A Fresh Look at the History of the Beret and Its Role Today – SOFREP News Team
The history of seemingly simple things often reveals a fascinating depth. Take the beret, for example. What began as a practical piece of headgear has evolved into a powerful symbol of heritage, identity, and purpose. From the military’s green beret to the colorful berets worn by units worldwide, the significance of these garments has transcended their humble beginnings.
This journey through the history of berets aims to explore their origins, their adoption by various military units, and their evolution into symbols of identity and excellence.
Let’s start with the famed green beret, examine its heritage, and look at the other beret colors used by the US Army today, such as those worn by Rangers and Airborne units.
The Origins of the Beret
The beret is a simple, round, soft, flat-crowned hat, yet its history stretches back thousands of years.
According to Wikipedia, archaeological and art historical evidence shows that headgear resembling the modern beret was worn as far back as the Bronze Age in Northern Europe and as far south as ancient Crete and Italy. The Minoans, Etruscans, and Romans all donned similar styles. Over time, the beret became fashionable among European nobility and artists.
The Basque-style beret, specifically, has roots in the Pyrenees region between Southern France and Northern Spain, where shepherds in the Ansó and Roncal valleys traditionally wore them. By the 17th century, commercial production began in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, France, and beret-making transitioned from a local craft to an industrialized trade in the 19th century.
Beatrix-Laulhere, a factory founded in 1810, was one of the first to mass-produce them. By the 1920s, berets symbolized the working class in parts of France and Spain, with millions manufactured annually across Europe.
Berets in Military History
The military significance of the beret started with the French Chasseurs Alpins in 1889.
The history of seemingly simple things often reveals a fascinating depth. Take the beret, for example. What began as a practical piece of headgear has evolved into a powerful symbol of heritage, identity, and purpose. From the military’s green beret to the colorful berets worn by units worldwide, the significance of these garments has transcended their humble beginnings.
This journey through the history of berets aims to explore their origins, their adoption by various military units, and their evolution into symbols of identity and excellence.
Let’s start with the famed green beret, examine its heritage, and look at the other beret colors used by the US Army today, such as those worn by Rangers and Airborne units.
The Origins of the Beret
The beret is a simple, round, soft, flat-crowned hat, yet its history stretches back thousands of years.
According to Wikipedia, archaeological and art historical evidence shows that headgear resembling the modern beret was worn as far back as the Bronze Age in Northern Europe and as far south as ancient Crete and Italy. The Minoans, Etruscans, and Romans all donned similar styles. Over time, the beret became fashionable among European nobility and artists.
The Basque-style beret, specifically, has roots in the Pyrenees region between Southern France and Northern Spain, where shepherds in the Ansó and Roncal valleys traditionally wore them. By the 17th century, commercial production began in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, France, and beret-making transitioned from a local craft to an industrialized trade in the 19th century.
Beatrix-Laulhere, a factory founded in 1810, was one of the first to mass-produce them. By the 1920s, berets symbolized the working class in parts of France and Spain, with millions manufactured annually across Europe.
Berets in Military History
The military significance of the beret started with the French Chasseurs Alpins in 1889.
During World War I, British General Hugh Elles proposed the beret for the Royal Tank Regiment, as it stayed securely in place when soldiers climbed in and out of tanks. Approved by King George V in 1924, the black beret became iconic, particularly when worn by Field Marshal Montgomery during World War II.
The beret has since become a staple of military and police units worldwide. Its adoption often reflects a unit’s unique identity and mission, transforming it into a symbol of distinction.
The Green Beret
The story of the Green Beret in the US Army begins in 1954 when the rifle-green beret, traditionally worn by the British Royal Marine Commandos, was adopted by the 77th Special Forces Group.
The decision was driven by a desire to foster esprit de corps within the unit, a sentiment championed by the group’s commander, Col. Raff III. By the Vietnam War, the Green Beret had become a defining feature of US Army Special Forces.
Its significance was solidified in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy officially recognized the Green Beret as a unique symbol of the Special Forces’ mission. Kennedy described it as:
“A Symbol of Excellence, A Badge of Courage, A Mark of Distinction In the Fight for Freedom.”
This acknowledgment forever tied the Green Beret to its elite role in unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations.
The Beret Today
Fast forward to today, and berets remain a staple of military uniforms worldwide. In the US Army, berets are worn by various units, each with its unique color and heritage:
Black Berets are worn by standard Army personnel.
Tan Berets signify the elite 75th Ranger Regiment.
Maroon Berets are associated with Airborne units.
Green Berets continue to represent the Special Forces, carrying the legacy of Kennedy’s words.
In recent years, berets have also sparked discussions, such as when the newly formed Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) adopted a greenish beret in 2017, causing a stir online. Such debates underscore how much meaning these seemingly simple hats hold.
This article originally appeared on SOFREP in November 2017 and was written by former Green Beret Norwood. It has since been revised and updated by the SOFREP News Team to provide the latest insights and information.
