This page is registered with Civil Air Patrol, New York City Group and is hosted by Malcolm Dickinson

Please note: this is not an official document.  It's a memo I wrote up at the request of my group commander several years ago. What's written here is just the advice I (Malcolm Dickinson) would give to you (a new member). Your local unit may think differently about these things and you should certainly go with their opinion rather than mine!  Hopefully this will be helpful in explaining this sometimes confusing subject.

MEMORANDUM FOR NEW MEMBERS
SUBJECT: Uniform Instructions

Welcome to Civil Air Patrol!  One of the first things you will need to do is to assemble a uniform.  The CAP Uniform Manual (CAP Manual 39-1), which is mailed to each new member in a month or two, gives detailed instructions on a dozen different uniform styles.  This memo is intended to get your started with the basic uniform while you wait for that manual to arrive.  There are other dressier uniforms that aren’t covered here – see 39-1.

When to wear the uniform

Uniform wear is expected at group meetings, squadron meetings, training sessions, emergency services exercises, and emergency services missions.  Basically, if it’s a CAP activity, you’ll be expected to attend in uniform - the uniform appropriate to the activity, as described below.  There is some flexibility; if you are coming straight from work to a group or squadron meeting, we’d rather see you attend in your work clothes than not get to see you.  

Do I have to?
The regulation says uniform wear is required on two occasions: 1. when flying in a CAP airplane, and 2. when working with cadets.  So if you are not doing either of these things, no, you're not technically required to wear one. But wearing a uniform (even the simple golf-shirt-and-gray-slacks version), is a good way to show your fellow CAP members that you're enthusiastic and take your participation seriously.

The five most common uniforms, and when they are worn

Uniform                                                                         Worn at

1. Blues* (short sleeved or long sleeved)                            Group meetings, some squadron meetings, classroom training

2. CAP Distinctive – Aviator Shirt                                      Acceptable at any activity except banquets

3. CAP Distinctive – Blazer                                              Acceptable at any activity

4. Battle Dress Uniform (“BDUs")                                   Some squadron meetings, field exercises 
                                                                                    (outdoor training and missions)

5. Flight suit                                                                   Only at activities where you will be flying

Minimum parts to each uniform (see diagrams in CAPM 39-1 for insignia placement)

1. Blues^†

·   USAF dark blue trousers, pressed

·   USAF light blue shirt (short or long sleeved)

·   USAF blue belt with shiny buckle and tip

·   USAF blue officer’s flight cap with CAP emblem

·   Shined black shoes with smooth toe

·   Black socks

·   White T-shirt*

·   Insignia: Wing patch sewn ½” down from left shoulder [NOTE: this is to be deleted in late 2006], gray nameplate, pilot wings, and either:
Officers: gray epaulets, or
New members: metal "CAP" cutouts on shirt collar

 

* - If short sleeves are worn, the T-shirt must be V-neck so it does not show. If long sleeves are worn, a USAF blue tie must be worn, with a tie tac or tie bar.

2. Flight Suit^†

·   USAF sage green flight suit, CWU/27P

·   T-shirt (Black, brown, or white)

·   USAF blue officer’s flight cap with CAP emblem, or CAP baseball cap

·   Insignia: Embroidered CAP crest sewn onto right breast; embroidered US flag sewn ½” down from left shoulder; black leather nametag; plastic-encased grade insignia sewn on shoulders.

.
3. CAP Distinctive – Aviator Shirt

·   Gray slacks

·   Black belt

·   Black shoes and socks

·   White aviator shirt (short or long sleeves)

·   Insignia: gray nameplate, pilot wings, gray epaulets (officers).

·   It is optional to wear ribbons. If you opt to wear ribbons, you may wear only CAP ribbons, not any earned from other organizations.

 

Note: if long sleeves are worn, a tie (USAF blue, or CAP blue or maroon) must be worn.

   

4. CAP Distinctive - Blazer

·   Gray slacks

·   Black belt

·   Black shoes and socks

·   White dress shirt (short or long sleeves) or white turtleneck

·   Blue blazer, single-breasted

·   Tie (blue USAF tie, blue CAP tie, or maroon CAP tie)

·   Insignia: black blazer nameplate; CAP pin-on blazer crest