Summary
The U.S. Army announced that female drill sergeants will stop wearing the bush hat and, like their male counterparts, will now wear the campaign hat. This decision was based on surveys showing preference for the campaign hat and aims to standardize uniforms across gender lines.
Key Facts
- The female bush hat was introduced in 1972 for female drill sergeants.
- Both male and female drill sergeants will now wear the same campaign hat.
- Roughly 70% of drill sergeants surveyed preferred the campaign hat over the bush hat.
- More than 60% believed the campaign hat looks more professional.
- Sergeant Major Melissa Solomon supported the change for better product quality and uniformity.
- The campaign hat has been part of the U.S. Army since 1872 and officially for drill sergeants since 1964.
- Over 38,000 women have worn the bush hat since its introduction.
- The change aligns with the Army's aim for a single standard in the drill sergeant uniform.
