The event draws thousands of active and retired soldiers, defense industry representatives and military experts to Washington every October. Last year, from the same podium at the Wardman Park Marriott, Shinseki unveiled a dramatic plan to transform the Army's structure, equipment and tactics. That speech spawned a year of heated debate in mess halls, military journals and war college seminars, particularly because Shinseki said he thought the Army might have to abandon its beloved tank treads in favor of lighter wheels for armored vehicles. A spokesman for Ranger headquarters at Fort Benning, Ga., said the elite unit would have no comment until it received a written directive. By Army tradition, berets are worn only by elite combat units, and soldiers are awarded the new hats at induction ceremonies after they have completed rigorous training.
Rangers wear black.
Special Forces wear green. Paratroopers wear maroon. Shinseki said the elite units would keep their berets, and that the Army's top enlisted man, Sgt. Major of the Army Jack L. Tilley, would develop new regulations on berets to go into effect next June 14, the Army's birthday. Currently, regular soldiers wear stiff, round hats or flat, envelope-shaped caps with their garrison uniforms.