Stetson with kilt

[Jock Scot]

And to clarify what seem to be some confusion.

The OP asked about wearing his "Stetson" to a Tankers reunion at Ft. Hood, TX.
The hat he is referring to is a very specific style of headgear. It is not the classic cowboy hat that many think of when the hear "Stetson".

This is the Cavalry Stetson.


Whether you are a current or former member of the Cav, be it Horse Cavalry, Armored Cav, or in my case Air Cav, this type of hat is the recognized symbol of The Cav.

When attending a function such as a Cav reunion it is not only acceptable but almost a required item. Much as a regimental tie would be expected to a reunion of your old British unit. It is one of those distinctive things like Airborne blousing their trousers and Rangers wearing a red beret.

This headgear is not covered by Army Regulations except as a "Unit specific" item so is not seen like wearing medals or parts of the uniform with civilian clothing. It is perfectly acceptable for wear with civilian clothes.

I have my Stetson and if I were attending a reunion you can bet I would wear it.
If the reunion included a formal dinner I would wear my Cav Stetson with my Prince Charlie and have no problem at all.

And a post script to this - The braid worn with the Cav Stetson denoted rank. Enlisted members wear a solid gold or yellow braid. Warrant Officers wear a Silver and Black braid. Commissioned Officers wear a Gold and Black braid.

And a post, post script In the US Military, a Warrant Officer is very different from those in the British Military.

Thank you Steve for explaining the significance of the Tankers Stetson so clearly and in this particular case my understanding is now so much clearer.

However and I have to be absolutely honest here, this is a case where American military traditions and Scottish civilian kilt traditions do not march easily together. In fact in my humble opinion, they just don't. If it were me and of course it is not, but if it were, I would wear the Stetson to the military function with all the pride that I could muster and leave the kilt behind and wear appropriate Saxon attire.