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army black beret policy, how to wear the black beret, AR 670-1

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The Army flash is the only flash authorized for wear on the black beret, unless a distinctive flash was approved for the
black beret before the implementation of the black beret as The Army standard headgear (for example, OPFOR forces).
Soldiers wear the beret so that the headband is straight on the head, one inch above the eyebrows, with the flash over the
left eye and the excess material draped over to the right, down to at least the top of the ear, but no lower than the middle
of the ear. A dip is formed in the wool, just behind the flash stiffener, and a slight fold is formed to the right front of the
beret, next to the flash. Soldiers will tie off the adjusting ribbon into a non-slip knot, cut off the excess adjusting ribbon as
close to the knot as possible, and tuck the knot into the edge binding at the back of the beret. The beret is form fitting to
the head when worn properly; therefore, soldiers may not wear hairstyles that distort the beret.

Soldiers will wear the beret with the utility and service (class A and B) uniforms in garrison environments, only. Soldiers will
wear the patrol cap (formerly called the BDU cap) in the field when they are authorized to remove their Kevlar helmet.
Commanders will determine wear of the beret during deployments.

Commanders may authorize the wear of the patrol cap on work details or in other situations when wear of the beret is
impractical, such as in the motor pool where it could become easily soiled. The only soldiers authorized to blouse boots
with the class A and B uniforms are soldiers authorized to wear of the maroon, green, or tan berets; those assigned to Air
Assault coded positions; and MPs performing MP duties.

Soldiers who are not issued or who do not wear the black beret will wear the patrol cap with utility uniforms and the
garrison cap with the service uniforms.

The beret is a retainable, non-recoverable organizational-issue item. Therefore, soldiers will not return the beret to CIF
when they PCS/ETS. Additionally, when berets become un-serviceable, soldiers may turn in the berets to CIF for a
replacement beret. (Ref: para 3-5, AR 670-1)

My unit doesn’t have a unit crest. What do I wear on my beret flash?
Soldiers in units without a unit crest wear their Regimental Distinctive Insignia (RDI) on the beret flash.
(Ref: para 3-5c (1), AR 670-1)

How do I prepare the beret? >