US Army abandons 'impractical' black berets

[Judi Lynn]

Source: BBC News

14 June 2011 Last updated at 02:32 ET
US Army abandons 'impractical' black berets

The US Army says it is getting rid of the black woollen berets worn by its soldiers after many of them complained it was too impractical to wear.

One soldier told the US Army Times it was like wearing a "wet sock" on his head.

A US army spokesman said the beret, which was introduced 10 years ago, would be replaced by a patrol cap and worn by soldiers in the field.

The change will apply to more than a million soldiers in the United States.

It will also bring a cost benefit - the patrol cap comes in at almost half the price.



Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13759575

[99th_Monkey]

1. So much better for our "image" .. i.e. not so "french"

:sarcasm:

[Sherman A1]

2. Good

it always looked stupid and something that comes in at half the price is a good idea.

Can we use the saving for something besides defense spending?

[hootinholler]

5. If you think our tax dollars pay for uniforms

I think you are mistaken. When I was in the Navy the clothing allowance would get me a couple of new shirts a year. When the Navy went back to the crackerjack style uniform it came out of pocket.

-Hoot

[juajen]

3. What about the cost of all of those retired berets?

[iwishiwas]

4. Hey, maybe the war is OVER?--camoulflage no longer to be worn in the Pent!!....

But the beret will remain standard headgear for soldiers when they wear their dress uniform for more formal events.

Col Collins also told AFP that from July dress uniform would replace camouflage for soldiers serving in the Pentagon.

Combat uniforms were adopted for all armed services personnel to reflect the war footing following the 9/11 attacks.