Different Colours Beret Used By Indian Armed Forces

Berets have been a component of the uniforms of armed forces throughout the world since the mid-20th century. Military berets are usually pushed to the...

SSBCrackExams
July 8, 2021
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Berets have been a component of the uniforms of armed forces throughout the world since the mid-20th century. Military berets are usually pushed to the right to free the shoulder that bears the rifle on most soldiers, but the armies of some countries, mostly Europe, South America and Iran have influenced the push to the left.

For Indian Army, the beret is the standard headgear. It is worn by officers and other ranks, apart from Sikhs, who wear turbans. The beret colours worn by the Indian Army are as follows:

Light Green: This colour beret is worn by Military Intelligence. Though light green, in particular, its shades vary considerably and according to usage.

light green beret — The Light Green Beret is worn by MI

Mohanlal Territorial Army — Another force with a light green beret is the Territorial Army

Dark Green/Rifle Green: This beret is worn by Rifle Regiments, Infantry regiments and some Light Infantry regiments (including the Mechanised Infantry Regiment), COBRA jungle warfare Commandos, and the National Cadet Corps.

NCC beret — A Rifle Green Colour Beret Worn by an NCC Cadet

Maroon: Who cannot recognise this beret? Not to mention, this beret is worn by The Parachute Regiment, Special Forces, Special Frontier Force or basically all Special Forces who are trained as Airborne Forces.

para-commando — The most identifiable people with the maroon beret are the Para Commandos

Black: Another most recognised beret of the Indian Army is Black. It is worn by the National Security Guards (NSG) aka Black cats, The Armoured Corps and the Indian Navy (darker version of navy blue).

NSG Commando 8 — Not to forget the men in black – from beret to boots – the NSG commandos

Grey: This beret is worn by Army Aviation Corps. The Indian Air Force personnel use this colour extensively.

Lt Gen PR Kumar of AAC wearing a grey beret

Scarlet (Red): Though it resembles the maroon beret in colour, it is worn by the Corps of Military Police. Corps of Military Police is the military police of the Indian Army. In addition, the CMP is trained to handle prisoners of war and to regulate traffic.

scarlet red beret — Soldiers of CMP with Scarlet Red berets during a ceremony

Navy Blue: Another most recognised beret colour in India, it is worn by The Regiment of Artillery, Corps of Engineers, Corps of Signals, Support Arms and Services, Indian Coast Guard and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force.

navy blue beret — Being Navy Blue, the beret closely resembles black in colour

Sand: Worn by Marine Commandos

sand beret — Being the secretive force it is, the MARCOS beret colour resembles the colour of this helmet

Light Blue: This colour is recognised all over the world. All personnel serving with the United Nations forces irrespective of unit, arm or service wear a beret in Light Blue colour.