"Iraqi Berets, Republican Guard and Army" Topic

OK, this is a question I still don't have a clear answer on. Does anyone have a source that explains the actual color of Iraqi berets for both the Republican Guard and for the Iraqi Army?

My take on this is maroon for the RG and black for the "regulars". Red or maroon also for airborne and / or SF types.

However, I don't really know. Most field RG troops wore helmets (helmet covers). And both black and maroon berets seem to show up together….?

I would be interested in background history, if anyone knows, of when berets were adopted by the RG, like during the Iran-Iraq War era. I am trying to finish up some painting projects, my RG are coming up, and I intended to paint the berets maroon. These would be used for the Iran-Iraq War, and Desert Storm, and possibly for the 2003 invasion also.

Thanks for the help!

Chalfant

Apparently I am either the only person who doesn't know this answer, or, NOBODY knows this answer :)

I guess I will stick with the maroon berets, they do have a "look" to them.

Chalfant

I was lurking, answer would have been usefull! In my experience best way to get the answer is paint some up and post, usually gets the answer especially if you got it wrong -lol-

Ha ha ha!

Yes, that is one way to find out…. I'll have 50 opinions in an hour :)

I do feel a little better, I am taking no response to mean (like I said above) that I am not the only one unsure of the correct answer. Probably the Iraqis were inconsistent, that seems to be case with many nations. Its like trying to keep track of the various uniforms used by the Iranians, every battalion must have its own clothing line.

I will post pictures on my blog ( miniwrath.blogspot.com ) when I have some painted up. Granted, I don't paint as well as you do (no where close to your vehicles), but I do okay :)

And then… then we will find out if maroon is indeed the correct color….

Chalfant

A quick google search for images of the IRG reveals a pretty even split for both maroon and black *…..all the more reason to paint another platoon in the other colour!
(*Along with a bewildering array of uniform and webbing types and even a green beret in one shot)

Ha ha, yeah, right, if I paint platoons for each color 1) I am sure to have one platoon correct and 2) I can start invading neighbors with all my new troops. Good thinking.

Iraq, like many nations with some funds but not a firm logistical system seemed to "bargain buy" lots of differnt military equipment. You shouldn't have 50 different APCs for example, and expect to be able to keep them all running in tip top shape. Hard enough to keep 3 or 4 families of vehicles running.

Clothing I suppose is slightly easier to do that with… which only encourages the practice :)

Chalfant