post. Nobody ever said a word to us when we would show up at a Marine, Navel, or Air Force Base.

Response by PO2 Jason Brooks made Aug 29 at 2021 8:16 PM

PO2 Jason Brooks — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 20:16:38 -0400

I know they hated us wearing them in the Navy....

Response by SFC Donald Souza made Aug 30 at 2021 6:58 AM

SFC Donald Souza — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 06:58:00 -0400

I find it's more of a CSM they probably have a 40 course at the academy , In IRAQ 07/08 100 plus degrees we I had no problem with my soldiers wearing them some random CSM came around saw a couple of guys with them on and went on a crazy rant on how they weren't authorized

Response by MSgt Brian Duchscherer made Aug 30 at 2021 11:32 PM

MSgt Brian Duchscherer — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 23:32:37 -0400

When we were in the desert we were constantly being told we were wearing it incorrectly, so it must be true, that the way it is worn is the big issue here. As with many military standards, too much emphasis is put on such a small detail, like being called out while working on an important job because the soldiers pant leg was unbloused (this actually happened).. sometimes the old saying about military logic shines through !

Response by SGT Michael Dreibelbis made Aug 31 at 2021 10:45 AM

SGT Michael Dreibelbis — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 10:45:02 -0400

Because most CSMs are career REMFs, who like to sharpshoot troops over the most mind numbingly stupid nit-picking BS. Boonies are usually worn by high speed low drag troops… IE not the REMF SGM.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 11:31 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 23:31:49 -0400

It’s the headgear equivalent of rolling your sleeves. Everyone knows it’s allowed and every jerk with an overinflated sense of authority insists it’s not. I had another captain chase me into the bathroom so he could insist I rolled mine down. 670-1 says it’s allowed. Full stop. If it’s allowed, wear the hat. It’s better sun protection than the idiotic beret or ball cap.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2021 4:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 16:30:52 -0400

Just like what pretty much everyone else has said. Plus, 25ID has something to differentiate themselves with like other Airborne units do with their maroon berets. All my deployments, leadership always flip flopped when the boonie was authorized. I remember one time down range, the newly appointed regional SGM had common sense and even said it was stupid to have to wear eyepro everywhere you go and no longer made it a requirement. Now, if it was sunny outside, yeah sure. Use common sense and put the dark lenses on. The best part is when he mentioned that if you took IDF, is eyepro going to save you from a motor round to the face or 7.62x39 into your eyeballs? Obviously not. The fact if the matter is, in the military, if it makes sense, it's probably not authorized. That's the culture we need to help change.

Response by CPL Ronald Stabczynski made Sep 1 at 2021 6:46 PM

CPL Ronald Stabczynski — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 18:46:26 -0400

I don't know who insulted you and I don't care. Your question never occurred to me. For an answer to your question the first thing that comes to mind is that there is a stigma that goes along with Jungle Warfare dating back to Vietnam. That's all I have for you. So I hope it made sense.

Response by SFC John Cousineau Sr. made Nov 19 at 2021 12:30 PM

SFC John Cousineau Sr. — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 12:30:35 -0500

As a retired senior NCO. I don't see a problem with the boonies cap although it was called a bush hat when I was in Vietnam. It serves it's purpose better than the baseball cap or berets of today.

Response by COL Andrew Burns made Nov 28 at 2021 9:37 AM

COL Andrew Burns — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 09:37:53 -0500

SGT Thompson, I have 3 train of thought. First, Think that as one responder stated, they were used in Vietnam, and there are some who might think that it is a reminder of the war that we did not win (Bullshit!). Secondly, wearing it properly is as tough as the "pork-pie" introduction of the berets in that they should had had an Airborne period of instruction (wetting, shaving, and shaping). Finally, it is tough to tell rank? Although, one should know their troops, trust me, they know their leadership. Hope, that helps? Just my opinion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2021 7:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 19:24:34 -0500

Years ago in Kandahar, there was a full-bird who wore his boonie in the style of Gilligan from Gilligan's Island. Upon seeing this other full-bird so equipped, my colonel leaned over and whispered to me, "That's why we don't let you guys where boonies. So you don't end up looking like dorks like that."

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Jan 2 at 2022 2:48 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 14:48:03 -0500

I agree with you completly. We had bush hats, as we called them in Nam. We wore our steel pots when we were in the bush but had bush hats for when sleeping at night to keep the damn mosquitos out of our hair and on standdown. Some guys wore them under our helmet liners and steel pots. They were easy to wash and wring out in any stream and we went through many. They kept the hot sun off of our necks. I probably should have worn that type of hat in the years since, then I might not be dealing with minor carsonoma now. The upper eschelon think that they have all the answers but they don't.

Response by SP5 John Burleson made Jan 9 at 2022 12:40 PM

SP5 John Burleson — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 12:40:09 -0500

The only time I had a problem with my boonie cap was when I sewed Micky Mouse ears on it.

Response by Maj Gary Gault made Jan 13 at 2022 8:13 PM

Maj Gary Gault — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:13:45 -0500

The Boonie cap is a Field Cap and therefore is worn in the field and not in public duhhhh! Yes, they should be worn in the field to protect from the sun and rain and elements; who give a darn what they look like? Cheers for the Boonie Cap!!!

Response by SGT Jonathan Persons made Jan 13 at 2022 10:08 PM

SGT Jonathan Persons — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 22:08:58 -0500

Here are the reasons I can think of for it.

1. It doesn't offer the protection that you would get from your ACH.
2. It isn't small and compact like the patrol cap.
3. It is something new and different, and that threatens people in senior leadership positions.

Response by LCpl Andrew Montoya made Jan 19 at 2022 7:39 PM

LCpl Andrew Montoya — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 19:39:42 -0500

Some folks just like to pick and choose. Our gunny had a no beanie rule once the son came up even in the snow. Its just is what it is. Just like usmc policy said you didn't have to wear an under shirt. The only folks who got away with it were flight officers. Just depends on command

Response by SP5 Donna Barr made Jan 21 at 2022 3:58 PM

SP5 Donna Barr — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 15:58:18 -0500

We had a Lieutenant in Basic who had a thing about pocket creases. It's the army. We do what we're told. We don't argue about fashion. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯¯

Response by SGT Wayne Grindstaff made Jan 21 at 2022 8:44 PM

SGT Wayne Grindstaff — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:44:34 -0500

Is the hat your referring to what I was wearing in the photo. Notice we mostly didn't wear shirts nor socks. We had a Col. in a LOH call down to our CO to tell the troops to put their shirts on as we were out of uniform. Our great CO didn't tell us till the LOH was out of sight as we were in a firefight at the time and he was afraid we would bust a cap on his copter. Lots of rules were overlooked but we performed and got a PUC for those months.

Response by SGT Bob Straub made Jan 22 at 2022 8:47 AM

SGT Bob Straub — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 08:47:31 -0500

Can't answer your question, but would like to make several points. Wearing a boonie cap allows you to hear better especially in the jungle vs. a steel pot which can distort sound. A boonie cap is also a lot more quiet and certainly not as heavy.

Response by CH (COL) Fr. Richard Piontkowski made Jan 22 at 2022 4:27 PM

CH (COL) Fr. Richard Piontkowski — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 16:27:13 -0500

I have no idea why and I retired six years ago as a O6. I word the soft cap on the FOB when not in helmet or PTs and the boonie outside of the COB or FOB when the helmet was not needed. It gave more sun protection to the ears and back of net. Besides, if you've ever seen Heartbreak Ridge with Clint Eastwood, it should be required headgear in the field when kevlar is not needed.

Response by SGT Bob Straub made Jan 23 at 2022 8:40 AM

SGT Bob Straub — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 08:40:44 -0500

Don't have an answer but would like to make a few observations: In the field it's much easier to hear when wearing a boonie cap vs. a steel pot especially in the jungle; a boonie cap is lighter than a steel pot and it also absorbs sweat. Understand that the modern helmet is lighter than the steel pot but still heavier than a boonie cap.

Response by SGT James Bradley made Jan 23 at 2022 7:15 PM

SGT James Bradley — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:15:43 -0500

Well said!!!

Response by SgtMaj Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2022 9:17 PM

SgtMaj Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 21:17:50 -0500

I suppose it’s a Solider thing. It is a Sun hat! Marines wear them in the field and in country. They are also totally beyond awesome for making your personal Ghillie cap. I highly doubt an experienced combat leader would have issues with you wearing it. But then again, I am speaking from a Marine’s perspective.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2022 9:25 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 21:25:24 -0500

1 reason is back when the bdus were still around. And we had to press them, starch them, polish boots. The army wanted a professional appearance. Crisp, clean look. The boonie doesn't have that. While we changed uniforms that were more field oriented not having to press them or shine boots. The army wanted to keep the professional mentality so the boonie was shunned still.
Just 1 perspective from an old soldier.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2022 2:31 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 14:31:23 -0500

This is gold... This is what leadership should be.

Response by Lt Col Warren Domke made Jan 29 at 2022 6:47 PM

Lt Col Warren Domke — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 18:47:29 -0500

I am a Vietnam veteran and an Air Force retiree. We in the Air Force didn't wear the boonie hat in Vietnam, but I have one and I love it for civilian wear. When I was in 'Nam a lot of our Army brethren--enlisted--chose the boonie for obvious reasons: It fits in a pocket, looks pretty good and is very practical in a bush environment. If I were under fire I think I would rather wear a helmet but I would probably be too busy taking cover to pay much attention. Don't know why the Army doesn't love it too. I guess they like the beret better.

Response by PO2 Ed Leidy made Feb 12 at 2022 11:07 PM

PO2 Ed Leidy — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 23:07:34 -0500

While I am not a Senior NCO (made HM-3 in Vietnam) maybe I can provide insight as a small thread in the tapestry (travesty?) of Vietnam. At that time it was CLEARLY understood that the "bush cover" was to be worn ONLY IN THE BUSH ! If / when any of the grunts went overboard with "decorations" (Grenade rings, flechette darts, etc.) one of the Corporals or Sgts. would take immediate corrective action. One wore it "in the rear with the gear" at their own peril!
I'm at a loss to rationalize why anyone would have heartburn as long as this item is worn / used when appropriate. Matter of fact, the only personnel I ever saw wearing it other than in the bush were some Air Force M.P.'s (AP's?) at Da Nang (wearing it crisply starched (!?) and some ARVNs. (Don't know WHERE they got them!)
As with most "neat combat stuff" (Snoopy shirts, jungle gloves, socks, skivvies, etc.) by the time the rear-echelon got done picking "just one or two" the bundle that reached our hill was much lighter.
(I lucked out 'cause I was the Platoon "Doc")
Hope this helps you Sarge. Semper Fi - "Doc" Ed Leidy Lima 3/1 1st. Mar.Div RVN '70-'71

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Mar 4 at 2022 2:41 PM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 14:41:56 -0500

I wore one in Desert Storm, it was the main headgear issued. Well, technically, we changed into them on the flight over from the STORM. We had to look like the media had been portraying us over there. Truth is, they didn’t have enough uniforms to equip us, then when they did, they didn’t want us to “dirty” them up before the public saw us. If I was to give an answer to your question, I would be surmising. I really, in my humble opinion believe how Hollywood has used them in many of their fantasy creations, it’s put a bad taste in some peoples minds. Also, when I did see them on people, it was like me or two people and not the whole unit. Kinda skylights a person. I still have a problem with berets. They were reserved for “special” units, and not everyone ( myself included) is “special”. Just like the combat patch and the CIB. Just in my humble opinion of the military caving and giving everyone a trophy

Response by SPC Julio R. made Mar 4 at 2022 8:27 PM

SPC Julio R. — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 20:27:08 -0500

Great question and the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. Some turd-pulling rank wanted to the hat on a great thing. Some desk jockey bitter pog probably started the hate. Aren't they always the ones messing around and changing things like they going out of style. sorta like you knowwwwww the 1001 times the bde has been changed when all the while all you had to do was leave them alone and just had to change the pattern.
nope, some blue falcon was too lazy to iron a uniform and spit-shine boots. you would think those suck-ups would want to "impress" while kissing behind. you couldn't walk near me when I had them blade creases Ginsu 'ing yo butt left and right. I Boonie hat is the greatest thing ever. that should be standard along with the patrol cap. A lot of senior leaders acts like their s don't stink and are the type that wants you to thank them for their service. with the angry depends at home always riding them so that when they get to work they can take it out on policy and or their soldiers. seeing they can't cowboy/girl up and check 'em. but then again there is leadership that is tried and true and takes care of their soldiers and doesn't care about fatting up their resumes.
anyhow I am all for the Boonie cap I freakin loved it downrange and still wear it. I too want to know why they can't be worn on the regular too? Enquiring minds want to know, I wanna know:)

Response by SPC Scott Domogalla made Mar 5 at 2022 12:19 PM

SPC Scott Domogalla — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 12:19:03 -0500

I was in 1983 to 87. Issued the Boonie when we were deployed to the Middle East. I cannot say why they are frowned upon now, as regulations are different now etcetera. But i do believe, at least when I was in, it had to do with being squared away or looking sharp. The military is all about order and no matter how or what you do to a boonie, there isn’t a squared away look; they are for lack of a word, look unkept.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2022 9:07 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 09:07:50 -0500

I wore the boonie hat when deployed in '72. Seemed to work! When I deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan in '06 ... I just didn't like the way it looked and didn't wear it. It certainly had its place and I d never say anything to a troop that was wearing it correctly and in-country ... wear it any way you want it!

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Mar 9 at 2022 9:06 PM

SSG Dave Johnston — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 21:06:14 -0500

For the same reason that the Cap, Cold Weather. Local Commands want it worn one way and so can never be worn as it was designed to be worn sometime around the Korean War.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2022 1:10 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 13:10:47 -0500

I think that the real issue is that during training or a deployment, it shouldn’t matter what headgear you wear unless it’s a safety issue- plain and simple. I’m not saying to whip out a ball cap, but if there’s no regulatory issue with boonie caps, politely tell the naysayers to bugger off. I wasn’t a fan of the boonie but in Iraq, it was totally practical. Hell, there’s still folks who can’t or refuse to wear their PCs and berets properly.

Not sure why these old posts keep popping up but I enjoy reading other folks’ replies. 1SG Healy’s response is pure gold.

Response by PO3 Patrick Armstrong made Mar 11 at 2022 10:27 PM

PO3 Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 22:27:09 -0500

i just bet (NAVY) and wear one with my crow attached
i wish way back when it was part of my uniform but we had ball caps and dixies

Response by Sgt William Margeson made Mar 13 at 2022 1:27 PM

Sgt William Margeson — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 13:27:04 -0400

Boonie hats in field works well as camo, as it breaks up the outline of head and face

Response by SSG Mona Swearingen made Apr 6 at 2022 12:27 PM

SSG Mona Swearingen — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:27:18 -0400

Never noticed anyone having a problem with them when we were out in the field.

Response by SP5 John Burleson made Apr 7 at 2022 11:20 AM

SP5 John Burleson — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 11:20:11 -0400

I got out of the Army when we were still issued rocks and slingshots. We got a choice of one fatigue-appropriate hat: baseball cap. There were no berets, no high-tech helmets and no boonie caps.
so I am obviously in no position to seriously comment on headgear except one: if the Army now has idiots worrying about headgear under combat conditions...we got too many idiots. Your job is to kill bad guys--not stroll in a straight line, polish belt buckles and make boots shiny. If your command can dance in the Sugarplum chorus line, y0u are a screwed up idiot. If they can swim up a sewer and bitew a bad guy's butthole off, I'll gladly buy you--and them--a beer.

Response by SSG Ronald Weber made Apr 7 at 2022 10:23 PM

SSG Ronald Weber — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 22:23:50 -0400

I wore one in Nam 1969 USMC Recon and Desert Strom Ron Retired Military

Response by PO3 Wayne Ballard made Apr 10 at 2022 6:18 PM

PO3 Wayne Ballard — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 18:18:21 -0400

In the Army? It's demonized in the coast guard too, the uniform manual clearly states that you can wear it when you expect to be out in the sun for a while (heavily paraphrased,) but every E5 and up has a different interpretation that doesn't allow you to wear it at the time they see you wearing it. It's insane how hard people will fight against something as silly as some fabric that goes on your head, but that's the military for you. :/

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2022 8:37 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 20:37:29 -0400

I wore a BDU pattern boonie hat during Desert Storm, until I was issued 3 tone DCU the switched over. None really cared one way or the other, but we also didn't have an excess of SGM running around trying to make sure we remembered them.
I have been on sever rotations to hit climates, and not had anyone say anything, but nobody invades the motor pool looking for infractions.

Response by SGT Steven Wade made May 5 at 2022 8:53 AM

SGT Steven Wade — Thu, 05 May 2022 08:53:59 -0400

Wear the boonie if it's just right fuk em

Response by SGT Wayne Grindstaff made May 8 at 2022 4:56 PM

SGT Wayne Grindstaff — Sun, 08 May 2022 16:56:27 -0400

55 years later I still wear one. Whether fishing, boating, gardening and even shooting skeet in the summer. Baseball caps are for covering my bald spot LOL.

Response by SGT George E Brown (11 B4 P) made May 8 at 2022 5:47 PM

SGT George E Brown (11 B4 P) — Sun, 08 May 2022 17:47:28 -0400

A LITTLE HISTORY, THE US ARMY KNEW IT WAS GOING TI FIGHT IN THE PHILLILINES AND DID NOT HAVE A SUITABLE HAT FOR THE TROOPS FOR A JUNGLE ENVIROMENT, SO THEY DEVELOPED ONE AND ADOPTED IT AS THE 1904 FIELD HAT W/A 3" BRIM AND W/A "V" VALLEY TOP, NOT TO BE MIXED WITH THE DI STYLE HAT. IN 1912+_ THE USMC WAS PLANNING THE MEXICAN CAMPAIGN AND REALIZED IT'S CURRENT CAP WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR THE MARCH FROM PANAMA TO VERA CRUZ, MEXICO, AND NOT HAVING THE TIME TO DEVELOP, TEST, BID OUT FOR A NEW HAT, WENT TO THE ARMY QUARTERMASTER AND PUCHASED A LARGE QUANTITY OF THE 1904 ARMY HATS, PUT A USMC PIN ON THE FRONT AND WENT TO WAR. MY GRANDFATHER WAS ONE OF THOSE MARINES.
I HAVE PICTURE POSTCARDS FROM THAT TIME AND OTHER MISC TIBBITS FROM MY GF'S SERVICE 1912-1916.

Response by MSG Antwine Marshall made May 11 at 2022 6:40 PM

MSG Antwine Marshall — Wed, 11 May 2022 18:40:18 -0400

The demonization of the boonie cap stems from ignorance and inflexibility.

Response by MAJ Gregory Moon made May 12 at 2022 11:07 AM

MAJ Gregory Moon — Thu, 12 May 2022 11:07:36 -0400

The 20th EN BDE SGM in Iraq circa 2008 hated them. I'm sure they'll be a lot of skin cancer VA claims in the next few years. Now in some other deployments the boonie cap can be pain to keep on in the wind. In about 84 or 85 I did have a SGT going to Honduras get one and he put wire in the brim and looked like he was in a Zorro movie to that extent I can understand the SGMs displeasure. I still use my accumulated boonie hats for keeping the sun off my face and neck in the retired life for yard work.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 7:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2022 19:54:05 -0400

It brings joy to the masses, what better reason to hate it?

Response by SGT Tod Folds made May 13 at 2022 8:34 AM

SGT Tod Folds — Fri, 13 May 2022 08:34:11 -0400

SFC said it best, comes down to CSM’s preference. I convinced mine that it provided better protection from sun exposure AND while training troops on camouflage techniques it gave a better broken profile making it harder for the enemy to identify the Soldiers. He smiled and said that was a great, well thought out, bull shit answer so yes, he would approve everyone wearing the boonie

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Jun 4 at 2022 2:38 PM

MAJ Hugh Blanchard — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 14:38:48 -0400

I don't know. When I was an enlisted soldier I wore a boonie cap whenever I could. I thought it was good headgear.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2022 4:46 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:46:20 -0400

It is a subject I know nothing about and was not aware that the boonie cap was demonized.

Response by A1C Oats J Mule made Jul 1 at 2022 6:26 AM

A1C Oats J Mule — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 06:26:57 -0400

Because it is associated with Vietnam. I served during the Vietnam war and I'm still hated for my service.I have old bags my age tell me all the time "My father served during Vietnam, I hate my father and I hate you" ! Girls back then wouldn't talk to us or dance with us. They would hide in doorways and when we walked by would hit us in our backs and runoff shouting bad name to us. So I never married,why marry someone who hated me for my service.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jul 3 at 2022 1:04 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 01:04:49 -0400

I don't understand the issue. All the other services limits the wearing of the hat. THE MARINES: The MCCUU garrison cap will be worn in garrison. The MCCUU field (boonie) cap may be worn during field-type exercises and operations onlyThe MCCUU garrison cap will be worn in garrison. The MCCUU field (boonie) cap may be worn during field-type exercises and operations only.
THE AIR FORCE: Deployed Airmen, or Airmen as authorized by MAJCOM, may wear the OCP boonie (campaign/floppy) hat with the Desert Flight Duty Uniform when theater conditions dictate.

Response by MSG Jeremy Jiron made Jul 4 at 2022 10:47 AM

MSG Jeremy Jiron — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 10:47:44 -0400

The booniehat is is designed for the protection of your skin so that it’s not fully exposed to the sun. All colors and ethnic skin colors get burned from the sun. So, no out ranks general safety, if you feel your protecting your troops by wearing a booniehat then do so. Make it part of the uniform of the day. And when you get bashed you can always use the general safety excuse. The booniehat is fantastic head gear and should be worn in high sun environments.

Response by PO3 Rick Smith made Jul 11 at 2022 12:04 PM

PO3 Rick Smith — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 12:04:43 -0400

What is a "Boonie cap"?

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Aug 5 at 2022 4:43 PM

SMSgt Michael Gleason — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 16:43:03 -0400

This is just a guess, but I'm guessing that it's because in the "eyes" of the Army, it's not "uni-form" - the shape of each individual hat varies from the manner in which it's donned by each individual wearer. "Function" or "utility" bear no importance in this consideration - it's all about their "not looking identical". (I started out in the Army, so I feel that I have a valid opinion in this regard.)

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Aug 6 at 2022 11:03 AM

1SG Ernest Stull — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 11:03:29 -0400

To me the Boonie hat is not demonized, just as the PC everyone wants to wear the hat their way and the unit just wants you to put it on and wear it no shaping or fluffing it. The beret is another piece of head gear that seems to be demonized by the command. The next time you see a soldier in a B or P hat or beret look at how its shaped, there are many ways to wear them but only one way that they were meant to be worn.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2022 8:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 08:58:26 -0400

Thank god our Battalion CSM authorized it for wear in the cantonment and field training area. It does help big time in not getting your face and neck from getting burnt.

Response by SSgt Mathew Cummings made Sep 12 at 2022 2:33 PM

SSgt Mathew Cummings — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 14:33:21 -0400

When you understand why one of the most popular foods in the world, pizza, most often is round, in a square box and cut into triangles, you will understand this. In the Marines, it was Silkies. Although, if one is to evaluate the level of exposure that comes with these shorts and public affairs, I get it. It's more of 50 percent in the one hand and half in the other.

Response by SFC David Holstein made Sep 15 at 2022 6:36 PM

SFC David Holstein — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 18:36:02 -0400

I retired as a Senior SFC, with the 11B mos, I to thought out of the box and would choose comfortable and functional over , in the rear with the gear, uniform policy. Most of the time the one yelling about the uniform was the one that never slept in the field. I applaud NCOs that think of their Soldiers over a good NCOER. Hooah!

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Sep 17 at 2022 6:56 AM

SGT Glenn E Moody — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 06:56:07 -0400

i was ARMY NATIONAL GUARD 1981 to 1987 never had one issued we had the patrol cap or steal pot helmet in the field when not in the field it was the patrol cap with ear flaps and the uniform was the BDU uniform never had a boonie issued during my active dates of service but on my own time i bought some and wore them out if we got issued them i would have loved to ware it over the heavy ass steal pot i was in the infantry 11-B M-60 team most of my enlistment until i made SPC E-4 for less than 5 min. my LT pinned me with CPL hard stripes made me A JR NCO

Response by CSM Bob Stanek made Sep 17 at 2022 11:03 AM

CSM Bob Stanek — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 11:03:14 -0400

Boonie hats inherently represent an undiscipline image (in my opinion) that many senior NCOs tended to agree with in my full career. That agreement probably developed in the NCO training environment with decades of disciple and history associated with it.
The boonie hat has its places in the military world and life... particularly the jungles of the world (Vietnam, South and Central America...etc), which it was designed for and that's why it was called a JUNGLE HAT, and on occasion in the deserts of the world. But in the base cantonment environment on most posts/forts/camps around the world, that image is magnified when compared to the traditional symmetrical hats and covers of multiple shapes and forms.
With no disrespect, I'm guessing your career expands approximately 12 to 15 years or so which would bring you to the mid-2000's time frame or so. This is a different era compared to back in the 50s, 60s and 70s, and with some respect the early 80s, when starch was king, and when the boonie hat had its origins (first issued in 1967), the floppy sides and irregular shape made it a direct attack against the starch military world that existed at the time. Even in the early 90s when Desert Storm was the dominate event, the desert boonie hat had it's opponents. I was a young SSG at the time and worn one (Australian style with one side pinned to the top) but still heard my share of grief over wearing that hat.
But when i became a SFC and 1SG, my vision of the boonie "matured" because of the discipline I had to maintain with the troops. Again, as noted previously, this was based on educational knowledge I picked up from the NCO academies I had attended and were instructed by the OLD GUARD NCOS.
Even now as a retired CSM, I still believe the boonie hat has its place in the field, bivouac sites and jungles and deserts of the world. Just not a fan of wearing the boonie hat in the "civil" world of the base or post.
Hope that helps provides a vision of what a relic of the past tends to see when I see a boonie hat.

Respectfully
Bob S
CSM (R)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2022 2:56 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 14:56:15 -0400

I have always suspected that it is the difficulty associated with making everything look uniform. I too have found this to be counterproductive from a healthcare perspective. Skin cancer is no joke and many people whose principal ancestors were from Northern Europe, have discovered real challenges in regions subjected to high intensity UV radiation.

Response by CW3 Art Farash made Sep 17 at 2022 6:45 PM

CW3 Art Farash — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 18:45:53 -0400

Its too easy to blow away and lose!

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Sep 17 at 2022 11:37 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 23:37:18 -0400

Just to let people, who don't know (like Air Service folks, like me), this is a boonie cap.

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Sep 18 at 2022 10:45 AM

SPC Richard Rauenhorst — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 10:45:59 -0400

I now wear one every time I plan on being outside for more than 5 min. In my 70's I know need to protect my skin. especially the top of my head and ears. I wish I had been issued one for Vietnam and for Fort Hood Texas. I never even saw one.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Sep 18 at 2022 6:14 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 18:14:12 -0400

I wore the boonie cap in Nam when we didn't have to wear the steel pot. We loved it. On another matter, I'm glad that I ETSed in 1971 and never had to wear the stupid beret. It should be specific to the Green Beret special forces, It makes the rest of the army look like a bunch of French mimes.

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Oct 14 at 2022 3:15 PM

CW5 Mark Smith — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:15:02 -0400

Maybe if those naysayers could be teleported to the future and find themselves sitting in the office of a dermatologist, they might change their minds.

Response by David De Pue made Oct 14 at 2022 5:52 PM

David De Pue — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 17:52:24 -0400

It's interesting there's an issue. As a kid I remember seeing recruiter posters for the Army and Navy showing Rangers and SEALS in boonies!

Response by MSG William Wold made Oct 16 at 2022 9:36 PM

MSG William Wold — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 21:36:15 -0400

It doesn't fit the trim look, looks disheveled. Same as the wash and wear were then someone up the chain thought they should be starched.

Response by SGT George Edward Brown made Oct 16 at 2022 10:07 PM

SGT George Edward Brown — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 22:07:01 -0400

HISTORY OF THE FIELD AKA BOONIE HAT. IN 1904 THE US ARMY WAS PREPARING TO GO THE PHILLIPINES TO FIGHT THE MORO'S. IT WAS DECIDED FOR THE TROPICS A BRIMMED HAT WAS NEEDED, NOT THE CAMPAIGN HAT WORN BY THE NCO'S. IN 1904 A HAT WAS ADOPTED BY THE US ARMY.EXAMPLES CAN BE SEEN IN PICTURES OF THE MORO FIGHTS AND IN THE NEW ARMY MUSEUM. THE KICKER IS THAT ABOUT 1912 THE USMC WAS PLANNING ON THE CENTRAL AMERICAN CAMPAIGN TO TAKE THE MEXICAN PORT OF VERA CRUZ AND NEEDED A MORE SUITABLE HAT THAN THE CURRENT MC CAP. WITH NO OR FUNDS TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN "BOONIE" HAT THEY WENT TO THE ARMY QM AND PURCHASED THE 1904 FIELD HAT, ADDED A GLOBE AND ANCHOR PIN TO THE FRONT TO BECOME THE FIRST FIELD (BOONIE) HAT, HERE AGAIN DIFFERENT FROM THE PEAKED CAMPAIGN HAT THE NCO'S ALREADY HAD. I GOT INTERESTED IN THIS HAT FROM THE PICTURE POSTCARDS MY GRANDFATHER SENT HOME DURING AND AFTER THE CA CAMPAIGN OF AROUND 1914. THE SMITHSONISUM HAS PUBLISHED A BOOK SHOWING THE MC LABELED HAT. THE WAY THE FIELD HAT WAS CRUSHED AND WORN WOULD SEND ANY GARRISON TYPE INTO FITS, WHICH IS PRETTY MUCH THE STORY OF THE VN BOONIE HAT. THE NEW US ARMY MUSEUM SHOWS SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF THE 1904 HAT IN USE THROUGH WWI. A ORIGINAL GOES FOR $3500 ON EBAY, CLOSE COMMERICAL REPLICA GOES FOR LESS THAN $50 ON AMAZON FOR REENACTORS.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2022 11:38 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 23:38:05 -0400

As you can tell, I loved my boonie hat.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2022 11:47 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 23:47:25 -0400

I saw nothing wrong with wearing the boonies, but did have a problem with Soldiers shaping it to make a fashion statement (using a glue/water mixture to iron and completely stiffen the whole brim).

Response by SFC Roy Nugent made Oct 20 at 2022 11:18 AM

SFC Roy Nugent — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 11:18:13 -0400

My Cav Troop referred to the Boonie as the Field Stetson.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Nov 10 at 2022 10:55 AM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:55:24 -0500

Let me school you, and I am not making fun of you at all. The boonie cap, along with the fleece jacket, sunglasses and boot are the wheelhouse, bailiwick, purview of underemployed CSMs. CSMs have no function in life other than to make the lives of the troops under them miserable. They do this by sucking the joy out of the little things that make army life tolerable.

Response by SGT William DeBoer made Nov 13 at 2022 2:45 PM

SGT William DeBoer — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 14:45:55 -0500

As a retired Army medic wear it… I have said this before it shades eyes and head from sun burn… after serving in Middle East the boonie hat is the medics friend it saves on treating sun burns which are a disciplined offense or were when I was in.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2022 8:22 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 08:22:16 -0500

Wore mine every day on deployment, and at the theater gateway before I got pushed forward. Pissed off the chain of command to no end and I was trying to care but...it just didn't work out.

Response by SFC Michael Lindenbusch made Nov 19 at 2022 7:44 PM

SFC Michael Lindenbusch — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 19:44:35 -0500

I'd be curious how often it is actually an issue. DA Pam 670-1 states, among other things, that it is authorized "in field environments when the advanced combat helmet is not worn" It is true that I have been retired for a good stretch now, but almost always "in field environments" I recall the helmet as the only headgear.

Response by SGT Timothy Conley made Dec 17 at 2022 10:39 PM

SGT Timothy Conley — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 22:39:26 -0500

Like most things associated with combat/ combat arms some REMF officer wasn't issued one so he was
butt hurt and wrote a reg to eliminate them. Tankers lost tanker jackets and berets, Rangers lost black berets, etc.

Response by SP5 Skip Saurman made Dec 23 at 2022 11:41 AM

SP5 Skip Saurman — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 11:41:03 -0500

Don't know, but I still have my old boonie hat fron 'Nam (believe it or not) and it's one of my most prized pieces of headgear!

Response by CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2023 2:58 PM

CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 14:58:59 -0500

SSG Thompson, the Boonie hat may have prevented the Skin Cancer on my neck and ears. I fought with every CSM and Battalion/Brigade Commander I served with in Iraq over this subject. A big difference from Rangers. Numerous deployments to the desert with over 63 months from Libya to Turkmenistan and had to give up the Boonie for 16 months in Iraq.

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Apr 21 at 2023 4:34 PM

AA Loreen Silvarahawk — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:34:29 -0400

I say just wear what you are comfortable with and if it is the boonie cap, so be it. I know I prefer them.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made May 4 at 2023 1:58 PM

LCpl Michael Cappello — Thu, 04 May 2023 13:58:19 -0400

As a Marine (outside looking in) I would say that it is based on the same reason you decided to give everyone a "Beret". Which, to me, is the same reason children get a "participation" trophy. So that nobody's feelings will be hurt. Nobody will feel "SPECIAL" Uniformity is wonderful, up to a point. It seems as if they purposely took away the visible pride (not that rainbow kind) and and distinction the Green Beanies and Rangers EARNED and displayed through their DISTINCTIVE headgear. Why the Army dislikes distinctive headgear and distinctive effort I don't know. I believe that the Army dislikes people who make an effort to be "All They Can Be" and rewards passive conformity instead. In other words. Please do not attempt to excel. Please do not attempt to appear aggressive or competitive. Just be good little "Cannon Fodder". After all, it is all about numbers, not about individual effort and esprit de corps. We (Marines) all look alike and all look like we are in the "Boonies" or are all prepared for conflict at ALL times because we are ALL Marines and are ALL wanting to be in the thick of things. The basic mission of EVERY Marine is a basic rifleman. Our primary Occupational Speciality is BRINGER OF DEATH. We are ALWAYS dressed for war. The only reason we need "Boonie Hats" is because it is purposeful for the situation at hand and we always train for ANY and EVERY situation at hand. We do NOT look at field training as a stinking "Camping Trip".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2023 8:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 May 2023 20:52:44 -0400

Heck if I know. The only time this came up was on deployment. We were issued the boonie and told not to wear it. One day, the BC and CSM came in wearing it. The next day, I did too. I was immediately chastised: “You think just because the commander and CSM wore it, you can too?” Um… yeah. That’s exactly how that works. Not a fight that I won, nor was it even worth my time. I’m pretty sure they were trying to get me to quit.

Response by SGT Evan Farley made May 26 at 2023 12:28 PM

SGT Evan Farley — Fri, 26 May 2023 12:28:57 -0400

Insert smart ass remark here. We wore them in the field at Polk as OPFOR. We wore the OG ball cap when in garrison. I'm all for anything that better keeps the sun off my melon.

Response by SPC Woody Bullard made May 28 at 2023 10:21 AM

SPC Woody Bullard — Sun, 28 May 2023 10:21:41 -0400

I wore the boonie hat in 1969 while stationed at a NATO special weapons site in West Germany. The NATO site was located deep into the German forest so we were isolated from other military installations and towns at our site. We had to wear that ugly baseball style cap during guard mount inspection with our steel pot helmets and liners which we carried. When on duty in the special weapons exclusion zone I changed
my headgear over to the boonie hat which I still have bringing it back to the states.

Response by MAJ Gregory Moon made May 28 at 2023 9:32 PM

MAJ Gregory Moon — Sun, 28 May 2023 21:32:48 -0400

I remember the 20th EN Bde in 2008 in Iraq hated the boogie cap. Kind of made little to no sense to me I figure they'll be a bunch of skin cancer from that. Though on a deployment in Kuwait out at Camp Buehring the wind tended to make boonie cap wearing impractical so I stuck with the patrol cap. There is something to the variations in wearing the boonie that tends to give SGMs the heebie-jeeblies. Soldiers jazz up their patrol caps so no accounting for that reason either.

Response by SGT James Hunsinger made May 29 at 2023 1:02 AM

SGT James Hunsinger — Mon, 29 May 2023 01:02:16 -0400

I was in the intelligence corps. Quite often, once we ere dropped off by the ground vehicles or choppers near our AO and the sound of the engines had faded into the distance, K-pots went in the bottom of the ruck and the boonie caps came out. No one was coming to see us without asking for the grid coords to our hide site so it worked for us.

Response by SFC Lynn Santosuosso made May 29 at 2023 8:33 PM

SFC Lynn Santosuosso — Mon, 29 May 2023 20:33:12 -0400

We never had a problem with being allowed to wear the Boonie hats, but I was in Desert Shield Desert Storm and if we weren’t wearing the Boonie, we were wearing the Kevlar!
I guess not wearing it properly was a bit of the issue. As one other person commented about wanting to wear it Australian style that defeats the purpose of having the brim to protect your face, neck, and ears from being scorched. I was a senior NCO then, and some of the younger troops would tease me about how I wore my cap because I wore it with the brim straight all the way around. But then some of those younger enlisted individuals had such badly burnt necks and burnt ears that they got hell from the Top and Company Commander regarding the design and proper wearing of the Boonie hat. By the way, our Top and some other senior NCO‘s were Vietnam veterans and they would get on the young enlisted also about how to wear the damn hat!

So my question to you is why is it so important that you wear it? Is it because you can wear it in whatever fashion you want or is it really for the purpose of protecting your face neck and ears from the blistering sun??

Response by CWO5 Jeffrey Backus made Jun 26 at 2023 6:33 PM

CWO5 Jeffrey Backus — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:33:10 -0400

I never had an issue with Bonnie covers or watch caps. Boony covers protect the rats from the sun. As do the watch caps

Of course I enjoyed over ruling the 1st sht

Response by CW3 Dan Mackey made Jul 1 at 2023 1:46 PM

CW3 Dan Mackey — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 13:46:53 -0400

The long and short is that it is a crumpled mess and looks to individualized ie not uniform. That said I was a sniper and always worn mine in the field.

Response by SP5 Skip Saurman made Jul 2 at 2023 4:48 PM

SP5 Skip Saurman — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 16:48:45 -0400

Don't know about that . . . in Vietnam most regulations went "out the window" as far as proper dress was concerned. I was even awarded my Bronze Star while standing on a concrete basketball court in Nha Trang, wearing pretty sloppy-looking fatigues and my boonie hat!

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Jul 6 at 2023 6:23 AM

SGT Erick Holmes — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 06:23:28 -0400

I love the bonnie cap. Honestly I have no idea why the boonie cap is demonzed. I think its one of the greatest caps that is out there. I can say maybe its mostly the old school guys/women. No offense to
them. I get it though there are things that I like to keep traditional as well. I guess you can say that the word demonized should be change too frown upon.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Aug 4 at 2023 1:39 PM

Cpl George Matousek — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:39:27 -0400

Well it should only worn in the field so it can be worn then. Semper Fi

Response by COL John Rosnow made Aug 5 at 2023 12:46 PM

COL John Rosnow — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 12:46:42 -0400

Great question and I love reading the comments. I always wore mine while in Kuwait. It worked much better than the patrol cap keeping the sun off your head and neck and folded up nicely in your pocket. For whatever reason, our CSM hated it and very few people wore it. I wore mine so often as a going away gift, I was given an embroidered boonie cap and a hat rack.

Response by SN Kevin Wilson made Aug 6 at 2023 11:02 AM

SN Kevin Wilson — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 11:02:49 -0400

Isn't that head gear authorized for Special Forces/Recon/Seals for example?!

Response by SFC David S made Aug 7 at 2023 2:15 PM

SFC David S — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:15:41 -0400

The only thing we were authorized to wear in the field was a helmet complete with chin strap. The boonie was OK to wear on the FOB as long as we were not under attack, then the helmet was preferred by all. I was not a fan of the beret taking the place of the patrol cap. It felt disrespectful to the units that were authorized the beret. And I thought it made me look silly.

Response by MSG Mike OHandley made Aug 7 at 2023 3:59 PM

MSG Mike OHandley — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:59:59 -0400

Back in the '70s I was stationed at Bragg. As a matter of routine, guys wore the boonie cap in the field, but they were hard to come by. My mother had been a seamstress and taught me how to sew and repair my own clothes when I was young, because she didn't have the time. I rented a sewing machine from Post Rental and used to tailor guys' BDUs and such for cheap - like $5 a set. Someone asked me if I could make a boonie cap. I measured one up, took an old pair of fatigues and some really stiff cardboard, and made one. It looked great! After that, I got flooded with orders and my spare time was spent making boonie caps. I got $5 apiece for them and they paid for all my drinking time down on Hay Street. LOL!!

Response by CPT John Green made Aug 10 at 2023 10:47 AM

CPT John Green — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:47:22 -0400

I think the Boonie Cap (aka Sun Hat) is an acquired taste, you either like it or you dont. As a MSC officer I have been deployed in med and non med units. Have seen (usually CSMs) in both where someone didnt like the boonie cap so it was frowned upon in formations or in my last deployment to Bagram the CSM and Bdg cdr more or less outlawed it. Occasionally the army gets something right. The boonie cap was designed to keep the sun off your head and neck. Yeah I know its not perfect, not every mission outside the wire your going to wear it but in general its a sinceable piece of headgear. I have never cared for leaders making a decision purely based on there own personal preference.

Response by 1SG Edward Cullen made Aug 10 at 2023 11:03 AM

1SG Edward Cullen — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:03:53 -0400

I have to agree with CSM. I guess ok old school also. Soldiers never want to wear it correctly. Soldiers shape it this way or the other. Then your day is spent telling soldiers to correct the hat and then it’s an argument or some negative feed back.
Yes I know the same can be said about the PC, same issue. Just grab the head gear shake it and put it on. Just a crusty old retiree here.

Response by MSgt Mason Manner made Aug 10 at 2023 11:25 PM

MSgt Mason Manner — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 23:25:56 -0400

As for me when I deployed I wore the boonie hat with the COLLAR TURNED UP when outside. It was a perfect desert uniform, but everyone else (AF) had the collar cut down because it was too wide:idiots. The booniehat was the perfect cover

Response by 1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) made Sep 3 at 2023 10:27 AM

1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:27:06 -0400

Just because your senior leadership makes a decision does not mean we need to demonize their mentality. The sun hat (boonie cap) is not clearly authorized (read the part about "as determined by the commander") to be worn in the field. It is only worn when your leadership requires it -- Local commanders can pick and choose the "Uniform of the Day". If the Boonie cap is chosen for that day (as 1SGT Healy did), the following information in DA Pam 670-1, 4-10, d. covers all requirements on how to wear it! By the way, the requirements for wear do not meet some soldiers desires... You cannot wear it perched on the back of your head with the drawstring holding the sides up, or blocked and shaped with an upturned brim... Blatant disregard of this may be the reason some leaders frown on it...

The sun hat is an OCIE item authorized for wear 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 drawstring on the sun hat can be worn under the chin, around the back of the head and neck, or tucked inside. The drawstring 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. Subdued pin-on or sew-on grade insignia, or branch insignia for chaplains, is worn centered on the front of the headgear left to right and top to bottom.

Response by SSG Scott Will made Sep 12 at 2023 7:03 PM

SSG Scott Will — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 19:03:34 -0400

I wore mine in Vietnam! Worked great kept the sun off me and the rain during the monsoons, thing is that no one gave a shit. More important things to worry about.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2023 5:52 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 05:52:54 -0400

I love the Boonie. It is the most practical headgear we have. I and anothe CSM in our brigade authorized them in our battalions. The brigade commander has since authorized them within the brigade. (Although they are already an authorized item). The memo just reiterates the proper wear (no rolling etc) that is in the 670-1. Huge morale booster.

Response by SFC James High made Sep 14 at 2023 9:03 AM

SFC James High — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 09:03:51 -0400

I agree with 1SG Healy, Sr NCOs are paying way more attention to "nothing issues" than taking care of Soldiers! When an NCO gets a Diamond or a Star in their Chevrons their main focus is Soldier well being. This means they stay out of planning missions only when it concerns a Soldier's ability to perform them! The Army made a grave mistake ever creating the "Command SGT Major" rank, because all it did is take the SGT Major from the enlisted and give it to the officers. Unfortunately, a lot of NCOs today no longer have the stomach for making a command decision, primarily for a fear of reprisals by superiors. "Officers command Soldiers, NCOs lead them!".

Response by SPC Todd Curran made Sep 15 at 2023 3:39 AM

SPC Todd Curran — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 03:39:10 -0400

The only thing I can think of is that . They just need something to complain about.

Response by SPC Todd Curran made Sep 15 at 2023 3:39 AM

SPC Todd Curran — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 03:39:11 -0400

The only thing I can think of is that . They just need something to complain about.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2023 2:51 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 02:51:05 -0400

I've worn a few versions of the "boonie" cap (desert camo, ACU, etc). I have never encountered anything negative from Senior NCO's nor Junior enlisted or even Officer's in my 28 years. Generally, the first field grade Officer/NCO prescribes the field uniform and garrison uniform or passes on the instructions to and from higher/lower HQ. Unless it was worn not IAW 609-1 etc I see no problem. I've worked with Joint Staff including 2 Star Marines, AF etc as their Army Sergeant Major. They usually deferred to me and I would issue a "may wear" . I was not SpecOps however I know they used modified uniform wear including hygiene such as a beard etc. My highest level was a CENTCOM command and there was never an issue there. It's unfortunate that there are those that demonize the head gear and I don't know why. (Insert a hundred speculations). Good question.

Response by SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2023 6:22 PM

SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 18:22:55 -0400

I spent 30 years in the Infantry, and have permanent sun damage in my neck to prove why the Army should allow Soldiers to wear the boonie as opposed to a PC. However, there is ALWAYS a counter-answer to everything like, “get sunscreen from the medics…”
It is what it is. And as another CSM commented already, it makes too much sense as these items are already in the U.S. Army clothing inventory NSN

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 20 at 2023 7:25 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:25:09 -0400

SSG I'M OLD SCHOOL SO MOST OF TIME WHEN I WAS DEPLOYED IT WAS BOONIE, ALOT BETTER THEN STEALING THE RANGERS BLACK BERET.
MOST LIGHT FIGHTERS WEAR THE BOON HAT. I STILL HAVE MY BOONIE FROM DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM.

I PACKED AWAY MY BOON HAT FROM OIF 1,2,3

SOMETIMES WE WORE BASEBALL CQAPS AROUND IN THE FOB OR OUT ON PATROL- BE ALWAY HAD THE HARD STUFF AT MY SIDE READY TO GO BROTHER.

F- ALL THE SNOWFLAKES IN HERE GIVING CRAP. I KNOW THE V-VETS LIVED BY THE BOONIE.

Response by SFC William Linnell made Oct 20 at 2023 7:54 PM

SFC William Linnell — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:54:51 -0400

It's a good question. It would be great for wearing during the summer. Sun is brutal in TX, LA, KS, KY, NTC but no, let's wear the beret so we have ring around the nugget and skin cancer. Don't do anything that is common sense. I guess some CSMs are just love being dicks.
We had came in from the field, it the wash rack, with tanks, and wearing a pair of nomex for a week. We were nasty. Got into formations to be released, still wearing our patrol caps. The BDE CSM was driving by, stopped and reamed out the 1SG bc we weren't wearing berets. And he made us go put them on before he left. What a cluster.
Same thing in Afghanistan. I was on a 6 man team of combat advisors to the Afghan Border Police in the Kunar, Nangahar Provinces and the Tora Bora region. Didn't have any issues with the PRT Asadabad but at FOB Fenty in Jalalabad, had a few heated exchanges from butterbars wanting to be saluted, our relaxed facial hair and boonies. It's was quite entertaining.
But there isn't any reason not to wear them. Someone mentioned about wearing properly, hell they couldn't wear the beret correctly either. Nothing but soup sammiches.

Response by 1SG Arthur Kristiansen made Oct 21 at 2023 10:19 AM

1SG Arthur Kristiansen — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 10:19:32 -0400

Anyone ever been in a jungle with at least two guaranteed downpours a day without one? A poncho hood sounds like you're next to a rock concert's bass drums. Comfort is preferable to couture. A boonie hat and a cravat did a lot to sop up the sweat when it was 100+ and 99% humidity. Also, without it, where would one put his decorative flechette bling?

Response by Sgt Hollie Landram made Oct 22 at 2023 11:06 PM

Sgt Hollie Landram — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 23:06:22 -0400

In the air force, we always got squadron baseball hats. Yep. So not only do we look like bus drivers (my husband was riding amtrack on leave and people kept asking him questions because they thought he was an employee) and women look like we're wearing a business suit, we get to weat baseball hats - like we're truckers or something.
I like the boonies hats for down range, but I'm not quite sure about h one station. They're much more uniform-like than a base ball hat, though and they don't show dirt and grime like the white front of the A.F. base ball hats. I really like the berets or just the standard clothing sales hat.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Oct 23 at 2023 7:48 PM

SSG Harry Herres — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:48:12 -0400

Senior staff wore starch jungles, full color patches. They were not in the bush, so they disliked what worked for the guys who did the dirty work. Now things are lighter softer and thankfully troop friendly. Different time different military. Thankfully everyone can now serve! To all stay safe stay strong and glad there are still 4%s who serve America!

Response by SGT Jim Wiseman made Oct 30 at 2023 2:27 PM

SGT Jim Wiseman — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:27:51 -0400

It's a good piece of headgear. While I liked the beret, I understand how it was more difficult to put on, especially if you had a handful of items you were carrying on some errand... or just during the course of daily duties. The boonie is a an even simpler piece of headgear to put on than the PC. And, as has been pointed out, it offers better sun protection than the PC. Considering that safety briefs routinely advise soldiers to not get sunburned because it's "damaging government property."
Likely, some senior leadership just doesn't like things that are different. As has also been pointed out, soldiers like to wear it in some unauthorized way. Rather than point out the regs (if they know them) regarding the boonie, they choose to throw a fit and make up regs or rules. Just like with the "Ranger roll," guys will try to do "cool guy" shit to the headgear. I guess for some, it's easier to just try not to allow a sensible alternative. Funny how "knowing is half the battle" was G.I. Joe's thing. I guess more senior NCO's are about the power and asserting it than educating troops or instructing them to get the proper instructions from their leadership.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2023 7:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 07:59:29 -0400

I've always let my soldiers wear them in the field and on the range, catonment was a no just so some SGM/CSM wouldn't get all pissy.

Response by SFC Terry Bryant made Nov 23 at 2023 12:08 PM

SFC Terry Bryant — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:08:15 -0500

Because it is NOT part of the authorized uniform. I had to finally go to a Dermatologist to get a profile to wear one over 20 years ago. While at Ft Hood I had a full Colonel prescribe me a boonie hat to be worn outdoors every time I went out. An injury to my nose required a skin graft and I was already showing precancerous cells in my skin.
I had everything from E5’s to CSM’s demanding I take my hat off and wear the proper attire. I would show them my profile and most could care less about a peace of paper. These uniform Natzi’s were far more concerned with my uniform than they were with my health. I had to appear in front of my commander many times because I refused to remove my boonie hat. It took the actions of the same Colonel who wrote the profile to get involved and remind those little Natzi’s that no one short of the Army chief of staff can override a medical requirement per AR40-502. I was harassed, ostracized and even frowned upon by many within and outside of my command.
I retired after 32 years of service. In my entire 32 years my service to the Army and this nation was perfect. I never failed at ANYTHING I ever done and exceeded expectations at every job I had going above and beyond on every assignment. I was just diagnosed with skin cancer just over a month ago. I start Chemo in just over a week from writing this response. My question is this. Does any single person who thought the uniform code was so much more important than protecting my health cares one iota whether I live or die a horrible death as a result of BOT following that profile to satisfy their demand uniform code of LOOKING correctly? That of course is a rhetorical question because I think we ALL know the answer to that question. While I have the utmost respect and love for my uniform and my Military family there are those who believe following the rules to the letter is much more important than the health of individuals.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Nov 26 at 2023 11:50 AM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 11:50:10 -0500

Seems like a lot of consternation over a "hat".

Response by CSM Edward Litherland made Dec 1 at 2023 7:59 AM

CSM Edward Litherland — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 07:59:49 -0500

As a 1SG I got my ass chewed because my team were wearing boonies hats.

Response by CSM Edward Litherland made Dec 1 at 2023 8:08 AM

CSM Edward Litherland — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 08:08:07 -0500

When I became CSM, even though I still didn't believed in boonies, it was instilled at the academy if it wasn't issued it doesn't belong. My Brigade CSM would chew troops for wearing dew rags, un authorized sunglasses and anything not issued.
So I followed his lead and did the same.

Response by MSG David Guy made Dec 3 at 2023 1:28 PM

MSG David Guy — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 13:28:53 -0500

Just wondering what the purpose of assigning that head gear was? Geographic location, tropical climate?

Response by SP5 George Butts made Dec 31 at 2023 11:59 PM

SP5 George Butts — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 23:59:27 -0500

A little off topic but I sure wish I could have worn a "Boonie Cap" when I was in Vietnam. SOP for my unit, HHC 2nd of 8th Cav, was steel helmet or nothing. If at a LZ everyone went without head gear. Now at age 77 my head looks like a checker board full of sun damaged skin

Response by SSG Mannix Brooks made Feb 5 at 2024 11:45 AM

SSG Mannix Brooks — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 11:45:04 -0500

I honestly think because so many civilians who are allergic to serving in the military love wearing military gear and the boonie hat seems one of their favorites so seeing troops wearing them reminds CSMs of that crap.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2024 1:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 13:47:48 -0500

Speaking only for my own unit as the 1SG, soldier care. Not in garrison, of course, and only if everyone had one.

Response by SGT David Schrader made Feb 11 at 2024 6:24 PM

SGT David Schrader — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 18:24:59 -0500

I have no idea why the boonie cap is demonized. I t should NOT be.
The boonie cap doesn’t represent anything evil, racist or controversial. My guess is that someone not even affiliated with the military got his or her feelings hurt. It’s really a shame that in this day and age someone can disrupt traditional things.
I still wear my old boonie cap from time to time. I am not trying to make a statement while wearing it as it comes in handy to do some outside work. I am also proud to wear it.
The military should not cave in to this BS.