Army Combat Uniform Headgear
ACU Headgear refers to the hats or caps which are authorized for wear with the Army Combat Uniform. The ACU Patrol Cap is the primary cap authorized for wear with both the ACU and the IHWCU. Headgear may also refer to the fleece watchcap, beret, or sun hat (boonie hat). Most SDFs limit authorized headgear to the ACU patrol cap, except in certain conditions or purposes. This guide will provide information on all headgear authorized by the AR 670-1 but it is the responsibility of the individual soldier to consult with their Chain of Command to determine which types of headgear are authorized and in which situations.
DA PAM 670-1 4–10. Headgear
a. Patrol cap.
- The patrol cap will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without bulging or distortion from the intended shape of the headgear and without excessive gaps.
- No rolling of, blocking, or alterations to the cap are authorized.
- The cap is worn so that no hair is visible on the forehead beneath the cap.
- The nametape will be worn centered on the hook-and-loop pads on the back of the patrol cap.
- Subdued pin-on or sew-on grade insignia, or branch insignia for chaplains, is worn centered on the front of the headgear left to right and top to bottom.
- Soldiers may sew on the nametape or grade insignia as an option. Hook-and-loop fasteners for the nametape may be left on or removed when sewing it on to the patrol cap.
c. Fleece cap. Commanders may authorize wear of the black or coyote brown fleece cap with the combat uniform in field environments when the Army combat helmet is not worn, on work details, or in other environments where wearing the patrol cap is impractical.
Personnel wear the fleece cap pulled down snugly on the head. To wear the cap properly, the bottom edge (all) of the cap may be folded, but not rolled. Installation commanders will determine temperature, wind chill, and extended duty time warranting wear of the cap in nonfield, nondeployed environments.
d. Sun (boonie) hat. The sun hat is an OCIE item authorized for wear with the combat uniform in field environments when the advanced combat helmet is not worn, on work details, or in other environments where wearing the patrol cap is impractical, as determined by the commander.
- Personnel wear the sun hat straight on the head so that the web band creates a straight line around the head, parallel to the ground. The sun hat will fit comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps.
- The sun hat is worn so that no hair is visible on the forehead beneath the hat.
- The drawstring on the sun hat can be worn under the chin, around the back of the head and neck, or tucked inside. The drawstring will not be worn over the top of the sun hat.
- The sun hat will not be worn rolled, formed, shaped, blocked, or with an upturned brim.
- Subdued pin-on or sew-on grade insignia, or branch insignia for chaplains, is worn centered on the front of the headgear left to right and top to bottom [similar to the ACU Patrol Cap].
b. Beret. The black beret is not the standard headgear for wear with the combat uniform. However, commanders retain the authority to prescribe the black beret for special events such as parades or changes of command or responsibility. Soldiers who are authorized to wear an organizational beret wear the tan, green, maroon, or brown beret as the standard headgear with the combat uniform while in a garrison environment (see para 20–4).
For most SDFs, the black beret might only be authorized for wear with the Army Service Uniform. Check with your Chain of Command for specifics regarding authorization for wear of the black beret.
e. Headgear guidance.
