A CLOSER LOOK AT THE COLORS OF THE MILITARY BERET
Have you ever wondered what the different beret colors mean in the US Army and Air Force? Every color has a specific purpose, a distinct history, and a clear connection to its associated career field. This guide breaks down the meaning behind each military beret color and identifies which units are authorized to wear them.
The History of Military Berets
Military berets date back to at least the 16th century, when infantry groups such as the German-speaking Landsknecht adopted the cap as part of their uniform.
The beret did not become widely accepted as formal military headgear until the late 19th century, when French Alpine troops integrated it into their standard attire.
Today, berets appear in military forces around the world—including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In modern use, beret colors typically signify a specific specialty or elite qualification, giving the headgear a strong association with high-performance units.
US Army Beret Colors and Their Meanings
Green Berets
US Army Special Forces Soldiers are known as the Green Berets.
The distinctive headgear is awarded only to those who complete the Special Forces Qualification Course and earn the Special Forces Tab at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in North Carolina.
Even after rotating out of active Special Forces roles, qualified Soldiers may continue wearing the green beret throughout their careers.
Black Berets
In 2001, Army leadership designated the black beret as the standard headgear for all Soldiers. This decision remained in place until 2011, when the patrol cap replaced it for the Army Combat Uniform.
The black beret is still worn with the Army Service Uniform (ASU), which now functions as an optional ceremonial uniform as the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) becomes standard.
Maroon Berets
The maroon beret is reserved for Soldiers assigned to airborne units. To qualify for an airborne assignment, Soldiers must complete the Army’s Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning near Columbus, Georgia.
Tan Berets
Before 2001, Army Rangers were associated with the black beret. When the black beret became standard issue for all Soldiers, the 75th Ranger Regiment adopted the tan beret.
Ranger-qualified cadre assigned to the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade also wear the tan beret.
Brown Berets
Soldiers serving in the Army Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) wear the brown beret. The unit originally selected an olive-drab green design in 2018, but concerns expressed by the Army Special Forces community led to the adoption of brown instead.
SFAB teams train and advise partner-nation conventional military units.
US Air Force Beret Colors & Their Meanings
Black Berets
Airmen who serve in the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) career field wear the black beret. TACPs integrate with Army combat units and coordinate Close Air Support (CAS) missions by directing airstrikes from US and allied aircraft.
Dark Blue Berets
Air Force Security Forces—the Air Force’s Military Police—wear the dark blue beret. According to the Air Force, the color represents achievement and recognition. It reflects the unit motto “Defensor Fortis,” meaning “Defenders of the Force.”
Charcoal Brown Berets
Combat Aviation Advisors assigned to the 6th Special Operations Squadron wear the charcoal brown beret.
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) states that the color symbolizes fertile soil, grit, discipline, and the work required to strengthen partner-nation aviation forces.
Pewter Grey Berets
AFSOC Special Reconnaissance Airmen wear the pewter grey beret. First authorized in 1986, the beret reflects the advanced environmental expertise these operators possess, enabling them to gather critical meteorological intelligence in hostile or denied territories.
Scarlet Berets
AFSOC Combat Controllers (CCTs) wear the scarlet beret—though they commonly refer to it simply as the red beret. Combat Controllers serve as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), capable of coordinating everything from precision airstrikes to large-scale bombardments.
Maroon Berets
Air Force Pararescuemen, known as PJs, wear the maroon beret. The color symbolizes sacrifice and dedication to the mission of rescue and medical support, reflected in the motto “That Others May Live.”
PJs execute complex personnel-recovery missions in both conventional and unconventional environments.
Pewter Green Berets
USAF Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) specialists wear the pewter green beret. These experts train airmen on how to survive, evade capture, resist exploitation, and escape if detained behind enemy lines.
The SERE motto is “Return With Honor.”
Blue Berets
Cadets at the US Air Force Academy wear the blue beret upon reaching their senior year, and academy cadre wear it during Basic Cadet Training. This beret signifies senior cadet status and readiness to commission as officers.
How to Wear a Military Beret Correctly
Wearing a military beret properly is essential for maintaining uniform standards and representing your unit with pride.
The following instructional video demonstrates the correct way to shape, fit, and wear a US military beret.
FAQs About Military Beret Colors
What do military beret colors represent?
Beret colors represent specific job specialties, elite qualifications, or unit assignments within each branch of the US military.
Which branches of the US military wear berets?
The US Army and US Air Force use berets as part of their official uniforms. The Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force do not.
Why are some berets associated with elite units?
Berets historically became symbols of elite performance due to their early adoption by specialized units, especially during the 20th century.
Are beret colors standardized across all countries?
No. Different nations assign unique meanings to beret colors based on their own military traditions.
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George Riebling is a retired USAF Colonel with 26 years of distinguished service as an Air Battle Manager, including operational assignments across fi...
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