Uniforms
Where and What to Get
There are two uniforms for cadets -- ABUs and Blues.
If you are a new cadet do not worry about trying to get blues right off the bat, your first uniform should be a set of ABUs; blues can be picked up with a Curry voucher from Vanguard once you pass your first promotion.
So where do I get uniforms?
Uniforms are available from a number of sources.
An Army & Air Force Exchange's military clothing store is of course an official source of Air Force type uniforms and it's great to be able to try them on for the right fit, but it's not always a convenient option and they don't always have small enough sizes to accommodate younger cadets. (Additionally, military clothing stores no longer carry ABUs as the Air Force has transitioned to OCPs.)
Vanguard is the official supplier of the Civil Air Patrol and as such they carry all things CAP. The one thing that I personally have found with the cadet ABUs was that the trousers ordered weren't long enough and also had defects like uncut button holes. The last item with ordering from Vanguard is the cost of shipping!
Commercial Vendors, the list is endless and while the most readily available thing is ABUs, blues are also available from many sources.
Ebay. Yes, eBay is a good and often cheap source for uniforms and gear, but you really need be savvy about what your buying.
With all sources, if you have questions seek answers from your flight staff or other experienced cadets. -- Better to ask than get things wrong!
For all members, the ultimate authority on what uniform you can or can not wear and how to wear it -- CAPR 39-1 Civil Air Patrol Uniform Regulation
"1.1.2.1. CAP’s USAF-style uniform policies will adhere to USAF standards found in the appropriate USAF instructions. Differences from USAF standards will be only those differences required to meet unique CAP requirements and allowed by USAF-approved exceptions. CAP honors our special relationship with the USAF through closely adhering to the policies set for the USAF’s uniform." - CAPR 39-1 As such all squadron members who intend to wear the USAF-style uniforms are encouraged to review "AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 36-2903 DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL" and visit https://www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Dress-and-Appearance/
Locations
March ARB (Despite the drive, probably the most accommodating in terms (a) carrying USAF uniforms and (b) ease of access, as the Exchange and MCS are technically off base.)
Bldg 758 23640 N St. Riverside , CA 92518
Military Clothing (951.653.3111 ext.121)
Mon-Thu 0930-1800
Fri-Sat 0930-1900
Sun 1030-1800
Los Angeles AFB (Side note, the last two times I've tried to go here they have not allowed me past the front gate; claimed that I could only be allowed on by a sponsor. I don't know what is up with that.)
483 N Aviation Blvd. Bldg 252 El Segundo , CA 90245
Military Clothing (310.414.9404)
Mon-Sat 0800-1700
Sun 1000-1600
Los Alamitos JFTB Troop Store & Military Clothing
(This facility is an Exchange however it is heavily Army orientated, despite that fact it does have some small items of interest to CAP members and with your ID, yes, you may purchase some of those things.)
4340 Yorktown Ave. Bldg 27 (562.430.1076)
Mon 0900-1600
Tue-Fri 0900-1700
Sat-1000-1700
Sun-1000-1600
A word of advise if you do go to an Air Force Base and shop at a military clothing store inside an Exchange or else where on the base, you are a guest -- act accordingly! We have privileges (the link to CAPR 147-1 is provided below) but in the end of day it is just that, a privilege -- no one owes you anything. Do not argue with base personnel or act in any other manner that would bring discredit to the Squadron and CAP.
CAPR 147-1 Army and Air Force Exchange privileges of Civil Air Patrol Members
Civil Air Patrol orders are handled exclusively by Vanguard's east coast division: 1172 Azalea Garden Norfolk, VA 23502 | 800.221.2164
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/ ... I have yet to try this, saw it on another CAP website.
Miscellaneous
Salute Industries Inc. -- service & dress uniforms
Saunders Military Insignia - CAP Letters Metal Bright Insignia
Uniform Accessories Unlimited, Inc. | Air Force Uniform Items
The Supply Room | US Military - Air Force
1 800 Nametape (Spur Nametapes)
"MIDNIGHT NAVY TWILL with THREAD COLOR: SILVER" is not quite to CAP specs, it's just a little too dark. "CAMBRIDGE BLUE TWILL with SILVER" might be the right combo, but I haven't tried it yet.
eBay can be a good source for uniforms and gear, but of course the old adage -- buyer beware certainly applies. You need to really know what you are looking for in some cases. Take for example the Air Force service uniform, of which there have been a few different versions over the years; better to do your homework than look like a re-enactor.
Here two search headers to get you started:
ABU Patterned Uniforms | Military Uniform Supply, Inc. -- as of 07 MAR 22, things are listed "Clearance! Buy now" so I don't know how long supply will last.
U.S. Patriot Tactical -- Air Force Uniforms (seems to have the most abundance at this time -- 07 MAR 22)
Propper International - ABUs (a commercial manufacturer of ABUs clearance -- 07 MAR 22)
Civil Air Patrol | Glenn's Army Surplus, Inc. look here but also under "Digital Tiger Stripe"
American Uniform Sales, Inc. (bags and gear)
What about smaller sized cadets?
It can be a real challenge to find uniforms that fit. The Air Force only had uniforms made down to a certain size adult, not twelve year old cadets. So obviously Vanguard carries CAP ABUs in cadet sizes, but what other options are there? Well, I have found that Military Uniform Supply, Inc. does have "kids military uniforms" in ABU pattern that look pretty decent. I don't have any reviews to report at this time, so I honestly have no idea how they fit or what all, just that the appearance is decently genuine -- the ABU jacket has a flap over the buttons like the real thing. Kids Military Uniforms
More about the actual uniform HERE
Note: A word of caution if you get nametapes from someplace other than Vanguard, be sure that it is materials and colors as outlined in CAPR 39-1. "Nametapes will be light silver block lettering on dark blue background." And additionally, even for the senior member corporate field uniform (the dark blue BDUs) ultramarine cloth nametapes and rank will not be worn after 15 June 2021.