Which do you prefer: Service cap or beret?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:34:15 -0500

Which do you prefer to wear while wearing ASUs?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Nov 20 at 2014 7:43 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:43:36 -0500

I can't believe you actually asked this. The beret as a daily wear item was, IMHO, a total failure. A useless, and most impractical piece of head wear.

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Nov 20 at 2014 7:56 PM

LTC Paul Heinlein — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:56:39 -0500

I grew up with the Service and the garrison cap (that had another nickname). The Beret came later.

Service Cap is preferred by me, although the garrison cap was the easiest to carry around when not wearing it.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 20 at 2014 7:58 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:58:18 -0500

Other: Garrison Cover.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Nov 20 at 2014 7:58 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:58:55 -0500

Service cap says: I am a professional, this is my uniform.
Beret says: I am desperately trying to look cool. Don't I look cool? Don't I? Anybody?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 8:05 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:05:03 -0500

I'm glad I can choose a Stetson.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 8:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:08:46 -0500

I'm actually a huge fan of the beret. I'm not a fan of how hot it is but I do find it more asthetically pleasing. Just my personal opinion though.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 8:30 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:30:38 -0500

I vote beret, LTC Private RallyPoint Member. And I'm basing that on my days in the 82d (1975-1978).

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 8:32 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:32:39 -0500

The service cap is functional.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 9:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 21:09:35 -0500

You must be joking, sir.
Beret wear for all occasions was an abortion, hated by all but the circle of geniuses that felt the idea was just super because it was their idea and legacy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 9:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 21:11:41 -0500

The service cover hands down looks more professional in ASU's. I don't like anything about the beret, but it looks better with B's. I would rather have the garrison cover for B's.

Response by SFC Melker Johansson made Nov 20 at 2014 9:12 PM

SFC Melker Johansson — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 21:12:54 -0500

Service cap with jacket. Beret in short-sleeves.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 20 at 2014 9:22 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 21:22:58 -0500

Do we really need to state the obvious?..............The Stetson.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Nov 20 at 2014 10:17 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 22:17:24 -0500

STARCHED MARINE CORPS COVER

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 1:14 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 01:14:22 -0500

Unless it is a Maroon, Tan, or Green beret. But I think the Officers Service Cap is classy.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 1:21 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 01:21:37 -0500

I think we should all wear The Sikh Turban

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 21 at 2014 1:40 AM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 01:40:19 -0500

Ummm let me see, the beret provides no shade, it is hot as hell and ultimately, the beret was earned by the select few...it was horrible to take the prestige that it signifies and get it to all of us 'regular joes'...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 3:19 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 03:19:10 -0500

It has to be the Service Cap. I hate the beret even though I actually wear it right unlike other people I see. Half the people that wear it look like an idiot or a chef cmcause they don't know how to wear it. If not the service cap then garrison cap

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Nov 21 at 2014 5:39 AM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 05:39:32 -0500

The service cap makes you like a bus driver. Or the door man at a nice hotel.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 7:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 07:57:40 -0500

Service Cap looks professional, and is traditional.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 8:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 08:22:32 -0500

Anything but the beret, return the beret to the Soldiers that actually earned one

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 1:22 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 13:22:16 -0500

I want to see the beret gone forever! Also, I bought that service cap 21 years ago and would like to wear it once, at least.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Nov 21 at 2014 1:31 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 13:31:50 -0500

How many of you guys have actually WORN a service cap????? ;o)

I think for informal occasions in ASU, in class B or TDY status or not in a honor guard, berets are great. If the occasion calls for more formality, then the service cap.

I will tell you though that I HATE the service cap. It is a pain in the ass to wear and a pain in the ass to cart around when not wearing it. At least with the beret, you can kind of tuck it in the small of your back and hide it with your ASU coat.....

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 21 at 2014 1:42 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 13:42:14 -0500

I want my garrison headgear back so when in the 101 I can wear my glider patch on it, but then I also love my service hat and have worn it every opportunity I can. Last time was presenting the Nations flag to my aunt for my retired Uncle's funeral for his service to our country. The OLD GUARD wears it proudly and I like the way it makes us look, period, beret bu bye, hello garrison and service hats.....please!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Nov 21 at 2014 2:38 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 14:38:32 -0500

Just so everyone is tracking, THIS is the Service Cap in question:

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Nov 21 at 2014 2:59 PM

SSG Christopher Parrish — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 14:59:32 -0500

I am still of the opinion that the beret is something special and should be earned. I feel strange every time I put on the black beret, I grew up looking up to the men who had to work hard to earn that.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Nov 21 at 2014 5:42 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 17:42:02 -0500

Service cap ... no question.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2014 12:34 AM

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 00:34:20 -0500

I'm a paratrooper. I have to support the beret.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2014 9:35 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 09:35:00 -0500

Service Cap (for non-Airborne/Ranger Regiment/SF personnel), its more professional. The black beret on the entire force looked like a bag of smashed assholes.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 22 at 2014 9:39 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 09:39:44 -0500

Like there is a REAL choice here, Brian?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2014 1:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:10:29 -0500

Service cap. But if we are going to wearing berets than it should be Samuel L Jackson approved...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2014 7:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 19:44:49 -0500

I have been in Airborne units for the majority of my career so I have grown to love my beret. However, the service cap looks classy and squared away. The service cap should be the standard for those units that are not Airborne, Ranger or Special Forces. I say this because these particular units wear jump boots. Now, if no jump boots are to be worn and you are wearing your ASUs for anything other than a military ball then I say service cap.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 22 at 2014 11:24 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 23:24:43 -0500

For me its more of a cost issue. The service caps is around $65. Yes, I get a clothing allowance but for a something I might wear 4 times a year compared to duty uniform I wear about 100 times in a year I am going to invest my money into the duty uniform.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 6:24 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 06:24:05 -0500

Service Cap all the way....easier to put on, all look the same and worn properly. Only have to really change it once as an officer (Company Grade to Field Grade).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 11:35 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:35:28 -0500

I prefer Maroon Beret and Polished Jump Boots! Haven't worn a black beret/service hat and low quarters in three years!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 11:36 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:36:53 -0500

ABN!

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 11:46 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:46:23 -0500

Service cap. I'm "old school" in the sense that I believe only 3 berets should be worn (Airborn, Rangers and SF). I won't wear one unless I'm ordered to do so.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 12:01 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 12:01:58 -0500

I prefer the beret... Like the ASUs which shows the awards,badges, tabs, ribbons, etc... Beret had to be formed to the SMs head... And you could tell who took pride in the uniform and who didn't... If someone had a jacked up beret you could bet their uniform was the same... Maybe is the fact my last unit it was s daily head gear... Easier to store because I absolutely hate putting things in my cargo pockets...

Response by MAJ Rick Howard made Nov 23 at 2014 4:26 PM

MAJ Rick Howard — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 16:26:42 -0500

Please Hands down, give the Ranges back their beret

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 23 at 2014 4:43 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 16:43:46 -0500

Okay, new head gear for all....

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 23 at 2014 5:00 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:00:55 -0500

This is how good I'd look in a Roman Legion head gear so forget the beret and the service cap. Let's go ahead and add all the other stuff too like the sword, shield, spear, and his IOTV.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 5:01 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:01:02 -0500

Without a loaf of french bread and a bottle of vino, the black beret doesn't cut it. Leave that for airborne, special forces.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 5:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:19:48 -0500

Service cap. Much easier to maintain properly, also feels like it's sitting on your head correctly without needing nearly as much fussing to feel like it looks presentable. Also, it's more functional in terms of keeping sun/rain out of your eyes for outdoor ceremonies.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 23 at 2014 6:04 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 18:04:21 -0500

I am a fan of Special Units wearing berets. I am also a fan of the look of the Service Cap. After all the Old Guard at Fort Myer doesn't wear berets now do they.

Response by PFC Phillip Sangre made Nov 23 at 2014 6:19 PM

PFC Phillip Sangre — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 18:19:19 -0500

The black beret was the Rangers, the Maroon was the Airborne and the Green was Special forces and the legs wore the ball caps and c#%t caps. Just saying

Response by SPC Richard White made Nov 24 at 2014 4:22 AM

SPC Richard White — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 04:22:38 -0500

A beret is earned

Response by SSG John Erny made Nov 24 at 2014 2:47 PM

SSG John Erny — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 14:47:57 -0500

It should be like it was, PC for the legs, berets fore the elite units. Sorry I am old School No offence intended

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Nov 24 at 2014 3:56 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 15:56:24 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member - I would say that the majority of the time, it would have to be the beret; however, when certain ceremonies occur, e.g. retirement, inaugurations, etc, occur, I believe the service cap is more appropriate.

Response by CPT Erik Eriksen made Nov 24 at 2014 8:59 PM

CPT Erik Eriksen — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 20:59:25 -0500

When I started out, I had to have a service cap for my greens, a service cap for my blues, a garrison cap for my khakis, and a baseball cap for my fatigues. We also wore winter caps in the field and don't forget the steel pot. I wore a Ranger patrol cap in Ranger School and, later, a BDU cap which was pretty much the same. Eventually, I earned the green beret.

Nothing, in my experience, looks more outstanding than a service cap for an impressive display of formality and professional military appearance. It is, however, expensive and a pain in the neck to carry and to store/place when going to functions or meetings.

The garrison cap and beret, while okay for a Class B type uniform, takes two hands to put on and insure proper placement. That, in and of itself, can be a pain. While I am proud of earning the green beret and like wearing it in public, I never felt the need to wear it to work every day. Everyone I worked with and socialized with were SF and we all wore the same patches. Give be the Ranger patrol cap/BDU cap any day.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 3:58 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 03:58:47 -0500

The Recon Boone isn't an option? Then I will go with PC, Patrol Cap. Bit I do think the beret looks gtreat in garrison.

Response by MSG John Wirts made Nov 29 at 2014 1:59 AM

MSG John Wirts — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 01:59:53 -0500

The service cap has a brim to help keep the sun out of your eyes, any cap with a brim that can be one hand has my vote!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 10:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 22:24:33 -0500

Currently looking like 72% like service cap over beret. So should we get rid of the beret or use it for "class A" type events and use service cap for "blues" events?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 10:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 22:32:48 -0500

I definitely prefer the service cap.
It shades my eyes.... sort of.
I can put it on correctly with ONE had.
It doesn't attract unnecessary heat in the summer (black wool... c'mon man!)

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 3 at 2014 10:31 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 22:31:50 -0500

Watch cap

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 10:35 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 22:35:44 -0500

SSG V. Michelle Woods, PV2 Private RallyPoint Member , SGM Matthew Quick , 1SG Private RallyPoint Member what is your vote?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 2:26 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 02:26:36 -0500

I think the service cap is better in ASU's because let's be honest: you can't screw it up like you can the beret. We've all seen them: the pizza chef hat, the wrinkled mess, too big, too small, and my personal favorite, the airborne slant.

Response by PV2 David Minnicks made Dec 4 at 2014 3:34 AM

PV2 David Minnicks — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 03:34:43 -0500

Service cap in my opinion since it is easier to maintain, provides better protection to sun & debris and it just plain looks better. I think the beret looks a little sloppy and a lot of inconsistency in how it is worn and shaped by each SM. If the service cap was not shaped and worn correctly then you quickly earned the moniker of Beetle Bailey.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 4 at 2014 3:38 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 03:38:58 -0500

Patrol cap all the way.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 3:45 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 03:45:33 -0500

I actually hate the PC...the beret seems appropriate in garrison but not in the field. A boon and beret is all that is needed. IMO

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 4:02 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 04:02:26 -0500

OK I never wore a service cap, but I voted beret, LTC Private RallyPoint Member, because no matter what you are (Conventional, Airborne, Ranger, or SF), how you maintain a beret is a sign of great pride (that reasonable or justifiable self-worth and self-respect). Heck, when, I was not happy when PC replaced beret in ACUs. At least let me enjoy it with my ASUs, right?

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Dec 4 at 2014 5:09 AM

SSG Maurice P. — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 05:09:25 -0500

I'm not initially Army, in other words i didnt go thru Army Basic training Ait Pldc Bnoc Anoc...
I did go thru Marine Corps Boot camp, marine corps N. c.o school and the staff n.c.o academy non-resident program and the air force leadership school plus air force n.c.o academy...
The only school i went thru my short time in the navy was SHORE PATROL (POLICEMEN)
having said all that me personally i like the service cover in the corps its called a garrison cover or barracks cover i liked them both...The beret ought to be worn only by the AIRBORNE PARATROOPERS-RANGERS-GREEN BERETS AND AIR ASSAULT...With 3 colors (airborne-red)
back to black(rangers) green berets-green............

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Dec 4 at 2014 6:01 AM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 06:01:04 -0500

Oh grosse, neither! Both mess up my hair.
I don't care how "prissy" that sounds because the bottom line is, the regulation says we're suppose to look professional. Messy hair doesn't look professional lol.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Dec 4 at 2014 9:57 AM

MAJ Dallas D. — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 09:57:24 -0500

I always felt like a bus driver wearing the Service Cap

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 9:16 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 21:16:18 -0500

BERET ALL THE WAY! (Sexy and you know it ;-)

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 4 at 2014 11:37 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 23:37:46 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 11:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 23:43:37 -0500

The service cap looks far more professional. If course I do like that it is supposed to be worn by NCOs and officers while the enlisted wear a different cover. I'm undecided about the beret though; just glad we don't wear it with the duty uniform anymore.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 5 at 2014 12:13 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:13:31 -0500

Perhaps an "Old School" back to the basics approach to military service.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 5 at 2014 12:27 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:27:46 -0500

Tactical, yet garrison friendly.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 5 at 2014 12:39 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:39:27 -0500

Again, the "Dining In" requirement never made it to the design table when we decided to make all headgear standard throughout the services.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Dec 5 at 2014 12:41 AM

SGT Javier Silva — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:41:45 -0500

I'm sorry everyone but I have to do this. As someone mentioned, it seems that folks are confused between a Patrol Cap & Service Cap.

Service Cap (men):
http://cdn.supplyroom.com/A/AR/AR-CAP/AR-CAP-MEN_W.png

Service Cap (women):
http://cdn.supplyroom.com/A/AR/AR-CAP/AR-CAP-FEN_W.png

Patrol Cap:
http://cdn.supplyroom.com/A/ACU/ACU-CAP_W.png

Response by SFC James Barnes made Dec 5 at 2014 1:01 AM

SFC James Barnes — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 01:01:07 -0500

Stetson

Response by CSM David Heidke made Dec 5 at 2014 9:59 AM

CSM David Heidke — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 09:59:37 -0500

I can't stand the beret... But I do miss my round brown.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Dec 5 at 2014 10:16 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 10:16:07 -0500

As your Friendly Neighborhood Squid, can I make a suggestion?

Then you guys can vary the size of the feather by rank...

Remember, this is coming from a service that wears a cap called a "Dixie Cup"...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 10:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 10:36:25 -0500

Definitely the Service Cap although when properly worn, the beret looks sharp. I still find the whole thing funny about the beret. Ever since I first enlisted back in 91', they kept trying to get the beret authorized as headgear for all Soldiers. Once it was authorized, it wasn't six months before most people were wanting the soft cap back. As far as dress uniform goes, it looks good when the Soldier wears it properly. The soft cap in ACUs should be the only garrison headgear in my opinion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 10:59 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 10:59:21 -0500

Not that I ever have occasion to wear it.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Dec 5 at 2014 8:11 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 20:11:18 -0500

the Marine Corps olive drab utility cover starched is the best looiking cover the u.s armed forces
ever wore..............

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 8:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 20:11:42 -0500

Only time I wore a beret was in dress, and that was graduating basic, as an engineer my Drill Sgts. Would've smoked the shit out of us if we were caught in a beret lol

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2014 6:38 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 18:38:55 -0500

If the beret is worn properly it is a sharp piece of headgear.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2014 10:16 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 22:16:23 -0500

I honestly dislike the beret, especially during ceremonies (change of command, for example). I have never worn the service cap, since it's not issued but I would prefer that instead. It seems so much easier to put on and looks like the equivalent of the Marine Corps hat, which is spiffy.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Dec 6 at 2014 10:41 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 22:41:51 -0500

It is hard to mess up wearing the service cap. Over a decade after the beret was implemented, I still see Soldiers wearing the beret incorrectly. It should have been kept for elite units as they know how to wear them correctly.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 1:29 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 01:29:28 -0500

I can not get a beret that fits my melon good and looks well shaped unless I keep my head shaved. The Service Cap always looks professional and crisp.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 8:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 20:58:02 -0500

Berets should only be authorized for Rangers, SF and other elite units.

Response by SPC Phillip Ludlow made Dec 7 at 2014 9:03 PM

SPC Phillip Ludlow — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 21:03:21 -0500

Iv always felt each had its place and time. PC's for working day, and Beret's for official functions, dress, and formal occasions. ( of course i spent quite a bit of my career in a Cav unit, and as a recipient of two silver spurs, and a gold set, i had grown very accustomed to my Stetson..)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 4:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:54:23 -0500

For those in SOF and Airborne communities....keep their respective head wear; all others wear the Service Cap....or as my dad called it the Barney Fife. It presents a more uniform appearance....I've seen far too many people wear the beret incorrectly.

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Dec 20 at 2014 2:06 AM

1SG Eric Rice — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 02:06:11 -0500

Personally I prefer the "Service Cap." I believe that it presents a more professional military appearance. It should be the standard headgear for NCOs and Officers in ASUs.

Response by SGT Andrew Hurst made Dec 20 at 2014 2:55 AM

SGT Andrew Hurst — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 02:55:32 -0500

The beret, but only for Airborne, Ranger, and SF assignments. The rest of the army needs to stick with the patrol cap.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2015 10:36 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 22:36:20 -0500

Berets are impractical and are supposed to signify something ex: special forces, law enforcement etc. service caps serve more of a purpose.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 4 at 2015 5:13 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:13:53 -0500

I am not a fan of the beret for everyday because of the impracticalities that we all have come to hate and I will not go into them. However, in the ASU the beret looks sharp when properly prepared and worn correctly.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 5:24 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:24:31 -0500

The Service Cap has always been my favorite because you can put it on with one hand and be sure it looks good. The visor shades your eyes from the sun, and won't give you a horizontal tan-line across your forehead if you are out in the sun for a while.

Also, it is a required possession item for all NCOs and Officers, as unit commanders can direct that the Service Cap be the headgear of the day for NCOs and Officers. It's in AR 670-1.

Response by CW2 Eric Scott made Mar 4 at 2015 5:37 AM

CW2 Eric Scott — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:37:16 -0500

I don't really care, I just don't think they should have taken away the black beret away from Ranger Regiments. Out of all the previously worn beret units, Ranger Regiments were arguably the most proud of the black beret. In my book that was the only mistake.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 6:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 06:52:58 -0500

Omg service cap all the way, nothing against the French or France, but I'll take an American style over French any day, plus when the beret was adopted by the army as a whole it mixed a lot of colors around and pissed off a lot of our prestigious groups. And I can't comment on this subject without saying 90% of our forces berets look like dish rags on their head.... Or trash

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 4 at 2015 8:55 AM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 08:55:49 -0500

Can we call it b the politically correct name? ;)

Response by BG David Fleming III made Mar 4 at 2015 9:30 AM

BG David Fleming III — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 09:30:07 -0500

Beret is cold in the winter and sweats the summer with a bald head!

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Mar 19 at 2015 4:44 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:44:07 -0400

Service cap

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 6:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 18:02:29 -0400

In my opinion, when worn correctly, the beret is a much sharper, more professional looking choice.

That said, the lack of ability of the general military population to wear the beret correctly, and the significantly greater ease of use of the patrol cap make the patrol cap my choice.

EDIT: I misread the question. I have zero experience with the service cap. But from a Google image search, I would go with the same answer as above with the words "patrol" and "service" swapped out.

Response by SGT Chris Reese made Mar 19 at 2015 6:02 PM

SGT Chris Reese — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 18:02:54 -0400

Can I chose Stetson?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 10:13 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 22:13:18 -0400

Wait, you don't have to wear the beret full time anymore?
Find me a recruiter, I'm reenlisting.

Service cap, looks better, keeps rain off.
But if you give me the choice between the garrison cap and the beret I'll take the beret.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 25 at 2015 12:55 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:55:34 -0400

You beret lovers need to jump in to a freezing lake.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 1:24 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 13:24:14 -0400

The beret looks more professional.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Oct 11 at 2016 12:54 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 12:54:43 -0400

During the day I prefer to wear the service cap because it kept the sun from my eyes and it was cooler on my head, but during the evening the Beret looks cooler!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 13 at 2018 7:10 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 13 May 2018 19:10:46 -0400

Beret please

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 22 at 2018 3:43 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 15:43:10 -0400

Give that fracking black beret back to the buffer where it belongs.

I am all for the Airborne, Ranger, SF guys having beret's, give the 101st back the garrison Cap with the Screaming eagle on it, give Stetsons to Cav Units. Bring back some Esprit de Corp, these new uniforms just don't do it. I hope the Khakis' do make it back.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 22 at 2018 4:46 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 16:46:49 -0400

While the Berret looks good it has no practical purpose. The cap, with interior flaps looked good when maintained and kept the sun out of your eyes and the nip off your ears when necessary. Thank you for your service.