The Future of the Black Beret

[@thevet2009]

The US Army is a reflection of our society…the black beret is like giving everyone a participation trophy. So glad I’m retired now.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Huh...that is a good point. It is a strange reflection on that aspect of our society.

[@lelandgaunt9985]

Same with giving out aam’s just for doing your job, or MSM’s to E6 and above just for deploying.

[@pabloescabar1038]

Here, here brother

[@JackieCavalieri]

I remember getting those when they were first authorized for all troops. They were made in China...lol. damm shame. Only Rangers should wear American made black beret

[@riccorich]

I disagree it's shows unity

[@larkshead]

My impression was that General Shinseki used the black beret issue as a smokescreen: he introduced the beret while also announcing the Future Combat Systems, thus grinding the Army to a halt over a hat while announcing a sweeping change to organization, equipment, and doctrine with relatively little pushback. Of course, there are still black berets, but no FCS.

[@the_bureaucrat]

That is an interesting take. And what's more a way that leaders can easily do a bit of razzamatazz to distract the public from a real change. I'm going to add that to my rules...when you see a highly contentious uniform change being made...look at what else is happening.

[@oldsoldier181]

Yes, I remember that too. Changing how the TO&E was changed. The FCS is still being modified, even today. Hell, the Army just bought millions of dollars worth of head pieces that had a 20% satisfaction rate in the field. I swear to God, the Army burns through my money faster than I do...

[@duncanidaho0175]

SHENSUCKY SUA SPONTE RANGERS LEAD THE WAY

[@larkshead]

@@the_bureaucrat GEN Shinseki several times had both things in the same speech - including one I was present at - going on for awhile with justifying the beret then mentioning that "the Army has bought its last tank." Hey presto!

[@swiftmatic]

Berets were a badge of honor among elite troops. Whatever his motivation, Shinseki turned into a participation trophy. I can hear CSM Forbes now, "Goddam legs wearing them all wrong, anyway. Look like Luigi the fkn pizza-man. SQUARE YO SHIT AWAY, TROOP!" Airborne, Sergeant-Major 🫡

[@the_bureaucrat]

For what it is worth, I never figured out how to make that thing look good. CSM Forbes was right.

[@swiftmatic]

@the_bureaucrat get a beret 2 sizes larger than issue. Shave the fuzz. Repeatedly. Soak in warm water for 2 hours. Shake excess water out. NOW place it on your head and cinch up the tie ribbon. Stretch and mold the beret to your head so that it lays like a hound-dawg's ear. Let dry. Additional shaving will be required.

[@Zulutime44]

My thoughts exactly. Makes trained killxrs look like "Luigi the pizza man". I also like the way Sgt Major Forbes referred to riflemen as "legs", presumably due to their old MOS, 111.10. In my day, the term "grunt" had not yet been invented.

[@swiftmatic]

@@Zulutime44 "Leg" is a pejorative term for ANY non-Airborne personnel regardless of MOS.

[@Zulutime44]

@@swiftmatic - In my mechanized infantry battle group (2-28 Inf) in the early 1960s, those whose MOS was not 111.10 and 111.20 (light weapons and heavy weapons infantryman) respectfully called those front line troopers legs because they typically walked the last mile while recon scouts, tankers, truck drivers, etc. rarely left their vehicles.

[@wolfhound45]

The introduction of the black beret was one of the most ignorant decisions senior Army leaders have ever made. Return the black beret to the Ranger Regiment.

[@McClane4Ever.]

Amen

[@Unicorn161]

You mean return it to the tankers who had it a decade before all organizational headgear (other than the green) was banned, then when the Rangers were created and stole the black beret from those tankers? They were crying about it too back then, even holding beret burning parties to protest.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I think you're right about "ignorant". Not well thought out or understood.

[@duncanidaho0175]

SUA SPONTE RANGERS LEAD THE WAY EARNED NOT ISSUED

[@wolfhound45]

@@Unicorn161 Link?

[@anonymousm9113]

I enlisted shortly after the beret was adopted. We graduated OSUT in garrison caps, and the Paraglider patch was still required to be sewn on those at my first unit, but after in-processing, it was beret all the way. I think I bought my last beret in 2009, though, since the patrol cap became standard headgear again the following year and I rarely wore the beret after that. It's a shame that something so impractical went from being the trademark of the 75th Ranger Regiment to being passed out to every Soldier in the Army. Another piece of headgear I wore was much more practical and went from being standard issue to every Soldier to being the trademark of a selected group of NCOs: the campaign hat. It kept me shaded from the Fort Benning sun and was a visible indicator to every Trainee in sight that they weren't safe. Uniform component selection and adoption is usually pitched under practical pretenses. The black beret would increase morale and a sense of belonging. Just as every Marine is a Rifleman, the much larger Army would feel like a collective of professional Warriors wearing the formerly specialized headgear that had been identified with Ranger since the '70s. The UCP-ACU would consolidate three uniforms (hot weather BDU, temperate BDU, DCU) into one and modernize the uniform for comfort with modern body armor and loadout. The AGSU would hearken back to a period in which our Army was at its highest strength and had experienced some of its greatest victories. Those pretenses are often destroyed by both reality and by uniform policy at both upper and lower levels. The wear of the black beret became a sign of unit pride and individual professionalism. Well-formed berets separated the squared away units from the lackluster ones, and the good Soldiers from their mediocre counterparts. This wasn't always the case, but I'm sure that most of us can remember seeing the unformed chef's hats some units let their Soldiers get away with. The UCP-ACU was shortly followed by FR versions, then female cuts, then supplemented by OEF-CP (Multicam) before being ditched 10 years later in favor of the OCP-ACU, itself later supplemented by the IHWCU (the most comfortable uniform I wore, I bought a couple extra sets before retiring). The AGSU, while seemingly popular, was adopted not long before our disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal and our current recruiting woes. Uniform policy is something else entirely. I wear my ECWCS Layer 6 ("Gore-Tex") jacket quite a bit in retirement. It and its predecessors were always on the packing list for the field and deployments, but outside of a few extreme occasions, we were forbidden to wear it or other external ECWCS components. The fleece jackets were permitted by some units, but to this day I don't feel right wearing one. The windbreaker, on the other hand, I grew quite comfortable with, as I was fortunate to be in assignments that saw me away from the typical 1SG/CSM mentality that often affects uniform policy. I found the middle ground (O-6 to O-8 level) to be most lenient when it comes to uniform policy. Lower-level commanders have something to prove, and higher echelons have lost touch with reality. At one point, my battalion had a policy that all levels of protective equipment were to be worn while in the field, unless we were in a "patrol base". Never mind that the IOTV was designed to be modified based on mission, and that in most units, subordinate leaders (even--GASP--Team Leaders) could have their troops downgrade based on threat level and mission, we had to wear everything (well, except DAPS) per battalion policy. Even range cleanup was done in full battle rattle. Later that year, the battalion had an abnormal number of heat casualties during exercises at Fort Stewart which culminated in a mid-summer 20-mile ruck--in full kit with loaded rucks. On the flip side, there are the senior leaders that set Big Army policy. Small things like branch insignia being removed from combat uniforms, and the ASU lacking shoulder patches caused some stirs. The placement of rank on the various ACUs, for example, is something I never cared for. I'm near-sighted and have difficulty seeing 2LT or MAJ rank on UCP or OCP. Those ranks stood out on the BDU/DCU and even if not, I could tell by the branch insignia that it was an officer and that I should salute. For the bulk of my career, I'd find myself staring at a Soldier's uniform trying to determine how to greet them. That opened up two different dilemmas: the Infantry units I served with early on would have grumpy senior NCOs, and if you called a 1SG or SGM/CSM "Sergeant", there'd be hell to pay. Later on, I served on various BDE and higher-level staffs, often alongside attractive females. For obvious reasons, it's not right staring at a young woman's chest, even if the intent is innocent. 😀

[@the_bureaucrat]

Ah the Drill Sergeant's campaign hat. Even I don't feel safe when I see one of those.

[@brucemoore9708]

I worked for Gen Shinseki when he was a Col, and I liked him. He was a good person. HOWEVER, I hate that he took the black berets from the rangers (who had worn it since the Korean War), and gave it to the Army. He said he did it to honor the Army's performance in Desert Storm, but I will always think he did it because, as a cavalry officer, he still resented the Army's taking the black beret away from the Cav units. Whatever his reason, it was a bad idea.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Most people seem to hold GEN Shinseki in high regard. He resisted sending inadequate numbers of troops to Iraq in 2003 (and was right). He took on the challenge of leading the VA (which is no easy task and there seems to be some evidence that he made improvements). But the beret will always be a mystery to me. You might be right about the Cav units.

[@brucemoore9708]

@@the_bureaucrat I, too, hold him in high regard. He treated everyone with respect. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. When you briefed him, you could see that he was really listening. If you were seeking a decision, he made one.

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

Yeah, I think the Armor Beret thing is critical.

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

@@the_bureaucrat Solid officer, great leader.

[@MVK_GS]

The US Army Special Forces Green Beret is the only piece of Army uniform that is authorized by Presidential Executive Order. Thus, while the Ranger lost their black berets to the whims of a conventional forces general (Shinseki), it would take another Presidential Executive Order to rescind the Green Beret.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Good point.

[@valdivia1234567]

I had just gone from the Army to the Air Force when the Army went to the beret. I was so happy I missed out on looking like a member of the Zimbabwean Army.

[@brucemoore9708]

And now, with their new dress uniforms ("pinks and greens"), they look like a Central American junta.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I wish you weren't so right about that.

[@christopherhazell420]

Craig, are you still in the USAF? Which AFSC did you enter?

[@JaimeRobateau]

The dumbest decision ever was making the dress blues the standard dress uniform. When I was in the beret meant that you were elite.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Yup.

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

@@the_bureaucrat The Army does not need a Dress Uniform.

[@billyjacc]

🤔...But are the Airborne units really elite compared to any other units?

[@JaimeRobateau]

@@billyjacc My favorite line from Band of Brothers….”We’re Airborne. We’re supposed to be surrounded.”

[@CharlesOglesby-e4g]

I served with the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood from Oct 1973 to Dec 1976. The only deviation to the fatigue cap was the Armor Battalions. They wore black berets. The 1st Cavalry Division however was totally different. Their Armor trooper wore black berets, their Artillery troopers wore red berets. Their MPs wore Stetsons. Everyone else wore different color ball caps.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Good lord.

[@NatorGreen7000]

The beret is a very special hat. It must be shaved and formed to fit a soldiers head. I can take off my uniform and you could wear it just fine if we were the same size but I can't just give you my beret and have it fit on your head. It's a unique piece of headgear can only be worn by that specific soldier it has been molded for.

[@the_bureaucrat]

To me this is part of the reason that its impractical to give a beret to the rank and file. Number one, REMFs like me don't care enough or value it enough to do all that care & maintenance. Number two, mass produced berets out of China like they first issued were impossible to care for.

[@davidanderson3709]

You don’t wear an Army beret, you have a relationship with it.

[@michaelshostak93]

I, personally, NEVER liked the beret. Luckily, I retired from the Reserves without ever having to wear one.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Lucky.

[@Independentthinker-d5q]

Ditch the black beret and go with round service caps for all . Paratroopers keep maroon , SF keeps green and rangers keep tan . Everyone else service caps in class A

[@the_bureaucrat]

What's crazy is that your opinion seems the simplest, most feasible, and I think most Soldiers would cheer.

[@rondodson5736]

@@the_bureaucrat I earned the black beret and i do not agree. I felt disrespected when they gave it to everyone and gave us the tan one.

[@MadDog8932]

The round service cap is a pain in the a** to carry and pack as I well know along with many others who had to suffer them in the past It is uncomfortable to wear in comparison to other headgear. The Garrison Cap "Dirty Name Cap" was comfortable, packed easily, and I wore it with pride especially after completing Airborne "Jump" School" with the glider patch sewn on it as it linked me with the paratroopers of WW-II. I was even more proud to wear the Green Beret later.

[@bradborgelt60]

2001 was a very difficult year in my Army.

[@the_bureaucrat]

It was. And what is funny about that was that 2001 was a difficult year from the very start...and THEN 9/11 happened.

[@Soulessdeeds]

The berets are one my most hated things I was forced to deal with. It never sat right on your head. Senior leaders never wore them right. And it did nothing to protect you from the elements.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Yeah...and another thing is that you just couldn't put it on without using both hands (here can you hold my coffee for a second?)

[@romad275]

Retired USAF Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) MSgt here. In the USAF, originally in the 1950s Strategic Air Command wore blue berets but starting in the 60s the Combat Controllers started wearing blue berets. When that was authorized for Security Police, the CCT moved to red berets, and for a long time that was it (well except for the female version of the blue beret for all USAF women). OK, let me digress here. I started TACP duty in1974 and was assigned to the TACP for the 2nd Armd Cav Regt, who at the time wore black berets. I was there when it was banned by the Army. Fast forward to 1978 and TACP members were given the the authorization to were camouflage fatigues AND a black beret with the TACP shield and crest (rank for officers). So when I was later supporting the 2nd Armd Div (Fwd) and 1st Inf Div (Fwd) in Germany, and NTC at Ft Irwin, that was the uniform I wore. I hope the US Army officially allows the Armored units to wear the black beret in homage to the British Armoured units of World War II (yes, I deliberately used the British spelling here) and the cavalry stetson for the Cavalry units.

[@the_bureaucrat]

The good news is that the Army has a method of handling the Cavalry Stetson without officially "authorizing" it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYDQd599adlpr9E

[@lelandgaunt9985]

My favorite was wearing it on Monday’s being held captive in the motorpool all day at Ft Cavasos.

[@the_bureaucrat]

That must have been awesome.

[@robertparnell4619]

I was in RASP when the switch came down. Black Hat yelled “Alright, gear down and head inside for a briefing”. All I heard was “head inside”. I was so happy.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Ah...the little things.

[@cm-pr2ys]

Wasn't it RIP back then?

[@robertparnell4619]

@@cm-pr2ys It was. Changed in 2010. I’ve just had to keep saying RASP since I kept having to explain RIP on message boards. Getting old sucks.

[@rfletch62]

Got a black beret for tankers in '76. Back to to the OD baseball caps when I got to duty station in W. Germany. Guess the flammable polyester duty uniform was good with the higher ups, though.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I forgot to mention that uniforms are also the cheap answer for higher ups. Quality is rarely the #1 consideration.

[@darylnelson3026]

They British Airborne Beret is Maroon and the the original Green colored can from the Canadian Army back in the 1960,s The beret comes out of the British and Commonwealth army's of WW1 and WW2 . The way the beret is worn in the USA has changed a lot since the 1960 just look at photo from them and now. Now sure I like the modern look .

[@the_bureaucrat]

I get the sense that once upon a time those berets were hand made instead of mass produced. And that probably contributes to the effect.

[@pauljermyn5909]

In many European countries the black beret signifies armour/tanks, red/maroon paratroopers, green commandos or light infantry, dark blue everyone else, some individual units have tan, brown, grey, sky blue ect.

[@Nghilifa]

True. I wore the black beret as a dragoon in the cavalry when I served in the Norwegian Army. We had a patrol cap during basic, but after that, always wore our beret. I was proud of it, but at the same time, it was a useless garment.

[@the_bureaucrat]

That is an interesting point....that a beret would indicate a military career field not a unit affiliation.

[@pauljermyn5909]

@@the_bureaucrat in Britain the royal marines commando regiments wear a green beret but any person from any other unit who does the commando course also wears a green beret, to confuse things the old light infantry regiments, the rifles, the Gurkha's, the Irish rangers, the green jackets wear a different shade of green beret because their original uniforms in the 1800s were green, the parachute regiment wear a maroon beret but anyone who completes their paratrooper course from any unit also wears a maroon beret, the military police wear a scarlet beret.

[@Barry-k4c]

In the mid 70's some Cav units were wearing the black beret as well as Stetsons

[@the_bureaucrat]

I can't remember if I mention that in the story of the CAV hat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYDQd599adlpr9E

[@oldsoldier181]

I was in when we transitioned to the beret. What a joke. It was derided from the beginning, and, contrary to what the intended purpose was, it actually brought down morale. There was a brief time when branches of the army petitioned for their own colors (infantry wanted blue ones). All that got shot down. The story behind it was, Shinseki saw the motivation and professionalism exuded by Special Forces, and thought he wanted those values instilled in every single soldier. So, we all got magic hats. And, here we are...the most useless piece of headgear the Army has issued. Meanwhile, the best one, the boonie cap, is a no no-God forbid we have a functional piece of headgear!

[@the_bureaucrat]

Typical magical thinking by the brass. Elite soldiers wear berets; therefore, berets must make soldiers elite.

[@richegenriether8161]

I was attached to the 2/2ACR for REFORGER '75. They wore black berets. It was kind of cool. I PCS'd to Ft. Campbell in '77 and assigned to the celebrated 101st ABN Div. There we were required to wear blue berets. They didn't even have the courtesy of issuing our initial beret. There was an ongoing scheme the division commander got a kick back from the surplus store and hock shop across Gate 4 on U.S. 41A. One day soon after my arrival, MG Wickham held an NCO call as a show of a dutiful commander. After he put out his say, he opened the floor for questions. There was once brash young buck who had the temerity to ask why the beret? We had to buy 'em! The color ran! they're hot! they offer no shade from the sun! MG Wickham was astonished! "Don't you realize you're in the only division in the army that wears a blue beret?" There was some groaning in the ranks. "OK," said Wickham, he took an impromptu survey and 2/3 of the NCO's didn't like the berets. "Well," said Wickham, "we're gonna do something about this!" And he did! The following week in the post paper the front page told the story that the NCOs of the 101st ABN Division overwhelmingly approved to the blue beret, and that it would continue to be the official headgear of the division! The article didn't mention that if you didn't wear the beret, you would wear your steel pot. It was on that day I learned that my entire chain of command from platoon sergeant, who quickly demonstrated that he was a shithead to division commander was rotten throughout. Years later, long after I ETS'd, Gen Shinseki instituted the universal black beret, suggesting the army is an elite outfit. There are truly elite units in the army, but the whole goddamn army? Sheeeeiiit!

[@the_bureaucrat]

Mmmmm....my favorite....taking a poll of the NCOs, then reporting the opposite. They love that one.

[@robertcourtemanche9185]

Kennedy also probably was influenced by his own service as a PT boat commander. PT boat sailors used to soak their brimmed caps in seawater so they would sag and look a bit worn and used. Their commanders would get angry and force them to get new caps. As soon as they weren't looking, they'd go back to the salty worn ones. So of course he was all good with the green beret.

[@the_bureaucrat]

That is an excellent point.

[@gloriawilson3241]

Even the Knight of Columbus have adopted the black beret.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Really?

[@Barry-k4c]

Yep but that's another atory

[@grantcoghill1043]

Is the black beret to be worn with the new pinks and greens uniform or is it just going to be garrison caps? What about the tan (rangers) and green (special forces) berets? What about the blue service uniform? Also, what is happening with the blue service uniform? These uniform changes are getting confusing. Say what you want about other branches but at least they don't change their uniforms every other week (lol).

[@the_bureaucrat]

The "blue service uniform" isn't going a way (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rorLYnx-aMyLgtE). Back in the 1990's and early 2000's, the Army had a green and a blue uniform. But sometime around 2008, they phased out the old green one. With the return of the AGSU, the Army is going to keep the ASU (the blue one), but ...and get this...they are going to rename it. SMFH

[@nunyabusiness4904]

7:21 you’ve got a picture of an Air Force Security Forces member wearing their beret. It is a careerfield wide piece of headgear that we trace the origins of to the 1041st Security Police squadron who began wearing light blue berets during Operation Safeside in 1965. We have had berets longer than most of the Army, and our dark blue beret have been authorized across the careerfield since 1975.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Ugh!! and my graphics guy is Air Force...pardon me while a flog him.

[@cyber_crypto]

And the defender beret still looks like ish bc the flash is WAY too big.

[@occamsrazor1285]

4:09 Isn't that Evan "scribe" Wright with Lt. Fick?

[@the_bureaucrat]

I don't know.

[@neilpk70]

The Devil's Brigade also wore berets, but they were red instead of maroon.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I always have trouble telling red from maroon.

[@christopherhazell420]

​@@the_bureaucratburgundy, a better choice?

[@lib556]

1. No, they did not. It was made up for the movie. 2. The First Special Service Force was never known as the "Devil's Brigade". This improper name was concocted for a lackluster book published in 1966. This book was the basis for the 1968 film and thus the lie was born. Forcemen were referred to as 'black devils' in a German diary entry during Anzio but you will not find any reference to the invented nick name any where prior to 1966.

[@MDavidW100]

Thanks again Chuck!

[@the_bureaucrat]

You know it.

[@clmccomas]

Glad I was retired by then. But around the 79 - 81 time frame the headgear, issued was out of control, CAV units wore Stetsons, Armor units wore black berets and tanker boots, and along with the maroon beret, if your were in a ABN unit, you wore Cocrane jump boots and it seeemed to be ball caps in every color of the rainbow. and most of this came out of the young EM's paycheck, since it was not authorised wear. But after the COS made his decision, the CG of 82d abn, decided that his troopers would wear the M1 steel pot with both chinstraps fastened. Now that's taking care of the troops=

[@the_bureaucrat]

Mmmm...I can smell the brains cooking...

[@Delatta1961]

It seems every recent Army Chief of Staff tries to make their mark on the uniform. The black beret was the biggest, and dumbest mistake in history. A previous comment was right, it’s a participation trophy

[@the_bureaucrat]

I see the same thing in Chief of Staffs of the Army. Wouldn't it be nice if one would come in and focus on instilling pride instead of changing things as if there was a problem?

[@codranine6054]

I didn’t mind the black beret until I saw people who dropped out of every run every Ruck and failed pretty much every test during training get handed one as well. It was just a participation trophy 😔

[@Retired11Z]

Cab units spurs and cowboy hats has always been something I wondered about.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Lemme look into it.

[@elburropeligroso4689]

Cabbies wear newspaper boy caps/scally caps... 😜

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

@@the_bureaucrat Not usually officially authorized, like people with the Order of St. Barbara wearing red socks with their Blues . . . .

[@hitch-k1r]

I personally refused to wear my issued black beret when they came in during the end of my career. Out of respect for my brothers and sisters who earned their berets, I like many thought it was wrong from day one.

[@the_bureaucrat]

There are always a chosen few who are short-timers and have the ability to conduct silent protest about this kind of non-sense. We salute you 🫡

[@wompa70]

Anything is better than the garrison cap. It was like having a sail on your head.

[@robertanderson1272]

Garrison cap a lot better than the old Bus driver hat we had in the 70's

[@the_bureaucrat]

Patrol caps are the way to go.

[@plaiddad276]

I hated those damned garrison caps, especially once I first heard the vernacular C-cap handle for them. Those stupid sloppy baseball caps they used to make us wear were equally horrible looking and made everybody look like a frumpy third-grader. On the other hand, I LOVED my boonie and have hung on to those for my SHTF kit.

[@1029db]

When I first got my black beret as a Soldiers I was excited, not long after absolutely hated it. The patrol cap for most is more effective, and if in the field working the boonie should always be authorized.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I agree.

[@eltonjohnson1724]

It's amazing that Shinseki just took the black beret away from the Rangers and gave it to the entire Army.

[@the_bureaucrat]

It is. I mean...if you think about it...what was he thinking? What a bizarre way to snub such a pivotal part of your service. And I'm confident at least one other four star got him behind closed doors and said "Eric, this is a terrible idea." What was the motive?

[@darylnelson3026]

The First Special Service Force, a bi-national special forces unit created in 1942, adopted a red beret as part of their dress uniform. Canadians made up from 33 to 50% of the Force at various times before its disbandment in late 1944.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Interesting.

[@williamolliges2622]

Did the general’s second cousin’s brother in law have a company that manufactured berets?

[@the_bureaucrat]

No. In fact there was a huge bru-ha-ha over the fact that in order to manufacture all the berets that were needed, they had to be made in China (and the first ones that showed up were impossible to properly fit).

[@raulxrooney1060]

1975 - I was a military policeman, with 101st airborne MP company. Non airborne at the time. As an MP, we were authorized to wear a Kelly, a Kelly Green Beret on duty as division military Police. Sure there was controversy that it wasn't Green Beret blah blah blah. And some of the MPs didn't want to wear it because of that distinction or non-distinction. So there's another story for the beret based on commanders okay. General of the airborne division of course with the provost Marshal. Thanks for your info Fort Campbell Kentucky, home with 101st airborne / Air Assault - MP's wore KELLY Green Beret. Kelly Green is the color insignia of military police. Like the Cav. has yellow, the infantry, sky blue, etc

[@the_bureaucrat]

I love getting into the different colors (like the subtle difference in the Field Artillery red and the Logistics red). I mean, I'm not color blind, but my color vision isn't good enough to tell the difference.

[@The_Black_Knight]

Those that rememeber initiation of the black beret away from the US Army Rangers was a confusing day. They were authorized at the end of AIT for wear. The USA made up a new command at attention. "DON...BERET". Cadre hated the action.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Interesting.

[@fragout9575]

Basically, they hated the c*nt cap and wanted everyone else to have the coveted Black Beret!! I went through hell twice in RIP (recycled at Mountain Phase) to earn mine in 88'.... I was highly pissed off when they changed Ranger Regiment to a Tan Beret just so Big Army could have their participation trophies..... Rangers Lead The Way!!

[@fjb4932]

Berets do one thing well...well, i don't know what that is ! Cold in winter, hot in summer, no sun protection for the face, doesn't shield the eyes from the suns glare, floppy / offset, etc. I think the Air Force Weathermen even wear a gray beret. Scheesch . . . ☆

[@IRatherbeTrashthanADemocrat]

Combat weathrman which now has been changed to special reconnaissance wore them not the regular meteorologists.

[@the_bureaucrat]

The one thing that someone mentioned is...doesn't blow away.

[@TheMegaman76]

The plural for of Sergeant Major is Sergeants Major, not Sergeant Majors. As an additional tip, so is the term courts martial, rather than court martials. Sergeants First Class is your bonus.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Roger. I've been told 14,238 times now. Still can't get it right.

[@rorkgoose1774]

My black beret is still special. I still have it, the one I earned in RIP.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Oh..ho, ho...I hadn't thought about you Rangers who have your black berets tucked away in a drawer. You would treasure those.

[@wcatholic1]

The black beret was worn by the armored cavalry regiments in the 70s.

[@the_bureaucrat]

True.

[@dareustwo]

As an 11B, we hated the beret. For us it was embarrassing to wear something that our fellow soldiers earned to wear, like Rangers, Airborne, SF etc. Even the troops stationed at Ft Irwin earned their black beret. Give me my patrol cover any day over the beret. My favorite unauthorized gear was my Vietnam era canvas buttpack that I still wore with my TAC vest into the early 2000’s. No one ever said a word to me.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Hmmm...that buttpack...didn't that make a comeback eventually?

[@jastdi2]

I’ll try this again. In 1989 as a colonel I killed the army-wide beret. Funny story. When Rick brought the idea up again, I warned him of the various flash issues. He listened, but gave us a beret unwearable in the field or combat. I wore one in combat in Vietnam; they can work - but not the current US Army’s berets; these have been fashioned by CSM’s into charactures of military headgear - fold, crease just right - God Almighty! The steps back to garrison and overseas caps are steps in the right direction.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Fascinating.

[@oldtop4682]

I had an SF friend of mine over to my house in the mid-80s. He asked me what a beret is good for. The only thing I could think of is profiling around the airport to lure women. He then flipped his over and polished my coffee table lol. Seriously, it doesn't keep the sun out of your eyes, is hot as heck in the Summer, and requires more maintenance than other headgear (cutting the useless liner out, shaving it, forming it etc.). Plus, the minute we would leave for the field the PC (or BDU) cap went on and the beret was stuffed in a pocket or a ruck. This was a stupid move by an otherwise good General IMO - AND a guy who had worn at least two of the other colored berets. Uniform changes always piss off X number of people, but this particular change managed to PO a significant percentage of the force.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I'm a pragmatic person. I like things that serve a purpose. My suspicion is that in certain environments a beret might have been useful (particularly as a subtle "uniform" for an insurgent in 1940's France). But for the mass Army? I don't see it.

[@elcomandante9m]

Chesty says berets are unnecessary so Marinas don’t wear them. Errr slay bodies!!! Seriously, I thought it was wrong to take the black berets away from the Rangers. All the elite units should have kept their berets and regular Army shouldn’t have adopted them. You want a beret? Then try out for SF, Rangers or Airborne.

[@the_bureaucrat]

You put a good point on this...They "took the black beret away from the Rangers". It would have been one thing to have everybody adopt...say a tan beret. But to take a mark of distinction from a respected part of the force just seems ... rude, disrespectful

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

@@the_bureaucrat Or keep that style of Beret for Rangers , Airborne and SF and have the French style beret or a caubeen type thing for everyone else

[@allenjennings7906]

The Army has been in an identity crisis since authorizing the black beret, switching Class A's for Dress Blues and them the Pink and Greens; with a service hat the size of a large dog bowl. Also, not to mention getting rid of the BDU's for the ACU/UPC pixel uniform and then back to a BDU clone. What will the Army think of next?

[@brucemoore9708]

You forgot to mention that the new Army uniform hat is worn like the biker guy from The Village People, a style which gay guys just love.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Its the ever changing SOP.

[@allenjennings7906]

@@brucemoore9708 Army. Be all you can be!

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

@@brucemoore9708 No, it's like the USAAF guys wore it because they wore it fling planes with headphones on, unlike Ground Forces guys . . . .

[@reginaldallenii5681]

Everything should be earned! Will they all have the same obstacles? no. But I grew up learning that if you wanted something, have the ambition to “go and get it!” Want the green beret? Want that tab? Go and Get it! Since I’m a youngin, I’m ignorant to pre-beret Army, I think it should just be for certain designations! Like how Cav gets the Stetson, Maroon for Airborne.. etc etc Branches/MOSs should develop their own uni culture

[@the_bureaucrat]

I love that idea..."Everything should be earned"...the new guy gets nothing and that's how you know he's the new guy. Then everything that he has tells the story of what he has done. Beautiful.

[@Dogmeat1950]

The Berets should be for Elite or specialized units.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I agree. Pogues like me should never have been allowed to touch one.

[@petesheppard1709]

In the '80s, there was a suggestion for the US Marine Corps to adopt berets. The idea was mocked, ridiculed and rejected by the whole Corps.

[@jeff7.629]

I remember that. It was around 87-89ish. It was for the infantry only and was to be camouflage.

[@petesheppard1709]

@@jeff7.629 Ah! I understood that it was Corps-wide, to replace the garrison cap. There was also a proposal to replace the utility cover with a 'duck hunter' style cap. It met with similar derision.

[@the_bureaucrat]

The Marines seem to make better uniform decisions. I think it's because they are not trying to imitate the Army (or anyone else). Good on you.

[@petesheppard1709]

@@the_bureaucrat The policy is that 'All Marines Are Elite', so items that distinguish certain groups (Recon, Raiders, etc) are banned. This does cause some friction inside the Corps.

[@TheJimprez]

Usually, black berets are for ARMOR troops... Maroon for airborne, Green for infantry, red for MPs, and tan for SF... Blue was mostly for UN peacekeeping. It would HELP in joint exercises if the USA did like the other armies in NATO... Also, a TWO dress uniform deal is mostly for countries with actual SEASONAL CHANGES in the weather. In Canada, we have 4 REAL seasons, we usually have a light-colored one for summer and spring and a dark-colored one with heavier fabric for fall and winter. It varies with changing governments, but it seems to be always coming back to the duos... I wore a tan summer dress uniform, and a green winter one... But just before my time, they spent at least a decade with only the green one.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Stuff never stops changing does it?

[@infantryricky6807]

I never liked wearing the beret and would have preferred to have the garrison cap instead, to maintain tradition. Garrison caps are what the VFW & American Legion wears… I belong to both organizations, BTW.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Yeah, the garrison cap was simple, but some people seem to dislike it.

[@Nghilifa]

The garrison cap is neat, but only if you wear it like they did back in WW2. Wearing it straight just looks odd, kind of like wearing a fur felt hat like a fedora straight. I guess wearing it the "correct way" (in my humble opinion) fell out of fashion back in the 60s, when fur-felt hat wearing fell out of fashion.

[@Joe-dc2qo]

Let’s get rid of all berets: Red, tan, green, black. Everyone wear a garrison cap. Also, get rid of the blue cord and Stetson hats. Let’s limit the tabs and awards. It’s ostentatious. Keep it simple and humble. 😅😊

[@the_bureaucrat]

Humility is great, but I do think there should be some room for the young guys to feel special.

[@feltonmclaughlin3529]

Very interesting take on the Beret. I found it entertaining but in some areas lacking in accuracy.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Probably unavoidable...There is a massive amount of history on this thing.

[@Dad84]

The piss cutter is better than the beret imo, I’m glad we are going back to it with the ASGU. Keep the green, red, and tan for the cool guys and the crush cap for field grade officers.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I agree. I mean, the garrison cap has its flaws, but at least it's simple to deal with.

[@zeck8541]

From a Marine, it’s hilarious to see how much the Army gets so emotionally involved in their berets and their 4,678,976,234 badges you guys wear all over your uniforms looking like some sort of 19th century field marshall or something. There’s a reason Marines follow the minimalistic uniform theme.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Yeah, your leadership seems to be more stable and consistent. Of course, I doubt they spend much time wishing they were Army. You wouldn't believe the amount of BS we get up to because our generals wish they were Marines.

[@raymondjoseph7177]

After 12 yrs of service i decided to go Warrant. Best rank ever. No one gave a shit what I wore. I was always respectful of the regs though.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Once upon a time I was seriously interested in becoming a warrant...it seemed like the perfect place.

[@plaiddad276]

I work out of the Pentagon fairly frequently and just cannot get used to the sight of these "Guardians", these StarTrek look-alikes brought to life in front of our eyes, cruising around in workspaces and all over the hallways. At first I had to try so hard not to laugh, but now I just feel sad disgust that a military uniform can so be commercially cheapened. Our military is so far beyond the help of a uniform or accessory to regain morale and respect. Gone are the days of high standards, REAL elite level proficiency at their duties and kick-ass esprit de corps. Totally new leadership (most everybody O-6 and above) and a totally restored culture of Duty Honor Country are the only hope, the same as it's always been.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Those Space Force Uniforms are going to have to be tested hard before we really know the full story. In this video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJu1hGmOpqlqpKs) I argue that it will come down to how a grieving family views their Casualty Assistance Officer...If they think the uniform is a joke...there will be big changes.

[@Dziadzia-d6e]

I wore a blue beret with the 101st. It was an easy button for headgear with the class A uniform. But gad! Most had no idea how to wear it and they looked like little Chef Boy R Dee caps. I didn't miss the beret, thought it was dumb to have it as the main Army uniform. But that's ok, I have my Cavalry Stetson now! 😁

[@the_bureaucrat]

That is a classy look. Can't deny.

[@jamesmaze3841]

When I got to the 101st in 1986, I was told to go get my Blue Beret in case we went back to wearing it. I still have it with the 1/502 Flash and Unit Crest attached.

[@syoung2333]

I can smell what you are frying😊 I was in the army during this transition period and I remember thinking at the time that we don't need a Black Beret we need better military leadership and better mentors. How is the squad leader myself so I didn't speak out loud about my objections towards the chief of staff's decision or his military worldview. He just wasn't my favorite. I'm glad his things went along we had better leadership although mostly through the War years

[@the_bureaucrat]

Very professional...but I still think Shinseki was right about needing more troops in Iraq.

[@ThorsHammer1]

It never made sense to me why you would take the black beret from an elite unit and give it to everyone, and give a new color to that elite unit. Giving the tan beret to everyone would have accomplished the same purpose without throwing away the history that the black beret represented. I will always view that decision as a directed insult to the rangers.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I agree 100%...but who would want Rangers as enemies?

[@fixagent81]

Ok folks first and foremost let me say in middle of running an gunning the color of one beret doesn’t matter next let’s leave the color of a beret to the politicians and focus on the dash ten skill level training is what really matters the years of not deploying are over for anyone men that might have joined a branch when deployments were not a thing and lastly let’s have some sort of unit cohesion at least within the company or team level since I can tell all colors of berets are really wanting your skill level to be second to none for you really be respected

[@the_bureaucrat]

That is a really good point. Knowing the skill level of a person is a big deal when you have to deal with lots of people.

[@riccorich]

I dont think the berets present elite just a unit type and task..

[@the_bureaucrat]

Oh! Brilliant! That's exactly right. Truly elite units could wear the stupidest hat on the planet and it would start to look cool. In fact, that might be part of the dynamic with the beret...it's not really cool on its own and that started to become obvious as regular dudes started wearing it.

[@jonathanerickson1543]

Allowing the service cap to be crushed for everyone on the AGSU. 😡😡

[@the_bureaucrat]

Preformed no less...that didn't make sense to me.

[@AlbertFrederickLarun]

Well done! I have two junior cadets. While we made sure to shape their berets to rival the best airborne enlisted, they hate the headgear. Patrol caps were more functional for combat/utility uniforms and the side cap/garrison cap easier for dress uniforms. The garrison cap looks great when it is worn to the side by enlisted personnel--cocky little fxxxxx. Berets to me are symbolic of overseas European service, owing their lineage from World War II (Europe)--as was stated. I don't know why Ranger regiments would want such a useless piece of headgear, but then again I am not a Ranger. It was disrespectful to take the Ranger's dress headgear and replace it with a less commanding color. As adopted by the entire Army, the beret symbolizes imperialism to me--albeit in a soft way. I don't refer to imperialism in the hatred of the past sense, I mean that the adoption of the beret was an acknowledgement by the land forces of the United States (a sea/aerospace power) of their role in the US empire. It is a formal acceptance of the overseas deployment of US Army soliders as their primary and ongoing mission--as opposed to defense. The beret as worn by the entire army symbolizes a normalization of this imperial function. I am certain this was not the intent, and is certainly not in the heads of anyone else save for intellectuals like myself. Nonetheless, that is what the beret adoption means to me, and it is not an indictment--simply analysis. When I am reincarnated and manage to become the Army Chief of Staff, I will restore the previous headgear rules I wrote about above. Rangers will get their traditional headgear back. All of the surplus black berets will be gifted to the 75th Ranger Regiment and the RTB(?) so that they can exchange un-serviceable black berets whenever the mood strikes them. Tan berets will be collected and sent to Eric Shinseki's personal address with instructions to deliver the crates in such a way that it obstructs all doors his house, including the driveway. If the remaining tan berets are not in sufficient quantity to accomplish this occlusion, cow manure will be used to fill the remaining crates. Interestingly enough, the brown berets of the SFAC/B are entirely appropriate and would remain during my tenure as Chief of Staff. Interestingly enough, the Assistance Brigades are exactly the forces of soft imperialism. They are quite interesting by the way. The humorous part of this is the US Marine Corps, who manage to go about their work without the same amount of controversy nor failures. The esprit de corps of the US Marines is already sufficient; they don't require a change in headgear or similar contrivance. Personally, I find the US Marine Corps quite innovative from their early adoption of telescopic sights (ACOG) to their adoption of digital camouflage. Contrast this with the Army--who, with a much greater resources could do no better than the ACU when they first adopted digital camouflage. Since it's probably lost at this point, congratulations on a great episode of your channel. This is my first time on your channel, and I am heading over to watch more from you. Thank you!

[@the_bureaucrat]

😂Surely you have lived a good enough life that you don't have to fear being reincarnated as the Chief of Staff of the Army!

[@alancranford3398]

I retired 15 years ago. I was expecting that the Army would go retro with powdered wigs again--at least for senior officers. I was hoping for racoon skin caps...

[@the_bureaucrat]

🤣Be careful...don't give them any ideas.

[@davidkermes376]

not being a veteran i guess i really have no flag to wave in this parade. .that being said i thought the authorization of the beret was one of the first sensible changes in the uniform in generations. .it sure beat the heck out of the version of the side cap it replaced. that thing looked like some one made it out of green construction paper and scotch tape. .the beret seemed straightforward, no nonsense and a headgear that served the purposes of headwear. .then some of these "elitists" started messing with it! .their berets look like they stole them from toddlers, boiled them to shrink them more and riveted a tiara inside so it looks like something one of conan the barbarian's pals would wear. then they shaved their heads to look like militant chinese monks.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Good point about the Garrison cap. A lot of folks forget who undeserving of love that thing was.

[@riccorich]

That the problem with the Army too airborne lacks respect for other army units thatsvhas to stop too

[@the_bureaucrat]

I'm not sure the respect issue can ever be changed...but I would say that for years I viewed a raspberry beret as a warning that the brain underneath it had an attitude.

[@67bruceleroy]

As Marines, we all wear the same uniform, have had one service and one dress uniform for over 80 years. We show our elitness in badges. I offer this, if there was no special uniform for these soldiers in elite units, they would have the same applicants and members today. The title is more coveted than the uniform. The uniform does not get the job done, the soldier does based on their training and skill set.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Interesting...It seems like what you are saying is that the uniform itself is used to project an image to the "public" (who don't notice the details). And then the badges are for projecting information to those in the service (who do know the difference). Smart.

[@billyjacc]

I heard there were units during the 70's wearing Grey Berets, Off White or Ceeam Berets? 😂 Then the CSGT Major said stop. That's enough. Israel has multiple MOS's with various colors. Purple, Orange, Grey, Brown, Camoflauge, Lime Green, Dark Blue, etc. 😮

[@the_bureaucrat]

Yup

[@AlphaGator9]

It should NEVER have been taken from the Rangers. I was always a straight "leg". Never earned a tab, and i never deserved to wear it.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Exactly! I don't think that people realize how just being a regular Soldier is a point of pride for many and that trying to make a regular Joe look extra special just ruins it for everyone.

[@jimmyjs8907]

If everyone is "special" no one is.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I know. And trust me, I didn't want to be "special".

[@anthonyvasquez7278]

I believe that the infantry deserves a beret. It should never have been black though because that was the for the Rangers. It should have been a different color

[@the_bureaucrat]

I'm going to agree that the Infantry should be uniquely identifiable when they are just walking around, but I don't know if a beret is the answer (they've become too politically charged). The reason I agree with you is that I grew up in the days when branch insignia was worn on the BDU. As a supply guy, I quickly learned that interactions with one branch went differently than the same interaction with another branch. That was particularly true with the whole idea of "signing for equipment"...infantry HATED it and often needed some additional assistance to make the transaction go smoothly.

[@georgehorkan7205]

This hit a nerve again. Or, maybe, a whole lot of nerves. The black beret was earned, not issued. I want to say that it still should be. As you brought up, the black beret no longer has the same meaning as it once did. It has been tarnished. Though the decision to "issue" the black beret was not made by one person General "Shitstinky" bears the brunt of our criticism. That decision was a slap to the face to all Rangers who wore it previously; authorizes or not. It was if the general peed down every Rangers leg past and present. I vowed, at the time, to pee on General "Shitstinky's" grave. I had a plan worked out on how to do that. I finally thought that by doing so would not only disgrace him but also all the hero's buried around him. I am going to, unintentionally, throw some mud into others faces. Where did the Green Beret come from? In WWII the First Ranger Battalion was trained by British Commandos who wore the green beret. Many in the battalion wanted to adopt the their beret for their own use and, I think, to show appreciation to the Commandos who trained them. It did not happen. However; how was it that President Kennedy picked the Green Beret for use by Special Forces? If you look back on unit lineage Special Forces and the Rangers shared a lot of that. Special Forces used some of the lineage brought about by the Ranger Battalions of WWII. I believe that they chose the color of their beret because it was linked to the British Commands just as many WWII Rangers wanted to adopt it for their use. Long story short; during the Vietnam war the Ranger units adopted the black beret because SF had, by presidential decree, been wearing the green beret. The use of the back beret was not authorized until 1974 when First Ranger Battalion, 75th Infantry was stood up. Here is a very bold statement. Both SF and the Rangers have shared some if the same linage. Both have similar training. Both were the offspring of the British Commandos. Why can't both wear the same beret? Now; while y'all are discussing, kicking around, cursing me, and trying to piss on my grave I will soon be in West View Cemetery, in Moultrie, Ga - bring it on. Just my opinion. Just like everyone else has one.

[@the_bureaucrat]

This is a perfect articulation of the frustration associated with the decision.

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

@@the_bureaucrat GEN (R) Shinski, a Ranger Qualified AR Officer probably frlt the same when it was grabbed for the Rangers from AR/CAV units . . . .

[@EricDaMAJ]

I will never forgive Shinseki for that abomination. How petty a bastard do you have to be to make a stupid uniform change over a beef from when you were an LT?

[@the_bureaucrat]

It's weird. When you explain it to non-military types, even they make this face like...WTF?

[@jonniez62]

Bring back Air Force unit hats

[@the_bureaucrat]

Good lord, no.

[@christopherhazell420]

You mean Squadron specific ball caps? Blue for CE, purple for Med, etc.

[@jonniez62]

@christopherhazell420 this includes the group/wing staffs which are units as well. Also Dets, which are nonunits.

[@Old_Foxy_Grandpa]

And the thing that really pissed off my Army Ranger buddy is that they all are made in China.

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

Yeah, I heard a lot about it from Aquisition Corps guys from USMA who used the Weight Room at the Y near my old office . . . .

[@the_bureaucrat]

No doubt. That China thing was stupid (I mean, I know the kind of analysts who should have noticed that the US couldn't make THAT MANY BERETS). And the quality was low which only added to the crumby roll out.

[@Donner906]

Hopefully the future is the dumpster

[@the_bureaucrat]

I haven't thrown mine away yet, but I keep thinking about it.

[@HEAVYDRAGON72]

They decided to take that color from the rangers for a very specific reason. My maroon beret was earned not issued. Silly civilians tricks are for kids.

[@the_bureaucrat]

But did the civilians even care?

[@dog11222]

The black beret belongs to the Royal Tank Regiment and was introduced in 1918 so that the black colour would hide oil stains and grime that was inevitable when operating those early tanks...

[@the_bureaucrat]

Reminds me of a joke...

[@robertdole5391]

Bonnie hat and Fleece Cap

[@the_bureaucrat]

Propellor or pom-pom?

[@spaceman61]

There should be the green beret but nothing more

[@the_bureaucrat]

That would make things simpler.

[@riccorich]

The Army should keep the Black beret, the beret should be Army standard and well its the Army.. the problemis theblack of consistency and unity as a Army.. too many different standards

[@the_bureaucrat]

Too big of an organization for true consistency...

[@Dogmeat1950]

With the new dress uniform, nobody is wearing the Black Berets.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I think that they are planning to keep it with the ASU and to keep it as a clothing bag items, but for most folks, you're right...it just won't get worn.

[@andrewcombe8907]

Honestly it’s a stupid attempt to copy the British. Black berets were worn by British Armoured Corps to accomodate head sets. Then in WW2 the Commandos adopted the green beret. US rangers who trained with the Commandos went on to become the instructors of Special Forces and wore their adopted green berets. Plus the airborne Maroon beret of the British is envied by everyone everywhere.

[@the_bureaucrat]

It's still better than the Space Force coping sci-fi movies.

[@christopherhazell420]

​@@the_bureaucrat🤣

[@JS443]

Beret is European

[@the_bureaucrat]

Yeah...why wouldn't the US want to accentuate our American-ness? Baseball caps are far more useful and distinctive.

[@coffee637]

As someone who served during the whole time of the woodland camo uniform, I hated the beret. It looks silly, French and useless.

[@the_bureaucrat]

I think you hit the key point about "useless". Military clothing has to be USEFUL! I think of that goofy mandarin collar on the ACU...it looked dumb, but at least it was intended to reduce neck chafing while wearing body armor. The beret? What's the use?

[@workinmanworkinman3889]

That black beret need to go back to the Ranger battalion…

[@the_bureaucrat]

If the want it...

[@lisagilmore6311]

To tell the truth now. The black beret was first given as a gift in ww1 to tankers. Later the rangers adopted the black beret. .... now who stole the black beret. I think the tan or sand color should of been given to the troops for the war in oif and oef.

[@brucemoore9708]

Actually, that's not the truth. American tankers never wore the black beret. British tankers did during WW2, and American cav units did in the 70's. That was an era when every unit was doing something different - black berets, blue berets, black/white stetsons, raccoon hats with tails. Army rangers started wearing black berets during the Korean War, through the Vietnam War, and until it was taken away from them.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Ultimately, I agree that instead of "taking the black beret from the Rangers" and giving it to everyone, they should have given everyone the tan beret. It would have eased a lot of grief.

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

@@brucemoore9708 AR guys were wearing it in the 1960s at least, probably borrowed from Brits and Germans they worked with in NORTHAG and CENTAG.

[@LeeviHokka126]

The Marines got it right - they won't adopt the beret.

[@FM-ig3th]

Legend has it that they thought about a beret (blue) in the 1950s. The Commadant said they looked "foreign and feminine".

[@the_bureaucrat]

But then...don't the Marines always get uniform decisions right?

[@ronaldbobeck9636]

Look go back to patrol caps or like the AF and Navy or CG . A ball cap with the units insignia. For the love of all that is holy I can take you to most surplus stors in Fayetteville NC and show you 4 Complete changes of Army uniforms in the past 20 yrs. FYI in the beginning of WW ll I have a picture of my father wearing the Fatigue uniform for work details A Blue demin jacket with matching pants boom docker boots and a "clam digger hat" how do need a uniform to clean a greases trap , wash Vechicals , buff floor , cut grass and the other Scutt jobs you do ? Always a waste of money for the enlisted ranks especially the 1 st 5 pay grades.

[@the_bureaucrat]

...

[@user-mjg1067]

Dark red? otherwise known as Maroon

[@the_bureaucrat]

At the time, they didn't have sufficient quality control standards to ensure they difference between Maroon, Garnet, Brick, and Currant.

[@billieunderwood8303]

I was still.in when the berets came out. Not only was it sort of silly, but the berets were made in china.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Poorly made in China. Very poorly made.

[@Zulutime44]

Too bad, it appears the peaked cap is gone, and with it the ever-useful garrison cap, aka the cxnt cap. Replaced by an ugly and outright ridiculous beret. If I was still on active duty, I'd feed ashamed.

[@the_bureaucrat]

You mean the "garrison cap"? Those are making a comeback with the new AGSU.

[@KO3A69]

The beret used to mean something. Then bam everyone and their mom gets one. I say go back to the beautiful survive cap now that says power, respect and they just look way sexier. Berets are gay since 2006. When we did the hand out beret

[@the_bureaucrat]

Even my mother didn't like it.

[@formwiz7096]

Rangers were wearing the black beret since the Korean War.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Yup.