A Guide to the Types of Military Hats and Scarves

When it comes to uniforms, scarves and military hats are two of the most defining components. Hats, covers, lids, caps – the names and styles may have varied throughout the years, but their general purpose has remained. They serve to protect, identify the individual and rank, and meet uniform regulations. 

What are the types of military hats? What are the scarves called that soldiers wear? Learn more about military hats and scarves in our quick guide.

Military Hats

Headwear is part of American history, having been an essential part of the military uniform since the Continental Army was formed in 1775. Though it's certainly changed over the past few centuries, its prominence hasn’t. Each branch of our military today wears hats for identification purposes, distinguishing troops, providing protection from the sun and other environmental conditions, and more. While the type of military hats varies from branch to branch and sometimes from job to job, our guide will focus on the three main types: the patrol cap, the boonie hat, and the beret.

The Patrol Cap

Similar in appearance to ball caps, a patrol cap is a soft kepi with a stiff, rounded visor and a flat top. Once known as the M-1951 field cap, the patrol cap made its first appearance in 1943 – and it’s come a long way since then. The previous cap, worn prominently during the Korean War, had a slightly longer visor. At that time, when the temperatures dropped, it had a flap that covered the ears and the back of the head. 

However, many believed that it didn’t present the proper image of a US soldier. After Army Chief of Staff Matthew B. Ridgway issued a policy regarding a more professional appearance, models of this type of military hat became more blocked and stiffened. They became known as the Ridgeway cap.

These hats were replaced in 1962 before being reintroduced in the 1980s as part of the US Army’s Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) in woodland and desert camouflage. It remains part of the combat uniform today.

The Boonie Hat

First introduced during the Vietnam War, boonie hats were worn as a substitute for the patrol cap. It features a wide, stiff brim and a relaxed and comfortable fit. Many military officers at the time believed that, like the older version of the patrol cap, it didn’t reflect the proper image of a soldier. Despite their disdain, the durability and functionality of this type of military hat established it as a staple – and military favorite. It provides full coverage against sun exposure and inclement weather, has a relaxed fit, and the chin strap holds the hat in place during tactical operations.

The Beret

When many picture berets, the first image that comes to mind is likely that of the French military or something out of a movie set in France. While that may be true, they’re not the only ones with a rich military beret history. The first use of this type of military hat in the US was in 1943, when the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion (now Regiment) were made honorary members of the British First Airborne Corps during World War II. Along with this distinction, they were given authorization to wear the maroon-colored beret. It was discontinued shortly after, before being formally adopted decades later to increase troop morale during the Vietnam War. 

Today, berets are worn by many different units in the US Army with service and utility uniforms, including the Rangers and Special Forces. The Army isn’t the only branch that wears this type of military hat; the Air Force also wears berets as part of their uniform, with different colors signifying different functions.

What are the Scarves Called That Soldiers Wear?

The US military and militaries around the world have many different types of military hats and other headwear that are widely worn depending on the uniform, unit, and even the weather. For example, balaclavas are a staple for protecting the face from the elements. 

Soldiers are also known for wearing scarves. You likely know the image from a military movie or TV show: a scarf wrapped around a soldier’s neck, face, and head as they venture out on a tactical mission. So, what are scarves called that soldiers wear?

Those scarves they wear are called shemaghs or keffiyeh. Essentially a tactical scarf, a shemagh can be wrapped around the face and head to offer protection against the elements or provide camouflage in various terrains. Though primarily used for protection, these scarves can do so much more.

Uses of Shemaghs

A shemagh is a scarf, but it is also considered a type of military hat or headwear, thanks to its versatility. Besides wrapping it around the neck, some additional uses of shemaghs include:

• Sun Protection - Wrap around the face and head to shield against the sun and heat. You could even wet it to cool yourself down in harsh heat.
• Warmth - It is a scarf, after all! Wrap it over your ears and neck to stay warm.
• Dust or Smoke Mask - Shemaghs can be worn (wet or dry) over your face to block out dust, smoke, and other particles in the air.
• Water Filter - When folded, this versatile and practical scarf can even filter debris out of water before it’s boiled!
• First Aid - If you lack the necessary first aid, the scarf can be wrapped or tied around a wound, acting as a tourniquet or bandage.

Types of Military Hats

Used since the birth of America, headwear holds significant importance in our military. More than a fashion accessory, military hats are worn to signify a soldier’s identity, distinguish troops, provide protection, and maintain the professional appearance of a US soldier. 

Shop headwear and more military clothing at Army Surplus World to complete your uniform or prepare for your next outdoor excursion!