It likely needs re-shaved first off. I am not in the military but it is a comfortable hat that looks good with my one coat. I read online how to properly wear a beret and the way it was folder from the factory it pulls to the left ear (military according to my sources is pulling to the right ear). The way it was folded had the stay on the right side of the crease (yes it has creases from where it was folded for delivery and I need to steam it out). It looks nice but I would not say it is "inspection ready" unless the military is OK with a little fuzzy hat with creases that is pulled down on the wrong ear. For every other Joe (not G.I. Joe), nobody will likely notice.