While it strongly resembles the Service Cap worn with the Air Force Service Dress and Semi-Formal uniforms, the Honor Guard Ceremonial Cap for Field-Grade Officers is a unique item designed specifically to complement the Honor Guard Ceremonial Uniform worn to, during, and when departing official ceremonies. Among its special features are the silver trim stitched onto the high-glass visor, a silver ornamental chinstrap on the front of the cap, a functional black chinstrap on the back with a chrome buckle, and a chrome “Wing and Star” cap device for enlisted Airmen. Both caps, however, do feature the Air Force’s “clouds and darts” cap ornamentation rendered in brilliant silver bullion on the visor (Field-Grade Officers' caps have a pair of clouds and darts on each side).
The black chinstrap is a functional component of the cap, and as such is worn in the down position only when necessary to keep the cap in place; examples would include inclement weather conditions (strong gusting winds) or when required by the mission (during drill-team maneuvers). If the chinstrap is worn in the down position, it is adjusted so it fits firmly under the front of the chin, but not so tightly as to cause the wearer’s head to push against the top of the hat, which is to be taut and flat.
Using the functional chinstrap requires unscrewing the two chrome buttons on the sides of the cap, and the wings of the “Hap Arnold star” button insignia should be pointing to the sky after they have been replaced. The silver chinstrap is worn flush with the cap and grounded to the bill.