Senior Member Uniforms
There are numerous options for Senior Member Uniforms, but five will be discussed here. Any member meeting the US Air Force height and weight requirements may wear any of the uniforms (see page 123 of CAP Manual 39-1 for more details on weight requirements), but members who do not meet the height and weight requirements need to wear either the corporate or aviator uniforms (all seniors can wear the aviator uniforms and not just the pilots). If you would like to read the specific details, you may do so in the 154-page CAP Manual 39-1.
Note: for any supplies purchased from Vanguard, make sure to check out Vanguard's Facebook page for a 10% off coupon: https://www.facebook.com/vanmilstore/
Prices on this page were taken in July 2023.
Uniforms that do NOT require meeting the US Air Force height and weight requirements (click on links to go to info further down this page):
Uniforms that DO require meeting the US Air Force height and weight requirements(click on links to go to info further down this page):
Corporate Working Uniform:
Do not need to meet US Air Force height and weight requirements to wear this uniform.
This is the most cost-effective and versatile uniform as it can be worn in most settings. See pages 79 & 80 of Manual 39-1 for more details.
Shirt: The polo shirt must be worn tucked in by men unless heat conditions on the flight line, or while participating in actual air operations, require additional air circulation. Women may routinely wear the shirt out of slacks (untucked) but shirt length must not fall below mid‐hips. Three shirt types are available on Vanguard
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KNIT Golf Shirt, short sleeve, with SCREEN PRINTED CAP seal, unisex. ~ $31.75
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Golf Shirt, short & long sleeve, embroidered CAP seal, 65% Polyester/ 35% Cotton, snag-proof, antimicrobial fabric shield, UV protection, moisture wicking, pocket, can be personalized with name and badges, male and female styles. ~ $43.65-$51.15
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Tactical Golf Shirt, short & long sleeve, embroidered CAP seal, 100% polyester, snag-proof, moisture-wicking, odor-fighting, mic clips, dual pen pockets, can be personalized with name and badges, male and female styles. ~ $52.65-$60.50
Trousers/Slacks: Medium Gray (solid color). Wool, polyester/wool blend, polyester/cotton, or cotton trousers. Either slim, straight leg, or loose fit, with or without pleat or cuffs is allowed. Commercially available “tactical” slacks and “chinos” medium gray slacks with or without cuffs are approved for optional wear. Shorts are not authorized. You may acquire these anywhere that is convenient for you.
Belt and Buckle: A plain black civilian belt with conservative non‐decorative type gold or silver buckle (not to exceed 2 inches in size), or a black woven nylon tactical belt with buckle will be worn. Belt and buckle not to exceed 2 inches in width.
Footwear: Black socks and any plain black shoe, boot, or combat boot are required with this uniform.
Headgear: Headgear is not required with this uniform combination. However, the CAP baseball cap may be worn. Wing and region commanders may prescribe color, unit designation, and/or emblem to be on the baseball cap. Appropriate civilian headgear may be worn during inclement weather.
Aviator Shirt Uniform
Do not need to meet US Air Force height and weight requirements to wear this uniform.
See pages 61-67 of CAP Manual 39-1 for more details on this uniform.
Male Aviator Shirt: Long Sleeve: CAP0966C [$36.70] or Short Sleeve: CAP0965 [$33.40]
Female Aviator Shirt: Long Sleeve: CAP0967I [$36.70] or Short Sleeve: CAP0965L [$33.40]
Trousers. Medium gray (solid color). Wool, polyester‐wool blend, or polyester‐cotton trousers will be worn and either slim, straight leg or loose fit with or without pleats or cuffs are allowed. 100% cotton, tactical, chinos, cotton twill weave trousers, jeans, or casual trousers are not authorized with this uniform combination.
Belt and Buckle. A plain black civilian belt with conservative non‐decorative type gold or silver buckle (not to exceed 2 inches in size) will be worn with trousers with belt loops.
Footwear. Black socks and any plain black shoes or boots are required with this uniform.
Corporate Field Uniform
Do not need to meet US Air Force height and weight requirements to wear this uniform.
Like the Corporate version of the ABUs.
See pages 78-80 of CAP Manual 39-1 for more details on patches, belt, boots, hat, etc, for this uniform.
Shirt: Tru Spec Brand: CAP1301TSS [$47.70]
Pants: Tru Spec Brand: CAP1302TSS [$47.70]
Utility Uniform: ABUs (Airman Battle Uniform)
Do need to meet US Air Force height and weight requirements to wear this uniform.
Clothing:
[Prices from Vanguard as of 9/2020]
If you have questions regarding Vanguard Sizes, see Vanguard sizing chart page.
Hat / Cap: CAP0158 [$12.25]. In addition to the Vanguard Sizing Chart, the Marlow White website has useful instructions for head measurements.
ABU Shirt/top: CAP0143 [$47.10]
ABU pants: CAP0152 [$47.15]
ABU pants belt: CAP2510700 (comes in 44 or 55 inches [$11.80 - $13.30]) or smaller size: CAP2510702 (this is the 39-inch size [$9.20])
Civil Air Patrol blue tape: CAP6403 [$1.95]
Blue Name Tape: CAP6402 Make sure to type in your last name only [$5.35]
Tan undershirt: CAP0991Z [$8.80] (if you can find a tan undershirt roughly the same color elsewhere for cheaper, feel free to do that)
Subtotal cost = approx $140, depending on the size
USEFUL SEWING TIPS:
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You may want to ask someone to help you sew on your cloth nametape, cloth CAP tape, squadron patch, and wing patch as this can be tricky.
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The cloth nametape and CAP tape are centered over the right and left pockets, respectively. Fold the ends of the cloth tapes under and sew them; do not cut the cloth tapes to match the edges of the pocket as they will fray.
Black Boots:
There are boots at Vanguard: CAP2900A (mens) or CAP3300 (womens) for $119.10, but you can also get less expensive boots at lots of other places.
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF ABU WITH BOOTS = between $184 and $258, depending on sizes and types of boots purchased.
Don't forget to check out the Vanguard Military Facebook page for a monthly 10% off coupon: https://www.facebook.com/vanmilstore/
Service Uniform ("Blues")
Do need to meet US Air Force height and weight requirements to wear this uniform.
If you have questions regarding Vanguard Sizes, see Vanguard sizing chart page.
NOTE: For females, there are two options: a skirt or slacks. You can choose whichever one you prefer. Factors to weigh in choosing a style is if you like the look of one over the other and thinking through Minnesota weather (slacks being warmer in winter). Some people start off with one style and then later in their CAP career purchase the other style to have both. The Overblouse Shirt can be work with either. Vanguard does not sell a tuck in version of the shirt, but some members prefer to search this out from other sources like CC Military Surplus in Maplewood (www.ccmilitary.com). NOTE: female shirts do not have pockets, so if you get a tuck in version of the shirt, make sure it is the female version without pockets.
Belt: CAP2500500 [$25.00]. Some belts say male, but the belt is the same for males and females. It just differs in which direction the belt is threaded through belt loops.
CAP Flight Cap: FEMALE is CAP1015 and MALE is CAP0994 [$23.85]. In addition to the Vanguard Sizing Chart, the Marlow White website has useful instructions for head measurements.
CAP Flight Cap Device: CAP0748 [$10.95] - although it says male, the "female" one is identical.
Name Plate: CAP0599L [$4.75] - Make sure to enter Last Name Only.
Male Shirt: Short Sleeve: CAP1001 [$58.20] or Long Sleeve: CAP1001J [$64.80]
Female Overblouse Shirt: CAP1017J [$58.20]
Male Trousers: CAP0993A [$72.90]
Female Slacks: CAP3500J [$58.85]
Female Skirt: CAP3600J [$58.85]
Male Necktie (must be worn with long sleeve shirt): SELF TIE VERSION: [not currently available on Vanguard] OR CLIP ON VERSION: 9400600 [$22.60]
Male Tie Crest: CLIP: CAP0918D OR TIE TAC VERSION: CAP0918 [both are $6.10]
Female Neck Tab for Overblouse (must be worn with long sleeve shirt): [not currently available on Vanguard]
Shoes (listed as Male, but has Female equivalent sizing to be worn with Slacks): CAP28004 [$48.10]. You can also get other plain black oxford style shoes that can be polished. Wear black socks. Females can also wear black slip on shoes that have a front and back with slacks. It would be good for females to discuss shoe options with other females in the squadron as the shoe options are greater.
Female Shoes with skirt: May wear Pumps / High heels that are plain (without decoration) and black that can be polished. May also wear black slip on shoes that have a front and back with skirt. Wear neutral nylon hosiery and not black socks with skirt. It would be good for females to discuss shoe options with other female members as the shoe options are greater.
Estimated cost for Service Uniform: approximately $248
Don't forget to check out the Vanguard Military Facebook page for a monthly 10% off coupon, in case this can also be used: https://www.facebook.com/vanmilstore/
