Special Forces Headgear is often a BERET, which is a round, flat-crowned HAT made of wool or cotton. The term 'BERET' comes from the French word for 'HAT'. Berets are typically worn by military personnel, and they are also popular in civilian fashion. The BERET has been used by Special Forces since World War II, and it is now a symbol of elite military units. The BERET is usually adorned with a badge or insignia to denote the unit to which the wearer belongs.