Uniforms

If you would like to request to see if we have any used uniform items to assist you with getting outfitted, please contact the Supply Officer/NCO.

Note: The Vanguard Industries Facebook page might have a 10% discount code available (cannot be combined with other coupons/vouchers).

For used items, you may try the Civil Air Patrol Uniform Exchange Facebook group. Group members tend to be helpful with uniform questions as well. Ebay is another option.

Sewing patches the easy way (if you're doing it yourself).

Ribbon Rack Builder helps get your ribbons in the correct order.

Cadets

The Curry Uniform Voucher provides new cadets support ($0-175) based on financial need to assist them in purchasing their first uniforms from Vanguard, upon their earning Achievement 1, The Curry Achievement.

Note: Vouchers are a one-time-use offer and expire after 45 days. These are emailed after your first promotion, so watch carefully for that! Please ask for right away if you have any questions.

When a cadet outgrows a uniform or leaves CAP, we ask families to turn those items into the squadron so other cadets might use them.

The New Cadet Guide provides an overview (with pictures) of how to wear the uniforms, arrange pins, patches, etc.

Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) - required of all Cadets

See CAPR 39-1 for the most up-to-date details, or ask a senior member for help.

Required items:

• ABU coat and pants. Delta typically has used ABUs (coats and/or pants) available in our supply, but we often run out of the smaller sizes.
  Contact the Supply Officer/NCO before you buy anything. If we don't have your size, you can try a military surplus store (e.g., Command Post) or order from Vanguard, Propper, eBay, etc.

• ABU cover (cap)

• ABU belt (any tan "rigger style" belt will do)

• Tan t-shirt (you can get this elsewhere if you'd like)

• Name tape (sold in pairs)

• Civil Air Patrol tape

• Texas Wing patch

• Black combat boots (Side zipper is optional. We recommend purchasing boots with a leather toe and heel that allow for shining.)

  • Black, with or without safety toe; must have a plain rounded toe or rounded capped toe with or without perforated seam; zipper or elastic inserts (“Jungle” style) are optional; no designs. 8” is the nominal style measurement. Many options with many price points are available: 5.11 Tactical, LA Police Gear, Tactical Gear, Vanguard, Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Walmart, Amazon. Higher end will cost more but will also deliver better comfort and quality. You may also consider insoles.
    If worn with service (blues) uniforms must be highly polished, high gloss, or patent leather.

  • Note: shoe fit can be particularly tricky, so you might want to buy these in person and/or work with a company that has an easy return/exchange policy.

  • We recommend investing in quality for your comfort, especially if your feet have stopped growing.

• Black socks (wool or wicking synthetic-blend socks are recommended over cotton)

Optional items:

• Trouser blousers (boot bands) have been helpful to many cadets. Khaki or green is fine. You can buy higher-quantity packs at other retailers.

Service Uniform (Class B/"Blues") - required of all Cadets

See CAPR 39-1 for the most up-to-date details, or ask a senior member for help.

The squadron provides most pins, ribbons, honor stars, and ribbon racks.

It is possible to find items elsewhere, including used items. See introductory paragraph above for resources.

Required items:

All Cadets also need:

• Black socks and a white v-neck undershirt, plus appropriate underwear.

• Black shoes. Most wear patent leather, but regulations do allow other options including highly polished combat boots.

  • Shoes will be low quarter, oxford‐style, lace‐up with a plain rounded toe or a plain rounded‐capped toe. Soles will not exceed ½ inch in thickness and the heel will not exceed one inch in height (measured from the inside front of the heel). Shoes will be smooth or scotch‐grained leather or man-made material. Shoes will be shined; high gloss or patent finish is optional. Leather shoes can be purchased from most department stores. Patent leather shoes can be purchased from Vanguard.

  • Note: shoe fit can be particularly tricky, so you might want to buy these in person and/or work with a company that has an easy return/exchange policy.

Optional: Air Force blue neckties and tie bars (male) and neck tabs (female) are optional if not wearing a coat, but they do look sharp. Available at Vanguard.

Senior Members

Uniform requirements differ from those of cadets. Note: there are physical requirements (height/weight, facial hair, etc.) associated with the military uniforms (ABUs/Blues) that the other senior member uniforms do not have. Be sure to check the regulations and applicable waivers to determine which uniform(s) you are authorized to wear.

The Civil Air Patrol navy polo/golf shirt (Vanguard; personalized with first and last name) with gray pants (check your closet, thrift shop, or local/online retailer) is an acceptable combination for the majority of CAP activities and events. The "tactical" version is recommended as it wears better (less fading) than cotton.

ABUs are the same as those of the cadets (see above), and the squadron might have some used pieces available.

Other uniform combinations apply to certain situations (white aviator shirt, etc.). Again, start with the navy polo combination and ease into the rest.

See CAPR 39-1 for details, or ask another SM for help.

This guide is not an endorsement for any outside vendors.