Who is authorized to wear the green beret?

The green beret is specifically associated with the U.S. Army Special Forces. This headgear symbolizes the specialized training and unique capabilities of Special Forces soldiers, who undergo rigorous selection and training processes to earn their distinctive qualification. The green beret signifies not just membership in this elite group but also the values of unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and other specialized missions that are central to the Special Forces’ role within the Army.

While other options might reference various military roles, they do not meet the specific criteria for wearing the green beret. For instance, Rangers wear a tan beret and have their own distinctive qualifications, and Military Police have their own identifying insignia and headgear that is different from that of the Special Forces. Therefore, the authority to wear the green beret is exclusive to those who have achieved the qualifications needed to be recognized as members of the Special Forces.