ARLINGTON, Va. — Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Kadavy, director, Army National Guard, has approved the wear of the tricorne "minuteman" hat with Mess Dress and Army Service (ASU-A) uniforms.
"The tricorne hat has been the symbol of the Army National Guard since 1636," said Kadavy, motioning to the jaunty, navy blue felt headgear on his desk. "When people see the tricorne, they think about our heritage as Citizen Soldiers. I couldn't be prouder to wear this symbol of our history at parades, dining-ins and other formal activities."
According to guidance forthcoming from the Army National Guard directorate, the tricorne hat will be an individually purchased item from the sutler of the Soldiers' choice. While Soldiers may purchase the model of tricorne used by the Army Fife and Drum Corps, the guidance encourages Soldiers to research their unit heritage to identify historically accurate tricornes.
It also encourages each Soldier within a unit to create formations of mismatched hats consistent with the improvised traditions of the Minuteman.
"This is some readiness headgear," said Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Kepner, "If it was good enough for Valley Forge, it's good enough for our modern fight."
Kepner has created a motivational training video instructing small unit leaders in how to clean, shape, and attach elegant lace or feathers to their tricornes in line with the finest traditions of National Guard service. Through-hands on mentorship, Kepner hopes to prevent the dreaded "triangle sunburn" so often associated with wear of the tricorne in outdoor training events.
Further guidance is pending, but "cockades and other such frippery" are to be avoided due to their association with Naval heritage.
"We're part of the Total Army, but we are a separate service with a separate identity," said Kadavy. "Our Soldiers are excited about the opportunity to purchase optional headgear."
The tricorne will not be authorized with the Army Combat Uniform (ACU), flight suits, or class B uniform, Kepner added, "Because that's just silly."
The tricorne was adopted after a plan to authorize the carrying of both plow and sword at formal events was abandoned because it hindered the proper rendering of salutes.
Also, added Kadavy, "April Fools."