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                         April 26, 2002

Another beret issue on tap

WASHINGTON (Army News Service) -- Active-duty and mobilized reserve-component soldiers will soon be getting their second black berets.

By the end of April, installation-level central issue facilities, including those in Korea and Europe, will be equipped to field soldiers with their second berets, said Dave Geringer, assistant product manager for Product Manager Soldier Equipment.

"Berets will be at the installation level by April 30, but not necessarily in the hands of the soldier," Geringer said. "Each installation is responsible for (its) own beret distribution."

West Point officials do not have a firm date yet for when the additional berets would arrive.

The fielding of initial berets was completed Jan. 25, 2002. The fielding of second berets to reserve-component units that are not mobilized will be complete by September 2003, Geringer said.

A date, however, when Army and Air Force Exchange Services will be stocking the berets is still unknown, he said.

"The priority is to provide a sufficient stock to all units, including Reserve and National Guard, and establish a sustained supply," said Martin Fadden, a logistics management specialist for G-4, Department of the Army.

AAFES is being given the option to purchase berets directly from the manufacturer. That option could put berets on AAFES’ shelves sooner than expected, Fadden said.