The Uniform

  Issued Uniform  
 

One thing many cadets look forward to is being issued their very own Air Cadet Uniform. The Cadet uniform is a source of great pride as it shows not only their link to the Squadron, but also their own accomplishments in their time as a Cadet.

Cadets are responsible for maintaining their uniform to a certain standard and will have to learn how to use a washing machine, iron and shoe polish to keep their uniform looking sharp.

This page will give you an idea of what uniforms our cadets receive,
as well as illustrated references regarding our uniform standards.

 
 

Within the first three weeks of joining, new cadets will be called upon by the Supply Officer to be fitted for a uniform. The Supply office maintains a small inventory of uniform parts and if the correct sizes are in stock, the cadet will get their uniform right away. However, if the cadet requires a uniform part that is not in stock, it must be ordered in from our supplier, a process which can take up to an additional 3-4 weeks. When the cadet’s uniform part(s) arrive, the cadet will be notified and again called to the Supply Office.

It is critical that the cadet takes care of their uniform, keeps it cleaned and in good order. If a cadet is missing uniform parts or has uniform parts that are too small or are damaged, they are to go to Supply office during a parade night to exchange or replace the item. It is the responsibility of the cadet to take the initiative to go to the Supply office to have parts exchanged or replaced when necessary.

All of our cadets are issued the following:

 
 

Dress Uniform

  • 1 Blue Dress Shirt

  • 1 pair of Trousers

  • 1 Tunic

  • 1 pair of Parade Boots

  • 1 set of Rank Slip-ons

  • 1 Necktie

  • 2 pair of Socks

  • 1 Belt

  • 1 Wedge

  • 1 pair of Squadron Shoulder Badges

 

Field Training Uniform (FTU)

  • 1 Field Training Jacket

  • 1 Field Training Trousers

  • 1 pair of General Purpose Boots

  • 2 Blue T-shirts

 
 
 
 

Notes:

  • Additional uniform items may be provided to cadets attending Summer Training Courses.

  • All uniform parts must be returned upon leaving the Cadet Program.

  • PARKA: Due to their expense, Cadet Parkas are only issued as available and may not be special ordered. During the Winter, Cadets without an issued parka may wear their personel winter coat over their uniform during outdoor Cadet activities and while traveling to/from Cadet activities.

  • Nametags are ordered for new cadets periodically throughtout the year. Nametags are not to be worn on the Parka or T-Shirts.

 
 
  Orders of Dress  
 
 

Cadets are expected to wear different Orders of Dress depending on each situation. You don't want to dress the same for sports or a survival exercise as you would for a ceremonial parade.

The table below describes each order of dress and when they will be used.
Cadets will be advised of expected orders of dress for different activities as they approach.

 
 

C1A - Ceremonial Dress

The C1A - Ceremonial Dress is to be worn during formal ceremonies or parades, church services, funerals or as part of a Guard of Honour. This is the highest level of dress worn by Air Cadets.

This order of dress includes:

  • Wedge

  • Blue Dress Shirt with
    Necktie and Rank Slip-ons

  • Tunic

  • Trousers with belt

  • Parade Boots and Socks

  • Medals and Pins

  • Cloth or Embroidered Pilot Wings

 

C2 - Mess Dress

The C2 - Mess Dress is to be worn at Mess or Formal Dinners and other occasions as ordered.

This order of dress includes:

  • Blue Dress Shirt
    (White Dress Shirt optional)

  • Necktie (black bow tie optional)

  • Tunic

  • Trousers with belt

  • Parade Boots and Socks

  • Medals and Pins

  • Cloth or Embroidered Pilot Wings

 
       

C3 - Service Dress (Winter)

The C3 - Routine Training Dress is to be worn during routine day-to-day training, parades, appropriate social occasions and other occasions as ordered.

This order of dress includes:

  • Wedge

  • Blue Dress Shirt with
    Necktie and Rank Slip-ons

  • Tunic

  • Trousers with belt

  • Parade Boots and Socks

  • Ribbons and Pins

  • Cloth or Embroidered Pilot Wings

The Tunic may be removed but Ribbons and Nametags must be worn on the Blue Dress Shirt

 

C3A - Service Dress (Summer)

The C3A - Routine Training Dress is to be worn during routine day-to-day training, parades, appropriate social occasions and other occasions as ordered.

This order of dress includes:

  • Wedge

  • Blue Dress Shirt with Rank Slip-ons (no Necktie)

  • Trousers with belt

  • Parade Boots and Socks

  • Ribbons and Pins

  • Metal Pilot Wings

The Tunic may be worn with the Dress Shirt collar extended over the Tunic collar and Ribbons and Nametags worn on the Tunic

 
       

C5 - Training Dress

The C5 - Training Dress (also known as Field Training Uniform or FTU) is to be worn during routine day-to-day training, and other occasions as ordered.

This order of dress includes:

  • Wedge or Beret

  • Field Training Jacket with
    single Rank Slip-on

  • Blue T-Shirt

  • Field Training Trousers with Belt

  • General Purpose Boots and Socks

   C5A - Training Dress (Summer)

Same as the C5 - Training Dress without the Field Training Jacket.

 

C5B - Flying Training Dress

The C5B - Flying Training Dress shall be worn by qualified individuals during flying familiarization activities.

This order of dress includes:

  • Wedge or Beret (Ball Caps may
    be worn while on the airfield)

  • Air Cadet Flight Suit with Rank Slip-ons

  • Blue T-Shirts

  • Shorts

  • Socks with Parade Boots

  • Socks with Parade Boots or General Purpose Boots

  • Cloth Pilot Wings

C5C - Sports Clothing

The C5C - Sports Clothing is to be worn during any physical fitness activity, and other occasions as ordered.

This order of dress includes:

  • Civilian sports attire must be conservative and no markings that could be deemed to be offensive or otherwise reflect discredit on the Cadet Program.

  • Ball Cap or Tilley Hat (if outdoors)

  • Blue T-Shirt

  • Shorts

  • Sports Socks

  • Runners (Non marking sole)

 
 
  Badge Placements  
 
 

Badges on Tunic Sleeves 

 
 
Example: Left Sleeve for Ranks below Warrant Officers  Example: Right Sleeve for Warrant Officer Ranks 
   
 
 

Notes:

  • Proficiency (Level) badges are removed on promotion to Warrant Officer.

  • Drum and Pipe Major Appointment badges are worn in place of Rank Insignia but are be removed from the uniform at the end of the appointment or on promotion to Warrant Officer.

  • Achievement and Certification badges are be worn on the Left Sleeve while and Summer Courses Qualification badges are be worn on the Right Sleeve, both starting approximately .5 cm above the cuff.  Badges are to be sewn to the tunic in the following order: centre (1), front (2), rear (3), centre (4), front (5), rear (6) as shown below.

 
 

Nametags and Pins

 
 

Left Pocket

 

Example: Left Pocket with Gliding Wings and one Participation/Competition Pin

Example: Left Pocket with Gliding Wings and two Participation/Competition Pins

Right Pocket

Example:  Right Pocket with Nametag and
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

Example:  Right Pocket with Nametag and one medal

Example:  Right Pocket with Nametag, Duke
of Edinburgh Award and one medal

Example:  Right Pocket with Nametag, three ribbons,
Duke of Edinburgh Award and commendation

 
  Personal Appearance  
 
 

Regulations on Hair styles and Personal adornment in the Cadet Program are uni-sex.  Hair may be long but must be worn so that the cadet's face is visible at all times (with or without headdress) and if the hair falls below the top of the collar it must be secured up or in a Ponytail, a Bun, a Single Braid, a Double Braid, a Multi-Braid Ponytail or a Multi-Braid Bun.  All styles of facial hair and sideburns are authorized but styles hair must be symmetrical to both sides of the face.

 
 
  Beard
Beard from profile
Moustache Facial Hair  
   
  Short hair from profile Ponytail from profile Collar length hair from profile Bun from profile  
           
   
Ponytail Single Braid
           
Double Braid Multi-braids Ponytail
  Multi-Braid Bun Single ear piercing Single 2.5 cm spacer   
     
 

Notes:

  • Jewellery must not impair the cadet's safety or ability to perform their duties and is not to be worn over uniform items or  be visible.  Tie-pins or clips may be worn but must be plain or with a Canadian military/Cadet insignia.

  • Rings are limited to maximum of two rings which are not of costume jewellery nature.   Rings shall not inhibit the execution of proper drill or cause an unsightly bulge in white or black gloves.

  • Cadets may wear make-up, whether in uniform or civilian clothes. They may wear nail polish, artificial nails, temporary lashes, and eyelash extensions unless it impairs the cadet's safety or ability to perform their duties. Safety must be considered at all times.

  • The only piercings authorized on parade are single or single set of stud or single stone earrings (one in each ear) are permitted in the ear lobe(s). These earrings shall not exceed one centimeter square or diameter. Gauges / spacers shall not exceed 2.5 cm in diameter.

 
 
 
  Wearing Poppies  
 
 

The Remembrance Day poppy is authorized to be worn on all uniforms from
the last Friday of October until Remembrance Day (November 11th).