Reference: DA PAM 670–1, 26 January 2021
Referenced Paragraphs: 20–16, 21–3b, 21–3c
Figures: 20–10 (Female), 20–11 (Male)
AR 670-1 Drill Sergeant Hat Regulation provide standardized guidance on the wear and maintenance of the drill sergeant hat for both male and female Soldiers in accordance with DA PAM 670–1, paragraphs 20–16, 21–3b, and 21–3c.
a. Female Drill Sergeant Hat
(1) Type
The hat is an organizational issue item.
(2) Description
The hat is made from an approved specification or pattern.
(3) How Worn
(a) The hat is worn with the utility and service uniforms by female drill sergeants assigned to valid drill sergeant positions.
NCO faculty members of a drill sergeant school who have graduated from drill sergeant school and are actively engaged in drill sergeant instruction will wear this hat.
Upon release from this assignment, NCOs are no longer authorized to wear the drill sergeant hat.
(b) The hat is worn straight on the head with no hair visible on the forehead below the front brim of the hat.
Personnel will wear the hat so as to retain its original design and will not crush, flatten, dent, or otherwise reshape the hat.
Personnel will wear the hat with the left side of the brim snapped and the right side parallel to the ground.
The chinstrap is worn with the chinstrap keeper pushed up under the chin.
The headgear insignia worn on the drill sergeant hat is described in paragraph 21–3c (see fig 20–10).
b. Male Drill Sergeant Hat
(1) Type
The hat is an organizational issue item.
(2) Description
The hat is made from an approved specification or pattern.
(3) How Worn
(a) The hat is worn with the service and utility uniforms by male drill sergeants assigned to valid drill sergeant positions.
NCO faculty members of a drill sergeant school who have graduated from drill sergeant school and are actively engaged in drill sergeant instruction will wear this hat.
Upon release from this assignment, NCOs are no longer authorized to wear the drill sergeant hat.
(b) The black leather strap issued with the hat is worn threaded through the appropriate eyelets in the brim of the hat so that the strap goes around the front of the hat, and the buckle is fastened and centered at the back of the wearer’s head.
The running end of the strap will be to the wearer’s left.
Personnel will wear the hat without noticeable tilt to the front, rear, or either side so the brim of the hat is as nearly level in all directions as possible.
No modifications in the shape of the hat are authorized.
The headgear insignia worn on the drill sergeant hat is described in paragraph 21–3b (see fig 20–11).
c. Maintenance and Storage
- Personnel will maintain the hat in a clean and serviceable condition.
- The hat should be stored in a way that prevents crushing, flattening, or reshaping.
- No unauthorized accessories or modifications (e.g., pins, patches) are allowed.
d. Common Wear Errors to Avoid
| Common Error | Correct Practice |
|---|---|
| Hair visible under front brim (female) | Ensure no hair is visible below the front brim of the hat |
| Hat tilted or misshaped | Wear straight and maintain original form; no crushing or reshaping |
| Loose or dangling chinstrap | Chinstrap keeper must be snugly pushed up under the chin |
| Incorrect brim position | Left side snapped, right side parallel (female); brim level (male) |
| Incorrect strap configuration (male) | Strap buckle centered in back; running end to the wearer’s left |
| Wrong or misplaced insignia | Use proper insignia per paragraph 21–3b (male) or 21–3c (female) |
e. Turn-In or Display (Optional)
Upon PCS, ETS, or release from drill sergeant duty, NCOs are no longer authorized to wear the hat and it must be returned to the issuing authority (e.g., CIF) unless approved for retirement display or keepsake per unit policy.
f. Enforcement
Commanders and senior NCOs will ensure strict adherence to the wear and maintenance standards outlined above. Hats not worn to standard may be subject to replacement or disciplinary action per uniform regulations.
g. Summary of References
| DA PAM 670–1 Paragraph | Subject |
|---|---|
| 20–16 | Drill sergeant hat wear guidance (male/female) |
| 21–3b | Male drill sergeant hat insignia |
| 21–3c | Female drill sergeant hat insignia |
| Figure 20–10 | Visual: Female drill sergeant hat |
| Figure 20–11 | Visual: Male drill sergeant hat |
Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights
George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.