The Stetson Cavalry Hat
A Brief History:
First worn during the Civil War, the current tradition of the Cavalry Hat (Cav Hat) is believed to have begun around 1964 among the new air cavalry squad 3/17 at Fort Benning, Georgia in order to create an element of esprit de corps. As units deployed to Vietnam, the custom began to spread to other Air Cavalry units.
By the end of Vietnam virtually all Air Cavalry units and some ground units had adopted the 'Cav Hat'. Stetson was the most common hat originally purchased by troopers and has thus become the defacto standard for the 'Cav Hat'. Now the Stetson Cav Hat is a large part of all "Cav" fields including Tankers (Armored Cav) and Scouts (Light Cav) which far out number the Air Cav today.
The Stetson Cavalry Hat is not an issued item and is purchased by each individual trooper.
Over time many army units have created specific requirements regarding the proper manner to wear one's Cav hat. Examples of these requirements can be found on this page:
1st Cav Division MOI
Hat cords
The color of the hat cord worn on the crown of the Stetson Cav Hat signifies the rank and branch of the individual wearer. Authorized civilians will wear cords commensurate with their civil service rating.
Additionally hat cords from various historical periods; the Civil War, Indian Wars and modern era may also be worn.
A full reference to what color of hat cord each rank wears can be found here on the
Hat Cord Color Reference guide
Branch and Rank Insignia
Branch and Rank Insignia are worn centered on the front of the hat with Rank worn over the Branch Insignia.
A unit crest should be worn centered on the back of the hat.
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