Why do some army personel wears berets instead of hats?

Answer 1

Berets are the new standard Army headgear. These are what you are supposed to be wearing when in garisson, Class-A uniform and basically when not in a direct combat zone. (I.e. Iraq, if you'd be staying outdoors were you are in patrol or anything of a combative nature, you don't wear your beret, but as soon as you get indoors, then you can use your beret)

Though the beret is the Army's prescribed headgear, it is not required to be worn whether you like it or not. You can also wear the traditional "soft cap" or BDU cap (baseball cap like hat), boonie hat (looks like a fishing hat).

The reason why you see people wearing different head gear is simply because of personal preference. A soft cap has a visor that keeps the sun out of your eyes, a boonie's brim will protect your face and neck from the sun and a beret doesn't have any of those features. The beret though, makes a soldier look more professional than the traditional garrison caps.

FYI:
Berets come in different colors namely:

Black (Most Common color) standard beret issued to every
single soldier i nthe Army.
Maroon (Airborne) issued to students who are trained in Airborne
operations like jumping out of planes, helicopters and flyin
Tan (Rangers) these are issued to Army Rangers.
Green (Special Forces) are issued to the Army's special forces
which, hence the name, "Green Berets."

Answer 2

For a full history of the beret in the US Army go to this link:
http://www.army.mil/features/beret/beret.htm

Effective 14 June 2001, the first Army birthday in the new millennium, the black beret became standard wear in The Army--Active and Reserve Components

Wearing the beret or another "cover" would fall the decision of the local area commander.

Answer 3

Berets are technically what the army is supposed to wear. But depending on their job as well. Mechanics and any soldiers that work in the motor pool areas will wear the hats. And for National Guard (used to be in both active duty army and national guard) we wore the hats for drill weekends and beret during the week.

Answer 4

Oh, boy! Yer going to get alot of heated answers from those of us who wore the black beret when it still meant something. Originally, it was to distinguish an elite, or special ops soldier from a regular "leg" (leg is definately NOT a compliment).
Being airborne, and assigned to a designated airborne unit entitled one to wear the red beret. The black beret used to be allowed only to those who were assigned to the army's Airborne Ranger units. The famous Green Beret, is reserved for those qualified, and assigned to Special Forces. (S.F. is a specific school, and job, but has become a common term for special operations.)
Army Rangers now wear the tan colored beret. The black beret is now the general uniform headgear for anyone in the army. (I feel it's nothing short of theft of the Ranger's reputation.) Berets in general used to distinguish a more highly trained soldier. Now it's simply something a soldier puts on his head when outdoors.

Answer 5

Plain and simple
The beret is standard Army issue.

Answer 6

Its the norm throughout most of the world (its cheap)...
there are conventions on colour_ black = armour; light brown = special forces, maroon = para; green = marine; light blue = army air & red = ceremonial troops

Answer 7

it's a worldwide military tradition passed down through time i believe.. and actually.. most of the world adopts the black beret for armour units only.. apparently.. it's coz it wont appear dirty when handled with the oily greasy hands of tankies.. haha..

Answer 8

In Malaysia, some wear songkok. In Bangladesh, some wear turban. Yet others wear nothing at times.

Answer 9

peak caps gets blown away by wind,also handy,less cumbersome when physical activities are performed
sreekumaran

Answer 10

So we can blend in with the enemy, France.