Uniforms
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Uniforms —“I’m new to CAP, do I need a uniform? What type? Where do I get it?”
First things first:
CAPM 39-1, (plus Interim Change Letters*) is our reference document.
We are directed to obtain, and maintain for wear, either of the minimum basic uniforms: Minimum USAF-style Uniform OR Minimum Corporate-style Uniform. [CAPM 39-1, section 1.2.1]:
Uniforms are required for activities such as flight on a CAP aircraft, official functions and working with cadets. The uniform helps present a professional image to those who see us. It also helps us keep a professional attitude in our work at CAP. The following is a summary for quick reference.
Uniforms are divided into two general categories:
· USAF-style · CAP Corporate-style
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Many uniform items can be purchased through Vanguard
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Others may be purchased at the Exchange clothing store on base.
For new senior members without grade, the initial suggested uniform is the CAP Corporate Working Uniform (see below). This will get you by until you can obtain other uniforms.
CAP Corporate Working Uniform (Informal, polo shirt style) [CAPM39-1, chap. 5, fig. 5.3]
Item | Uniform | Vanguard Ref. |
Shirt | Short or long-sleeve CAP polo Shirt | CAP0968G or CAP0969G |
Undershirt(optional) | White v-neck | n/a |
Pants | Medium gray slacks | n/a |
Belt | Plain, black, conservative, silver buckle | n/a |
Socks | Black dress socks | CAP25001 or commercial |
Shoes | Plain, black shoes | n/a |
Headgear(optional) | CAP baseball cap is authorized | CAP0990L |
Jacket | Not required; CAP light blue windbreaker w/CAP logo is authorized. | CAP5100 |
Other uniforms to consider in the near future:
Ground crew:
- USAF ABU [PAFB Exchange Clothing store]
- CAP Corporate field uniform (Vanguard SKU CAP1400F and CAP1401F)
CAP business functions: (CAPM39-1, table 1-1)
- USAF Service Dress
- CAP Corporate Service Dress
All uniforms require adherence to grooming standards (CAPM 39-1, chap. 3). The USAF-style has additional grooming and weight standards [CAPM 39-1, section 3.2]
*Interim change letters that are not found in CAPM39-1:
- Transition to ABUs
- COWG clarification of weight and grooming standards [need reference]
AF ABU
Headgear | Air force digitized tiger stripe print |
Coart (shirt) | Air force digitized tiger stripe print |
T-shirt | Desert tan |
Trousers | Air force digitized tiger stripe print |
Belt | Desert Tan |
Footwear | Black combat boots |
Outerware (cold weather), outdoors only | ABU gortex parka or AF green fleece jacket |
ABU Officer Insignia
Headgear | Light silver or gold embroidered on dark blue cloth |
Coat(shirt) | |
collar | Grade insigia -Light silver or gold embroidered on dark blue cloth |
above left breast pocket | “CIVIL AIR PATROL” nametape–Light silver embroidered on dark blue cloth |
Above left nametape | Aviation /occupational badge (2 max); Light silver embroidered on dark blue cloth |
above right breast pocket | “LASTNAME” nametape–Light silver embroidered on dark blue cloth |
Left breast pocket | Full color patch (optional) |
Right breast pocket | Full color patch (optional) |
Left sleeve | full color wing patch (mandatory) |
Right sleeve | none |
Parka– front button strap | Grade insignia |
Jacket | |
above left breast pocket | “CIVIL AIR PATROL” nametape–Light silver embroidered on dark blue cloth |
above right breast pocket | “LASTNAME” nametape–Light silver embroidered on dark blue cloth |
Above right name tape | Grade insignia–Light silver or gold embroidered on dark blue cloth |