We’ve had a cadet start recently who due to the bulk of their hair would require someting in the region of a 70cm beret.
Their hair conforms to regulations and is very neatly braided. There is little that could be done to move it lower or change the way it sits. We have discussed and tried these options with the cadet and are sturggling to find a solution.
We are keen to solve the problem however are starting to run out of ideas.
Any suggestions for appropriate headress?
I know a few enlisted aviators with hair like that and they invariably wear the female SD cap in lieu of a beret. This isn’t currently allowed for cadets, but perhaps something for the DPSG to consider @AlexCorbin?
Sometimes, adopting the parent service’s appearance standards needs the same uniform options as well.
As an interim measure, when I’ve had berets that are too small and exchanging it wasn’t viable in the shorter term, I’ve been known to cut sections out of the leather band in the part of the beret that is hidden under the flap over the right ear.
This is all on the agenda. How we approach uniform in a gender free way
This sounds more like a potential race/religion issue to me? Braids suggests black hair? Or particular religious faiths. (But I concede not necessarily.)
Yeah I’ve re read it.
You are right. Will build into the convos.
My personal stance, is just take a pragmatic approach that benefits the individual and makes them feel comfortable.
There will always be edge cases and I appreciate that.
Our current problem is our best option at the moment is to perch a 62 beret on top of their head. This quite clearly doesnt fit so is not a solution.
We are conscious we do not want to be exclusionary and at the moment this is happening in quite an obvious way. As everyone has seen when that one cadet forgets their beret it is noticed and called out very quickly so is somewhat of a concern for off squadron events.
This has been raised through the CoC however also appealing to the crowd mind for similar experiences / solutions.
It would be interesting to know what size would be required to fit correctly?
Based on the measurments we took we reckon someting in the region of 70cm
Bring back the forage cap for the oiks? These can be more forgiving in sizing; I’ll concede this is more of a long term answer.