Hey Gary,
Thanks so much for posting! As a Veteran, wearing of the Cav Stetson is entirely up to your personal preference. If you search the internet or our site for Stetson images, you will see that while most folks follow a common practice, the fact of the matter is that the Stetson is still not governed by Army Regulation. There are non-cavalry units that are attached to Cav units in combat, and they are authorized to wear it, based on their Commander’s guidance. Even if you are authorized to wear one, know that there are restrictions to when and where it can be worn, and the common sense rule also applies. For example, if you can wear it, don’t try to wear it to the chow hall or the PX, as it is not “authorized” headgear. The best way to determine eligibility is to go through your chain of command and find out what the Squadron or Task Force Policy is on the wearing of the Cav Stetson. Unfortunately, it is a tradition and many traditions tend to get stomped on by the leaders that don’t understand it. Here is a good example:
http://rofasix.blogspot.com/2006/12/stetson-not-just-hat.html
As far as what color to wear for your hat cord, many historians and purists personally disagree with the wearing of other Branch cords on the Stetson but the Artillery units of the 1st Cavalry Division wore red cords for several years and that has spawned the wearing of other Branch colors. Most personally prefer the yellow cord for all Troopers and the vast majority of enlisted Cavalry Troopers wear the yellow cord, which signifies the Cavalry branch. However, we do offer the Kelly green for MPs. For the front of the hat, there are primarily two schools of thought:
1) Rank goes on top (you are a soldier first), then crossed sabers below it (Cavalry), then branch insignia or wings below that.
2) Crossed sabers goes on top (Cavalry forever), then rank, then branch insignia or wings.
Then there are the folks who just line everything up so it is aesthetically pleasing. If you want to follow a standard, the 1st Cavalry Division has posted one, which states the following:
Branch and rank insignia is worn centered on the front of the hat. Rank is worn over the branch insignia. Branch insignia includes standard or regimental branch insignia. Embroidered or metal “period’ branch insignia from the Civil War, Indian Wars, or modern era are authorized. The distinctive unit insignia (DUI), more commonly referred as unit crest is worn centered on the back of the hat. Care should be taken when selecting insignia to avoid gaudiness.
I hope this helps answer your question, and if there is anything else we can do for you, just let me know.
Best Regards,
-Dan
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