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How to wear the Black Beret

1- Ensure the beret is the correct size.  Soldiers should typically wear berets the same sizes as their BDU caps

2- Don the beret so that the edge binding (headband) is one inch above the eyebrows and fits straight across the forehead.  The beret should be form fitting across the head.

3- Center the Flash and the Stiffener above the left eye.

4- Pull the excess material down to the right side so that it touches the right ear but does not extend below the middle of the ear.

5- Tighten or loosen the adjusting ribbon for a secure fit.

6- Tie the adjusting ribbon into a non-slip knot and cut off the ends.

7- Tuck the ribbon knot inside the edge binding at the back of the beret.
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**Hair may not be packed into the beret, nor should it extend below the bottom edge of the front of the headgear or below the bottom edge of the back collar.

**All headgear must be carried when not worn.  It may not be hung from the belt or stored inside uniform pockets.
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Handle With Care:
Methods of grooming or preparing the beret for wear that are not advised by the manufaturer cannot be outlined in AR 670-1, "Wear And Appearance Of Army Uniforms And Insignia."  the manufacturer recommends dry cleaning only.
Since soldiers will not be reimbursed or reissued berets for damages caused by unauthorized preparation methods, soldiers should be careful if choosing such methods such as shaping or shaving the beret.  These suggestions are provided by the XVIII Airborne Corps and are based on years' of soldiers experience wearing the beret:
  • Be cautious about wetting, soaking and freezing the beret, because the flash may become distorted and the colors may bleed or fade.
  • Do not use warm water to wet the beret because it could shrink.
  • Use a lint or soft bristle brush to remove the lint.  Use of a razor may cut through the wool.