Why is the boonie cap so demonized in the army?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.