Wear your uniform with pride.

Below is a cadet in full uniform (C-1). This is what you will wear on CO’s parades and other important parades and events. On regular training nights when we are in winter dress you will wear the same thing, but cadets with medals will only wear ribbons (C-2). Winter dress period begins in mid-October and ends at the end of May. Check the squadron announcements for the proper dress every week. During summer dress periods you will not wear your tunic or tie. (C-2B). See the page Uniform – Dress Codes for more specific information and examples.

Always Remember you are representing Canada and its Service Members.

While you are not a member of the Canadian Forces, you have been issued and will wear the same uniform as all the Canadian Air Force members, past and present. It must be worn properly, with respect and pride. You are representing not only yourself, but your squadron, your provincial Air Cadet League, the Government of Canada and all the current and former Forces members and Veterans. Looking sharp, acting with Honour and Dignity while wearing your uniform shows your respect to all those before you that have worn that uniform and that you appreciate the history and tradition that the uniform represents.

Your Uniform is Government Property.

When you joined cadets your parents signed your enrolment form. By signing the enrolment form your parents have taken responsibility for all parts of your uniform. As a result, you are always responsible for all parts of your uniform. You should follow these rules:

1. Do not leave your uniform lying around.
2. Mark your name in every piece of your uniform.
3. Return damaged or poorly fitting parts of your uniform to your squadron supply and get new parts.
4. Be sure that any parts of your uniform that you return are signed off when you return them.
5. You must return your uniform promptly if you leave the squadron.

The uniform you have just been issued is on loan to you for as long as you are an Air Cadet. It is important that you treat the uniform with the care and respect it deserves. Cadets requiring new uniform parts should speak directly with the Squadron Supply Officer (SupO.).

If you are unable to wear your complete uniform, having outgrown an item or have not yet been issued a uniform, please wear black pants and a white long-sleeve dress shirt.

Headdresses:

• The headdresses shall be worn at all times in uniform except when eating, when in an eating establishment, or when in a place of worship. Headdress may also be removed while in transit on public transportation but must be replaced before exiting the vehicle. Cadets travelling in uniform typically are expected to keep headdress on, but may remove it en route if the design of the vehicle makes its wear impractical, on extended trips or at the discretion of the senior officer present. The headdress is also customarily removed when seated in class.
• Wedge – The wedge is the primary headdress. It shall be worn centred on the head, two finger widths above the eyebrows and tilted slightly right.
• Wide-Brimmed Tan Summer Hat – The “Tilley” hat shall be worn for summer training sports activities. It is to be worn square on the head with the string used to secure it.
• Toque – The toque may be worn outside in cold weather.

Shirts:

• Short Sleeve Dress Shirt – The short sleeve dress shirt (gun shirt) is worn during the summer with the top button open. It is also worn with the necktie under the tunic on formal occasions. It shall be kept clean and wrinkle-free. The only crease is to be down the centre of each sleeve starting at the centre of each epaulette. Rank slip-ons shall be worn on the shirt epaulettes. The shirt shall be tucked into the pants at all times.
• Dark Blue T-shirt – The dark blue t-shirt is worn during some training at the discretion of the squadron. It shall be wrinkle-free at all times.
• White long sleeve dress shirt – A white long sleeve dress shirt is worn with C-8 Mess Dress. If a white long sleeve dress shirt is not available then the short sleeve dress shirt (gun shirt) may be worn it its place.

Tunic:

• Tunic with Cloth Belt – The tunic is the formal jacket of the cadet uniform. It is worn over the dress shirt and necktie on all formal occasions. It shall always be fully buttoned, with the exception of the top button, and shall be kept clean and wrinkle-free. The sleeves of the jacket shall have no creases. The cloth tunic belt shall be worn so the excess of the belt (not more than 8 cm) is on the left side of the buckle. The buckle shall be centred on the uniform. Nothing is to be carried in the tunic pockets, and all pocket flaps shall be buttoned at all times.

Jacket (Parka):

• All-season Jacket – The all-season jacket (parka) may be worn year round when weather conditions dictate. The liner and the exterior jacket may be worn separately or as a set. Rank slip-ons shall be worn on both shoulders.

Pants/Trousers:

• Pants– The pants shall be pressed so as to have creases down the centre of each leg in the front and the back. Creases in the front shall extend from the first belt loops to the bottom of the legs. Creases in the back shall extend from the back centre belt loop to the bottom of the legs. Creases shall not be sewn or glued. Do not carry bulky items in the pockets.

Footwear:

• Boots – Black ankle boots (Parade Boot) should be cleaned and polished on a regular basis. The whole boot is to be polished, not just the toe. The areas of the boot where the sole meets the leather are to be cleaned and blackened with an small brush and black polish. Boots are to be laced horizontally from side-to-side. When the boot laces are tied, the ends of the laces are to be tucked inside the boot. Boots should be worn alongside grey wool socks.

Miscellaneous:

• Wool Socks – Grey wool socks shall be worn with boots. If a cadet suffers from a recognized allergy to wool, the cadet may wear grey cotton or nylon socks with approval from the Commanding Officer.
• Black Belt with Silver Buckle – The black belt with silver buckle shall always be worn with the cadet trousers. The buckle is to be centred with the brass end meeting the brass buckle with no black showing between the two. The belt length will need to be adjusted in order for this to occur.
• Necktie – The black necktie shall be worn with the dress shirt under the tunic on formal occasions. It shall be knotted neatly using a Windsor knot or Four-in-Hand knot and kept tight. When tied, it will extend to the middle of the pants belt buckle.
• Bow tie – A black bow tie is the preferred necktie when wearing C-8 Mess Dress. If a black bow tie is not available then the standard necktie may be used in its place.
• Rank Slip-ons – Rank slip-ons shall be worn on the epaulettes of both shoulders on the short sleeve dress shirt and the all-season jacket, but not the tunic.
• Name tag – Your first name tag will be provided to you by the squadron free of charge. Cadets are requested to reimburse the Squadron for the cost of a replacement name tag if one is needed. It is worn centred over the right breast pocket of the short sleeve dress shirt and tunic.
• Badges – All badges are to be sewn onto the tunic neatly with thread that blends in with the colour of the badge and the uniform.
• Remembrance Day Poppy – The Remembrance Day poppy shall be worn on the uniform on Remembrance Day (November 11th) and for a total of two weeks prior to Remembrance Day. The poppy is worn centred on the left pocket flap of the tunic, or if wearing the all-season jacket, centred on the left breast above the heart.