Posted on Jul 2, 2023
1SG First Sergeant
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Why is there so much argument over sewing a name tape on the boonie cap?

DA PAM 670-1 dated 26 January 2021clearly states it is authorized.

4–10. Headgear
a. Patrol cap.
(2) Wear. Soldiers may sew on the nametape or grade insignia as an option. Hook-and-loop fasteners for the nametape may be left on or removed when sewing it on to the patrol cap. If Soldiers choose to sew on the nametape or grade insignia, it will be at their own expense.

This clearly allows the wear of the name tape on the patrol cap.

d. Sun (boonie) hat. 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.

This clearly identifies the boonie cap as an alternate headgear for the patrol cap. It goes on to cover fit and wear, explain how the drawstring will be worn and describes the placement of rank insignia. What it does not do is mention the name tape at all. It does not say it is authorized, but it does not say that it is not. My interpretation is that as this headgear is an alternate to the patrol cap, the regulations for the patrol cap apply to it. The reasons for the nametape on the patrol cap all still apply to the boonie cap. I am not suggesting we put it on the Beret for wear with the dress uniform.
All this is found on Page 7 (PDF Page 24) of the regulation.
Now, let's take it a step further.

We are still in DA PAM 670-1
21 – 3. Headgear insignia
g. Patrol cap and sun (boonie) hat. No other insignia other than the nametape is worn on the headgear (see figs 21 – 14 and 21 – 15).

Clearly the regulation says that the patrol cap and the boonie cap allow the placement of a name tape on the headgear. People still argue that because the next two figures mentioned there are of a patrol cap (our primary duty uniform headgear) this sentence does not apply to the boonie cap, even though it is mentioned by name in the paragraph.
This is found on Page 157 (PDF Page 174) of the regulation.

So, this is my interpretation of this regulation. The assertion was made that if there was supposed to be a name tape on the back of the boonie cap, there would be a hook-and-loop tab like on the patrol cap. I claim that is an oversight (an argument that holds zero value just like the original assertion). That argument holds as much weight as me arguing that the predominant gear and embroidery store outside Fort Drum, Bradley's, has a deal to sell you a boonie cap with your rank and a name tape sewn on. If that is how they sell them, then it is obviously something that the 10th Mountain Division, the most deployed division in the Army, accepts as the proper uniform. It is an interesting anecdote, but proves nothing.
Please weigh in with actual arguments pro and con, not just a yes or no. I am deployed in Kuwait and this is becoming an issue.
Posted in these groups: 4276e14c UniformsAr Army Regulations
Edited 2 y ago
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
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The unit sets the field uniform standard. Very few units authorize a Boonie in any environment as the helmet and when authorized the Patrol cap. The only units I have seen with boonies are light combat units outside of combat where they may be issued.

Regardless of what is possible, units set the standard for the daily uniform in each unit. Just because something is authorized does not mean that it is locally approved The word Uniform is the key. Units want their Soldiers to be uniform in appearance.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen C.
2 y
I think you've captured the essence of the situation very well, CSM Darieus ZaGara. However, as I'm long since retired, issues such as these for me are "as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal', and the sound is barely audible!
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COL Randall C.
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Agree with CSM Darieus ZaGara. The issue you are running into is if it is authorized by local or regional policy and that obviously can vary from command to command or even region to region.

The implementation of the regulation (DA PAM) gives restrictive guidance of what can be added to headgear (unless you have an approved exception from HQDA) as only rank and a nametape. Regarding the patrol cap, it is assertive in that you will wear a nametape and grade, but the only assertation on the boonie cap is that you will wear grade.

When guidance is unclear, then it is left to local/regional commanders to issue guidance. Regarding the boonie cap, some "above local" commanders have issued guidance (The Corps of Engineers issues guidance for wear in Afghanistan that name tapes were not authorized on the boonie cap, the 10th Mountain states that the boonie cap is not to be worn outside the unit area if the local commander approves its wear, etc.) while many others have not.

So, does the regulation prohibit nametapes from being placed on boonie caps? No, it doesn't. Does that mean it allows them to be placed? That is determined by the local uniform policy.
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Maj Kim Patterson
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I am no help at all on this one, I’m afraid, 1SG (Join to see) from here it seems pretty confusing. I’ll check in the am and see if I can find anything out,
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