What is a black beret, and which types of groups commonly wear it?

The black beret is a colored beret that is widely adopted by paramilitary and military forces globally. It is particularly recognized as the standard headgear for armored forces, signifying a connection to tank and cavalry units.

Which specific armored units in the British Army, Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, Royal Australian Armoured Corps, and Indian Army Armoured Corps are noted for wearing the black beret?

The black beret is commonly worn by armored units such as the British Army's Royal Tank Regiment, the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, and the Indian Army Armoured Corps, reflecting their role in mechanized warfare.

Beyond armored units, which other non-armored military and police forces are mentioned as wearing the black beret?

Besides armored forces, the black beret is also worn by non-military police and non-special forces elements of the Irish Defence Forces, Russian Naval Infantry and OMON units, the majority of the United States Army, and United States Air Force Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs).

When did the military use of black berets originate, and which French unit wore them during World War I?

The military use of black berets dates back to World War I. During this period, the French Army's Chasseurs Alpins, an elite mountain infantry unit, wore large black berets as their forage cap.

What was the practical reason behind the British Army's Royal Tank Corps adopting the black beret?

In 1918, British Army officers Hugh Elles and J. F. C. Fuller proposed the black beret for the Royal Tank Corps because its dark color was the least likely to show oil stains, a common issue for tank crews. This practical consideration led to its adoption.

Who officially approved the black beret for the Royal Tank Corps, and on what date?

King George V officially approved the use of black berets for the Royal Tank Corps on March 5, 1924, formalizing its status as the distinctive headgear for these armored units.

How did the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) come to be issued black berets?

The Royal Observer Corps (ROC) received black berets due to a surplus of headgear from the Royal Armoured Corps that was made available to them.

What is the iconic association of the black beret with Che Guevara?

The black beret is famously linked to Che Guevara, as he is depicted wearing one with a gold star in one of the most widely recognized photographs of him, taken by Alberto Korda.

Besides Che Guevara, which other revolutionary leader wore a black beret during the Cuban Revolution?

Fidel Castro also wore a black beret during the Cuban Revolution, a period of significant political and social upheaval in Cuba.

Which prominent African American activist group, founded in 1966, adopted the black beret as part of its uniform?

The Black Panther Party, an influential activist organization in the United States founded in 1966, adopted the black beret as a symbol of their movement and identity.

What was the 'Black Beret Cadre' in Bermuda, and what significant event is associated with it?

The Black Beret Cadre was a Black Power organization established in Bermuda in 1969. Two individuals connected to this group were later implicated in the assassination of Governor Richard Sharples.

How did Chicano activists in the 1960s and 70s utilize the black beret?

Chicano activists adopted the black beret in the 1960s and 70s as a symbol of militancy, drawing inspiration from Che Guevara. They formed organizations such as the 'Black Berets por La Justicia' across California and the Southwestern United States.

How did members of ETA wear their black berets during public appearances?

Members of ETA, a Basque separatist group, were observed wearing black berets over hoods during their public appearances.

What change was made to the uniform of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree members in August 2017?

Since August 2017, members of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree have been wearing black berets as an updated component of their uniform.

Which unit of the Argentine Navy, famous for its role in the Falklands War, wears a black beret, and when was this tradition established?

The Argentine Navy's 5th Marine Battalion (Batallón de Infantería de Marina 5), known for its actions at Mount Tumbledown during the Falklands War, wears a black beret. This tradition was introduced around 1977, initially awarded after completing a Cold Weather and Mountain Warfare Course.

Which units within the Australian Army are designated to wear the black beret?

In the Australian Army, all units belonging to the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) are authorized to wear the black beret.

Which types of units within the Austrian Bundesheer wear the black beret?

The Austrian Bundesheer mandates the black beret for all its armored units, which include Armored Battalions, Mechanized Infantry Battalions, Artillery Battalions, and Mechanized Headquarter Battalions.

Which corps within the Bangladesh Army wear black berets, and which police unit also utilizes them?

In the Bangladesh Army, the black beret is worn by all units of the Armoured, Cavalry, and Lancer Corps. Additionally, the Rapid Action Battalion of the Bangladesh Police also uses the black beret.

Which units in the Belgian Army wear the black beret?

Within the Belgian Army, the black beret is specifically worn by cavalry units and engineer units.

Which Brazilian military and police forces are noted for wearing the black beret?

Brazilian armor and mechanized troops wear the black beret. Furthermore, the special forces unit of the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, known as BOPE, also adopts this headgear. Additionally, officers in the Minas Gerais state's Military Police sometimes wear black berets as part of their patrol gear.

Which personnel within the Canadian Armed Forces wear black berets?

In the Canadian Armed Forces, black berets are worn by soldiers of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps and by all sailors, with the exception of military police and special operations sailors.

Under what specific conditions is the black beret exclusively awarded to soldiers and officers in the Cypriot National Guard?

In the Cypriot National Guard, the black beret is exclusively given to soldiers of the Armoured Forces and to Officers who graduate from the Greek Armoured Forces officers' school, which is considered a highly rigorous academy, making the beret a symbol of honor.

Which specific regiments and units within the Danish Army currently wear the black beret?

The Danish Army units that currently wear the black beret include the Jutland Dragoons, Guard Hussars, Royal Life Guard, Army Combat and Fire Support Center, Garnisonskommandant Vordingborg, and the 1st Danish Artillery Battalion.

Which specific brigade in the Finnish Army is identified as wearing black berets?

In the Finnish Army, only members of the Armored Brigade wear black berets.

What was the historical context of oversized black berets in the German Army during the National Socialist era, and what is the current practice?

During the National Socialist era, the German Army introduced an oversized black beret for tank crews to be worn over crash helmets; however, this was later replaced by a garrison cap during World War II. Currently, the black beret of conventional size is worn by the Armoured Corps and the Armoured Reconnaissance Corps.

Which corps and forces within the Indian Army are designated to wear black berets?

In the Indian Army, black berets are worn by all units of the Cavalry and Armoured Corps, as well as by the National Security Guards and the Border Security Force.

Which corps in the Indonesian Army and Navy are known to wear black berets?

In the Indonesian Army, members of the Cavalry Corps wear black berets, with an exception for cavalry battalions under the Kostrad strategic reserve command. The Indonesian Navy's Submarine Corps also wears black berets.

Which members of the Irish Army wear black berets, and which units are noted as exceptions?

In the Irish Army, the majority of the Permanent Defence Forces, particularly the infantry, wear black berets. However, certain combat support units, such as Military Police and Cavalry, are exceptions.

Which units within the Italian Army typically wear black berets, and which units are exceptions to this practice?

Most units in the Italian Army wear a black beret. The exceptions to this tradition include Paratroopers, Alpini, the Army Aviation Corps (AVES), Lagunari, and Bersaglieri.

Which units in the Dutch Army are designated to wear the black beret?

In the Dutch Army, the black beret is worn by cavalry battalions.

Which units within the Norwegian Army are known to wear black berets?

The Norwegian Army's Panserbatallion (armored unit) and other cavalry units wear black berets.

Which branches of the Polish Armed Forces wear black berets?

In the Polish Armed Forces, black berets are worn by the armored units of the Polish Army and also by personnel of the Polish Navy.

Which branches of the Portuguese Army and which civil forces wear black berets?

In the Portuguese Army, the black beret is worn by the cavalry branch, including armored troops and the military police. It is also adopted by Portuguese civil forces such as the Bomb disposal unit of the Public Security Police, the Prison Guard Corps, and the Civil Defense.

Which Russian military and police units are noted for wearing the black beret?

Both the Russian Naval Infantry and OMON special police units wear the black beret with their dress and field uniforms when not wearing helmets.

Which formation within the Singapore Armed Forces wears the black beret?

The Armour formation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) wears the black beret.

Which units in the Spanish Army and Air Force wear black berets?

In the Spanish Army, the black beret is worn by Mechanized Brigades and the Parachutist Brigade BRIPAC. Within the Spanish Air Force, it is worn by paratrooper units, the Air Deployment Support Squads (EADA and SEADA), and Air Force Police Units.

What were the units in the Somali Army and Navy that wore black berets?

In the Somali Army, members of the Armoured Battalions and the Army's rear wear a black beret, a tradition inherited from British military practices. The Somali Navy designates the black beret as its standard issue headgear.

Which corps and units in the South African Army and Navy wear black berets?

In the South African Army, members of the South African Armour Corps, the South African Intelligence Corps, Defence Intelligence Division, and the Technical Service Corps wear the black beret, each distinguished by their respective corps badge. Additionally, members of the South African Navy's Maritime Reaction Squadron also wear the black beret.

Which units in the Sri Lankan Army and Navy wear black berets?

In the Sri Lankan Army, the Armoured Corps, Mechanized Infantry, and the Special Forces wear black berets. The Sri Lankan Navy's elite Special Boat Squadron also wears the black beret.

Which units within the Swedish Army are known to wear black berets?

In the Swedish Army, all armor and mechanized units wear black berets.

Which branches and troops within the Swiss Army wear black berets?

In the Swiss Army, black berets are worn by various units including the Tank Branch, Pioneers, Rescue Troops, Communication and Command Troops, high command, Tank Grenadiers, Chaplains, the armed forces legal service, and other troops.

Which personnel within the Turkish Land Forces wear black berets?

In the Turkish Land Forces, armor personnel are the ones who wear black berets.

When and why were black berets adopted by armor and armored cavalry units in the United States Army?

In 1973, the United States Army allowed local commanders to encourage distinctive uniform items, leading to the adoption of the black beret by armor and armored cavalry units. This move aimed to boost morale and unit identity.

When did the black beret officially become the standard garrison headgear for all U.S. Army troops?

The black beret officially became the standard garrison headgear for all United States Army troops on June 14, 2001, unless a soldier was approved to wear a different distinctive beret.

What were the primary reasons cited for the black beret's unpopularity among U.S. soldiers when it was introduced with the Army Combat Uniform (ACU)?

Soldiers found the black beret unpopular due to several factors: it required two hands to put on correctly, offered no protection from the sun, needed specific shaping and shaving, and its black wool material made it hot and uncomfortable in warm weather. Improper wear also led to unflattering nicknames.

When and why was the black beret removed as the default headgear for the U.S. Army Combat Uniform (ACU)?

In 2011, the black beret was removed as the default headgear for the U.S. Army Combat Uniform (ACU) following widespread soldier dissatisfaction. The army subsequently reverted to the patrol cap as the standard ACU headgear.

Which specific specialty within the U.S. Air Force is currently authorized to wear the black beret as part of their daily duty uniform?

TACP specialists (Air Force Specialty Code 1C4X1) are currently the only personnel within the United States Air Force permitted to wear the black beret as part of their daily duty uniform.

How was the black beret utilized by U.S. Navy personnel during the Vietnam War, and what unique unit tradition existed regarding enemy encounters?

During the Vietnam War, U.S. Navy personnel serving on patrol boats and with Inshore Undersea Warfare Group 1 wore the South Vietnamese navy black beret. A unit tradition involved cutting the back ribbon into two pennants after first contact with the enemy, notching the ends into a 'V' to signify an enemy 'kill'.

What nickname was associated with the Ukrainian Marines concerning their berets, and when did this association change?

The Ukrainian Marines were formerly known as the "Black Berets" until 2018, when their beret color was officially changed.

What is the general application of black berets in the Venezuelan Army, and which specific units are exceptions to this rule?

In the Venezuelan Army, black berets are generally worn by most personnel, with exceptions for Paratroopers, Special Forces, Counter-insurgency troops, and soldiers stationed at the Ministry of Defence and Army headquarters.

Black Beret Wiki: The Black Beret: A Symbol of Distinction and Service

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Defining the Black Beret

A Distinctive Headwear

The black beret is a specific variant of the beret, distinguished by its color. It is widely adopted by various military and paramilitary organizations worldwide. Its adoption is often linked to specific branches, such as armored forces, due to historical reasons and practical considerations like resistance to oil stains.

Military and Beyond

While prominently associated with armored units in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the black beret's usage extends to other military elements, including naval infantry, police forces, and specialized tactical units in nations such as Russia, the United States, and many others. Its symbolism often denotes elite status or specific unit identity.

Cultural Resonance

Beyond its military context, the black beret has been adopted by various non-state actors and activist groups, most notably revolutionaries like Che Guevara and organizations such as the Black Panther Party. In these contexts, it often symbolizes resistance, militancy, and a unified identity.

Historical Origins

World War I Beginnings

The military use of the black beret traces back to World War I. The French Army's Chasseurs Alpins wore large black berets as a forage cap. This practice influenced later military headwear choices.

Royal Tank Corps Adoption

In 1918, British Army officers Hugh Elles and J. F. C. Fuller proposed the black beret for the Royal Tank Corps. The rationale was that the color would effectively conceal oil stains, a common issue in early armored vehicles. King George V officially approved this practice on March 5, 1924, establishing the black beret as the exclusive headdress for the Royal Tank Corps through the interwar period and World War II.

The tradition continued, with surplus Royal Armoured Corps black berets being issued to the Royal Observer Corps (ROC). This historical precedent cemented the black beret's association with armored and elite units within the British military and Commonwealth forces.

Global Adoption Patterns

Widespread Use

The black beret has been adopted by numerous countries across different continents, often signifying specific roles or branches within their armed forces and police organizations. Its prevalence highlights its enduring appeal as a military headgear.

The black beret is a common sight in many national militaries, typically worn by:

Armored and Cavalry Units: A primary association, seen in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and others.
Special Forces and Elite Units: Often adopted by specialized units, including paratroopers, naval infantry, and elite police tactical teams, such as in Chile, Croatia, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Korea, and Ukraine (historically).
Military Police and Other Branches: Some nations assign the black beret to their military police (e.g., Czech Republic, Serbia), air force regiments (e.g., Nigeria), or even general service personnel (e.g., Luxembourg, Namibia, Somali Navy).
Civilian and Paramilitary Use: Beyond formal military structures, black berets have been worn by civilian defense forces, bomb disposal units (Portugal), and prison guards.

Military Significance

Armored Forces Tradition

The black beret's strongest association remains with armored units. This tradition, originating with the British Royal Tank Regiment, signifies a connection to the operational environment of tanks and armored vehicles, where the color's practicality in hiding grease and oil stains was initially valued.

Elite Unit Designation

In many armed forces, the black beret serves as a marker for elite or specialized units. This includes special operations forces, rangers, and airborne troops, distinguishing them within the broader military structure. The U.S. Army's adoption and subsequent changes regarding the black beret illustrate this dynamic, with units like Rangers and airborne troops often having their own distinctive beret colors.

In the United States, the black beret gained traction in the 1970s, initially adopted by armor and armored cavalry units. It was later authorized for female soldiers and officially assigned to U.S. Army Rangers in 1975. While its status as the default headgear for all U.S. Army troops (worn with ACUs) was controversial and eventually reversed in 2011 due to soldier feedback, it remains a significant part of the Army Service Uniform (ASU). The U.S. Air Force's Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialists are notably authorized to wear the black beret as part of their daily uniform.

Symbolism in Activism

Iconography of Revolution

The black beret transcended its military origins to become a potent symbol in various social and political movements. Its association with figures like Che Guevara and Fidel Castro during the Cuban Revolution cemented its image as an emblem of defiance, revolution, and counter-culture.

Identity and Militancy

In the 1960s and 70s, activist groups such as the Black Panther Party in the United States and similar Black Power organizations in Bermuda adopted the black beret. Chicano activists also embraced it as a symbol of militancy. In Northern Ireland, members of groups like the Irish National Liberation Army and the Provisional Irish Republican Army wore black berets. These adoptions underscore the beret's powerful visual statement of solidarity and political stance.

References

Source Material

The Hat. Archived from the original on 2008-12-21. Retrieved 2009-01-16.
Ogbar, Jeffrey Ogbanna Green. Black Power: Radical Politics and African American Identity. 2004 JHU Press.
Black Berets. Archived from the original on 2016-01-11. Retrieved 2009-01-16.
Color Corps Drill Manual. Knights of Columbus. 2018. p. 10.
'We felt free': Cubans remain defiant in face of protest crackdown, BBC, 20.08.2021
Nye myndigheter, nye baretmærker og farver. Forsvaret (in Danish). Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
KAITSEVÄGI VÕTTIS KASUTUSELE BARETID. Digar/Põhjarannik (in Estonian). Retrieved 2025-01-06.
Conscript training and cooperation with other authorities.
5 choses à savoir sur le béret. Armée de Terre (in French).
Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade (ARTB), Graduates, 1971, Class 11-1971. benning.army.mil, dated 1971, last accessed 13 June 2020.
US Army berets - blue, black, green, maroon, tan... The US Militaria Forum, last accessed 16 October 2020.
Class A Service and Dress From Uniforms From 1970's-2000. US Army Medical Department, Office of Medical History; last modified 2 July 2009, last accessed 20 May 2020.
Fort Hood, TX - 1976 - when I was in the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry (Mechanized Infantry) in the First Cavalry Division. A great looking uniform with the black beret - the 1/12 had lots of unit citations too. US Army photograph hosted on Facebook, curtesy of Quentin Robinson, dated 1976, posted 11 November 2015, last accessed 15 January 2022.
Stanton, Shelby. U.S. Army Uniforms of the Cold War 1948–1973. 1994 Stackpole Books.
Defense Leaders Uphold Army's Black Beret Decision (Corrected Copy). by Linda D. Kozaryn, American Forces Press Service, dated 16 March 2001, last accessed 20 November 2021.
Knopf, Christina M. (2015). The comic art of war: a critical study of military cartoons, 1805/2014, with a guide to artists. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7864-9835-2.
Army dumps beret as official ACU headgear. Archived from the original on 2014-02-20.
Pierce-Lunderman, Cursha (June 23, 2011). "Bye-Bye, Beret: Switch to Patrol Cap Brings Mixed Feelings". U.S. Army. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
Shaughnessy, Larry (June 14, 2011). "Army Backtracks on Black Berets After More than a Decade of Debate". CNN. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
Lopez, C. Todd (June 15, 2011). "ACU Changes Make Velcro Optional, Patrol Cap Default headgear". U.S. Army. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
"The Beret in U.S. Military Uniform History". The Balance Careers, by Rod Powers, updated 27 June 2019, last accessed 7 March 2023.
"U.S. Military Beret History (Page 2)". Usmilitary.about.com. 2001-10-17.
Cutler, Thomas J. (2000) Brown Water, Black Berets. Naval Institute Press, p. 172.
Uniform regulations US Navy
"U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations, Article 3501.3, Beret (Females)". buperscd.technology.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 21 May 2007. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
"Archived copy". timemilitary.files.wordpress.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 August 2011. Retrieved 11 January 2022. CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
"NAVADMIN 208/15". September 2015. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
"Acknowledging defeat, Ukraine pulls troops from Crimea". Reuters. 2014-03-24. Retrieved 2022-07-30.
Порошенко урочисто змінив колір беретів морпіхів і встановив День морської піхоти. 2018-05-23. Archived from the original on 2018-05-23. Retrieved 2022-07-30.

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References

p.119 Ogbar, Jeffrey Ogbanna Green Black Power: Radical Politics and African American Identity 2004 JHU Press

'We felt free': Cubans remain defiant in face of protest crackdown, BBC, 20.08.2021

Cutler, Thomas J. (2000) Brown Water, Black Berets. Naval Institute Press, p. 172.

Uniform regulations US Navy

A full list of references for this article are available at the Black beret Wikipedia page

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The Black Beret

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining the Black Beret ℹ️

🎩 A Distinctive Headwear

🎖️ Military and Beyond

✊ Cultural Resonance

Historical Origins 📜

⚔️ World War I Beginnings

⚙️ Royal Tank Corps Adoption

Global Adoption Patterns 🌍

🌐 Widespread Use

Military Significance 🛡️

💥 Armored Forces Tradition

⭐ Elite Unit Designation

Symbolism in Activism ✊

🔥 Iconography of Revolution

✊ Identity and Militancy

References 📚

📄 Source Material

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining the Black Beret

A Distinctive Headwear

Military and Beyond

Cultural Resonance

Historical Origins

World War I Beginnings

Royal Tank Corps Adoption

Global Adoption Patterns

Widespread Use

Military Significance

Armored Forces Tradition

Elite Unit Designation

Symbolism in Activism

Iconography of Revolution

Identity and Militancy

References

Source Material

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice