Senior Member Uniforms
There are numerous options for Senior Member Uniforms, but five that 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 June 2022.
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 the 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 options of Knit Polo [Prices from Vanguard as of 9/2020].:
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A dark blue KNIT short sleeve shirt with the CAP seal SCREEN PRINTED in white lettering on the left breast. CAP0964 [$31.75]
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Dark blue tactical (fabric is more slippery; moisture wicking) polo shirt (short or long sleeves) with embroidered CAP seal on the right breast, and [some with] pen pocket on left sleeve. An embroidered name (first and last name) in white thread, and one‐service badge, aviation badge, occupational badge, specialty track badge or duty title on the left breast is optional. Females may wear either the male or the female version:
MALE Short Sleeve embroidered logo WITHOUT pocket: CAP0100 [$52.65 plain; add $9.90 for embroidery name and / or badge]
MALE Short Sleeve embroidered logo with pocket: CAP0170 [$43.65 plain; add $9.90 for embroidery name and / or badge]
MALE Long Sleeve embroidered logo WITHOUT pocket: CAP0100LS [$60.50 plain; add $9.90 for embroidery name and / or badge]
FEMALE Short Sleeve embroidered logo WITHOUT pocket: CAP0107 [$56.30 plain; add $9.90 for embroidery name and / or badge]
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 sock 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 shoe or boot 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)
MN Wing Patch: CAP0637V [$4.75]
Subtotal cost = approx $140, depending on the size
We have a squadron patch that we will give you.
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.
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The MN Wing patch on the left shoulder is to be 1/2 inch down from the shoulder seam and centered.
Black Boots:
There are boots at Vanguard: CAP2900A (mens) or CAP3300 (womens) for $119.10, but you can also get less expensive boots at Sportsman's Guide:
Google Map Link to Sportsman's Guide
for under $45:
Sportsman's Guide link directly to the boots NOTE: make sure to choose BLACK.
Or get any black tactical boots that can be polished on the front and back.
For Sportsman's Guide, call the store to see if you can try on the black boots. It might be that they can’t get the boots out of the warehouse for you to try on due to COVID and so might need to have them shipped to your house for a small shipping fee.
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/
OPTIONAL Green Fleece to wear with ABUs:
1. You can buy the optional green fleece at Vanguard but the cost is $81.35. A green fleece at Sportsman's Guide that meets regulation is significantly less at $32.99. Note: you can always just wear a civilian winter coat over any of your uniforms. Safety always comes first.
2. The Velcro name tape can be found at Vanguard for $3.95.
3. The Velcro Civil Air Patrol tape can be found at Vanguard for $3.55
4. Airman and NCOs use the this Velcro square from Vanguard to put an extra pin on (the square costs $1.65). The pins are sold separately. See Pins at Vanguard (price varies with grade). You can also ask at the squadron to see if there are pins for sale or Velcro squares with pins already in them. Pins are centered and mounted on the Velcro square and then the sharp point is bent down on the back side of the square to hold the pin in place (the frog clasps are not used).
5. For Cadet Officer Velcro Squares look at Vanguard and make sure the item says "Fleece Rank" to make sure it has the Velcro back (price is usually $1.65)
6. Don't forget to check out the Vanguard Military Facebook page for a monthly 10% off coupon: https://www.facebook.com/vanmilstore/
7. Vanguard Orders over $35 ship for free, so consider planning ahead for another uniform item you might need or get in on an order with a wingman to get free shipping.
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). If you can not find what you are looking for on their website, give them a call or visit their store in person. 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/
