UNIFORMS

Airman Battle Uniform (ABU)

Utility Uniform

Start working on getting your ABU as soon as you become a member. The ABU is the uniform you will be wearing most often and is a necessity to be a part of the cadet program.

CAP's official vendor of the ABU is Vanguard. You may also find ABUs at surplus stores or online. Certain items like boots and blousing bands may be purchased from other vendors and be of different models. Please consult squadron leadership prior to making a purchase not listed on the following list to ensure the item you purchase is acceptable. 

Vanguard Sizing Chart: Click Here

Information on how to wear the uniform is found in CAPR 39-1. Some important tips for setting up the uniform include:

• Name tapes and CAP tapes must be sewn on. Do not cut excess fabric. Fold it over itself and using a sewing machine to put it on. Feel free to ask for help from others if you do not own a sewing machine.

• Review CAPR 39-1 and the new cadet guide for information on where to place the patches and name tapes.

• The Florida Wing patch goes on the left shoulder 1/2 inch down from the shoulder seam and centered. 

Blues (Class B)

Service Uniform

Upon completing Achievement 1 of the Cadet Program, members will receive a voucher that ranges from $75-$175 based on necessity to help cover the cost for the service uniform. This voucher only lasts for 45 days. After that, it will not work and cannot be regained.   

CAP's official vendor of blues is Vanguard. You may also find blues at surplus stores or online. Certain items like low quarters (chloroform or not) may be purchased from other vendors and be of different models. Please consult squadron leadership prior to making a purchase not listed on the following list to ensure the item you purchase is acceptable. 

Vanguard Sizing Chart: Click Here

Shoes (listed as Male but has Female equivalent sizing).  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 female cadets or senior members 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 cadets or senior members as the shoe options are greater.

How to Get Uniforms:

Uniforms are one of the most important parts to becoming a full member of CAP. It is important to get members into uniform as soon as possible after joining, but not before becoming a member. Below is some information on CAP uniforms, what uniforms CAP has, and how to get them. Cadets complete the Curry Award the first achievement to earn a voucher for money to use towards purchase of items on vanguard.

CAPM 39-1: The CAP Regulations on uniforms and regulations on how to wear them.

Uniform Types Overview:

Active Duty and Cadet Uniforms (worn by cadets and all CAP senior members that meet USAF height/weight standards):

ABUs – The standard duty and utility uniform

Service Uniform (Blues) – Formal and dress uniform for ceremonies, education, and other professional/formal environments

Service Dress – Blues uniform with Service Coat for more formal environments requiring full “suit and tie”

FDU (Flight Suit) – Standard flying duty uniform worn by pilots and aircrew

Corporate Uniforms (can be worn by all senior members):

Where to Get Uniforms:

• Pending limited availability, uniform items can be obtained from the Squadron Logistics Officers/NCOs when available with proof of CAP membership. All issued items are free except accoutrements, with understanding they will be returned if no longer needed. Accoutrements can be purchased from the Logistics Officers/NCOs.
• ABU/Blues items free of charge with a valid CAPID. Members must show their CAPID or Temporary CAPID and sign out the items on the uniform log book.
• Vanguard has ALL CAP uniform items for sale, both active duty and corporate. Vanguard is the CAP authorized seller of uniform items.

Specific item locations:

We have had success locating certain harder to find uniform items in the following locations at the estimated prices (which are subject to change by the vendors). Listing of these items and their vendors in no way suggests endorsement by CAP or the OBCS in anyway, it just means that these are places that our members have found these sometimes harder to locate items.

Black Boots - Can be found in the below locations:

www.amazon.com Search “Black Tactical Boots” and sort price from Low-to-High

https://www.academy.com/shop/browse/footwear/boots/tactical-boots

https://www.vanguardmil.com/collections/cap-footwear  (offers monthly discount code for CAP)

ABU Nametapes – Can be purchased from Vanguard.

Physical Training Uniform (PTU)

• Shoes appropriate for exercise

• Black Socks

• Black Shorts

• Black Shirt

Conservative hats may be worn.