Why is the boonie cap so demonized in the army?

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.

The demonization of the boonie cap stems from ignorance and inflexibility.

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.

Wear the boonie if it's just right fuk em

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

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.

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:)

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

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

Well said!!!

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)_/¯¯

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

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.

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!!!

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

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.