----- Original Message -----

From: "Whitaker Harry Civ CAP/LOAK" <harry.whitaker@ELMENDORF.af.mil

Subject: CAP Uniforms

Over the past several months there has been several items covering wear of the Air Force style uniforms by CAP volunteers. Below is some information and guidance prepared by the Oregon State Director. He has stated the guidance much better than I can. So please review and pass on to your fellow CAP members. Take care,

Harry Whitaker, GS-12, State Director

CAP-USAF Liaison Office

552-3571W; 227-4920C

Several incidents have highlighted the need for comments on CAP uniforms. Appropriate wear of CAP uniforms has received increased emphasis from both CAP and the Air Force recently, and one reason for this email is that State Directors have been directed to become more involved in ensuring compliance with Air Force and CAP guidance than we were in the past. Normally, if we saw problems in the past, we brought them to the attention of the CAP leadership for resolution. Now the CAP-USAF Commander has directed increased involvement by the liaison staff. Here are some areas I would like to emphasize:

1. If you meet the grooming and weight standards specified in
CAPM 39-1, you may wear Air Force style uniforms.

2. If you don't meet those standards, you may not wear a military style uniform, whether or not it has any insignia or rank on it. This may especially concern those who don't meet grooming and/or weight standards who desire the protection provided by NOMEX. I believe that wearing NOMEX while flying definitely enhances safety, and was concerned that some people would no longer be afforded the opportunity to wear it. However, I have since discovered (most of you probably already knew) that a blue NOMEX flight suit, that does not have the weight and grooming requirements attached, is available from CAPMART. Other options are also available.

3. It is important for members of the Alaska Wing to police themselves so those from outside the organization don't need to. Here are some examples of problems that have been pointed out by Air Force and CAP visitors:

a. Flight suits worn with the zipper open more than 1/4 of the way open from the top.

b. Flight suits worn with street clothing exposed from the collar and/or the legs

c. People wearing the uniform who don't meet CAPM 39-1 weight and/or grooming standards

4. Proper wear of Air Force style uniforms is important for several reasons, including the fact that it conveys an image to the public of both

CAP and the Air Force. Most people who are not knowledgeable about the organization assume that CAP members they see in uniform are actually in the military. If uniform wear is improper, it reflects unfavorably on the Air Force and CAP, while proper wear enhances the image of both organizations and increases the confidence of the people we serve.

5. Another important reason for proper wear of the uniform is insurance coverage. In fact, if you are not in compliance with Paragraph 7-5 of CAPM 39-1 when you fly, you may be denied accident and death benefits by both the Air Force and CAP. If this happens to you, rest assured that you won't be the first because it has happened in the past.

6. CAPM-39-1 is dated 1 July 1997, and there have been a number of changes over the years since its publication. A summary of those changes is listed on the CAP NHQ website along with the CAP regulations, manuals and pamphlets. Colonel Senderling has informed me that the National Board recently approved a new draft of CAPM 39-1, so it should be coming out soon.

7. If you have questions, please take a look at the regulation and the summary of changes. If you still have questions that your squadron or wing leadership can't clear up, let me know and I will get an answer for you.