Cadet Uniform

The regulation that governs grooming and wear requirements for uniforms is CAP Regulation 39-1. It can be found here.

CAP's official vendor for uniforms and insignia is Vanguard. You may be able to find uniforms from other sources such as eBay for much cheaper, but not CAP-specific items such as nametapes. Before making purchases from other sources, please consult with your chain of command to ensure the items meet regulation.

Civil Air Patrol also has the Curry Voucher program which offsets the cost of uniforms. All cadets receive this upon complete their first promotion. The amount varies. More information can be found here. Additionally, our squadron has a limited supply of donated uniform items. Contact your chain of command.

Vanguard often has monthly sales for 10% off; the coupon code is usually FB + [First 3 letters of current month] + [year], for example: FBJUN2025 for June 2025. You can also check their Facebook page.

Instructions on how to wear the uniform properly can be found in the New Cadet Guide.

One of the two following utility uniforms are required. As of 4 Nov 2025, Civil Air Patrol began transitioning from ABUs and to OCPs. The phase out date for ABUs is 31 Oct 2028.

Thank you to our friends at Florida Wing's Naples Cadet Squadron (SER-FL-373) for assembling this guide.

Members are advised to only wear a uniform once it has been completed with insignia, name tapes/tags, footwear, and compliance with grooming standards.

OCP Uniform Order Sheet

While this portion of the webpage is being built, reference CAP National Headquarters' Guidance here.

Name / Source(s)	SKU	Corresponding Regulation (CAPR 39-1, ICL 25-06, para 7.1)
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol Uniform: T-Shirt OCP	CAP2040 (SKU varies by size)	7.1.1.5. T-Shirt. T-shirt will be Coyote Brown (Tan 499), long or short sleeve, and will be tucked into OCP trousers. Additionally, unit commanders may allow for display on morale undershirts organizational emblems, as officially and currently approved by the wing commander, not to exceed 5 inches in diameter, in cloth or silk screen. If displayed, organizational emblems will be worn on the left side of the chest of the Coyote Brown (Tan 499) morale undershirts. The morale undershirts may also display the organizational emblem on the back of the undershirt in a larger diameter as authorized by commanders.
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol OCP Uniform: Adult Shirt (coat) Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol OCP Uniform: Youth Shirt (coat)	CAP2013 (SKU varies by size) CAP2005 (SKU varies by size)	7.1. Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), Male and Female. OCPs will be worn in accordance with DAFI 36-2903 unless specifically noted below in subsequent sections and paragraphs DAFI 36-2903 para 5.1.1. OCP Coat (Shirt). The coat is worn outside the trousers. Note: Commanders may authorize the coat to be tucked in for duty (e.g., Security Forces Airmen) if necessary. The coat will not extend below the top of the cargo pocket on the trousers and will not be higher than the bottom of the opening of the side (hip) pocket on the trousers. Airmen may roll up sleeves on the OCP coat; however, the cuffs will remain visible, and the sleeve will rest at, or within 1-inch of, the forearm when the arm is bent at a 90-degree angle. When sleeves are not rolled up, cuffs may remain visible or be folded inward twice. Commanders may prohibit rolling of sleeves and folding of cuffs. Patches or badges will not be affixed to the front pockets. Alterations that affect the functionality of the uniform are not authorized, (e.g., sewing down collars, or pockets). The OCP coat may be removed in the immediate work area as determined appropriate by local leadership, however, the OCP coat will be worn while interacting with customers or clients. 7.1.1.1. OCP Coat (Shirt). 7.1.1.1.1. The glint squares on the shoulders will remain covered. 7.1.1.1.2. Accoutrements. Members will wear a basic configuration consisting of name and CAP tapes, U.S. Flag (full color), and AUX Duty Identifier. Members may sew on or use Velcro® backing for nametape, CAP tape, and rank. Tapes and rank must be either all sewn on or all Velcro®; members are not authorized to mix sewn-on and Velcro® tapes or rank. Note: Aviation and Occupational badges may be sewn-on or Velcro®, but if more than one is worn, you must sew or Velcro® all badges. Only Velcro® patches are authorized on the left and right sleeves of the OCP coat. An OCP Velcro® sleeve pen/pencil holder may be worn on either sleeve but will not impede the proper wear of required patches and/or duty badges.
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol OCP Uniform: Adult Pants Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol OCP Uniform: Youth Pants	SKU: CAP2022 (SKU varies by size) SKU: CAP2014 (SKU varies by size)	7.1.1.6. OCP Trouser. The OCP trousers are worn buttoned and with a belt. The trouser waistband will rest on the member’s waist. Pockets will be secured, and items stowed in pockets will not be visible. Exception: OCP patrol cap or tactical cap may extend outside when placed in the OCP trouser cargo pocket. Members may wear trousers tucked into the top of the boots, bloused using the draw strings at the bottom of the trousers, or use commercial blousing devices if the trousers are not tucked into the boots. Members will not wrap the trouser leg around the leg tightly enough to present a pegged appearance or insert any items inside the trouser leg to create a round appearance at the bottom of the trouser leg. When bloused, the trousers will not extend below the third eyelet from the top of the boot.
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol Uniform: OCP Cap-Flat Top	CAP2025 (SKU varies by size)	7.1.1.8. Tactical and Patrol OCP Caps (Figure 7.1.1.8). A cap will be worn outdoors at all times, unless in a designated “no hat” area. Members will wear a cap straight on the head so that the cap band creates a straight line around the head, parallel to the ground. The cap will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without bulging or distortion from the intended shape of the headgear and without excessive gaps. No hair will be visible on the forehead beneath the cap. Members are not authorized to block or ranger roll the patrol cap. The Velcro® or sew-on light silver on dark blue nametape will be centered on the back of the cap and will match the width of the OCP coat name tape. Officers and Cadet Officers will wear sewn or Velcro® rank insignia centered, 1/2 inch from the visor, on the front of caps. Members' sewing rank on the cap will only have 1/8th inch of blue fabric showing past the widest and tallest part of the insignia. Chaplains may wear the chaplain occupational badge sewn-on or Velcro® and centered 1⁄2 inch above the visor in place of rank insignia. NCOs, Cadet NCOs, and Airmen members will not wear rank insignia or a subdued flag on the patrol or tactical cap; only a nametape on the back of the cap is authorized. The front of the cap must not have any Velcro® or other items. Tactical caps may be solid OCP material or OCP with coyote brown mesh back. No other colors or combinations are authorized. Note: Females are authorized to pull their bun or ponytail/equivalent through the back of the tactical cap.
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol Rigger Belt: Khaki Nylon Rigger Belt with Buckle (Tan 499)	CAP2510700 (SKU varies by size)	7.1.1.7. Belt. A one-piece Tan 499 color rigger-style nylon web belt will be worn with OCP trousers. The belt may extend past the buckle.
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol: Coyote Boots Side zip (Unisex)	CAP2070 (SKU varies by size)	7.1.1.9. Footwear. Socks may be either Sage Green socks or Coyote Brown. Boots will be suede or composite material and coyote brown in color. Boots must be between 6-12 inches in height (measured from the bottom of the heel tread to the top of the back of the boot), and soling material will not exceed 2 inches in height. Boots will be laced up with plain, rounded toe or rounded capped toe with or without a perforated seam. Laces will either be tied and tucked into the boot or tied and wrapped around the boot. A zipper or elastic insert may be worn; however, if worn, they will be without design. Boots can be either with or without a safety toe. Logos or brand names will be the same color as the boot. Designs are not authorized.
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol Fleece Rank: Non-Commissioned Officers (New Insignia)	CAP6038	7.1.1.2.2. Cadet Grade Insignia. Cadet officers will wear embroidered grade insignia on 2” x 2” dark blue material on the front of the OCP in the center of the chest. Cadet officer insignia is centered vertically with the long points on the cadet field grade insignia positioned horizontally, and each subsequent circle of cadet company grade insignia added vertically. Cadet NCOs and Airmen will wear their grade device in metal on 2” x 2” dark blue material; Cadet Airman Basic wear no device and no blue material.
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol Patch: Maryland Wing w/ HOOK	CAP0637SV	7.1.1.4.2. Left Sleeve (Figure 7.1.1.4.2). A maximum of two patches may be worn. One patch must be the “AUX” duty identifier and affixed in the top position. [...] 7.1.1.4.2.1. One higher headquarters (HHQ) patch (wing, region, or CAP command patch) is mandatory, except as provided in paragraph 7.1.1.4.2.2. Members assigned to squadrons and groups will wear the wing patch in this position. [...]
Vanguard: Flag Patch: United States of America - hook closure gold edge reversed	CAP4432431	7.1.1.4. Shoulder Patches. Patches will not extend past the boundary of the Velcro®. 7.1.1.4.1. Right Sleeve (Figure 7.1.1.4.1). A maximum of 2 patches may be worn. 7.1.1.4.1.1. The right field (reversed) U.S. flag patch is mandatory and will be full color cloth centered at the top of Velcro®.
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol Tape: AUX Patch	CAP6087	7.1.1.4.2. Left Sleeve (Figure 7.1.1.4.2). A maximum of two patches may be worn. One patch must be the “AUX” duty identifier and affixed in the top position. [...]
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol Tape: Civil Air Patrol with hook closure for Fleece jacket (New Insignia)	CAP6404	7.1.1.2.3. Name and CAP tapes are mandatory for all personnel and will be light silver block lettering on dark blue background. The “Civil Air Patrol” tape will be worn on the wearer’s upper left chest. The last name tape will be worn to the wearer’s upper right chest. If sewn to the OCP coat, name tapes will be the same length as the hook side Velcro® panel that was removed. Name tapes will only be longer if the last name is longer than the panel.
Vanguard: CAP Embroidered Name Tape: Last Name Only, w/ hook closure (New Insignia)	CAP6401	Ibid
Optional Vanguard: Boot Bands: Trouser Blousers – khaki Other Sources: Boots are required to be bloused or tucked into the boot, but any elastic or rubber bands will do for blousing	2650170	7.1.1.6. OCP Trouser. [...] Members may wear trousers tucked into the top of the boots, bloused using the draw strings at the bottom of the trousers, or use commercial blousing devices if the trousers are not tucked into the boots. Members will not wrap the trouser leg around the leg tightly enough to present a pegged appearance or insert any items inside the trouser leg to create a round appearance at the bottom of the trouser leg. When bloused, the trousers will not extend below the third eyelet from the top of the boot.

ABU Uniform Order Sheet (Phasing Out 31 Oct 2028)

Name	SKU	Corresponding Regulation (CAPR 39-1 paragraph 5.1.1)
Vanguard: Civil Air Patrol Uniform: T-Shirt – tan	CAP0991Z (SKU varies by size)	5.1.1.2. T-Shirt. A standard Desert Tan short or long-sleeved t-shirt will be worn under the ABU coat. Neither unit designation emblems nor clothing company logos will be visible when wearing the ABU coat (shirt). Tan turtlenecks may also be authorized. Thermal undergarments may be desert sand, white or cream colored and are authorized for wear as weather conditions warrant. T-shirts and turtlenecks will not have pockets and all must be tucked into the trousers.
Lower Price: JiffyShirts Adult Unisex Heavy Cotton T-Shirt	Style: G500 - Sand
Civil Air Patrol ABU Uniform: Adult Shirt	CAP0143 (SKU varies by size)	5.1.1.1. ABU Coat. The ABU coat with button fastenings and an Air Force digitized tiger stripe print. The bottom of the ABU coat will rest at the hips. Pockets will be secured and items stowed in pockets will not be visible except pens stowed in the pen pocket on the sleeve. The top button of the ABU coat will not be fastened; however, all other buttons will be secured at all times. Commanders may authorize sleeves to be rolled up on the ABU coat; however, the cuffs will remain visible and the sleeve will rest at, or within 1 inch of, the forearm when the arm is bent at a 90-degree angle. Regardless as to whether the sleeves are rolled up or unrolled, the cuffs will remain visible at all times. The ABU coat may be removed in immediate work area as determined appropriate by local leadership; however, the ABU coat will be worn while interacting with customers/clients.
OR: Civil Air Patrol ABU Uniform: Youth Shirt	CAP0140 (SKU varies by size)
Civil Air Patrol Patch: Maryland Wing	CAP0637S	5.1.1.1.2.2. Left Sleeve. One full color, wing/region/national patch may be sewn to the coat on the left sleeve ½ inch below the shoulder seam reflecting the individual’s current unit of assignment.
Civil Air Patrol Rigger Belt: Khaki Nylon Rigger Belt with Buckle	CAP2510702	5.1.1.4. Belt. A standard Desert Tan belt will be worn. A rigger-style belt with a hook and loop buckle may be worn.
Civil Air Patrol ABU Uniform: Adult Pants	CAP0152 (SKU varies by size)	5.1.1.3. Trousers. Trousers will be with button fastenings and an Air Force digitized tiger stripe print. The trouser waistband will rest on the member’s waist. Pockets will be secured and items stowed in pockets will not be visible except pens stowed in the pen pocket. Tucking the ABU trouser into the boot is optional. Whether tucked in or bloused, the trouser must be evenly bloused (gathered in and draped loosely) over the top of the combat boot and must present a bloused appearance.
OR: Civil Air Patrol ABU Uniform: Youth Pants TRU SPEC	CAP0149 (SKU varies by size)
Boot Bands: Trouser Blousers (any color)	2650175
[No longer available via Vanguard]	CAP0160 (SKU varies by size)	5.1.1.6. Headgear. The ABU cap and Navy Blue Tactical Cap are the only authorized headgear with this uniform, except as outlined in paragraph 5.1.1.9.2. Headgear will be worn outdoors at all times, unless in a designated “no hat” area.
Civil Air Patrol Tape: Embroidered Civil Air Patrol	CAP6403	5.1.1.1.2.1. Nametapes. Nametapes will be light silver block lettering on dark blue background. The nametapes will be worn immediately above the upper ABU coat pockets. Cut off or fold tapes to match pocket width. The “Civil Air Patrol” nametape will be worn above the upper ABU pocket on the wearer’s left. The last name nametape will be worn above the upper ABU pocket on the wearer’s right. NOTE: Attaching nametapes to ABUs with Velcro (hook and loop) is NOT allowed.
CAP Embroidered Name Tape: LAST NAME, ONLY	CAP6402
Combat boots are required Vanguard sells Bates boots, but any combat or black suede boot that meets regulation will work. St. Mary's recommends reviewing Vanguard’s return policy before buying.		6.4.3. Footwear. Combat boots or black suede boots will be worn. Black, with or without safety toe, plain rounded toe or rounded capped toe with or without perforated seam. Zipper or elastic inserts optional, mesh inserts (for “jungle boot” style) are optional; smooth or scotch-grained leather or man-made material and may have a high gloss or patent finish. Laces will either be tied and tucked in or tied and wrapped around the boot.

Male Blues Uniform Order Sheet

Image	Name	SKU	Corresponding Regulation (CAPR 39-1 paragraph 4.1.11.1)
A white V-neck undershirt is required. It may be purchased at any store, but Vanguard does not sell them.			4.1.11.1.1. A V-neck or athletic style white undershirt will be worn under the Short-Sleeve Blue shirt.
	Civil Air Patrol Uniform: Short Sleeve Dress Shirt — Male	CAP100 (SKU varies by size)	4.1.11.1.1. Long-Sleeve/Short-Sleeve Blue Shirt. The long-sleeve and short-sleeve blue shirt will be light blue in color with two pleated pockets and epaulets. The blue shirt will be neatly tucked into the trousers. The shirt may be altered for a tapered fit.
	Civil Air Patrol Uniform: Trouser – Male	CAP0993A (SKU varies by size)	4.1.11.1.1.4. Trousers. Trousers will be blue and trim-fitted with no bunching at the waist or bagging at the seat. The trousers will be full cut, straight hanging and without cuffs or additional alterations to further taper the leg. The front of the trouser legs will rest on the front of the shoes or boots with a slight break in the crease. The back of the trouser legs will be ⅞ inch longer than the front. The trouser material will match the service dress coat in both fabric and shade
	Air Force Belt: Blue Cotton with Mirror Buckle and Tip - Male	2500500	4.1.11.1.1.5. Belt and Buckle. The belt will be blue, cotton web or elastic, solid or woven. The belt will have a plain silver (chrome finish) tip and a buckle. The silver tip of the belt will extend beyond the buckle facing the wearer’s left; however, no blue fabric will be visible between the silver tip and silver buckle. *note for when wearing the belt.
	Necktie: Air Force Blue 4-In-Hand Herringbone (recommended)	9400500 or XL:* 9400500	4.1.11.1.1.3. Tie. A tie is optional with the short-sleeved shirt. The tie will be either blue polyester or silk, herringbone twill. The tip of the tie must cover a portion of the belt buckle but cannot extend below the bottom of the belt buckle. *If you are taller than about 5’ 10”, size XL is recommended so you have enough material to tie the tie with.
	OR: Air Force Blue Ready-Tied Clip-On Herringbone	9400600
	OPTIONAL but highly recommended: Civil Air Patrol Tie Bar: Cap Crest	CAP0918D	4.1.11.1.1.3. A tie tack or clasp may be worn with the tie. If worn, the tie tack or clasp will have the CAP Crest, “Wing and Star” design, AF symbol, or the appropriate grade insignia. The tie tack or clasp will be centered between the bottom edge of the knot and the bottom tip of the tie.
	Civil Air Patrol Uniform: Flight Cap: Airman – Male	CAP0994K (SKU varies by size)	4.1.11.1.1.7. Headgear. Headgear is mandatory with this uniform. The male flight cap is the primary headgear option for this uniform.
	Civil Air Patrol Cap Device: Cadet Enlisted – Flight	CAP0748A	A5-8 Men’s Caps and Devices (CAPR 39-1 pages 138 and 139)
	Civil Air Patrol Name Plate: Cadet	CAP0599M	4.1.11.1.1.2.1. Nametag. The nametag will be worn and is blue for cadets, three-line with the last name engraved in white lettering. The name tag will be centered, resting on, but not over the edge of the pleated pocket on the wearer’s right.
	Patent Leather Dress Shoes – Male*	CAP3414*	4.1.11.1.1.6. Footwear. Black socks and Low Quarters are required with this uniform. For description, see CAPR 39-1 paragraph 6.4. *These can be any shoes that fit the regulations. St. Mary's recommends reviewing Vanguard’s return policy before buying. A good alternative that many cadets use are these.
	OR: Patent Leather Dress Shoes – Male*	CAP28115*

Class A Service jacket is recommended for cadet staff and cadets serving on color guard. Vanguard does not sell them.

Female Blues Uniform Order Sheet

Image	Name	SKU	Regulation (CAPR 39-1 paragraph 4.1.12)
A white V-neck undershirt should be worn. It may be purchased at any store, but Vanguard does not sell them.			4.1.12.2. A V-neck or athletic style white undershirt may be worn under the blouse. If worn, they will be tucked into the skirt or slacks.
	Civil Air Patrol Uniform: Dress Shirt Overblouse - Female	CAP1007J (SKU varies by size)	4.1.12.2. Blouse (Long and Short-sleeved). It will not have military creases and will have epaulets. 4.1.12.2.1. Tuck-in Style Blouse. The blue blouse will have a tapered fit and will be tucked into the slacks or skirt. 4.1.12.2.2. Semi-Form Fitting Blouse. The blue blouse will be a semi-form fitting princess line.
OR:	Civil Air Patrol Uniform: Slacks - Female	CAP3500G (SKU varies by size)	4.1.12.5. Slacks. Slacks will be blue and fit naturally over the hips with no bunching at the waist or bagging at the seat. The bottom front of the slack legs will rest on the front of the shoe, boot or on top of the foot if wearing pumps, with a slight break in the crease. The back of the slack legs will be approximately ⅞ inch longer than the front. The slacks will be tailored, straight hanging, with no flare at the bottom or additional alterations to further taper the leg. They will have a center fly-front opening and front and back waist darts, two one-quarter top side pockets, and a waistband with five belt loops. The slacks material will be 100% polyester, polyester wool tropical, or wool blend with a serge weave. The slacks material will match the service dress coat in both fabric and shade. 4.1.12.6. Skirt. The skirt will be polyester or poly-wool, blue and hang naturally over the hips with a slight flare. The skirt will be no shorter than the top of the kneecap and no longer than the bottom of the kneecap when standing at attention. The skirt will be straight style with belt loops, a kick pleat in the back, two pockets, and a darted front. Skirts will have a back zipper and lining attached to the waist. Skirt material will match the service dress coat in both fabric and shade.
OR:	Civil Air Patrol Uniform: Skirt	CAP3600H (SKU varies by size)
	Air Force Belt: Blue Elastic with Mirror Buckle and Tip - Female	2500500	4.1.12.7. Belt and Buckle. The belt will be blue, cotton web or elastic, solid or woven. The belt will have a plain silver (chrome finish) tip and a buckle. The silver tip of the belt will extend beyond the buckle facing the wearer’s right; however, no blue fabric will be visible between the silver tip and silver buckle. *note when wearing
	Air Force Female Dark Blue Neck Tab for Overblouse	9400605	4.1.12.4. Tie Tab. An inverted-V tie tab is optional with the women’s short-sleeved blue blouse. The tie tab will be blue polyester herringbone with self-fastening tails when worn with the tuck-in style blouse and with or without self-fasteners with the semi-form fitting blouse.
	Civil Air Patrol Flight Cap: Airman - Female	CAP1015J (SKU varies by size)	4.1.12.9. Headgear. Headgear is mandatory with this uniform. The flight cap (either male or female style) is the primary headgear option for this uniform.
	Civil Air Patrol Cap Device: Cadet Enlisted – Flight	CAP0748A	A5-8 Men’s Caps and Devices (page 138) and A5-9 Women’s Caps and Cap Devices (page 140)
	Civil Air Patrol Name Plate: Cadet	CAP0599M	4.1.12.2.4.1. Nametag. The nametag will be worn and is blue for cadets, three-line with the last name engraved in white lettering. The name tag will be centered, even with to 1 ½ inches higher or lower than the first exposed button on the wearer’s right.
Low Quarters, Pumps or Slip-on Shoes are required. For purchase of Low Quarters, see Male Blues Uniform Order Sheet. Vanguard does not sell pumps or slip-on shoes.		4.1.12.8. Footwear. Hosiery or black socks and Low Quarters, Pumps or Slip-on Shoes are required with this uniform. For description, see CAPR 39-1 paragraph 6.4. *St. Mary's recommends reviewing Vanguard’s return policy before buying.