Posted on Dec 11, 2019
SSG Squad Leader
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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
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Never noticed anyone having a problem with them when we were out in the field.
Sgt William Margeson
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Boonie hats in field works well as camo, as it breaks up the outline of head and face
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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.
SSG Dave Johnston
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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.
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Col Colonel, Chief Nurse
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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!
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Cpl Jeff Ruffing
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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
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Lt Col Warren Domke
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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.
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SGT(P) Master Driver
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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.
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SgtMaj Sergeant Major/First Sergeant
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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.
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SGT Bob Straub
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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.
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