Information for Current Cadets
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Orders of Dress for Cadets
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C1 - Ceremonial Dress
C1 is the highest order of dress with tunic and tie. If this order is worn without white webbing, gloves and lanyard, this is C1A
Wedge or turban with cloth cap badge
Shirt
Necktie
Jacket
Trousers
Boots
Socks
Medals
Competition Pins
Cloth Air Cadet glider/power pilot wings
Name Tag
Authorized Accoutrements:
Lanyard
White webbing
Gloves
C2 - Mess Dress
C2 is a uniform for wear in lieu of C1A (Ceremonial Dress) when formal dress is considered appropriate.
Outerwear:
The All-Season Jacket and black gloves can be worn as appropriate for winter dress instructions.
White Dress Shirt and Black bowtie (optional), OR
Blue shirt and Necktie
Jacket
Trousers
Boots
Socks
Ribbons & Pins
Note: wedge (headdress) and name tags are not worn with this order of dress.
If wearing the blue dress shirt, a necktie must be worn. If wearing a white dress shirt, a black bowtie must be worn
C5 - Field Training Uniform (FTUs)
This order of dress is typically worn during field training exercises and at the local unit for weekly training nights, as per the Commanding Officer’s discretion
Wedge, beret, or turban with cloth cap badge, or wide-brimmed hat or toque.
Blue t-shirt
Field shirt (tunic)
Field pants and belt
Rank slip-on
Socks
Field boots
Authorized accoutrements: appointment brassard; sleeves may be rolled up to elbows or worn extended with button closed.
C3 - Service Dress (Winter)
Service Dress or normal training dress. This order of dress is worn during the cooler Fall-Spring months and may be worn during the cooler months for slightly more formal orders of dress.
Wedge or turban with cloth cap badge
Shirt (rank slip-ons MUST be worn)
Necktie
Jacket
Trousers
Boots
Socks
Ribbons and pins
Cloth Air Cadet glider/power pilot wings
Name Tag
If open-necked order of dress is worn, the shirt collar shall be outside and over the jacket collar
C3A - Service Dress (Summer)
This order of dress is worn at the Squadron between the warmer Spring-Fall months, as well as at Cadet Training Centres during summer training
Wedge or turban with cloth cap badge
Shirt
Rank slip-ons
Trousers
Boots
Socks
Ribbons and Metal Air Cadet glider/power wings
Name Tag
Note: Competition Pins are NOT worn
C3C - Service Dress (Travel)
This dress is only authorized for travel when approved. Often used for travel to and from summer camps
Wedge or turban with cloth cap badge
Blue t-shirt
Jacket
Trousers
Boots
Socks
Ribbons and pins
Cloth Air Cadet Glider/ Power Pilot wings
Name Tag
How to wear specific uniform items
Beret
The beret shall be worn level on the head, with the sweatband above the eyebrows, the badge centred over the left eye, and the crown pulled downward to the right. The break of the sweatband shall be worn centred at the back of the head, with no draw string visible.
Wedge Cap
Worn on the right side of the head, centred front and back, with the front edge of the cap 2.5 cm (1 in) above the right eyebrow. Two Air Force buttons shall be attached in pre-cut holes at the front
Air Cadet Ball Cap
Worn square on the head with the sweatband 2.5 cm (1 in) above the eyebrows. The brim of the cap shall not have excessive or exaggerated curve and is not to be folded or creased down the centre
Wide-Brimmed Tan Summer Hat
Worn by cadets when undergoing training activities for which the regular headdress is unsuitable
Toque
Worn as an alternative winter headdress. Toques shall be worn flush against the top of the head and turned up once to show either a 7.5 cm (3 in) or a 10 cm (4 in) fold according to the design of the toque, with the lower edge of the fold 2.5 cm (1 in) above the eyebrows. The insignia is centered directly over the nose. According to the severity of the weather, the toque may be:
- worn up, square on the head and slightly angled towards the back; or
- pulled down at the sides and back to cover the ears.
Religious coverings
For spiritual and religious reasons, cadets may wear a modified long sleeve shirt in lieu of a short sleeve (SS) shirt, and a modified ankle length Service Dress skirt. Oxford shoes shall be worn with the skirt in lieu of ankle boots. In certain orders of dress, cadets may wear a long sleeve shirt under their short sleeve (SS) shirt or t-shirt. The long sleeve shirt, Service Dress skirt, and oxford shoes may be ordered through the chain of command.
Availability of religious covering by the CCO are based on the individual’s specific need and requirement. Supply of these items shall be provided through the CAF supply system and are based on availability at the time of the request. These uniform items shall be worn IAW A-DH-265-000/AG-001 CFP 265 Canadian Forces Dress Instructions.
Jackets (tunics)
Sleeves shall be roll-pressed with no creases. Jackets shall be worn fully buttoned-up except for the top button. This uniform item is informally referred to as a tunic.
Jacket Belts
Worn so that the excess of the belt, once attached, is on the left side of the buckle. The buckle shall be adjusted so that it is centred on the buttons of the jacket. Belts shall not exceed more than 5 cm (about 2 in) past the first permanent loop of the jacket. Exceedingly long belts shall not be tucked in but shall be exchanged for a size that fits
Trousers
Shall be worn as follows:
- with the trousers belt;
- pressed to have a crease down the front and back centre of each leg; and
- the length of the trousers should extend to the third eyelet from the bottom of the cadet ankle boot.
Belt for Trousers
The issued narrow black web belt with brass buckle shall be worn with the trousers. Belts should be worn so the excess belt protrudes from the buckle toward the wearer’s left. The buckle will be adjusted so the excess material is not visible and will give a ‘brass-on-brass’ look. Buckles with elemental / corps / squadron / CTC badges are authorized for wear with the uniform.
Shirt
Worn with or without tie. Rank slip-ons shall be worn with the shirt. Cadets may wear open neck with jacket. When worn open neck, shirt collar shall be worn over jacket collar.
Field Training Shirt
Worn with the sleeves rolled up or down and rank slip-ons shall be worn. Sleeves, when rolled up, will be sharp, flat, and neatly rolled past the elbow. No draw strings will be visible. Name tape may be worn
Field Training Pants
Shall be worn as follows:
- with trousers belt; and
- with pants legs bloused over the multi-purpose boot.
T-Shirt, Environmental
The t-shirt shall be worn under the Sea Training Uniform (STU), Field Training Uniform (FTU) and Flight Suit (C5B)
Rank slip-ons
Shall be worn with the following:
- shirt;
- the all-season coat (worn on both the liner and the exterior coat);
- the flight suit at the flying site;
- sea training uniform (STU); and
- field training uniform (FTU)
Insignia Shoulder Title
Shall be worn on both sleeves of the jacket
Necktie
Shall be knotted neatly using a Windsor knot, (see Figure 2-2-9) and be kept tight. Neutral, formal, or colour matching tiepins or clips may be worn
Tie knot
Socks
Grey wool socks may be worn with boots and running shoes. Cadets may elect to wear their own personal socks, grey or black, wool, cotton, or nylon, in lieu of the issued grey wool socks. Socks shall not be rolled down
Boots Ankle
Ankle boots shall be laced across horizontally from side to side. Boots shall be clean and always shone. They will not be modified with any type of metal cleats, hobnails, or other metal attachments to heel or sole
Shoes laces
Multi-Purpose Boot
Intended for wear as environmental dress with the Cadet FTU. Multi-purpose boots shall be cross laced and always kept clean. They may be blackened with boot polish but shall not be shone
Running Shoes
Worn with personal or issued sports clothing. As ordered by the corps / squadron / CTC CO, may be worn in any order of training or operational dress provided that the footwear is considered suitable for the type of activity. May be worn with ceremonial or service dress in lieu of boots only if the facility owner does not allow black soled boots
All-Season Coat
Worn IAW the following:
- may be worn year-round when weather conditions dictate;
- the liner and the exterior coat may be worn separately or as a set;
- when worn, the zipper and dome fasteners shall be fully closed to the second from the top button; and
- the liner alone shall not be worn for ceremonial events in public.
Gloves
Worn, when ordered by the training establishment CO, or as required during outdoor winter dress
Accessories
- Backpacks, laptop cases, briefcases, purses / handbags
- when carried as a shoulder-bag, the strap shall be suspended from the left shoulder;
- when carried as a messenger bag (cross body), the strap shall be suspended from the right shoulder;
- when carried, civilian-pattern bags / cases shall be of any solid colour. Accessories of any type shall not be attached to the exterior of the bag / case / backpack; and
- when carried, they shall be held in the left hand or suspended over the left shoulder. Backpacks may be worn over both shoulders.
- Umbrella. Umbrellas may be carried. They shall be of any dark solid colour.
Caring for Your Cadet Uniform
Follow all care instructions found on the labels of each item of uniform. Other than your FTUs you should dry clean your uniform at least once a year. Uniforms should be washed or cleaned regularly and if any visible soiling is present. A ironing cloth should always be used when ironing uniform items, Creases should be sharp in pants and the sleeves of button up shirts only. DO NOT put creases in tunics. Ensure all items are wrinkle free and free from any loose treads. Ensure badges and awards are placed properly are secure. Use a lint brush regularly especially if you live in a home with pets. Uniforms should be free from pet hair when wearing.
Storage Tips for Uniforms
Always hang your uniform when not in use. Store your uniform in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew. Use padded hangers to maintain the shape of jackets and ensure all buttons and zippers are fastened to avoid snags. Use a hanger specifically designed for pants so they hang to avoid unwanted creases. Garment bags will help keep uniforms clean and lint free.
Polishing and Accessories
Parade boots should be polished on a regular basis. All parts of the boot should be polished not just the toe. ONLY USE WAX BOOT POLISH. Do not apply other material to your boots to make them shine like lacquer or plastics. These will ruin the boot and may make polishing at a later date difficult if not impossible. If these items are used on your boots you may be responsible for replacement costs.
Polishing boots is a simple art. multiple layers of thinly applied was polish like M&B professional shoe polish with a soft cotton cloth designed for this purpose is the best way to achieve a mirror shine. Apply by using a single finger wrapped in the cloth. Lightly smear of polish on the cloth covered finger. Using water as a lubricant (dip finger in water) apply polish in a circular fashion until you no longer see swirls.
Use an old toothbrush to apply polish along the seam between the sole and leather uppers.
Hair and grooming expectations
Sewing guide
Right Sleeve
Left Pocket
Left Sleeve
Rank Insignia
Rank insignia is worn on both arms centerline on the sleeve. Ranks below Warrant Officer are worn midline between the tip of the elbow when bent and the seam on the shoulder. For Warrant Officers the rank should be 9cm from the top seam of the cuff.
Summer Camp Qualifications
The lower portion of the right sleeve, below Warrant Officer ranks is the location for badges awarded for attending and completing summer training courses. The first awarded qualification is sewn midline along the edge of the upper seam of the cuff. Additional qualifications are to be sewn in the order outlined below. Second award is to the right of the fist, third to the left, fourth center
directly above the first and so on.
Shoulder Flashes
Squadron shoulder flashes should be centered on each shoulder 2cm below the seam that runs along. the shoulder of the tunic. Ensure the flash is even as possible both sides compared to the seam.
Flight Wings
Glider pilot and power pilot wings are sewn center of the left pocket 0,5cm above the seam of the pocket. Only a single set of wings can be worn if the cadet is qualified in both.
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Competition Pins, Commendation Pins
Regional, Provincial, and National awards given in biathlon, marksmanship, and effective speaking are worn in the centre of the left pocket. National and Regional commendations awards are worn centred on the right pocket. Only two awards can be worn, as pictured above.
Name Tag
Name tags are centreed on the right pocket touching the top seam. If a medal or ribbon is worn the name tag will sit 0.5cm above the top of the ribbon, centred on the pocket.
Medals and Ribbons
Medals and ribbons are placed centred on the pocket. Ribbons are pinned with the bottom edge resting on the seam of the pocket while medals are pinned with the top edge 1cm above the seam.
Rank Insignia
Rank insignia is worn on both arms centerline on the sleeve. Ranks below Warrant Officer are worn midline between the tip of the elbow when bent and the seam on the shoulder. For Warrant Officers the rank should be 9cm from the top seam of the cuff.
Squadron Qualifications
The lower portion of the right sleeve, below Warrant Officer ranks is the location for badges awarded for attending and completing summer training courses. The first awarded qualification is sewn midline along the edge of the upper seam of the cuff. Additional qualifications are to be sewn in the order outlined below. Second award is to the right of the fist, third to the left, fourth center 
directly above the first and so on.
Shoulder Flashes
Squadron shoulder flashes should be centered on each shoulder 2cm below the seam that runs along. the shoulder of the tunic. Ensure the flash is even as possible both sides compared to the seam.
Essential Resources for Cadets
Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATOs)
The Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATOs) serve as essential guidelines for all cadets, providing comprehensive instructions on various aspects of cadet life. These orders cover everything from uniform regulations to training protocols, ensuring that cadets maintain the highest standards of discipline and conduct. Familiarizing yourself with CATOs is crucial for understanding your responsibilities and maximizing your experience within the 878 Banff/Canmore Squadron.