To arms, to arms!

A US Army Ranger happily models the new

Ranger Tan Beret

Yee-HAW! We haven't had a good knock down drag-out fighting subject like this in a LONG time!

The subject is the announcement by the Army Chief of Staff authorizing the wear of the black beret by all members of the US Army.

Now, initially my reaction was one of non-concern as I am no longer in the army. Then, as events began to unfold and my email box turned into a virtual battleground, turning brother against brother, friend against friend, I became concerned that perhaps this issue is bigger than it appears.

I must also point out that in this fray that has a couple of guys fencing with their history degrees and providing great ammunition for continued debate, I have actually learned a few facts about the berets I had worn during my military career.

For instance, Marty G. points out these interesting little tidbits:

"... the first berets ever worn by Rangers were green. When the 1st

Ranger Battalion completed the British Commando course at Achnacarry Castle in Scotland in 1942, the Brits awarded them the Commandos' green beret, and they wore it."

"The black beret was not worn by any Rangers until 1950, when the 10th, 11th, and 13th Airborne Ranger Companies (only) wore them in training (only) at Fort Benning."

I had no real in-depth knowledge of the actual history of the Rangers' beret so I found this to be both interesting and enlightening. But I also found myself, never actually having worn the black beret, to be somewhat complacent. I suppose had the CofS announced that everyone would wear the GREEN beret I might have been more passionate in my view.

Now, in the other corner is my good bud Gary. He points out the bulk of my sentiment regarding the whole mess.

"This initiative is just another indication of a silly-assed stop-gap measure to fix our broken Army. Issues like pay parity, housing, enlisted on food stamps, morale, and the exodus of young officers can all be fixed by putting a new piece of headgear on the soldier? Bullshit. You can put a new paint job on a car with no engine. The car looks great but it still won't run."

Gary, although I agree with your above statement, I disagree with your statement about earning or not earning the beret. As for Special Forces, true, we, meaning our generation, never did actually earn the Green Beret. Our forefathers did. We earned the right to wear it. We earned the right to wear a "full flash" on it. And now the latest generation earns a tab. Sound familiar? Reach around and give that little black and gold one a quick rub. That's what Rangers earn and have nearly always earned.

I would also like to ask everyone where this passion was when BG Potter retired the white flash worn by Special Forces instructors? Do you know that NO non Special Forces qualified person was ever authorized to wear it? Or what about when BG Guest struck the Vietnamese colors from the 5^th Group flash?

The beret, be it green, black, maroon, or yellow with polka dots, is still just a hat. It's not even a practical or comfortable one! Yes, it IS a symbol. But it's a unit esprit de corps thing and not a personal award. Although I lend the Rangers a sympathetic and empathetic ear, I stand by my conviction that it's not the hat, but what's under it that really matters.

Now, all that said, tell me YOUR opinion on this issue. I WILL post all comments on a special page here on The Sandwich unless you specifically tell me not to. Additionally, I am including a response form here on this page which will post your comments immediately.

"Airborne!"

"Rangers Lead The Way!"

"De Oppresso Liber"

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