Uniforms

As the Official Auxiliary of the Air Force and a private Non-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation there is a dress code for the wear of our various uniforms. The Air Force has established many of the requirements for uniform wear. All uniforms in CAP are governed by CAPM 39-1 CIVIL AIR PATROL UNIFORM MANUAL, which is a very large manual. Before you purchase an item, check with the squadron leadership to make sure the item is authorized for wear with the uniform.

Minimum Uniform Requirements:

  • Senior Members: Senior Members should expect to maintain uniforms based on their mission requirements. You should talk to the Squadron Commander or one of the Deputy Commanders about what uniforms you will need and where to get them. In some cases we may have supplies of the uniforms you require, otherwise we can direct you to appropriate vendors of authorized items. CAP does however expect all members to maintain either the Minimum USAF-style Uniform or Minimum Corporate-style Uniform.

  • Cadets: Cadets are required to maintain two uniforms; the camouflage utility uniform (either ABU or BDU) and the Minimum USAF-style Uniform (Class B Service Uniform: Blue dress shirt and slacks (or skirt for girls)). See this page for more information about these uniforms: Wearing the Uniform. These uniforms have specific requirements for footwear, belts, undershirts, headgear, name tags and other accouterments and patches. Talk to the Deputy Commander for Cadets or one of the Cadet Program Officers about what you need before you go and buy items. Some uniform items are hard to find because of their specific requirements and in most cases they will know where to find the least expensive options.

Our Squadron supply may have uniform items you need. If we have items that fit you, we will issue them as soon as your membership is official. If however, the squadron supply does not have items that fit, then you will be required to purchase the items yourself.

  • To complete the ABU/BDU uniforms you can expect to pay between $20 to $40 for the pants, $20 to $40 for the shirt, $10 to $20 for the hat, $20 to $60 for boots, $5 to $10 for the belt, plus undershirts and black boot socks.

  • CAP offers a program to help Cadets pay for some of the Class B Uniform items though the "Curry Blues Voucher Program", but there will still be some costs to the member. You can expect another $20 to $60 for uniform items to complete a Class B uniform.

  • Common sources for uniform items are military surplus stores or military clothing stores. All uniform items can also be purchased through CAP's official vendor Vanguard. Clothing items ship for free, and any insignia or accouterments you purchase at the same time will also ship for free.