For most of modern times, soldiers in the U.S. Army have worn a variety of caps for a variety of occasions.
A familiar one has been the small cap that can be folded flat when off, and easily put on when outdoors. Then there has been the flat-top cap with a firm visor, mostly for more formal occasions. For field activities, there have been cloth “fatigue” caps with brims.
But some years ago, it was decided that our soldiers as a whole would look snappier if they wore berets.
The Green Beret has, of course, become a proud badge for some U.S. Army special forces soldiers. Berets of other colors have been prescribed for elite Army units as well.
But when the use of berets was applied more broadly to our soldiers, many found the black wool hats hot and otherwise uncomfortable, hard to adjust uniformly, and, some said, maybe a little pretentious.
So, finally, the beret is now generally out for most American soldiers. The brimmed patrol caps will largely replace them.
A beret costs $11.90, according to news accounts, while a simple patrol cap costs only $6.50, so the change could save some money.
Now, we imagine, a lot of our soldiers will be more comfortable, and will look just as sharp.