Headgear

Headgear is one of the more diverse accessories utilized withing Pathfinder Clubs. Even from Conference to Conference, there seems to be little standardization as to what and how to wear headgear.... or if headgear is even used at all. This is intended to be an overview of headgear utilized in Pathfindering in the North American Division and will primarily focus on the United States.

Types of Headgear:

The Beret:
The black beret is commonly the officially authorized headgear for Pathfinders. The regulations go no further than to specify a beret and that is should be black in color. No mention of type of beret, style of wear, or rules for wear.

Col. Clarke wearing the tan Army Ranger beret 

in the appropriate military fashion.

I have seen just about every variation of the beret used for a Pathfinder uniform and unfortunately, most of these accompany a dress uniform. From the crisp and well formed black beret of the military style accompanying an equally crisp and military uniform to the awkwardly colored international styles, worn in no particular manner and a uniform of similar character.

While I favor the use of the beret in Pathfinders, it must be

"French" beret worn "goofy". Often
accompanied by goofy uniforms
 and an apparent abhorrence 

to tucked shirts or ironing.

worn in a manner that reflects the spirit of Pathfindering. It should be crisp, clean, properly formed, fitted, and worn properly with the uniform. Just like US military applications, deviance from the specified black, should be reserved for distinguished groups and authorized by the local Conference.

If you are wearing berets, please keep them within the tradition of the uniform. They are not a flashy accessory but just as important a piece as the blouse itself.


The Ball Cap:
While a great addition to a hike or picnic, it has no place on a dress uniform. It would be as inappropriate as wearing white tennis shoes with the dress uniform.

Garrison Cap:
While not used by many NAD Pathfinders, it has it's heritage in the JMV clubs as the headgear of choice. The issue with garrison caps and the current NAD Dress Uniform is that colors are hard to come by. The cap would need to be either black or tan. Then the beret flash (the only insignia authorized for headgear) would not fit or attach properly. It's mostly a nostalgic piece... and a good one at that. It reminds us of our roots and the social conventions that were in place when Pathfinders started. Perhaps the NAD should look into bringing it back.

Service Cap:
Also known as a Combination Cover, Peaked Cap, Wheel Cap, Saucer Cap, or Barracks Cover; I have seen a few service caps utilized with a pathfinder uniform. Most of the time they are left over from prior military service and look appropriate with the Master Guide Uniform. Others appear to have been gotten at a Halloween clearance sale or from a defunct military government. This cap has a lot of potential but can be hard to care for properly in addition to the expense of good quality. I also include the 8-point hat in the category even though it is technically different.

Utility Cover or Patrol Cap:
This covers a range of cover, caps, or hats worn by various branches of the United States Military as part of the Battle Dress Uniform. This has spawned a set of headgear that is of the same style and usually solid in color. Pathfinder have also been seen wearing this type of headgear in uniform. A black utility cover does not look totally out of place but tops off the Pathfinder with one step down from dress uniform. My recommendation for those wanting to use this headgear would be to utilize it with a different uniform such as a specific drill team or drum corps outfit where it more appropriately matches.

Campaign Cover:
Few Pathfinders wear the campaign cover and those that do are almost certainly staff. The reason for wearing is varied. It has several uses in the United States: Forrest Service personnel wear a version of the hat and is most recognized as the hat worn by Smokey the Bear... hence the slang term "smokey bear hat" or simply "smokey". Several State Patrols use the campaign hat as their uniform hat. Then there is the use by drill instructors, drill sergeants, and training instructors in the US Military. Most often, any campaign hat of the military or state trooper style is worn in a military fashion. The Forrest Service version is generally worn in a more laissez-faire style and not appropriate for the dress uniform. Because of the authority and image the cover represents, it is the most appropriate choice for Pathfinder Drill Instructors. Both a black and green cover would be acceptable providing it matched the color of the uniform being worn.

Cowboy Hat:
Unless you are from Texas, you have no business wearing a cowboy hat anywhere near a Pathfinder Dress Uniform. Humor with a grain of truth here for sure. Plain and simple, the cowboy hat is not a uniform hat. While it may embody a person's or group's personal beliefs, it's not generally appropriate for wear in dress uniform. If you must, try to keep it to a special group such as a drum corps. And, no matter how much you may identify with cowboys, it's probably not the best choice for a club from New York. it just doesn't fit. Keep it classy.

Anything Else:
Don't.

I have seen just about everything topping off a Pathfinder in dress uniform. From the headgear worn well and tastefully to the furry neon green, Cat-in-the-Hat top-hat sold at the fair. We have a uniform for a reason, and it does a great dishonor to the spirit of the uniform to add something that is not appropriate. In the same way that clubs would not allow Pathfinders to wear their sneakers or flip flops with a dress uniform, they should not allow headgear that accomplishes the same. If you are going to wear a hat with your uniform. Please make sure that it looks appropriate. Keep it uniform (that means everyone wears the same thing). Wear it with pride.