Hello, I just graduated boot camp (Bravo-182) and have a question about the appropriate times to wear the combo cover vs the garrison. I was under the impression that the combo cover was more suited towards ceremonial functions while the garrison was more of an "every day" cover while in the trops. Any advice on this topic would help. Thanks!
I only wear my garrison cover if it is the prescribed cover, otherwise I always wear my combo cover. IMO it presents a sharper more military appearance.
First of all, congratulations on finishing boot camp.
If I wear trops (which is pretty rare for me), for something other than a ceremony (medical, ID cards), 99% of the time I will wear my garrison cover. Being able to keep it under my belt when I'm not wearing it is far more convenient than carrying around or finding a place to keep my combo cover.
In bravos (also a rare occurrence), I wear my combo cover 100% of the time.
I'm not a fan of the combo cover or at least the high peak Russian looking design that I got issued. Back when I was in A-school another guy in my class who had been in for about 6 years had a combo cover that looked closer to the old flat hat design of the 70's with a visor. It looked far sharper and more nautical than mine.
The Uniform Manual generally lists the the combo cover, garrison and ball cap in that order. I don't know if that is on purpose or if the manual was written that way because most would "rank" the covers in that order.
Generally, what pjennings said holds fairly true.
Most, would wear their combo cover with SDBs and the garrison with trops(especially if you were removing your cover often).
I would suggest that if one were reporting to a new/first unit to wear the combo. It often shows a little more attention to detail. (keeping it white, insignia scratch free, brim clean, etc)
As a practical matter I wore the "fore and aft" cap when and wherever a ball cap wasn't appropriate, reserving my pristine condition combo cover for personnel inspections and special occasions.
Who hasn't had a combo cover crushed while travelling, particularly by commercial air? And don't set it down anywhere dusty, or touch it after reading a newspaper or magazine. It's not very forgiving and requires too much attention for everyday wear in my opinion.
Who hasn't had a combo cover crushed while travelling, particularly by commercial air?
Had mine crushed by a jerk of a Russian. Only my SDB jacket was serviceable after that day.
But on topic, I think the combo cover is 100 times better looking than the garrison. But I will wear the garrison cover if I know i'm not going to be outside much.
I read somewhere that in 1974/75 as the new Bender Blues were coming on line, a decision was made to go with the white combination cap cover vs a cover to match the blue. Might have been a nice touch to have the option of a blue "winter" and white "summer" cloth cover.
Blue for service dress, white for more formal occasions ?????
Prior to the introduction of the bender blues, the navy blue cap cover was discontinued in late 1963
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mastersmate,
Just remember once you make E-7, the Combo Cover is considered the Chief's Cover.
While it is the Chief's Cover and we all learned that a Chief should wear it all the time I don't see that happen very much. At any event the Combo cover is a must but if I got across the street to get a taco, baseball cover is authorized.
To add to my last post, the only reason I have a garrison cover is becuase it's required. Unless it was ordered as uniform of the day or part of a uniform inspection I'd never wear it.
The seasonal change over of blue or white combo cap covers went out of use after WWII.
Probably had to do more with cost than anything else.
Back to the OP's question - check your unit's standing orders, or standard operating procedures (SOP) or plan of the dayweek/month. Somewhere in there, you'll see what's authorized when. If in doubt, ask your Chief.
Is it authorized? Or is it one of the things on the long list of things that people just do?
Well Master Chief I'd have thought you knew the answer to that, but if you read the Uniform Regulations COMDTINST M1020.6F Feb09 3.B.10 Tropical Blue, under Head Gear is listed Combo cap, garrison cap, or ball cap. So I say again, yes it is authorized.
Yes, 3.B.10 does list the ball cap as one of the options.
But 3.C.1 lists WHEN that option may be used:
"Ball Cap Wear Options Commanding officers may authorize unit or standard issue CG blue ball caps for wear on board Coast Guard shore units, small boats, and vessels. Ball cap wear with Tropical Blue uniform is limited to the confines of the local unit and for commuting to and from work, including commuting from the wearer’s home unit to a remote work site. Do not wear ball caps with Tropical Blue uniform when a higher level of formality is appropriate."
So - under the conditions listed, no it is not. Going across the street to get a hot dog is neither within the confines of the unit NOR part of the commute.
Try as you may, CG uniforms will always make for interesting topics. The "E" side of the agency can get wrapped up quite a bit on having the sailors toe the line, but sometimes I believe that is a tactic by management to keep you folks busy or directed somewhere else.
