Distinctive Beret Insignias of the

U.S. 21st "Special Forces Group" (Rangers Pathfinders Airborne)

(Composite Provisional)

of the People of the United States of America

General Orders for the wearing of the Green Beret by members of this Group:

1.  As a minimum, all Volunteers accepted into the U.S. 21st SFG(RPA), will wear the correct size, Green Beret,

the standard official manufacturer is "Bancroft", Cabot, Arkansas. The color is a dark Green, sometimes

known as "Hunters' Green", however, it is officially known to us Green Berets as "Rifle Green".  If the

"Bancroft" Green Beret is not available to you, we have it available at the online "Quartermasters Store"

on this website. Additionally, you may utilize a Green Beret from another manufacturer, if the color is an

exact match, the size is a correct fit, the material is of good workmanship, such as would be the case if

"union" manufacture quality, as Bancroft is. The purpose of this is that the Green Beret Soldier of the

People of the United States of America, is the finest Citizen-Soldier the World has ever produced, by far;

thus we would not wish to dilute that excellence, by wearing an inferior service Beret.

2. Additionally, upon the Green Beret, all Enlisted Volunteers will also wear the metal pinback badge

"Special Forces Crest" shown here:

When you obtain your Green Beret, you will notice that there is within the Green Beret, an inverted semi-circle of flexible

backing material, which is there for providing a base for installing your Group insignias, Crest (above), CandyBar, or Flash,

as earned and authorized.  With your hair trimmed to regulation length, place the Green Beret on your head, then view

yourself in a mirror. The leather black border should be level across both eyebrows, about 1/2 inch above the eyebrow.

The Green Beret is worn snugly on your head, however, it is properly hiked up a bit in the back, in kind of a jaunty fashion,

symbolizing the "Esprit de Corps" of an ELITE Soldier. Now, note that there are two black cord "tails" hanging down in the rear.

With the Green Beret comfortably on your head, pull the tails snug to proper fit, have a Pal tie those tails with a

double "square knot" (also called a "reef knot"). Take scissors and cut off the excess tails that stick down more than 1/4 inch

away from the knot.  Now, find the Inverted (upside down) "backing material" section of your Green Beret. Feel this area up,

and find the approximate center of it.  Take the 2 "clutchback pins" off of your "Special Forces Crest" pin badge. Push the Crest

straight into the selected area of your Green Beret firmly, being careful NOT to bend the pins in doing so.  As you hold your

Green Beret  looking at it, the Crest should be "straight up" rather than leaning off to either side. The bottom of the

Special Forces Crest should be approximately 1" above the black leather border at the bottom of your Green Beret.  The crest

should be placed well into the Center of your backing material (feel to check). If you are satisfied that this is true, then carefully

bend The clutchback pins, over to a flat position, so that the Crest can not fall off.  Now, take your Green Beret off, soak it

thoroughly in the hottest water you can stand to have your hands in, without getting burned. Soak for several minutes, and keep

rewarming the Water. Next, wring all the moisture you can out of your Green Beret, and properly place it on your head, as before.

Look in the mirror, and rotate your beret so that your Special Forces Crest is centered directly over your LEFT eye. Now, to

eliminate the "Pillsbury Dough Boy" look, take your left hand, put the palm of your hand on the crest area, and cup your fingers

directly behind the crest backing area, forming a pocket, hold this portion of your Green Beret. Now, with your RIGHT hand firmly

but gently pull all the excess material of your Green Beret over to the RIGHT side of your head, and fold it down toward your ear.

Wear your Green Beret ALL DAY, to properly form it to YOUR head.

3.  Members of this Group that have successfully completed "Basic Airborne Training" arranged through this Group, or prior to

serving with this Group, but have not yet completed all full "FLASH" training, will also wear the "CandyBar" of the U.S. 21st SFG(RPA),

shown here:

The "Candybar" is worn directly beneath the Special Forces Crest on your Beret, like this:

The "Candybar" is attached to your Green Beret, by handsewing with black thread around all borders.  The wearing of the

Group "CandyBar" is an honor and a privilege, extended to you by the fully "Flashed" members of your Group, as a

recognition of your committment and willingness to learn and master, the the skills of a Warrior that protects the

"Combination Tribe" of the People of the United States of America. The "CandyBar" indicates to other Soldiers of the World,

which Group has accepted you as a member of their Family of Citizen-Soldiers, and which Group is responsible for your

special training as a Knight.

4.  Fully "Flashed" Knights, have completed all phases of "Special Forces" training of this Group (however will continue to

add new skills and perfect existing skills). The full "FLASH" of the U.S. 21st SFG(RPA) is here:

Enlisted members of the U.S. 21st Special Forces Group (Rangers Pathfinders Airborne) who are fully "FLASHED" Knights, will

wear the U.S. 21st  Special Forces Flash, hand sewn on the Green Beret with black thread, beneath the "Special Forces Crest",

as shown here:

Officer members, either Commissioned or Warrant Officers, will wear their respective Officer rank insignia, as shown here:

International "Law of Land Warfare" affords certain protections to "Combatant" Soldiers, however it also imposes requirements

that those Soldiers involved in Combat wear distinctive items of uniforms, headgear, and insignias, that specially identify the status

and assignment of such Soldier. Soldiers involved in active Combat who are captured not wearing their uniforms, insignias, etc.,

are considered insurgent "guerrillas", and have almost no protections under law. Therefor, it is essential that you closely familiarize

yourselves with what are your proper uniform, insignias, and equipment, and what are the International Laws related to you and

to them.

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