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1st
Cavalry Division
Wear and Appearance of the Stestson (Cav Hat)
The information below is from a Memorandum of Instruction published by the 1st Cavalry Division concerning the wear and appearance of the Cav Hat within the ranks of the Division. While this document is only binding on the active duty Troopers serving with the First Team, it provides a basic standard for all Cavalry Troopers to follow. Please wear your Cav Hat or Stetson with pride.
Department
of the Army
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division
Fort Hood, Texas 76544
AFVA-CS (670-1)
SUBJECT:
Memorandum of Instruction (MOI) on the Wear and Appearance of the Stetson
1.
PURPOSE: This MOI defines the general guidelines concerning the wear and
appearance of the Stetson.
2.
APPLICABILITY: This MOI applies to all soldiers and authorized civilians in the
division.
a.
The tradition of the "Cav Hat" began in the early days before the
Vietnam war. The 11th Air Assault Division’s cavalry scout pilots adopted the
Model 1876 campaign hat. By the time the 11th Air Assault Division was
reflagged the 1st Cavalry Division (Air Mobile), 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry
Division, commanded by LTC John B. Stockton, were all wearing the hat.
b.
Lieutenant Colonel Stockton transferred the “Cav Hat” tradition to the 1st
Cavalry Division in
4. POLICY.
Stetson
a.
Who may wear the hat?
(1)
All personnel, military and authorized civilians, assigned to cavalry units.
(2)
All former members of any cavalry unit.
b.
Appearance and proper wear of the Stetson.
(1) The “Cav Hat” will be the standard black cavalry hat, Stetson or other appropriate brand, with a 3-inch brim. Owners of 4-inch brims will be “grandfatherD” into this MOI; however, all personnel purchasing their "Cav Hats: from the date of this policy forward will only buy 3-inch brims.
(a)
The hat will present a clean, neat appearance at all times.
(b)
The hat will be blocked or formed so that the front and rear of the brim are
either straight or slightly turned down.
(c)
The crown crease should remain as manufactured.
Dimples toward the front of the hat are acceptable, so long as they are
not creased and present a neat appearance.
(2)
The black leather chin strap is optional, but encouraged for wear. The
chin strap will be worn behind the wearer’s head unless mounted. When
mounted, the chinstrap may be worn under the chin to maintain the hat’s
position on the head.
(3)
Hat cords shall be worn by all personnel according to rank and branch.
(a)
General officers shall wear solid gold hat cords.
(b)
Company and field grade officers shall wear black and gold hat cords.
(c)
Warrant officers shall wear black and silver hat cords.
(d)
All enlisted ranks shall wear cords designated for their branch (yellow:
cavalry; red: artillery; green/white, medical, etc.). If hat cords are not
available in a particular branch color, the yellow (cavalry) cord or the primary
color cord of assigned unit May be worn. Black hat cords are not
authorized.
(e)
Authorized civilians (those designated by the commanding general) will wear
cords commensurate with their civil service rating.
(f)
Hat cords from various historical periods may be worn including Civil war,
Indian wars, and modern era. Cords may be knotted, but in no way distinguishes
combat service.
(4)
Branch and rank insignia is worn centered on the front of the hat. Rank is
worn over the branch insignia. Branch
insignia includes standard or regimental branch insignia.
Embroidered or metal “period’ branch insignia from the Civil war,
Indian wars, or modern era are authorized. The distinctive unit insignia
(DUI), more commonly referred as unit crest is worn centered on the back of the
hat. Care should be taken when selecting insignia to avoid gaudiness.
(5)
Additional insignia or decorations such as unit, division, regimental pins,
miniature combat infantryman badges, etc. may be worn on the side of the hat,
above the hat cord at the wearer’s discretion. When worn as authorized
headgear for parade only branch insignia, rank and DUI are to be worn.
c.
Occasions for wear.
(1)
The hat may be worn at all official 1st
Cavalry Division functions,
i.e. promotions, parades, formals, as directed by the commanding general.
The “Cav Hat” shall not be worn in the following instances:
(a)
At formations or other functions where the prescribed headgear is the Beret,
Patrol cap or Kevlar he
(b)
During operations in vehicle maintenance or parking areas (i.e., motor pool).
(c)
During all field operations and deployments, unless specifically authorized by
the commanding general.
(d) Hats will not be worn at III Corps or Garrison sponsored functions unless directed by the III Corps Commanding General.
(2)
Hats may be worn at the wearer’s discretion when in civilian attire.
However, care should be taken when wearing the hat with civilian attire to avoid
bringing discredit on the hat and the tradition it symbolizes.
(3) During invocations, participants will follow the example of the person delivering the invocation when it comes to determining whether the headgear should be left on or removed. Those participating in parade ceremonies will not remove their headgear during prayers but instead will slowly bow their heads.
(4)
The hat shall not be worn during the consumption of indoor meals.
(5)
The hat will be worn during the presenting and retiring of the colors.
(6)
Hats may always be worn in a smoking room or bar area.
(7)
Hats are optional when dancing.
(8)
Hats will be removed when entering a residence unless the head of the household
is wearing a hat or the occasion mandates wear.
d.
Responsibilities.
(1)
Commanding General; Overall authority for approving exceptions to this policy.
(2)
Museum Director:
(a)
Proponent for this policy.
(b)
Update and maintain this policy.
(c)
Provide historical advice to the commanding general on all aspects of wear and
appearance of the “Cav Hat” and spurs.
Original document signed by COL John L. Ballantyne, Chief of Staff and dated 1 June 2007