Leadership: December 30, 2000

Archives

: General Shinseki recently authorized his deputy Chief of Staff, General John Keane, to explain his decision to put most of the Army into Black Berets:

@ It is a symbol of excellence, reflecting the overall professionalism of the entire Army.

@ It was intended to unite the Army, which Shinseki felt was deeply fractured by the existing berets (red for airborne, green for special forces, black for rangers). Ironically, the only unity it has created is the near-universal hatred of berets. 

@ Since black berets are (everywhere but the US) worn by armor troops, and in the US by Rangers, it was felt that a black beret would reflect a merger of both light and heavy forces.

@ Selecting the color black was not intended to insult the Rangers (who are deeply insulted and will always believe that Shinseki's move was intended to reduce their stature) but was simply the best color to match the battle dress uniform.

@ Above all else, Shinseki wanted to create a "world class uniform" that would be respected by foreigners who came into contact with US troops.--Stephen V Cole

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contribute. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   contribute   Close