The 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Squadron flash is worn on the maroon beret to reflect the organization’s status as an Airborne unit. As of June 2021, it is serving as the Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, an organization that the Squadron has been affiliated with since it was originally constituted in the Regular Army as Troop A, 17th Cavalry on 1 July 1916. Flashes are worn centered on the beret stiffener; Officers wear the insignia of grade centered on the flash, while Enlisted personnel wear either their Distinctive Unit Insignia or Regimental Distinctive Insignia on it.
Formally called background trimming, the 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Squadron oval is worn by those personnel in the unit who have been awarded either a Parachutist or Air Assault Badge. The oval is placed behind the badge with the main portion of the badge centered on the oval, but the star (Senior Parachutist) and wreath-star combination (Master Parachutist will necessarily appear above the background trim.
Maroon, Green, Tan, and Brown berets were created to recognize the unique aspects of these various organizations. In addition to being authorized to wear the colored berets and organizational flashes, Soldiers authorized to wear the tan, green, or maroon beret have been given another special perk: they may wear bloused trousers and combat boots with both the Army Green Service Uniform and the blue Army Service/Dress Uniform.
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17th Cavalry Regiment Unit Crest (DUI)