Soldiers Return To Patrol Caps, If They Can Find Them

Soldiers on post at Aberdeen Proving Ground can now toss their black berets and replace them with the U.S. Army's once oft-used patrol cap.

Last week the Army announced official changes to the Army uniform, one of which was bringing back the patrol cap, a camouflage hat with a short brim.

The uniform policy changes are supposedly a direct result of soldier input. And from what I've been hearing from my Army friends, this is a good thing.

They feel their complaints have been heard and changes have been implemented—even if it took nearly 10 years.

When the Army switched from the patrol cap to the black wool beret, many soldiers never saw the practicality or purpose.

The beret became part of the Army uniform about 10 years ago and, shortly after,  soldier complaints started rolling in. In my circle of friends who are in the service, the biggest woe was that the beret was hot and didn't keep the sun out of the their eyes at work. They also complained that it was more of a French thing, and that the hats were actually made in China, both elements they considered less than patriotic.

The beret wasn't the only headgear used either, which meant soldiers often had to carry two hats for different activities (one shoved in each pocket). In the field soldiers would wear patrol caps. For other functions, including ceremonies, they wore the black beret.

Though it should be a practically seamless transition, the most challenging factor will be whether U.S. Army bases and posts stock enough patrol caps for all who need to replace their beret.

On Monday, I made a stop into the PX at APG (where military clothing is also sold these days) to see what kind of patrol cap selection they have. They were sold out of most standard sizes, leaving only the smallest and largest caps available.

I also took a drive past Sarge's Speciality Shop on North Parke Street in Aberdeen and it appears they're closed. No one answered the business phone number listed online either.

And, of course, Sunny's Surplus in The Festival of Bel Air has been long gone, leaving no real military surplus stores for soldiers to purchase the mandated patrol cap.
At a cost of only $6.50, the cap is certainly reasonably priced (and even less than the $11.90 beret) but the cost won't matter if the Army can't keep them in stock.

The good news is that many soldiers may still have one in their possession, so they won't need to go out searching for a new cap.

For those who can't find one, they can be ordered online (and shipped overnight to your house, should your commanding officer be breathing down your neck about it).
Some units—Rangers, Special Forces and Airborne—will keep the beret as their standard headgear, according to the Army.

Several of my friends in the Army had always expressed their belief that the beret should have been reserved for special units anyway, signifying their accomplishment.

But the beret isn't gone from other soldiers' heads for good. It may again make an appearance during special ceremonies, according to Army Times.

Another change local soldiers are seeing coming down the line, is a new uniform allowance to sew on patches instead of using the velcro that is part of the ACU uniform.

The new policy for fastening accouterments to uniforms means soldiers can sew on rank badges, name tape, and service tape. The only other badges authorized to be sewn onto uniforms is skill badges.

In the past, skill badges were metal and had to be pinned onto uniforms, oftentimes using a ruler to be sure they were aligned properly. Sewing on the cloth skill badges will be a more permanent way to display skill badges on ACU's.

All of the changes to the Army uniform officially took place June 14, though it seems there is a lag in crossing back over to the hat that once was.

In the meantime, soldiers can take comfort in the fact that their input was heard and addressed.