Wearing a beret with color guard

[spaatzmom]

Ma'am, it all comes down to those willing to put in the time to teach and enforce standards.  I have taught a uniform class to my cadets and most of them will tell you I am stickler for things.  If it was authorized for my cadets I can guarantee that they would be wearing it right and be properly sized.

Very glad to hear that.  Sadly, looking at many pics over the years, I fear you are among the minority. 

[Extremepredjudice]

....To the OP the only beret authorized to be worn currently with BDUs is the one awarded at NBB.  And as a colors element you should always stick to established guidelines established.

Not exactly.  The Blue beret awarded at NBB is the only one authorized to be worn with the Saint Albans crest and only in BDU's(BBDU's).  The blue Beret may be authorized for wear  for color guard, drill teams, bands and ES partisipants.  Table 1-4 of CAPM 39-1 has all the info of when, where, etc..

1-3, you mean.

This was just an idea that was brought to me. I liked the idea because it would be something different that we could wear on occasion.

In addition I do want to say for anyone that doesn't know about the service caps, and actually has one, is that in my experience(with the american flag) they are a pain to march with. They continuously bounce on the brim of your service cap and move it all around your head.

We even had one cadet have it fall right off. We do not win the chin straps because we are just presenting the colors and such of that nature so there is really no need to and if we did it would look silly. Berets would be easer because you would be able to actually see and not worry about it falling off because the flag is nocking into it.

You are required to wear and use a rear chinstrap.

39-1, table 3-1, line 4

All members will wear male service cap with cadet officer cap device; in
addition to the front chinstrap, a functional rear chinstrap with buckle will be
worn.  When performing, the rear chinstrap will be placed under the
member's chin.  This is a safety factor.

[spaatzmom]

This was just an idea that was brought to me. I liked the idea because it would be something different that we could wear on occasion.

In addition I do want to say for anyone that doesn't know about the service caps, and actually has one, is that in my experience(with the american flag) they are a pain to march with. They continuously bounce on the brim of your service cap and move it all around your head.

We even had one cadet have it fall right off. We do not win the chin straps because we are just presenting the colors and such of that nature so there is really no need to and if we did it would look silly. Berets would be easer because you would be able to actually see and not worry about it falling off because the flag is nocking into it.

A properly fitted service cap should not have wiggle room.  If it does it is too big.  Also, as you have stated your people are all Honor guardsmen and by the Honor Guard uniform regulation are supposed to use the chin strap, this will also prevent it from falling off.  Lastly, when marching the flag pole should not be bouncing all over the place knocking into the brim.  You have 2 hands on the pole at fixed positions, there should be way more control than you are describing.

[AngelWings]

This was just an idea that was brought to me. I liked the idea because it would be something different that we could wear on occasion.

In addition I do want to say for anyone that doesn't know about the service caps, and actually has one, is that in my experience(with the american flag) they are a pain to march with. They continuously bounce on the brim of your service cap and move it all around your head.

We even had one cadet have it fall right off. We do not win the chin straps because we are just presenting the colors and such of that nature so there is really no need to and if we did it would look silly. Berets would be easer because you would be able to actually see and not worry about it falling off because the flag is nocking into it.

A properly fitted service cap should not have wiggle room.  If it does it is too big.  Also, as you have stated your people are all Honor guardsmen and by the Honor Guard uniform regulation are supposed to use the chin strap, this will also prevent it from falling off.  Lastly, when marching the flag pole should not be bouncing all over the place knocking into the brim.  You have 2 hands on the pole at fixed positions, there should be way more control than you are describing.

30-40 knots of wind can even make the strongest and most in control person have problems with the pole. BTDTWTT

[spaatzmom]

This was just an idea that was brought to me. I liked the idea because it would be something different that we could wear on occasion.

In addition I do want to say for anyone that doesn't know about the service caps, and actually has one, is that in my experience(with the american flag) they are a pain to march with. They continuously bounce on the brim of your service cap and move it all around your head.

We even had one cadet have it fall right off. We do not win the chin straps because we are just presenting the colors and such of that nature so there is really no need to and if we did it would look silly. Berets would be easer because you would be able to actually see and not worry about it falling off because the flag is nocking into it.

A properly fitted service cap should not have wiggle room.  If it does it is too big.  Also, as you have stated your people are all Honor guardsmen and by the Honor Guard uniform regulation are supposed to use the chin strap, this will also prevent it from falling off.  Lastly, when marching the flag pole should not be bouncing all over the place knocking into the brim.  You have 2 hands on the pole at fixed positions, there should be way more control than you are describing.

30-40 knots of wind can even make the strongest and most in control person have problems with the pole. BTDTWTT

30   Knots   =   34.6   MPH
35   Knots   =   40.3   MPH
40   Knots   =   46.1   MPH


25 - 31    Strong breeze large branches in motion; telephone wires whistle; umbrellas used with difficulty
32 - 38    Moderate gale whole trees in motion; inconvenience in walking against wind
39 - 46    Fresh gale breaks twigs off trees; generally impedes progress

I would hope the safety officer would have nixed the event in gale force winds.  Even boats are given craft warnings in those winds, both sail and motor. 

No one should expect a cadet generally between the ages of maybe 13 and 16 could handle that.

[a2capt]

The fastest we've had winds during a Color Guard competition have been in the 15-20 kt range gusting. For our typical wing competition location that's just the way it is. Sometimes none, sometimes nasty. But 30 kts? Really? The outdoor routine would be insane and be moved if it were that bad.

You might want to think just a little more before spouting off numbers. The standard drill routine would be slapping off flight caps and knocking over cadets..

[C/2d Lt]

We do not have chin straps because we are still supplying our honor guard with service caps. The ones that we have at our squadron do not have chin straps. I had to buy my own but because we all do not have one I do not wear mine.

[Eclipse]

We do not have chin straps because we are still supplying our honor guard with service caps. The ones that we have at our squadron do not have chin straps. I had to buy my own but because we all do not have one I do not wear mine.

You should not be wearing the hats at all until they are complete.

[MSG Mac]

This was just an idea that was brought to me. I liked the idea because it would be something different that we could wear on occasion.

In addition I do want to say for anyone that doesn't know about the service caps, and actually has one, is that in my experience(with the american flag) they are a pain to march with. They continuously bounce on the brim of your service cap and move it all around your head.

We even had one cadet have it fall right off. We do not win the chin straps because we are just presenting the colors and such of that nature so there is really no need to and if we did it would look silly. Berets would be easer because you would be able to actually see and not worry about it falling off because the flag is nocking into it.

The purpose of the chin strap is to prevent the service cap from falling off, such as when a flag swacks it. If the brim obstructs your view, you're wearing it wrong.

[Eclipse]

The purpose of the chin strap is to prevent the service cap from falling off, such as when a flag swacks it. If the brim obstructs your view, you're wearing it wrong.

That hardkewl image of the brim on your nose "ain't right".

Most wheel caps will withstand anything less then gale-force winds if it is the correct size, and worn properly - two things rarely seen with cadets,
since most of the time they are wearing a "hand-me down" or a "whatever I could get free" hat.

Couple that with no chin strap, and you've got a flag detail chasing their uniform parts all over the parade grounds.

Concentrate on being the best color guard you can be, and just wear your flight caps - certainly at least until you get properly outfitted wheel caps.

[dogboy]

Has anyone herd of wearing the beret for the color guard. Our squadron is thinking of requesting for our squadrons color guard to where the beret instead of the service cap that we currently wear. I think this is a good idea something cool and different. What are your thoughts?

What part of the word "uniform" do you not understand?

[lordmonar]

Has anyone herd of wearing the beret for the color guard. Our squadron is thinking of requesting for our squadrons color guard to where the beret instead of the service cap that we currently wear. I think this is a good idea something cool and different. What are your thoughts?

What part of the word "uniform" do you not understand?

I don't know let's ask the Active Duty types where we use distinctive uniform items to help develope esprit de corps in out special units and teams.

If everyone on the team is in teh same uniform.....then they are uniform.
If we all had to be that "uniform" we would not wear ribbons, rank insignia, or even name tapes.

[Danger]

Request the tiger stripes 

[C/2d Lt]

Getting back to my original question do you like the idea for wearing the beret for color guard.

[SarDragon]

No.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Getting back to my original question do you like the idea for wearing the beret for color guard.

It's been answered. Besides the "hardkewl" look, there's no reason for it.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

SPAATZMOM,  I have to say, maybe it's just bad luck that the photos of bad uniform wear keep getting published. I have been in two squadrons, and both had commanders that are strict about uniform compliance, and both have given me the OK to shut down a colorguard performance due to haircuts and things that cannot be fixed on the spot. Luckily I haven't had to do that, most cadets are Good about compliance, I have only had to send a couple of cadets home due to haircuts. Any time it needs done I'll do it, I haven't hesitated yet.

[spaatzmom]

SPAATZMOM,  I have to say, maybe it's just bad luck that the photos of bad uniform wear keep getting published. I have been in two squadrons, and both had commanders that are strict about uniform compliance, and both have given me the OK to shut down a colorguard performance due to haircuts and things that cannot be fixed on the spot. Luckily I haven't had to do that, most cadets are Good about compliance, I have only had to send a couple of cadets home due to haircuts. Any time it needs done I'll do it, I haven't hesitated yet.

That is good to hear, however I believe the majority of members are not so earnest in this issue.  I have been to way too many events where it is not the case, from squadron meetings all the way to National Conferences and NSCA's since 1999.  I do wish it were of more importance to all.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

I still don't understand the antipathy toward berets in the U.S. military and its auxiliaries, or the attitude that they should be reserved for elite units only.

There are some distinctive berets that are universally recognised as for those units...maroon for airborne troops, tan for special forces...but in most militaries outside ours a beret is common issue.

I remember reading about 20 years ago where a Portuguese Air Force officer lamented that their national service was so short...he said "in that time, we can barely teach them to wear their berets properly."

[dogboy]

Has anyone herd of wearing the beret for the color guard. Our squadron is thinking of requesting for our squadrons color guard to where the beret instead of the service cap that we currently wear. I think this is a good idea something cool and different. What are your thoughts?

What part of the word "uniform" do you not understand?

I don't know let's ask the Active Duty types where we use distinctive uniform items to help develope esprit de corps in out special units and teams.

If everyone on the team is in teh same uniform.....then they are uniform.
If we all had to be that "uniform" we would not wear ribbons, rank insignia, or even name tapes.

I was in the Marine Corps. We don't have any special, distinctive unit uniforms for an elite because we are all elite. The Marine Corps has better esprit de corps than any other service yet manages without silly uniform variations that make a unit look like a rag-tag collection of misfits.