U.S. Civil Air Patrol tape

[Hawk200]

... I think dark blue tapes simply LOOK BETTER on the uniform.  I am not a wannabe.  I could be called a usta-be, but my preference for darker blue tapes is merely to lose the appearance that the tapes are washed-out and faded against the darker blue uniform.

I never really put my finger on that, but they do seem to be washed out, don't they? Wonder why?

[afgeo4]

Subdued fabrics wear out just as fast as bright ones. It's just easier to see the fade on bright ones so it creates the impression that they are more faded.

On that note... we should all write up a letter, sign it, and pass it up the chain to change all CAP name and branch tapes to white on navy with the adoption of the ABU to reduce the burden on membership, reduce cost of procurement, and improve uniformity of membership.

One tape for all uniforms!

[Michael]

Is it acceptable by CAP standards to carry pens/pencils in the appropriate compartment on the BDU, even if they cover up the CAP tape?

This one's been hampering my weekly pocket load-up for years.

[MIKE]

CAPM 39-1 has the answer.

[Michael]

I understand that, sir.  Is there a revision to the regulation that says that one cannot do so?

[SDF_Specialist]

No. Pens and/or pencils may not cover the Civil Air Patrol tape.

[Eeyore]

You're supposed to put them inside the pocket, inside the little pouch. That way they can not be seen and are not hanging out of the uniform.

It's pretty annoying to see someone walking around with a Viagra, or Sesame Street pen sticking up out of their uniform.

[MIKE]

I understand that, sir.  Is there a revision to the regulation that says that one cannot do so?

No, note for Recruiter and edmo1 see below:

11 Pens and Pencils Concealed. EXCEPTION: When carried in pen/pencil compartment
of BDU, utility or field uniform, flight suit or flight jacket.

[Eclipse]

I don't carry anything but these:



http://www.spacepen.com/Public/Products/BulletPen/Stylus/index.cfm?productID=292

Take off the clip and they disappear into the pen slot on your blues, and hide nicely in the button slot
of the BDU.  Closed they are about 1/2 the size of a standard pen, but open they are full-sized and have a nice heft, as a pen should. With or without the stylus tip they are the best pen you'll ever use. 

You can get the pens in chrome or black from Staples, but the stylus tip version can only be purchased from
Fisher direct (or a few online sources).  You can also buy just the stylus cap if you already have one

The used to actually sell them at the Great Lakes Navex as "uniform pens".

[Hawk200]

I understand that, sir.  Is there a revision to the regulation that says that one cannot do so?

Why would you want to? It looks kinda tacky.

The way I (and many, many others) have been doing it for years is to clip pens onto the front button placket. Stick them inside against your T-shirt. Won't hurt anything, you don't have them sticking out of your pocket, and you look squared away.

[afgeo4]

You'll be happy to know that there is a pen pocket on the ABU sleeve. There is also an inside pocket (that anyone with mild intelligence will cut out) for you to carry documents or stuff in... of course you'll have to unbutton to use the pocket. There will also be small utility pockets inside large cargo pockets on each leg (perfect for sneaking a candy bar onto the flightline). Hey! It's the Air Force way!