Issued by American Legion National Headquarters, Indianapolis, Indiana.
The American Legion uniform cap is regarded as the official uniform item for a Legionnaire and should always be worn in a way that reflects respect, dignity, and proper decorum.
Left side of the cap (Emblem side)
- Emblem and identity: The left side—identified as the emblem side—is where the American Legion emblem is placed.
- Geographic and post information: This side also carries the state name and the post number, which together identify the member’s home post and jurisdiction.
- Standardization: The left side is treated as the primary identification side, and its elements are standardized so that caps across the organization follow a consistent pattern.
Right side of the cap
- The right side is reserved for extra wording that goes beyond the basic emblem/state/post information.
- Examples of permitted text:
- Officer titles (such as Commander, Adjutant, etc.)
- County or district designations
- Branch of service (such as USAF)
- Other authorized organizational identifiers that have been approved for use
- No random or decorative text: The right side is not meant for personal slogans or unrelated phrases—only officially relevant designations.
Badges, pins, and similar items
- Limit the number: Any pins, badges, or small insignia attached to the cap should be kept to a minimum, avoiding clutter.
- Relevance requirement: Items worn on the cap should be directly connected to American Legion service or activities—for example, recognition of Legion programs, offices held, or authorized awards.
- No unrelated flair: Decorative or novelty pins that have nothing to do with the Legion are not appropriate on the uniform cap.
- Pin location: Any pins, badges, or small insignia attached to the cap should be only on the Right side of the cap.
How the cap is worn
- Position on the head: The cap is intended to be worn straight and level, sitting squarely on the head.
- No tilting or slouching: It should not be worn at a jaunty angle, slouched back, or otherwise styled in a casual or fashion‑like way.
- Uniform appearance: The goal is a neat, uniform look that reflects the seriousness of the organization and its traditions.
Female cap guidance
- Wearing style: The women’s cap is worn in the same manner—properly positioned on the head, respecting the same etiquette for when it is worn or removed.
- Uniform status: The female cap is treated as an equally official part of the uniform, not a decorative accessory, and is subject to the same standards of respect and decorum.
When the cap should be worn — Wearing the cap is expected or appropriate at:
- Official American Legion meetings: During formal meetings of the post, district, department, or national body.
- Ceremonies and observances: At ceremonies, including patriotic observances, memorial events, and other official Legion functions.
- Conventions: During department, district, or national conventions, where the cap serves as the visible uniform item.
- Funerals and memorial services: At funerals or memorial services where the Legion is participating or represented.
- Presenting or receiving honors: When a Legionnaire is presenting or receiving official American Legion awards, citations, or honors.
- Worship services (with conditions): The cap may be worn to and from religious services, but it should generally be removed inside the place of worship, except when the Legionnaire is actively serving as part of a color guard or honor guard, in which case the cap remains on as part of the ceremonial uniform.
When the cap should not be worn — Issued by American Legion National Headquarters, Indianapolis, Indiana.
The American Legion uniform cap is regarded as the official uniform item for a Legionnaire and should always be worn in a way that reflects respect, dignity, and proper decorum.
Left side of the cap (Emblem side)
- Emblem and identity: The left side—identified as the emblem side—is where the American Legion emblem is placed.
- Geographic and post information: This side also carries the state name and the post number, which together identify the member’s home post and jurisdiction.
- Standardization: The left side is treated as the primary identification side, and its elements are standardized so that caps across the organization follow a consistent pattern.
Right side of the cap
- The right side is reserved for extra wording that goes beyond the basic emblem/state/post information.
- Examples of permitted text:
- Officer titles (such as Commander, Adjutant, etc.)
- County or district designations
- Other authorized organizational identifiers that have been approved for use
- No random or decorative text: The right side is not meant for personal slogans or unrelated phrases—only officially relevant designations.
Badges, pins, and similar items
- Limit the number: Any pins, badges, or small insignia attached to the cap should be kept to a minimum, avoiding clutter.
- Relevance requirement: Items worn on the cap should be directly connected to American Legion service or activities—for example, recognition of Legion programs, offices held, or authorized awards.
- No unrelated flair: Decorative or novelty pins that have nothing to do with the Legion are not appropriate on the uniform cap.
- Pin location: Any pins, badges, or small insignia attached to the cap should be only on the Right side of the cap.
How the cap is worn
- Position on the head: The cap is intended to be worn straight and level, sitting squarely on the head.
- No tilting or slouching: It should not be worn at a jaunty angle, slouched back, or otherwise styled in a casual or fashion‑like way.
- Uniform appearance: The goal is a neat, uniform look that reflects the seriousness of the organization and its traditions.
Female cap guidance
- Wearing style: The women’s cap is worn in the same manner—properly positioned on the head, respecting the same etiquette for when it is worn or removed.
- Uniform status: The female cap is treated as an equally official part of the uniform, not a decorative accessory, and is subject to the same standards of respect and decorum.
When the cap should be worn — Wearing the cap is expected or appropriate at:
- Official American Legion meetings: During formal meetings of the post, district, department, or national body.
- Ceremonies and observances: At ceremonies, including patriotic observances, memorial events, and other official Legion functions.
- Conventions: During department, district, or national conventions, where the cap serves as the visible uniform item.
- Funerals and memorial services: At funerals or memorial services where the Legion is participating or represented.
- Presenting or receiving honors: When a Legionnaire is presenting or receiving official American Legion awards, citations, or honors.
- Worship services (with conditions): The cap may be worn to and from religious services, but it should generally be removed inside the place of worship, except when the Legionnaire is actively serving as part of a color guard or honor guard, in which case the cap remains on as part of the ceremonial uniform.
When the cap should not be worn — The cap is not to be worn, to avoid disrespect or confusion about the Legion’s role:
- At political events: The cap should not be worn at political rallies, campaign events, or partisan gatherings, so that the presence of a Legionnaire is not mistaken for an organizational endorsement of any candidate or party.
- Indoors, in general: The cap is not worn indoors, except during official American Legion functions where wearing the cap is part of the protocol.
- While eating: The cap should be removed when eating, whether in a dining hall, restaurant, or similar setting.
- In non‑Legion bars or canteens: The cap is not worn in bars, canteens, or similar establishments that are not affiliated with the American Legion, to avoid inappropriate association.