FOREWORD
1. This CATO is issued to provide Air cadets with the policy and instructions for wearing the authorized Air cadet uniform.
2. When authorized to wear the uniform, all cadets shall wear the Air cadet uniform as detailed in this order. Squadron (Sqn) Commanding Officers (COs) shall ensure that cadets under their command are dressed in accordance with this CATO.
AUTHORITY
3. The Senior Staff Officer of Air Cadets (SSO Air Cdts) is responsible for setting dress instructions for Air cadets. Changes to dress policy or instructions, uniform or designs of the cadet uniform, uniform accessories, accoutrements or insignia shall only be made with the approval of the SSO Air Cdts.
DEFINITIONS
4. In this CATO, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following words will have these meanings:
“Air cadet”
a person of not less than 12 years of age but less than 19 years of age who is a member of the Air cadet organization authorized by the Minister pursuant to Section 46 of the National Defence Act.
(cadet de l’Air)
“Air cadet uniform”
means the Air cadet uniform issued under the scale of issue.
(uniforme des cadets de l’Air)
“Canadian Forces (CF)”
means the Armed Forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada, and consists of one service called the Canadian Forces.
(Forces canadiennes)
“Issued kit”
all scaled items of clothing and accoutrements that are issued free of charge to all Air cadets.
(matériel distribué)
a cadet who participates in advanced training at a Cadet Summer Training Centre (CSTC).
(cadet-cadre)
SHALL, MAY, SHOULD
5. In this CATO these words denote the following:
a. shall – to be construed as imperative;
b. may – to be construed as permissive; and
c. should – to be construed as informative.
UNIFORM – GENERAL
6. The uniform, accessories, accoutrements, insignia and orders of dress set out in this CATO are those authorized for wear by Air cadets pursuant to Queen’s Regulations and Orders (QR (Cadets)) for the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO), Article 5.22.
7. Optional items of dress shall be purchased, replaced, modified and maintained by the cadet, sqn or Sponsoring Committee at no expense to the public and without obligation to the cadet.
AUTHORIZED UNIFORM – PUBLIC FUNDS
8. Air cadet uniform. The Air cadet uniform as scaled in D08-101 is authorized for wear. Air cadet uniform numbered orders of dress are described at Annex A.
9. Blue flying suit. The blue flying suit as scaled in D08-113 is authorized for cadets participating in the Power Pilot Scholarship and the Glider Pilot Scholarship.
10. Cadet field training uniform. The cadet field training uniform shall be distributed to staff cadets and cadets on specific courses at CSTCs in accordance with the appropriate scale of issue.
11. White plastic/nylon belt. The white plastic/nylon belt as scaled in D08-104AD is authorized for Air cadets.
AUTHORIZED OPTIONAL UNIFORM/ITEMS – AT NO EXPENSE TO THE PUBLIC
12. Highland dress. The optional Highland dress is described at Annex B. The diagram of the cadet jacket – doublet pattern is found at Annex B, Appendix 1. Highland dress is only authorized for wear by musicians and the drum major of a pipe band and also highland dancers. For these cadets, the Highland dress shall only be worn at parades or events where they are participating in their capacity as a musician, drum major or highland dancer.
13. In order to minimize the initial expense involved in outfitting a cadet in Highland dress, sqns are encouraged to parade their cadets in the standard cadet uniform. As funds become available, sqns should then convert the standard cadet uniform into the numbered orders of Highland dress, utilizing the following sequence:
a. H-3 Duty dress;
b. H-2 Duty dress; and
c. H-1 Ceremonial dress.
14. Lanyards, Gaiters and Cotton Gloves. These items may be worn in ceremonial parades when authorized by the sqn or CSTC CO. Lanyards, gaiters and cotton gloves worn by Air cadets must be white. Lanyards are worn on the left-hand side, must measure from 72 to 78 cm in length and must be of conservative pattern; see Annex F, Appendix 4 for illustrated reference.
15. Bands. Sqns are authorized to obtain and use/wear the following items:
a. pipe cover, cords and tassels:
(1) pipe bag cover – velvet (velveteen), burgundy with white wool fringe/trim, and
(2) cords and tassel – white silk;
b. mace, Drum Major sash and leather gloves:
(1) a mace,
(2) a Drum Major’s sash. The sash inscriptions should include the sqn number plus the RCAC crest or the sqn’s crest, and
(3) white leather gloves with long rigid cuffs; and
c. bass drums. The inscription on the drums should be that of the sqn shoulder flash plus the crest of the RCAC or sqn.
16. Air cadets are authorized to obtain and use/wear the following items:
a. metal wings (Glider and Power). May be obtained from the Air Cadet League (ACL). They may be worn on the short-sleeve shirt only with all orders of dress, except for cadets on courses at CSTCs. The illustrated reference for placement of the wings can be found at Annex F, Appendix 6;
b. silver and gold braided thread wings. May be obtained from the ACL. They are worn only on the jacket in lieu of wings presented upon completion of the Power Pilot or Glider Pilot Scholarship. The illustrated reference for placement of the wings can be found at Annex F, Appendix 6;
c. name tag. Can be obtained locally. The standard CF name tag shall be detachable, made of blue and white laminated plastic plate 6.3 cm in length and 1.2 cm in height, inscribed with white lettering 0.6 cm high, and shall indicate the surname of the cadet only. The illustrated reference for placement of the name tag is shown at Annex F, Appendix 5;
d. blue flying suit. Cadets who are authorized to wear pilot wings IAW CATO 52-04 and who are participating in flying activities as pilots at the different Gliding Sites are also authorized to wear the blue flying suit. The wedge will be worn with the flying suit except when another headdress is authorized by the RCA Ops O. Rank slip-ons, sewn-on pilot wings, sewn-on nametags and regional badge/crest approved by the RGS may be worn on the flying suit;
e. cadet field training uniform. Cadets are authorized to wear the cadet field training uniform (colour, olive green) during sqn survival exercises when authorized by the sqn CO. Headdress (the wedge or blue beret with the Air cadet hat insignia, wide-brimmed tan summer hat or toque) and cadet rank slip-ons shall be worn with the cadet field training uniform. Cadet field training uniforms obtained by cadets for sqn training shall not be taken to CSTCs. The CADPAT is the current CF field combat clothing uniform. The wear of CADPAT by cadets is not permitted in any circumstances.
f. civilian field combat pattern clothing. Cadets are authorized to wear civilian field combat pattern clothing during sqn survival exercises when authorized by the sqn CO. Air cadet headdress, hat insignia and rank slip-ons shall not be worn with civilian field combat pattern clothing or any civilian clothing including the “Cadet Field Uniform” available for purchase through the Army Cadet League of Canada website;
g. white shirt. Plain, long-sleeved, standard cuff design, with turned down collar. For wear by male and female cadets with C-8 Mess Dress;
h. black bow tie. Hand tied, approximately 12 cm (4-3/4 in.) in length, 4 cm (1-1/2 in.) at square ends and 2 cm (3/4 in.) wide at knot or permanently tied with square ends. For wear by male and female cadets with C-8 Mess Dress;
i. belt and buckle with Air cadet badge for trousers/slacks. A narrow black web belt with brass buckle displaying the Air cadet badge. Only those buckles with the Air cadet badge or without any badge are allowed with the uniform;
j. CANEX Air parka/windbreaker. May be worn with the cadet uniform when travelling to or from the sqn training site, but not during official parades where all cadets must dress the same way. Rank slip-ons must be worn;
k. umbrella. The use of a black umbrella is authorized for Air cadets. The umbrella should be of conservative style. It shall not be carried on parade;
l. black gloves or mitts. Plain black civilian pattern gloves or mitts may be worn with the parka or all-season jacket when weather conditions dictate;
m. backpack. Civilian pattern backpack, of conservative appearance, may either be carried in the left hand or worn suspended from both shoulders and square on the back. No item will be suspended from the backpack and straps shall not be left loose;
n. purse (female cadets only):
(1) the purse is held in the left hand or suspended over the left forearm, and
(2) when the purse is carried as a shoulder bag, the strap shall be suspended from the left shoulder with the top of the purse not higher than waist level. The purse shall not be carried as a shoulder bag with the strap shortened to handbag length; and
o. other civilian clothing. Civilian clothing, other than those specific items listed in this CATO, shall not be worn with the cadet uniform unless authorized by the sqn or CSTC CO in special circumstances.
UNAUTHORIZED UNIFORMS/ITEMS
17. This CATO details the dress policy and authorized items of dress. If an item of wear is not included in this CATO, it is not authorized and shall not be worn.
18. Air cadets shall not wear the following uniforms/badges:
a. any form of CF uniform or cadet uniform, past or present, not described in this CATO; and
b. CF rank or qualification badges or any other badges not described in this CATO.
19. Ascots. Are not authorized for Air cadets.
20. Chinstays. Are not authorized for Air cadets.
21. Sword, cutlass, pace stick or drill cane. Carrying or using a sword, cutlass, pace stick or drill cane of any type is not authorized for Air cadets. The only exception shall be for Air cadets participating at an Army or Sea CSTC as a course cadet or Staff Cadet. This exception will allow Air cadets to fully participate in the training and accept parade appointments at these CSTCs where carrying or using a sword, cutlass, pace stick or drill cane is required.
ISSUED KIT
22. Provision. All cadets shall be provided with the authorized issued kit as scaled in D08-101. Cadets are responsible for care, cleaning and custody of the issued kit and also to return it when ceasing to be a cadet.
23. Replacement. Replacement of issued kit shall be at public expense, when required.
24. Alterations/modifications. Issued kit shall not be altered or modified except to obtain a reasonable fit or to convert jackets to doublet pattern as authorized for Highland Dress. The cost of alterations or modifications shall be at no expense to the public.
25. Sewing of badges. Badges shall be sewn on the uniform neatly using a thread that blends with the badge and uniform. Badges shall not be glued.
WEARING OF UNIFORM
26. Cadets shall wear the uniform when:
a. attending training or proceeding to or from a place of training unless the sqn CO gives directives to the contrary;
b. proceeding to or from a CSTC; and
c. attending ceremonies or functions at which the wearing of uniform is appropriate and authorized by the sqn or CSTC CO.
UNIFORMITY OF DRESS
27. All cadets parading as a group shall normally be required to wear the same order of dress. The sqn CO may authorize certain cadets to wear a different order of dress as dictated by the type of parade or function if this CATO authorizes such dress.
WEARING ITEMS OF DRESS
28. When wearing the Air cadet uniform, the following shall apply:
a. Sikh dress policy. See Annex C;
b. wedge. The wedge shall be worn on the right side of the head, lower point of the front crease in the centre of the forehead and with the front edge of the cap 2.5-cm above the right eyebrow. Two Air Force buttons must be attached in pre-cut holes at the front;
c. wedge – hat badge. A new woven insignia has replaced the metal insignia previously used. The woven insignia shall be sewn on the left side of the wedge by the manufacturing company; see the illustrated reference at Annex F, Appendix 1;
d. wide-brimmed tan summer hat. May be worn by cadets in summer activities for which the wedge is unsuitable;
e. toque. May be worn by cadets when weather conditions dictate;
f. rank slip-ons. Shall be worn on both shoulders with the short-sleeve shirt, the all-season jacket (worn on both the liner and the exterior jacket), the CANEX Air parka and windbreaker at the sqn, with the blue flying suit at the flying site for authorized cadets, with the cadet field training uniform during sqn survival exercises when authorized by the sqn CO and also on all authorized orders of dress by Staff Cadets at the CSTC;
g. short sleeve shirt. Worn with or without the tie and also with or without the jacket;
h. necktie. Shall be knotted neatly using a Windsor or four-in-hand knot and shall be kept tight. The illustrated reference on knotting of a tie is shown at Annex F, Appendix 3. Plain gold colour tie clips or pins may be used. When jacket is removed the tie shall not be tucked into the shirt except for safety reasons;
i. T-shirt. The T-shirt may be worn with or without the jacket but the jacket must be worn when proceeding to and from the sqn’s location. Starting in September 2011, the light blue cotton T-shirt shall be gradually replaced by the dark blue cotton T-shirt. Cadets shall be authorized to wear the light blue cotton T-shirt during the transition period;
j. crewneck sweater. The crewneck sweater may be worn with or without the jacket but the jacket must be worn when proceeding to and from the sqn’s location. Sleeves shall not be rolled or taken up;
k. CF wool sweater, V-neck (CSTC Staff Cadets only). May be worn when weather conditions dictate;
l. jacket. The jacket with cloth belt shall be worn fully buttoned with the exception of the top button. Jackets may be removed in buildings and offices when authorized. The sleeves of the jacket shall be roll-pressed with no creases. Only those plastic blue buttons distributed with the uniform jacket may be worn;
m. jacket belt. Shall be worn so as the excess of the belt, once attached, is on the left side of the buckle. The buckle shall be adjusted so that the excess of the belt on the left side is not more than 8 cm;
n. trousers/slacks. The trousers/slacks shall be steam pressed without starch so as to have creases down the centre of each leg in the front and back. Creases shall extend from the top of the leg to the bottom; they shall not be sewn or glued. The length should extend to the 3rd eyelet of the ankle boot;
o. trousers/slacks belt. A belt must be worn with the trousers/slacks. Authorized belts are the issued black belt as scaled in D08-101 and the belts identified at paragraph 16i above;
p. CF nylon raincoat (CSTC Staff Cadets only). May be worn when weather conditions dictate;
q. all-season jacket. May be worn year round when weather conditions dictate. The liner and the exterior jacket may be worn separately or as a set;
r. black wool gloves. May be worn by cadets when weather conditions dictate;
s. boots. Shall be laced across horizontally from side to side. Boots shall not be modified with any type of metal cleats, hobnails or other metal attachments to heel or sole. No varnish other than shoe polish can be used to shine the boots. The illustrated reference on lacing footwear is shown at Annex F, Appendix 10;
t. grey wool socks. Shall be worn with boots and running shoes. A cadet may elect to wear his own personal socks, grey or black, wool, cotton or nylon, in lieu of the grey wool socks received;
u. running shoes. Shall be worn as directed by the sqn or CSTC CO;
v. grey sports shorts. Shall be worn as directed by the sqn or CSTC CO; and
w. grey sports T-shirt. Shall be worn as directed by the sqn or CSTC CO. Starting in September 2011, the grey sports T-Shirt shall be gradually replaced by the dark blue cotton T-shirt. Cadets shall be authorized to wear the grey sports T-Shirt during the transition period.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
General
29. The standard of personal dress, appearance and grooming shall be such as to reflect credit on the individual and on the Air Cadet Organization. The regulations are not intended to be too restrictive. Their intent is to ensure a high standard of grooming consistent with that expected of cadets while also recognizing the standards of Canadian society.
30. Cadets in uniform shall be well groomed with footwear cleaned and shone. Their uniform shall be clean and properly pressed at all times. In particular, buttons, fasteners and zippers shall be kept closed. Pockets shall not be bulged; items such as glasses, sun-glasses, glasses cases, pens, pencils, key-rings or paper shall not be visibly extended nor protrude from pockets or be suspended from waist belts or pockets. Headsets from a radio receiver, tape/CD player or other personal entertainment device shall not be worn.
Deportment
31. Chewing gum, slouching, sauntering, placing hands in pockets, smoking or eating on the street, walking hand in hand, and similar deportment which detracts from a proud and orderly appearance in the eyes of the public is unacceptable for cadets in uniform. The object of this guideline is to project an image of a disciplined and self-controlled group. Thus, as one example, physical displays of affection between uniformed cadets shall be avoided.
Hair
32. See Annex F, Appendix 2. Hair on the head shall be neatly groomed and conservatively styled. The length, bulk and style of hair shall not preclude the proper wear of the wedge (bulk is the distance that the mass of hair extends from the skin, when groomed, as opposed to the length of hair). In particular, style and colour shall not be bizarre, exaggerated or unusual appearance. Unusual colours such as green, bright red, orange, purple, etc are not permitted. Hair must be secured or styled back to reveal the face and any accessories used to secure or control hairstyles shall be as unobtrusive as possible. Hair ornaments shall not be worn, except for female cadets’ conservative barrettes that blend with the hair colour.
Hair Male Cadets
33. The following additional details apply to male cadets:
a. hair must be taper trimmed at the back, sides, and above the ears to blend with the hairstyle; be no more than 15 cm (6 in.) in length and sufficiently short that, when the hair is groomed and wedge is removed, no hair shall touch the ears or fall below the top of the eyebrows; be no more than 4 cm (1-1/2 in.) in bulk at the top of the head, gradually decreasing to blend with the taper trimmed sides and back; and be kept free from the neck to a distance of 2.5 cm (1 in.) above the shirt collar. Taper trimmed square back styles and shaving of all the hair on the head are permitted;
b. sideburns. Shall not extend below a line horizontally bisecting the ear, and shall be squared off horizontally at the bottom edge and taper trimmed to conform to the overall hairstyle;
c. moustaches. When moustaches are worn alone, the unshaven portion of the face shall not extend outwards beyond the corners of the mouth. Moustaches shall be kept neatly trimmed; not be greater than 2 cm (3/4 in.) in bulk; not extend below the corners of the mouth and not protrude beyond the width of the mouth; and
d. beards. Only cadets adherent of the Sikh religion (see Annex C) or cadets experiencing recognized medical problems preventing them from shaving may wear the beard. In the latter case, a note from a medical practitioner is required.
Hair – Female Cadets
34. The following additional details apply to female cadets. Hair shall not extend below the lower edge of the shirt collar (see exception below). Exaggerated styles, including those with excessive fullness or extreme height, are not authorized. Braids, if worn, shall be styled conservatively and tied tightly; secured at the end by a knot or a small-unadorned fastener. A single braid shall be worn in the centre of the back. Double braids shall be worn behind the shoulders. Hair shall be a maximum length when gathered behind the head and braided which does not extend below the top of the armpit. Multiple braids and/or cornrows shall be directed toward the back of the head, pulled tight to the head and secured at the end by a knot or a small-unadorned fastener. Multiple braids extending below the lower edge of the collar are to be gathered in a bun. With the permission of the sqn CO, a reasonable period may be authorized in order to transition from short to long hairstyles during which time hair may extend below the lower edge of the shirt collar.
Make-up
35. Female cadets are authorized to wear a minimal amount of make-up. When in uniform, make-up shall be applied conservatively. This precludes the use of false eyelashes, heavy eyeliner, brightly coloured eye shadow or lipstick, coloured nail polish, and excessive facial make-up.
Jewellery
36. The only jewellery that may be worn in uniform shall be a wristwatch, a medical alert bracelet and a maximum of two rings, which are not of a costume jewellery nature. In addition, female cadets in uniform may wear a single pair of plain gold, silver stud or white pearl earrings in pierced ears. The single stud earring, worn in the centre of each earlobe, shall be spherical in shape and not exceed 0.6 cm in diameter. No other type of earring shall be worn except for a gold or silver-healing device of similar shape and size, which may be worn while ears are healing after piercing. Only a single earring or healing device, worn in the centre of each ear lobe, may be worn at a time. Male cadets are not authorized to wear an earring or earrings.
Tattoos and body piercing
37. Cadets shall not acquire visible tattoos that could be deemed to be offensive (e.g. pornographic, blasphemous, racist, etc.) or otherwise reflect discredit on the CCO. Cadets in uniform shall not wear visible body piercing adornments (tongue included), with the exception of female cadets earrings. Covering the unauthorized piercing with an adhesive bandage (band-aid™) is not acceptable.
Undergarments
38. Undergarments including brassiere for female cadets, shall be worn under all orders of dress and shall be of a colour so as not to be visible through uniform items of clothing.
Eyeglasses/sunglasses
39. Eyeglasses and sunglasses shall be conservative in design and colour. Sunglasses with photo chromic or mirrored lenses are not authorized for wear.
40. Cadets, who normally wear eyeglasses, may wear either conventionally framed prescription sunglasses or conservatively styled clip-on sunglasses when conditions and circumstances dictate. Other cadets may wear conservatively styled sunglasses, which do not detract from the overall appearance of the uniform when conditions and circumstances dictate. Sunglasses shall not be worn on parade unless authorized by the sqn or CSTC CO in special circumstances.
CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS ACCOMODATION
41. The different religious and spiritual requirements of various groups should be respected, especially during periods of religious expression. To ensure that this occurs, the following policy will be observed:
a. exceptions to the dress instructions for religious reasons will be considered when the cadet submits a written request to the sqn’s Area Cadet Officer (ACO) that includes the following three requirements:
(1) name of the religion of which the cadet is a member,
(2) written confirmation by a leader of the religion that the cadet is an active participant and that the exception requested is a core requirement of the religion, and
(3) proof of status if the cadet is a native aboriginal;
b. for adherents of the Sikh religion, subject to the requirements listed above, exceptions to the dress instructions already approved are outlined at Annex C to this CATO. Cadets must still follow procedures listed above;
c. for aboriginal cadets whose religion requires the wearing of hair in a specific style, authority to do so will be given pursuant to the cadet meeting all the requirements listed above;
d. for female adherents of the Muslim religion, subject to the requirements listed above, a civilian-pattern Air Force Blue hijab may be worn under the headdress. When worn, it shall cover the hair and be tucked into the shirt collar;
e. for members of all religious groups, exception to the dress instructions will be considered only when all the requirements listed above have been met. If the validity of a request cannot be determined at the regional level, then all pertinent details shall be forwarded to D Cdts & JCR for approval;
f. religious items or accessories (e.g. a Christian Cross) which are not visible or otherwise apparent are unregulated and may always be worn, provided they do not interfere with the proper wear and use of uniform items, accoutrements, or equipment; and
g. should a conflict arise between the requirement to wear safety items of clothing or equipment and the religious symbols, the wearing of safety items of clothing or equipment shall take priority and, if necessary, religious symbols shall be modified or removed. Sqn COs retains the right to order removal of these articles to meet safety requirements essential to training.
WEARING OF HEADDRESS
42. The wear of headdress on different occasions reflects a combination of the cultural etiquette of Canadian society, military custom and religious practices. As a guideline, the norms of formal etiquette should be followed:
a. consecrated buildings. All cadets shall observe the custom of the religious denomination concerned, in regard to the wearing of headdress in a consecrated building, except that headdress shall be worn when on duty as a member of the vigil during the lying in state of a deceased dignitary or when depositing or receiving flags. Headdress is removed at the entrance (less female cadets if that is the custom of the denomination concerned), and replaced at the exit. The advice of the officiating clergy will be sought and followed in each case;
b. Messes and Canteens. Cadets shall remove headdress upon entering messes and canteens. The same custom shall be applied upon entering public restaurants;
c. public buildings. Headdress shall not normally be removed in any public place, including elevators. However, cadets may observe the custom practised by civilians in regard to the wearing of headdress in public buildings such as theatres and civil courts;
d. public transportation. Cadets travelling aboard public transportation may remove their headdress while in transit; however, headdress shall be replaced prior to exiting the public transportation;
e. military and privately owned vehicles:
(1) cadets travelling in uniform shall wear their headdress while operating or travelling as a passenger in a military or privately owned vehicle except:
(a) if the roof of the vehicle is too low to permit headdress to be worn with comfort and safety,
(b) on extended trips, or
(c) by order of the senior officer present,
(2) when the headdress is removed in accordance with the instructions above, it shall be replaced:
(a) when approaching and leaving a military establishment, and
(b) immediately upon exiting the vehicle; and
f. parades. All cadets on parade shall remove their headdress, when so ordered, except for musicians, colour/flag bearers and their escorts and also those who are adherents of the Sikh religion.
RANK BADGES AND RANK SLIP-ONS
43. Rank badges and rank slip-ons are awarded by the sqn CO in accordance with CATO 13-02.
44. Position on the uniform and conditions of eligibility for rank badges and rank slip-ons are detailed at Annex D. Illustrated references for rank badges are detailed at Annex F, Appendixes 8 and 9.
PILOT WINGS
45. When a cadet has successfully completed the Power Pilot Scholarship and the Glider Pilot Scholarship, only the Power Pilot Scholarship wings shall be worn. In this case, the Glider Pilot Scholarship summer course qualification badge shall also be worn with the other summer course qualification badges.
46. When authorized to wear the blue flying suit, wings shall be worn centred and horizontal, immediately above the left breast pocket.
47. Position on the uniform and conditions of eligibility for pilot wings are detailed at Annex D with the illustrated references at Annex F, Appendix 6.
MUSIC BADGES
48. The music badges policy is detailed at Annex E.
49. Position on the uniform and conditions of eligibility for music badges are detailed at Annex E with the illustrated references at Annex F, Appendix 9.
OTHER AUTHORIZED BADGES AND PINS
50. Position on the uniform and conditions of eligibility for other badges and pins can be found at Annex D, with illustrated references at Annex F.
POPPY
51. The Remembrance Day poppy is authorized to be worn on the shirt, the jacket and the all-season jacket of the cadet uniform from the last Friday of October until Remembrance Day (11 November). Position of the poppy on the uniform, with illustrated references, can be found at Annex F, Appendix 7.
ANNIVERSARY PINS
52. A Regional Cadet Support Unit (RCSU) CO may authorize the wear of pins that are produced locally, and at no cost to the public, to commemorate the anniversary of a sqn, CSTC or RGS.
53. The pin should be no more than 2.5 cm high and no more than 2.5 cm wide. It must be made of a material that will not damage the uniform and its design must be of good taste.
54. The pin is worn centred on the left breast pocket flap. See Annex F, Appendix 6 for illustrated reference. Sqn anniversary pins are worn on the jacket only. CSTC and RGS anniversary pins are worn on the jacket and the short sleeve shirt.
55. When authorized, the Sqn anniversary pin may be worn for a maximum of ten (10) months starting 1 September of the anniversary year and ending 30 June of the following year.
56. When authorized, the CSTC and RGS anniversary pin can only be worn for specific ceremonies, as indicated by the CSTC or RGS CO for the summer period in which the anniversary is celebrated.
ATTENDANCE PINS
57. Perfect attendance pins may be obtained from the ACL, at no cost to the public. These pins are not authorized for wear on Air cadet uniforms.
EMBROIDERED CRESTS
58. The wear of embroidered crests (sqn or CSTC logo, affiliated unit, competition, etc.) is not authorized on the Air cadet uniform.
MEDALS AND RIBBONS
59. In exceptional circumstances, a cadet may be awarded, as a cadet or a citizen, a Canadian Order, Decoration or Medal (e.g. the Queen’s Jubilee Medal). Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals are part of the Canadian Honours System. The order of precedence for Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals is detailed at Order in Council, under P.C. 1998-591, April 2, 1998.
60. A cadet may be awarded a “Cadet Medal” as part of the National Cadet Honours and Awards. The National Cadet Honours and Awards are not part of the Canadian Honours System. The order of precedence for “Cadet Medals” and also the replacement procedures are found at CATO 13-16. Medals with ribbons are supplied by the agency awarding the medal.
61. Medals shall be worn on the uniform jacket and only with the numbered order of dress C-1, ceremonial dress.
62. Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals shall be suspended above the left breast pocket of the jacket, immediately above and centred. “Cadet Medals” shall be suspended above the right breast pocket of the jacket, immediately above and centred. Under no circumstances, are “Cadet Medals” to be suspended above the left breast pocket of the jacket even when a cadet has no Canadian Order, Decoration or Medal.
63. When two or more medals are awarded, they shall be worn in order of precedence, without interval, with the highest priority medal closest to the centre of the chest. Medals shall hang in one row so that they are fully visible. Should this not be possible because of the number being worn, medals shall be overlapped horizontally, the one with the highest priority showing in full. Normally, five or more medals will require overlapping. The maximum width of the mounting is governed by the physique of the individual. The bar shall not project beyond the arm seam of the jacket once the mounting is centred with the jacket pocket.
64. At the sqn, medals ribbons shall be worn on the uniform jacket and shirt with the numbered orders of dress C-2, C-2A, C-2B, C-3, C-4 and C-8. At the CSTC for staff cadets only, medals ribbons shall be worn on the uniform shirt with the numbered orders of dress C-7 and C-7A.
65. Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals ribbons shall be centred immediately above the left breast pocket of the jacket or shirt. “Cadet Medals” ribbons shall be centred immediately above the right breast pocket of the jacket or shirt. The illustrated reference for placement of ribbons can be found at Annex F, Appendices 5 and 6.
66. When two or more ribbons are worn, they shall be worn in rows, without interval between the ribbons and the rows. Three ribbons shall be worn per row. If a fourth medal is awarded, a second row of ribbons is required. If a seventh medal is awarded, a third row of ribbons is required. Each new row shall be centred on the lower row. Ribbons shall be worn in order of precedence, from right to left of the wearer for Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals ribbons and from left to right of the wearer for “Cadet Medals” ribbons, with the highest priority ribbon closest to the centre of the chest on the top row if more than one row is required. Were a single ribbon constitutes a row; it shall be centred above a lower row. Standard arrangements of ribbons by rows are illustrated at Annex F, Appendix 11.
67. The wear of medals and ribbons is not authorized for cadets who are undergoing training at the CSTC.
68. Medals and ribbons may be court mounted. When mounted, the ribbons and medals shall be mounted on a panel, its size determined by the number of medals worn. The lower edge of the panel shall be in line with the centre of the medals. Commencing from the lower edge, each ribbon runs up the front of the panel to the top and back down to the medal. The medals shall then be stitched to the panel to prevent them from swinging. This method prevents the medals from clinking against each other. Under no circumstances, are “Cadet Medals” and Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals to be court mounted together. The court mounting is done at no cost to the public.
NUMBERED ORDERS OF DRESS
69. Numbered orders of dress and their composition are detailed in the following annexes:
a. Annex A – Air Cadet Uniform – Numbered Orders of Dress;
b. Annex B – Highland dress;
c. Annex C – Sikh Dress Policy;
d. Annex D – Air Cadet Badges;
e. Annex E – Music Badges Policy; and
f. Annex F – Illustrated References.
OPI: SSO Air Cdts
Date: Aug 11
Amendment: Ch 3/11