Abstract: A military or uniform hat comprising a frame having an annular headband and visor connected thereto. A stay is connected to the frame and extends outwardly, above the visor so as to at least partially define a frontal portion of the hat. The stay includes an elongated channel formed rearward of a front face of the stay and structured to enclose and support at least a portion of the length of a grommet used to support an at least partially configure a cover of the hat. The stay includes an at least partially smooth, substantially uninterrupted front surface and oppositely disposed open ends of the channel cooperatively configured to eliminate or significantly reduce the possibility of any unsightly deformations, protrusions, etc. observable on the portion of the cover overlying the stay and/or frontal portion of the military hat.