This lesson will cover the proper wear of the Air Force-Style CAP uniform and grooming standards for CAP personnel. It starts with personal grooming standards while wearing military uniforms including links to all minor areas such as hairnets. The rest of the lesson consists of all the main USAF style military uniforms with links to some minor areas.

The way we present ourselves says a lot about the standards we set in accomplishing the CAP mission so it’s important to set our standards high and meet them. Air Force and CAP dress and grooming standards are a mixture of tradition and practicality. The uniform draws attention to the individual. The image you present will leave with everyone you meet a lasting impression about you, the Civil Air Patrol, and the entire Air Force. Any large business or organization that wants to be recognized as professional sets certain standards of dress and grooming for its personnel. The CAP is no different.

Members of CAP should be well-groomed and ensure that their personal appearance at all times reflects credit upon themselves and the CAP. CAP Manual 39-1 Attachment 2 defines maximum allowable weight standards for CAP members to wear the Air Force style uniform. Senior members who do not meet the standards of wear for the Air Force uniform for reasons of grooming or fitness are not barred from membership or active participation, but rather are restricted from wearing the military style Air Force uniform. In such cases, members may wear certain CAP unique clothing (reference CAPM 39-1).