Why soldiers pull their berets to one side

Cultures · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: A simple tilt of a cap can signal a soldier's entire mission. From combat readiness to elite status, the way a beret is worn and colored reveals a complex language of military identity, tradition, and even the specific history of the troops wearing it.

The military beret is far more than a piece of soft headgear; it is a functional tool and a symbol of unit pride. Practically, berets are ideal for modern warfare because they are inexpensive, easy to mass-produce, and can be stowed in a pocket without damage. They are also uniquely compatible with headphones, making them useful for armored vehicle crews. For example, the British Royal Tank Regiment adopted black berets in 1924 specifically because the dark fabric hides oil stains.

The direction in which the beret is 'bashed' or pulled often carries deep meaning. In many nations, soldiers pull the fabric to the right to keep the shoulder bearing a rifle free. However, the 'French pull'—tilting the cap to the following left—is common in many countries with historical ties to France. In Indonesia, the distinction is even more symbolic: pulling the beret to the right signifies a state of combat readiness, while pulling it to the left represents a focus on law enforcement and order.

Color serves as a visual shorthand for elite status. While the maroon beret is a global standard for airborne forces, there are notable exceptions, such as the sky-blue berets of the Russian Airborne Troops and the green berets of Portuguese Paratroopers. These distinctions often trace back to specific historical moments, such as the 1942 approval of the British Parachute Regiment's maroon headgear. In some cases, even the material of the badge has changed, such as the transition from cloth to plastic in the Chinese PLA's Type 07 uniform.

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