A CISO-cut boonie hat made from Okinawa tiger-stripe fabric, representative of the tiger-stripe headwear from the Vietnam War era. The size is approximately SMALL.
Among the many types of tiger-stripe patterns, boonie hats from that era possess a rarity distinct from that of uniforms. In particular, this unique design—featuring a low crown, a narrow brim, a band encircling the crown, and metal ventilation eyelets—is a highly iconic style known among collectors as the “CISO Cut.”In fact, Okinawa-made CISO boonie hats with this exact construction have been confirmed to exist.
CISO stands for Counterinsurgency Support Office.Established in Okinawa in 1963, this organization procured and developed specialized equipment—such as clothing, backpacks, and gear—for U.S. special forces operating in Vietnam, which could not be supplied through the standard U.S. military supply system alone. Various items suitable for field operations were supplied through CISO.
CISO-style tiger-stripe boonies are known to have been used by soldiers involved in special operations at the time, such as Special Forces, LRRP, and CIDG; they are not merely camouflage caps, but one of the symbols of special forces equipment during the Vietnam War.
The version used here is commonly known as the “Okinawa Tiger.”In collector’s circles, it is associated with designations such as JWD (John Wayne Dense) and is a highly iconic tiger-stripe pattern representative of the early to mid-Vietnam War period. Actual examples of CISO-style boonie hats manufactured in Okinawa using fabric from this lineage have also been confirmed.
This particular piece still retains very deep black stripes, creating a vivid contrast with the olive green and khaki. It is a specimen that allows you to fully appreciate the bold color scheme characteristic of the Okinawa Tiger.
What’s even more impressive is its condition.
Although it is being sold as a used item, as far as can be determined from the photos, it shows extremely minimal signs of use and is likely to have been preserved in a condition close to unused. While there are a few loose threads visible on the brim, the fabric’s color is exceptionally vibrant. For an original tiger stripe that has endured many years, it is in a remarkably attractive condition.
The interior features black and olive-colored fabrics, with metal eyelets along the outer edge. The brim is adorned with multiple rows of stitching, resulting in a simple yet highly atmospheric design characteristic of the CISO cut.
Estimated size: SMALL. Some CISO-style boonie hats are made with a relatively shallow crown; in fact, among the Okinawa Tiger CISO boonie hats previously handled by this store, we have confirmed examples with a shallow fit.
Moreover, in contrast to heavily worn battlefield-used items, this piece allows you to observe the original coloration and details in excellent condition. Rather than for everyday wear, this is a boonie hat of significant historical value that we highly recommend adding to your collection of Vietnam War-era tiger-stripe, CISO, and special forces gear.
Please note that since this is a used item, returns are not accepted.
Size (measured flat)
Approx. 57
