Why is the boonie cap so demonized in the army?

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 !

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

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

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.