Proper Wear of the CAP Uniform

1. Proper Wear of the CAP Uniform Capt Charles E. (Chuck) Corway, CAP Professional Development Officer

2. Covered Today • Current Approved Uniform Combinations • Insignia Placement • Retired Uniforms • Known Issues and Prohibited Items • Spot The Uniform Problem – photos “The bottom line is simple: Air Force standards must be uniformly known, consistently applied and non-selectively enforced." – General Ronald J. Fogelman, Chief of Staff, USAF, 1995

3. Why are we having this seminar? • Proper wear of the CAP uniform continues to be a challenge • We lose credibility with the Air Force and other agencies because of some members who were wearing prohibited items, missing insignia, mixing CAP and USAF uniform parts, or were in violation of grooming or weight standards • We just want to help you “get it right”

4. When do we wear a CAP uniform? • At all CAP meetings and activities • During participation in ANY Emergency Services activity, whether training or actual • While performing Cadet training

5. When do we NOTwear a CAP uniform? • While engaged in private employment • Implies official sponsorship • Under any circumstance that would tend to bring discredit or reproach upon the uniform. • More than one hour after conclusion of CAP meetings or activities • Travel time to and from activities excepted • When participating in activities such as public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or in any public demonstration not approved by the Air Force. • Wearing the uniform may imply sanction of the cause for which the demonstration or activity is conducted. • At any meeting of any prohibited groups • Fascist, totalitarian, communist, subversive, etc. as determined by the U.S. Attorney General • In a foreign country, unless authorized

6. Command Responsibility • Commanders will ensure CAP members present a well-groomed appearance which reflects credit upon CAP as the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. • Commanders will correct uniform violations promptly and inform all members of the proper wear of the uniform. • IGNORANCE OF REGULATIONS IS NO EXCUSE! • Seniors/Cadets have authority to correct violations. • Junior personnel use TACT/DIPLOMACY in addressing uniform discrepancies. • A senior “calls attention” to something – a junior only “invites attention” to a situation. • Willful failure to observe uniform wear regulations is grounds for termination of CAP membership!

7. Where do we find the regulations? • CAPM 39-1 is undergoing a long-needed update! • Until then, the CAP uniform regulations are a combination of CAPM 39-1 and various NEC/National Board minutes and interim change letters • Air Force retains control over the grade insignia and any devices on the AF-style uniforms

8. How do uniform changes come about? • Suggestions submitted by members through the chain of command • Reviewed at National Headquarters (Development Committee) • National Board generally considers uniform changes once a year • Changes to CAP distinguishing differences on the AF-style uniforms go through the Air Force chain of command to Air University (AU) and Air Education and Training Command (AETC)

9. Where do I get my uniforms? • Vanguard Industries • http://www.vanguardmil.com • Official supplier of CAP uniforms and insignia • (800) 221-1264 • AAFES (Army and Air Force Exchange Service) • http://www.aafes.com (Only if current/retired military and in DEERS) • (800) 527-2345 • Shop MCSS only at military bases and telephone orders • eBay • http://www.ebay.com • Good source for some used uniform items and CAP collectibles • The Hock Shop • http://www.thehock.com • Unofficial supplier of CAP uniforms and insignia • (800) 843-4625

10. Uniform Combinations • USAF Style Uniform • All parts MUST be correct, including outerwear • Can be expensive when purchased new • Very specific as to insignia placement • Wearer MUST comply with CAP weight and grooming standards • Mixing parts between CAP and USAF uniform styles is prohibited!

11. Uniform Combinations • CAP Distinctive Blue (Corporate Service) Uniform • May be worn by senior members and cadets over 18 • Not authorized for retired member wear • Uses white aviator-style shirt and AF blue 1625 trousers • AF blue officer epaulets • Flight cap (should match shade and weave) • Optional corporate service dress jacket (double breasted) • Insignia placement same as on USAF style • Military ribbons OK, no military badges or devices • Wearer MUST comply with CAP grooming standards but not CAP weight standards.

12. Uniform Combinations • CAP Distinctive Gray Uniform • Worn only by senior members • Uses white aviator-style shirt • Medium gray DRESS trousers, pleated front and cuffed hem OK • CAP gray epaulets • No headgear (approved dark blue baseball cap OK) • Insignia placement – no more than two badges • No military ribbons, badges or devices • Wearer does not need to comply with CAP grooming or weight standards.

13. Proper Uniform Fit • Shirt Garters • “Gig Line” • Trousers and slacks • Service dress jacket fit • Skirt length • Flight caps • Service cap

14. Shirt Garters • Shirt Garters • Optional for wear, but highly recommended • Cadets wear them… seniors should too! • Keeps shirt from riding up when worn • Secured at bottom of shirt and top of socks • Backup security – or risk getting snapped (OUCH!) • One pair is enough to do the job • If you don’t wear garters – learn the military tuck!

15. The ‘Gig Line’ • Imaginary line between edge of shirt, belt and trouser fly • Always keep aligned • Differences in male and female gig line • Buckle tip to wearer’s left (male) • Buckle tip to wearer’s right (female) • “Brass on Brass” • Tip of belt does not extend past buckle

16. Proper Dress Uniform Fit(USAF Style Service Dress and Corporate Service Dress Uniforms) • Fit is especially important • Service Dress Coat • Fit easily over chest and shoulders • Bottom edge extends 3 to 3 ½ inches below top of thigh • Should not pull or bunch in back above waist • Sleeves end ¼ inch from heel of thumb • Collar shows at least ¼ to ½ inch above coat collar and center back • Senior member officers wear officer service dress jacket with epaulets • Cadets and SM NCOs wear enlisted-style service dress jacket without epaulets • USAF style service dress jacket shade is 1620 poly/wool, CAP is 1625 polyester – DO NOT mix shades or weaves!

17. Skirt Length • Skirts • Hang naturally over hips • Horizontal wrinkles at waist or bulging in side pockets indicate the size is too small • No shorter than top of kneecap nor longer than bottom of kneecap when standing • Applies to USAF-style and corporate uniforms

18. Trousers and Slacks • Worn at natural waistline with no bunching at waist or sagging in seat. • Horizontal wrinkles at waist, tightness in crotch and bulging in side pockets indicates the size is too small. • Trouser break • Front resting on top of shoes with slight break in front • Rear approximately 7/8” lower than front • Sometimes called “West Point break” by tailors • If the hem’s dragging… pull up your trousers!

19. Flight Caps • Differences in flight caps • Cadets/SMWOG/SM NCO – blue piping • SM officer (FO-Col) blue and silver diamond (‘zipper’) piping • Generals – full silver piping • Differences in flight cap insignia • Cadet airmen – CAP prop and wing disc (‘cookie’) • Cadet officers – grade insignia • Senior members (regardless of grade) – CAP eagle insignia • CAP insignia on left side (NO grade insignia!) • Flight cap under belt when not in use • Left or right side • Bottom of cap aligned with trouser seam at pockets • CAP insignia out if under left side • Rear of flight cap is not exposed when tucked under belt

20. Service Cap • Optional wear by cadet officers if authorized in wing supplement • Optional wear for senior members • Silver chinstrap for CAP Corporate Service Uniform, black leather for USAF style uniform • Tuck under left arm if not wearing service cap • Service caps for Majors and above require clouds and arrows on brim (“farts and darts”) • Maj-Col – 2 ‘farts and darts’ per side • Brig Gen and up – 3 ‘farts and darts’ per side • Don’t confuse one style with the other! (Generals don’t like that.) • Women’s ‘farts and darts’ on service cap have no distinction between field grade or general officer. • Service cap sizes run at least ¼ to ½ size smaller than flight caps – try a bunch on if possible • Only available from AAFES MCSS. Special order from The Hock Shop FGO Service Cap (Maj-Col) CGO and Enlisted Service Cap (Capt and below)

21. CAP Distinctive Uniforms • Less expensive • Less complicated • No grooming regulations (LOOK SHARP!) • Civilian outerwear allowed • Good way to get started in CAP

22. Other CAP Distinctive Uniforms • Golf Shirt / Gray Pants • Utility Uniform (jumpsuit) • Distinctive Field Uniform (Blue BDU) • Dark Blue Nomex Flight Suit • Blue Blazer

23. Dark Blue Golf Shirt • Most basic CAP uniform, perfect for new senior members • Worn with light gray slacks, black plain shoes, and black belt. • Suitable for UDF, Flight, and Base Ops • Considered a “casual dress uniform” • Not acceptable for field work (GTM) • Inexpensive ($20-40, depending on insignia & version) • No grooming or weight requirements for wear • Any civilian outerwear is acceptable • Available from Vanguard and The Hock Shop • Now available in short and long sleeve versions

24. Dark Blue Golf Shirt • Three different types of dark blue golf shirt • White screen printed CAP seal on left breast • Color embroidered CAP seal on right breast • Color embroidered CAP seal on right breast with personalized name and aeronautical rating/specialty badge/specialty track insignia • Vanguard shirt – Cotton/poly blend • Hock Shop shirt – Cotton/poly blend, cheaper • Vanguard has all the official CAP aero ratings and badges for embroidery – don’t know about The Hock Shop

25. CAP Utility Uniform • Also referred to as new “jumpsuit” • Replaces the light blue “Smurf Suit” • Similar in cut to Nomex flight suit • Suitable for UDF, Flight, and Base Ops • Considered a “work uniform” • Not acceptable for field work (GTM) • Inexpensive ($40) • Not fire retardant • No grooming requirements for wear • No headgear required; CAP flight cap or approved ball cap OK • Any civilian outerwear is acceptable • Available from Vanguard, The Hock Shop and other vendors • Closest in style to flight suit made by Tru-Spec; Vanguard and The Hock shop sell a similar one made by Rothco • Grade insignia is REQUIRED – must be either plastic-encased metal or vivid on dark blue cloth background

26. CAP Distinctive Field Uniform • Also referred to as “Blue BDUs” • Suitable for UDF, GTM, Flight, and Base Ops • Considered a “work uniform” • No grooming requirements for wear • Any civilian outerwear is acceptable • No cover required – if you do, either blue patrol cap or approved ball cap • Any style plain black shoes allowed • Available from Vanguard and other sources • CAP insignias are not allowed on the matching field jacket. • Grade is worn on BOTH collars (photo is incorrect) • Grade insignia on blue patrol cap – metal pin-on or vivid on ultramarine blue cloth • Be careful how you wash this uniform, it can fade easily • Approved color is NOT baby blue

27. CAP Distinctive Field Uniform Insignia Placement • Vivid grade insignia on ultramarine blue cloth – worn on both collars, 1” from front edge • 1/8” rectangular or square blue border around insignia • Cloth grade insignia centered on BDU patrol cap • 1/8” rectangular or square blue border around insignia, same as above • Wing patch – ½” below left shoulder seam – REQUIRED IN TEXAS WING! • ‘Reverse’ vivid U.S. flag ½” below right shoulder seam • Squadron or group patches – centered on lower portion of top right pocket center on shoulder seam ½ inch space (Florida wing patch shown, Texas wing patch placement is identical.) BDU shown – insignia placement is identical on CAP DFU

28. CAP Distinctive Field Uniform Insignia Placement • ES qualification patch – ½” above top right pocket • Either ‘Pluto’ or ‘T-34’ style authorized • Activity patches - centered on lower portion of top left pocket • Nametapes/CIVIL AIR PATROL tapes – resting on top pocket, ends even with edge of pocket • U.S. Civil Air Patrol tape – rescinded, wear until unserviceable • Aeronautical ratings – if more than one is worn, the ½” distance between wings/badges is counted from the badge itself, not the blue background • 1/8” rectangular or square blue border around insignia, same as above

29. CAP CorporateAviator Style Grays • Short or long sleeve aviator-style dress shirt • Long sleeve requires USAF blue tie & CAP tie tack • Worn with light gray slacks, black plain shoes, and black belt. • Suitable for UDF, Flight, and Base Ops • Considered a “service uniform” – comparable to the USAF “blues” • Not acceptable for field work (GTM) • Gray nameplate required • Grade epaulets, aeronautical rating(s), and CAP ribbons are optional (military ribbons and badges are not allowed) • No grooming or weight requirements for wear • Any civilian outerwear is acceptable • Available from Vanguard or The Hock Shop

30. CAP CorporateAviator Style Blues • Short or long sleeve aviator-style dress shirt • Long sleeve requires USAF blue tie & CAP tie tack/bar • Worn with USAF-style blue trousers, black plain shoes, and blue web belt. • Blue flight cap • Suitable for UDF, Flight, and Base Ops • Considered a “service uniform” – comparable to the USAF “blues” • Not acceptable for field work (GTM) • Two-line blue nameplate required • Blue USAF grade epaulets • Aeronautical rating(s), CAP ribbons are optional (military ribbons OK, but badges are not allowed) • No weight requirements for wear • Must meet CAP grooming standards • Only approved outerwear is acceptable • Available from Vanguard or The Hock Shop

31. CAP CorporateService Dress Uniform • Long sleeve white aviator-style dress shirt • Requires USAF blue tie & CAP tie tack/bar • Worn with USAF-style blue trousers, black plain shoes, and blue web belt. • Blue flight cap or service cap • Suitable for formal occasions • Considered a “service dress uniform” – comparable to the USAF “service dress” • Two-line silver nameplate required • Metal grade insignia • Aeronautical rating(s), CAP ribbons are required (military ribbons OK, but badges are not allowed) • No weight requirements for wear • Must meet CAP grooming standards • Jacket available from Vanguard only • With black bowtie and no nametag - semiformal • Do not mix AF style and corporate blue shades!

32. CAP Blue CorporateUniform Items • Black lightweight jacket • Similar in style to US Army windbreaker • Pin on metal insignia • MUST add CAP cutout to epaulets • DO NOT wear the USAF blue lightweight jacket with the corporate uniform

33. CAP Blue CorporateUniform Items • Black all-weather coat • Similar in style to US Army all-weather coat • Pin on metal insignia • MUST add CAP cutout to epaulets • DO NOT wear the USAF blue all-weather coat with the corporate uniform!

34. CAP Blue CorporateUniform Items • Black leather jacket • Identical in style to USAF A-2 brown leather flight jacket • No grade insignia – grade is displayed on leather name patch • CAP MAJCOM patch • DO NOT wear this jacket with any USAF uniform combination • May be worn with any corporate uniform combination

35. A note about ribbons • CAP and Military ribbons have a specific order of precedence • Consult CAPM 39-1 & 39-3 for detail on award and placement of ribbons and attachments • Ribbon rows do not have 1/8” gap (Army and Marines only) • Regular or UltraThin? • Regular – you place the ribbons and devices on mount • UltraThin – one piece unit, magnetic or clutch back mount • UltraThins can get expensive! Not recommended for new members • Online Ribbon Checkers • http://www.medals.lava.pl/us/uschk.htm • Running on various other web sites

36. CAP Blue Flight Suit • Dark Blue Nomex (flame retardant) • Same style as military CWU-27/P flight suit • Wear with white or black t-shirt • Plain black shoes or boots • Suitable only for flight operations WHEN YOU ARE FLYING • Grade insignia is REQUIRED – must be either plastic-encased metal or vivid on dark blue cloth background • Wear USAF flight cap with CAP insignia or approved ball cap • Military insignia (other than grade) not allowed • No grooming or weight requirements for wear • Any civilian outerwear is acceptable • Available from Vanguard, other sources

37. Blue Blazer Uniform • Any dark blue civilian sport coat • Worn with white long-sleeve dress shirt, light gray dress slacks, black plain shoes, and black belt. • Tie required – may be USAF blue, or ‘regimental’ red/blue, with CAP tie tack or bar. • Black nameplate with grade and embroidered CAP logo required on left breast pocket. • Suitable for dress occasions • Corporate gray “dress uniform” • Not generally worn for mission work • Any civilian outerwear is acceptable

38. USAF Style Uniforms • Service Uniforms • Basic Service Uniform (NOT ‘Class B’) • Service Dress Uniform (NOT ‘Class A’) • Class A and B is Army terminology • Flight Dress Uniform (Green Nomex Flight Suit) • Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) • Mess Dress

39. USAF Style Uniforms • ALL parts and insignia must be correct • NO mixing of CAP Distinctive and USAF parts – this includes outerwear • CAP members are only allowed to wear APPROVED uniform parts • CAP grooming and weight standards apply for ALL USAF style uniform combinations

40. Basic Service Uniform(NOT ‘Class B’) • Light blue short or long sleeve shirt. • NO wing patch on left sleeve. • Long sleeve shirt requires USAF Blue tie and CAP or grade tie-tack or bar • Undershirt required • V-Neck or “athletic” without tie, crew neck OK only with closed collar • 1620 or 1625 blue poly/wool or polyester trousers • Blue web belt with silver polished buckle • Plain black dress shoes • Gray nameplate, gray epaulets • Senior members without grade wear “CAP” cutouts on collar • Aeronautical ratings, and ribbons optional • Some military ribbons & insignia may be worn, check regulations • USAF flight cap or USAF service cap required • Senior members without grade wear the enlisted flight cap (blue braid)

41. Basic Service Uniform(NOT ‘Class B’) • Blue pull-over or cardigan sweater – tie is optional with sweater • Dark blue lightweight all-weather jacket (waist length), or full-length trench coat are the only outerwear authorized. • NO BROWN OR BLACK LEATHER FLIGHT JACKETS! • NO GREEN FLIGHT JACKETS (MA-1, CWU-36 or CWU-45/P) • Waist-length jacket must be zipped up at least half-way whenever it is worn. • Waist-length jacket must be zipped up all the way and cover either sweater when worn.

42. Service Dress Uniform(NOT ‘Class A’) • More formal version of the basic service uniform • Includes the USAF style service coat • Senior members must wear the new-style 3-button coat • Long sleeve shirt / USAF blue tie required • Trousers are 1620 blue wool/polyester blend • The color and material difference is obvious • Ribbons are required on the service dress jacket • Aeronautical ratings, specialty insignia and other badges are optional (though HIGHLY encouraged) • No wing patch • Headgear is required – either flight cap or service cap

43. Service Dress Uniform(NOT ‘Class A’) • Only outerwear approved over the service coat is the dark blue full-length trench-style coat. • Recommend not wearing ribbons under service coat • When purchased, will need to have sleeve braid applied and tailoring to fit • Officer sleeve braid • 5/8” dark blue braid 3 inches from finished sleeve • Braid goes all around sleeve • Only available from AAFES MCSS. Special order from The Hock Shop

44. Mess Dress • Tuxedo style uniform • Only worn to formal “black-tie” occasions such as weddings and banquets • CAP weight and grooming standards apply • CAP mess dress shoulder boards are different from USAF and only available from Vanguard or the Hock Shop • CAP officers always wear a dark stripe on the sleeve, regardless of grade • Uniform itself is only available from AAFES • No headgear is worn with mess dress

45. Mess Dress • Military and CAP miniature medals – follow correct order of precedence! • Female mess dress skirt is formal length • Dark blue – not black – tie and cummerbund • Cummerbund – wear with pleats up • Jacket fastened with chain button – chain should not be overly long! • Salutes are not required when outdoors in mess dress (but HIGHLY recommended!) • Wear metal or bullion CAP seal (aka ‘dinner plate’) over second button on right side of mess dress jacket • If wearing bullion seal, all other devices should be bullion • Wear miniature or mid-size badges ONLY, not full size

46. Mess DressWear Example

47. Flight Dress Uniform(Green Nomex Flight Suit) • Wear with white, black, or brown t-shirt • Plain black shoes or boots – full leather preferred • Suitable only for flight operations WHEN YOU ARE FLYING • Grade insignia is REQUIRED – must be plastic-encased metal. No subdued grade, no exposed pin-back metal • Black leather nametag with name, grade and aero rating REQUIRED – NO CLOTH NAMETAGS! • Wear USAF Flight cap w/ CAP insignia or approved ball cap • Full grooming and weight requirements apply • ONLY the Green MA-1 or CWU-36/45P jacket is allowed • Available from Vanguard and other sources • Optional: CAP/USAF command scarf (NO others!)

48. Flight Dress UniformName Patches • Black leather with silver lettering, 2” x 4” velcro backing, may be slightly larger to accommodate two badges • NO CLOTH NAME PATCHES! • Aeronautical rating and/or specialty insignia (no more than two!) • Doesn’t include specialty track badges • Specific name and grade format • NAME (top line) • GRADE CAP (second line) • NOT CAP-USAF or USAF Aux! • Second line may be justified • NO “callsign” name patches • Green pile velcro for USAF style, black or blue pile velcro for CAP blue flight suit/utility uniform • Brown patch with black border ONLY for wear with black leather jacket

49. Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) • Suitable for UDF, GTM, Flight, and Base Ops • Considered a “work uniform” • Woodland Camouflage ONLY – NO DCUs • Must be worn with boots, trousers must be bloused • Full grooming requirements and weight standards apply • Only the Woodland Camouflage field jacket is allowed for outerwear. Proper insignias are required on the field jacket. • Headgear required • Matching USAF BDU patrol cap, or approved ball cap • Sewn grade insignia on BDU patrol cap (vivid on ultramarine blue background) • NO metal grade insignia on cap.

50. Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) Insignia Placement • Vivid grade insignia on ultramarine blue cloth – worn on both collars, 1” from front edge • 1/8” rectangular or square blue border around insignia • Cloth grade insignia centered on BDU patrol cap • 1/8” rectangular or square blue border around insignia, same as above • Wing patch – ½” below left shoulder seam – REQUIRED IN TEXAS WING! • ‘Reverse’ vivid U.S. flag ½” below right shoulder seam • Squadron or group patches – centered on lower portion of top right pocket center on shoulder seam ½ inch space (Florida wing patch shown, Texas wing patch placement is identical.)