General Appearance
Uniforms should be clean, neat, serviceable, and properly fitted. Members should maintain a professional appearance at meetings, activities, missions, and public events.
Uniform Information
CAPR 39-1
Proper Uniform Wear
Civil Air Patrol members wear the uniform as a visible symbol of professionalism, discipline, service, and respect. This guide summarizes key uniform wear reminders in accordance with CAPR 39-1.
Uniforms Reflect Professionalism
Proper uniform wear helps Civil Air Patrol members present a professional appearance while representing CAP, the United States Air Force Auxiliary, and their local unit.
When in doubt, consult CAPR 39-1, your commander, or your unit leadership before wearing a uniform item.
This page is intended as a quick-reference guide and does not replace CAPR 39-1, Interim Change Letters, supplements, or commander-directed uniform guidance.
Uniform Guidance
Key Uniform Wear Standards
Correct Insignia
Nameplates, grade insignia, ribbons, badges, patches, and specialty insignia must be worn only when authorized and placed as prescribed in CAPR 39-1.
No Mixing Items
Members should not mix uniform items from different uniform combinations unless specifically authorized by CAPR 39-1 or official guidance.
Uniform of the Day
Follow Commander Guidance
Commanders may prescribe the uniform of the day for meetings, formations, activities, and missions. Members should arrive in the correct uniform and ensure all required items are worn properly.
Activity directors and commanders may also provide additional uniform instructions based on safety, weather, mission requirements, or the nature of the event.
Common Uniforms
Uniform Categories
OCP Uniform
The Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform is authorized for CAP wear in accordance with current CAPR 39-1 guidance and applicable Interim Change Letters.
- Wear authorized CAP tapes, grade, badges, and patches.
- Use only approved boots, belt, undershirt, and headgear.
- Keep the uniform clean, serviceable, and properly configured.
ABU Uniform
The Airman Battle Uniform remains subject to transition guidance and phase-out timelines established by CAP. Members should verify current wear guidance before use.
- Wear CAP-specific tapes and insignia correctly.
- Ensure trousers are properly bloused when required.
- Do not add unauthorized patches or accessories.
Service Uniforms
Blues and service dress uniforms require careful attention to alignment, grooming, ribbons, badges, nameplates, shoes, and authorized accessories.
- Shirts should be clean, pressed, and tucked when required.
- Ribbons, badges, and nameplates must be properly aligned.
- Wear the correct belt, shoes, socks, and outerwear.
Corporate Uniforms
Corporate-style uniforms provide authorized alternatives for members who do not wear USAF-style uniforms or who are directed to wear corporate combinations.
- Wear only authorized CAP corporate uniform items.
- Follow CAPR 39-1 for insignia and nameplate placement.
- Do not combine corporate items with USAF-style uniform items unless authorized.
Quick Inspection
Before You Leave Home
Use this quick checklist before attending a meeting, activity, inspection, or mission.
Clean Uniform
Correct Insignia
Proper Grooming
Authorized Items
Pre-Meeting Uniform Checklist
- Uniform is clean, neat, pressed if required, and serviceable.
- Grade insignia, nameplate, tapes, ribbons, badges, and patches are correctly placed.
- Shoes or boots are clean and authorized for the uniform combination.
- Hair, grooming, jewelry, and accessories meet CAP standards.
- No unauthorized morale patches, pins, badges, or civilian items are worn.
- The uniform matches the commander’s prescribed uniform of the day.
Common Uniform Mistakes
- Wearing unauthorized patches or badges.
- Mixing corporate and USAF-style uniform items.
- Incorrect ribbon, badge, or nameplate placement.
- Wearing dirty boots, wrinkled shirts, or unserviceable uniform items.
- Using outdated guidance instead of the current CAPR 39-1 and Interim Change Letters.
Where to Find Official Guidance
CAPR 39-1 is the controlling publication for Civil Air Patrol uniform wear. Members should also review any approved region, wing, or activity-specific supplements and instructions.
Reminder:
This page is only a local educational summary. CAPR 39-1 and official command guidance take precedence.
Questions About Uniform Wear?
Ask your chain of command, element leader, flight staff, senior member mentor, or unit commander before wearing an item you are unsure about.
