Red Beret Meaning: Military, Special Forces & Fashion Guide

The red beret is one of the most recognizable military headgears in the world, worn by elite airborne units, military police, and special forces across dozens of countries. Its meaning, however, is far from uniform – it can signify a paratrooper’s esprit de corps, a military police officer’s authority, or even a costume nod to Super Mario. This article maps the red beret’s journey from 19th-century Spanish battlefields to modern-day fashion runways, drawing on verified military records and historical sources.

Last checked: 2026-07-15

Name: Red Beret · Primary Wearers: Artillery, Military Police, Paramilitary, Commandos · Notable Countries: Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Ukraine · Fashion Context: Bayonne festivals; Super Mario reference in Ireland

By Staff Writer | October 1, 2023

What does the red beret mean?

The red beret carries multiple meanings depending on the military, era, and context. Historically, it began as a political symbol in 19th‑century Spain, then evolved into a mark of elite airborne status during World War II, and later became a standard for military police, commandos, and even fashion enthusiasts.

History of the Red Beret

The first military use of berets occurred in the 1830s during the First Carlist War in Spain. The Carlist general Tomás de Zumalacárregui issued red berets to his Guías de Navarra as a distinguishing device, often topped with a yellow pom‑pom or tassel (Wikipedia – Red beret). This early adoption established the red beret as a symbol of a political‑military cause, a role it would repeat in various conflicts.

By the 20th century, the red beret had migrated to elite airborne forces. The British Army’s Airborne Forces officially adopted the maroon beret (commonly called the “red beret”) on 29 July 1942, after General Frederick “Boy” Browning chose the color to foster unit identity (Canadian War Museum Journal). The beret quickly became a symbol of esprit de corps among paratroopers, and its use spread to other Commonwealth countries, including Canada, where the Canadian Airborne Regiment adopted the same maroon headgear (CanadianSoldiers.com).

After World War II, French paratroopers adopted the “béret rouge” as their distinctive headgear, and the color became associated with the elite Parachutistes (Wikipedia – Red beret). Meanwhile, the Soviet Union’s Airborne Troops (VDV) also wore a red beret, linking the color to their status as a strategic reserve and elite force.

What Does the Red Beret Signify in the Military?

Across different armies, the red beret most commonly signifies one of three roles: airborne/commando qualification, military police authority, or artillery service. In the British Army, the Royal Military Police are known as “Redcaps” because of their scarlet covers and berets (Wikipedia – Royal Military Police). In Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, and Ukraine, red berets are worn by artillery, military police, or paramilitary units. The color also appears in police forces: for example, the French Gendarmerie’s mobile units and some Italian police corps use red berets as part of their uniform.

In the United States, the red beret is reserved for specialized units: the Air Force Combat Controllers (scarlet beret), pararescuemen (maroon beret), and historically the U.S. Army’s 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion. As the Army Times notes, colored berets in the U.S. Army began as unofficial morale items and later became regulated distinctions for units with specialized capabilities.

What military wears a red beret?

Red berets appear in the armed forces of at least two dozen countries, worn by airborne troops, commandos, military police, and artillery units. The following sections cover the most prominent examples.

Elite Parachute Units

The British Parachute Regiment’s maroon beret is perhaps the most famous example. Authorized in 1942, it became a symbol of the airborne soldier’s toughness and elite status. Canadian airborne forces followed suit, and the Canadian Airborne Regiment wore the same maroon beret until its disbandment (CanadianSoldiers.com). French paratroopers of the 11th Parachute Brigade wear the béret rouge, and the Russian VDV (Airborne Forces) have worn a red beret since the 1960s, with the color often described as a mark of “courage and readiness.”

Special Forces and Commando Units

Many special forces and commando units also adopt red berets. The U.S. Air Force Combat Controllers, part of AFSOC, wear a scarlet beret that distinguishes them as among the most highly trained forward air controllers in the world (Task & Purpose). Pararescuemen (PJs) wear a maroon beret, symbolizing the blood sacrificed by their comrades. In Europe, the Italian 9th “Col Moschin” Assault Regiment and the Spanish Parachute Brigade (BRIPAC) also wear red or maroon berets. However, it is important to note that not all special forces wear red; the U.S. Army Green Berets wear green, and the British SAS wear beige.

The pattern: Red berets are most consistently associated with airborne and commando roles, but the exact shade (scarlet, maroon, brick red) and the specific unit can vary significantly. For a detailed breakdown of color codes, see the section on the SAS beret below.

Are red berets Special Forces?

Not necessarily. While many special forces units wear red berets, the color is also used by military police, artillery, and even some paramilitary organizations. The key distinction lies in the shade and the unit’s official designation.

Red Beret vs. Other Beret Colors

Within NATO and other military alliances, beret colors are often standardized by function. Maroon (or red) is typically reserved for airborne units; green for special forces (e.g., U.S. Army Green Berets, French Commandos); tan or sand for Rangers; and blue for UN peacekeepers. The Wikipedia page on military berets provides a color table listing red or scarlet berets for military police and certain commando units, while maroon is specifically for airborne.

In the British Army, the SAS wears a beige/sand beret, not red. The red beret typically belongs to the Parachute Regiment or the Royal Military Police. The U.S. Army’s elite units also follow a color code: Special Forces (green), Rangers (tan), and airborne (maroon). The red beret in the U.S. military is primarily worn by Air Force Combat Controllers (scarlet) and pararescuemen (maroon), both of which are special operations forces, but not all red beret wearers are “Special Forces” in the strict sense.

The Red Beret in Ireland and the UK

In the Republic of Ireland, the red beret is most famously associated with the Irish Army Ranger Wing (ARW), which wears a maroon beret with a distinctive cap badge. The ARW is the primary special operations force of the Irish Defence Forces. In the UK, as noted, the red/maroon beret is the hallmark of the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Military Police. The Royal Military Police retained their red-topped cap and red beret even after organizational changes, underscoring the headgear’s role as a persistent institutional identifier (Wikipedia – Royal Military Police).

The bottom line: Red berets are worn by some special forces, but they are not exclusive to them. When you see a red beret, look for the cap badge and unit insignia to determine whether it signifies an airborne soldier, a military police officer, or a commando.

What color are SAS berets in the UK?

The British Special Air Service (SAS) wears a beige or sand‑colored beret, not red. This color scheme distinguishes them from other UK elite units and has been in use since the regiment’s re‑formation in World War II.

SAS Beret Colors Explained

The SAS originally wore a beige beret with a winged dagger cap badge, a design that dates back to the North African campaign. The beige color was chosen to blend with the desert environment. Today, the SAS beret remains beige, though some sources describe it as “sand” or “khaki.” In contrast, the British Parachute Regiment wears maroon, and the Royal Military Police wears scarlet. The red beret is therefore not an SAS symbol – a common misconception that this article aims to clarify.

For a visual comparison of beret colors across UK special forces, readers can refer to the Wikipedia page on military berets, which includes a color chart.

Where to Find a Red Beret: Costume and Fashion

Beyond military use, the red beret has become a popular fashion accessory and costume item. In the Basque region of France, the Bayonne festivals feature locals wearing the traditional red beret (the “boina”). In Ireland, costume red berets are available for as little as €7.00, often sold as part of Super Mario or military‑themed outfits. The Wikipedia page on the red beret notes that the red beret is also a fashion staple in some counter‑culture circles, having been adopted by artists and activists.

What to watch: When buying a red beret as a costume or fashion piece, be aware that the shade can vary from bright scarlet to deep maroon. Military surplus stores often sell authentic‑style berets, but they may be subject to local regulations regarding the wear of military insignia.