Military 'complaints' about my balmoral

[hospitaller]

Several weeks ago bought a very nice WWI Canadian Khaki Balmoral from www.glengarryhats.com and I am loving it.

Thing is, yesterday it was cloudy, slightly drizzy and cool, so I thought I would wear it, so I did.

Went to work with it, people loved it, it completes the look, now I understand why Panache and Glen love theirs so much.

Anyway, after work wife asked me to stop by the store and get some supplies so I did, and while there, a couple of military looking guys approached me to talk about the kilt and the look (one of them is a UK owner).

Then the conversation switched to how they were Army Rangers (there is a NG depot right across the store which is currently deployed to the sandbox) and they were wondering if I was one as well, and if not why was I wearing 'their beret'.

That took me by surprise because, the color of my balmoral is darker than the Ranger beret, my balmoral has a wool pompom, and I was also wearing my Clan badge in it.

So after telling them all of the above, they relented for a bit, all friendly but then they left me with this odd send-off:

'Be careful wearing that beret, it may get you in trouble'

I mean...c'mon...really?

[JRB]

...but then they left me with this odd send-off:
'Be careful wearing that beret, it may get you in trouble'...

All I've got to say to that is....

[davedove]

I don't believe you'll get in any trouble; however, you will probably have a repeat of what happened to you. Military folks are fairly possessive of their symbols and the Ranger beret is one of those.

From a distance, your balmoral may be confused for a Ranger beret, and Rangers may approach you, thinking you are one of them. So, be prepared to explain.

[george7]

I think they ought to take more pride in their ranger beret, since they earned it... then take notice that it is not the same hat.

[hospitaller]

I think they ought to take more pride in their ranger beret, since they earned it... then take notice that it is not the same hat.

Apparently they thought I had hand sewn the wool pompom on top of it, but still, the color is darker so it still caught me by surprise.

[Highland Logan]

Or maybe they knew the difference, and were just screwing with with the "odd looking" guy, and keeping you off balance by refering to how your head dress looked like theirs.

Frank

[Master K9]

Being former active military service myownself, USMC...I can say that someone would run the risk of being acosted while wearing an item of clothing resembling an elite armed forces article. Understand the elites have an informal motto, "If you didn't earn it, you can't wear it."

Do the Army Rangers ever wear a Balmoral on ocassion? If so there may be a conflict.

Just sayin'..... But I've had my eye on the black'un.

[Drillagent]

Well, here's my two cents worth. It's been my experience after almost 18 years in the Army (and still going) that the people who question someone's attire HAVEN'T been there/ done that. If you were in uniform, I would understand. But to be standing in obvious civilian attire, that was uncalled for. The two Soldiers you spoke to were probably either new or haven't been Rangers very long. And they either haven't been "down range" yet, or they're getting ready to go for the first time. It's the "I'm a bad *** Ranger" attitude. Real Rangers and SF operators like the guys I work with are quiet professionals. They're very good at what they do, they know they're good, and don't need to show off. You ran into what we call "PX Rangers". Guys who go and buy all the pretty stuff to put on their uniforms whether they earned it or not. Sorry for the rant, but unprofessional Soldiers really chaps by butt.

[macwilkin]

Being former active military service myownself, USMC...I can say that someone would run the risk of being acosted while wearing an item of clothing resembling an elite armed forces article. Understand the elites have an informal motto, "If you didn't earn it, you can't wear it."

Do the Army Rangers ever wear a Balmoral on ocassion? If so there may be a conflict.

Just sayin'..... But I've had my eye on the black'un.

One account says that after the US Rangers trained with their British Commando counterparts at the Commando school at Achnacarry, Scotland, the Rangers were authorized to wear the British Commando Green Beret with a "flash" or square of Cameron of Erracht tartan (Achnacarry is Cameron country) --- but it was never approved by the higher-ups.

Regards,

Todd

[Nervous Jock]

I think they ought to take more pride in their ranger beret, since they earned it... then take notice that it is not the same hat.

word to the wise, if you call anyone military's headdress in the Uk a "hat" you will probably start a fight espec if they are RM or PARA.