Cadet Alternates
Brand new to the Squadron? Then this is the uniform that you will be wearing.
But is it really a uniform? YES, absolutely!
Merriam-Webster definitions of uniform
uniform adjective
uni·form | \ ˈyü-nə-ˌfȯrm \
Definition of uniform (Entry 1 of 4)
1: having always the same form, manner, or degree : not varying or variable
uniform procedures
2: consistent in conduct or opinion
uniform interpretation of laws
3: of the same form with others : conforming to one rule or mode : CONSONANT
4: presenting an unvaried appearance of surface, pattern, or color
uniform red brick houses
5: relating to or being convergence of a series whose terms are functions in such manner that the absolute value of the difference between the sum of the first n terms of the series and the sum of all terms can be made arbitrarily small for all values of the domain of the functions by choosing the nth term sufficiently far along in the series
uniform noun
Definition of uniform (Entry 3 of 4)
: dress of a distinctive design or fashion worn by members of a particular group and serving as a means of identification
broadly : distinctive or characteristic clothing
So if it's a uniform there has to be standards right?
(That was rhetorical.) Yes! There certainly are standards for wearing the cadet alternate uniform. From the top down, here we go!
Hat (we call them covers)
When you signed up and paid your squadron dues and supply fee you were issued a plain dark blue ball cap -- this is your cover
Your cover should be clean and positioned squarely on your head with the bill forward
The same as any uniform, your cover should be on when you are outdoors and off when you're indoors
Squadron Tee-shirt
Another item you received after signing up
Your Squadron tee-shirt needs to be clean, wrinkle free, and neatly tucked into your pants
Jacket (or Sweatshirt)
While there is no issued outerwear, jackets or sweatshirts should be:
Solid print, without loud designs or patterns
Preferably without logos, or with very small logos
Darker colors preferred -- blue, grey, or black
Belt
Another item received after you signed up
Sand (light tan) rigger's belt
This is the same belt you will use with your ABUs once you get them
Blue Jeans
Like the outerwear, this isn't issued but you should try your best to adhere to the standard
Dark blue, solid color jeans or pants
Clean, unwrinkled, free of significant tears
Pant legs will not be rolled, tucked, or bloused
Footwear
The only standard to adhere to with footwear when wearing the cadet alternate uniform is that they be closed toe
No sandals, flip flops, or Crocs
Boots that you're going to wear with ABUs (once they come in) are acceptable as well (see the "boots" section for further guidance)