S. African Berets: SF & Commando

[Otter42]

From what I could find on the maroon one is its special forces,  and the greenish one is Commando.  Can anyone give me more info on these?  Are they still the same being used today? One appears to have a 74 date on it and says S.A.P.I.M. Pretoria. Are these hard to come by? Thanks for any input. Ken 

[Kia kaha]

 

On 6/9/2021 at 5:15 AM, Otter42 said:

From what I could find on the maroon one is its special forces,  and the greenish one is Commando.  Can anyone give me more info on these?  Are they still the same being used today? One appears to have a 74 date on it and says S.A.P.I.M. Pretoria. Are these hard to come by? Thanks for any input. Ken 

How’s it Ken 

the green Commando Beret was worn by the South African Reserve Forces. Now disbanded.

The Maroon (Plum) Beret was worn by the Special Forces known as Recces. Badges with silver wreaths were worn by South Africa’s Special Forces Brigade 1995 till 2010. The colour bar beneath the compass rose badge is an arm of service indicator known as a “balkie” green black green being Infantry. These badges were discontinued in 2005. So your beret was worn from 1995 to 2005.

 

Recce berets are rare and sort after .

Good condition South African Berets are hard to find 

[Otter42]

Kia kaha,

Thanks so much for all the great info on the berets. Take care, Ken