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The ban stems from a Sun Smart Policy (Occ Health & Safety), in particular the dangers from the sun & its affect on soldiers both now & in the future from too much exposure. It is most interesting that whilst this policy applies to soldiers across the board who wear berets, it does not extend to our Special Services soldiers who have gained an exemption. It is fair to say that soldiers who wear a beret, particularly those who wear a black one, are very upset by this decision. Newspapers online are full of comments of complaint with very little praise for this move. (see appendix A) For serving or ex-serving in Armoured Corps it is particularly distressing. Our beret changed from khaki to black in 1944/45 and has become a very strong and easily recognisable symbol ever since. On the internet the social network site Facebook has a group ‘Save the black beret’ and has over 1,744 members and growing daily. The consensus on this group is as you would expect, negative thoughts about the move. They are furious that the heritage & tradition of the beret has been ignored in what to them is an increasingly ‘nanny state’ environment in this country. If this policy is specifically aimed to save soldiers from the sun then it would make sense that it should be applied across the army (and other services) without exception. There are numerous examples of head gear worn throughout the defence force that do not afford any sun protection. The use of sun creams & common sense would appear to be the best solution. There are also many practical concerns about this move, how
to wear & carry a slouch hat in armoured vehicles for example. Something tells me that there will be a sea of berets worn by ex-service personnel next Anzac Day Australia wide.
Appendix A. (comments) ABC News website comments: Updated Selected excerpts…. -Berets should only be used when not in the field. -I was proud to wear a beret and I was also big enough to
don sunscreen - Soldiers in the field or while completing work parties are wearing bush hats with ample sun protection. - wasn't it Monty who said his beret was worth two divisions? - The main reason is to save money it has nothing to do with skin cancer at all. - An interesting move to continue to heighten the status of special forces. - If the decision is a health and safety matter then it should be applied to all. - Haha, I can imagine the blokes in amoured would be hating this. - i suppose the slouch hat only exposes half of a soldiers
head to the sun. thereby reducing the risk - Berets mean a great deal to certain parts of the Army. - Good riddance! Used to hate wearing a beret! - Don't forget it was the Armoured Corps that first adopted it - I reckon the better health consideration would be the active avoidance of bullets. - In vehicles particulary, the slouch hat poses some risks due to its size. - I don't believe that fear of skin cancer is a driving
force behind this move, otherwise combat helmets - Keep the beret and use it with sense while wearing the
slouch hat for ceremonial purposes and sun shade - there are no hat racks in a tank! - The beret is a symbol and token that many soldiers earn.
The slouch hat has it's traditions, however each soldier - Thank goodness, berets are terrible! What's worse is
military around the world are adopting them. - A beret is more than something that goes on your head - it is a connection with tradition and pride. LINKS: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/10/05/184421_ntnews.html http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/army-buries-the-beret-20100819-12s3q.html |
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