ABU approval is in!!!!

[Angus]

April Fools!

[Garibaldi]

You know....I was wondering how long it would be before someone did this. I even checked past threads to see if someone would prank us.

[-_adrian_-]

I'm so sad. I just got my hopes up

[Nascar Jack]

Well played

[Майор Хаткевич]

You know....I was wondering how long it would be before someone did this. I even checked past threads to see if someone would prank us.

I did a post around 2300 Central last night in a topic of it being disapproved...

[Garibaldi]

You know....I was wondering how long it would be before someone did this. I even checked past threads to see if someone would prank us.

I did a post around 2300 Central last night in a topic of it being disapproved...

I think I saw that in passing.

[RogueLeader]

 

Darn it.  You got me.

[Angus]

I was surprised no one had posted anything either so I figured I'd best do it before someone else.  If I had a good Photoshop I would have posted pictures of it being used for us, just with changed colors from what we've submitted to the AF.  Figure I would have said they sent it back approved with the color changes as being necessary to keep us looking different enough from them.  Bright neon colors would have been overly used in that idea.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I was actually hoping the approval would come today.

People wouldn't know what to make of it.

[Garibaldi]

I just sent the following to my cadet commander.

Cadets,

It is with great pleasure that I announce that CAP NHQ has officially given permission for us to transition to the ABU. There are a few conditions, however.

1. All cadets aged 15-20 MUST undergo mandatory drug testing. We will be collecting urine, blood, hair and cheek swab samples to ensure the highest level possible of mission readiness.
2. All cadets over age 17 will automatically be enlisted in the Air Force. Encampment will be replaced by BMT at Lackland, AFB starting this summer. This will supercede ALL special activities. This move, coupled with CAP becoming part of the Total Force will ensure that we are indeed a part of the Total Force in perpetuity.
3. There will be a different set of insignia by gender. Female cadets will wear pink and yellow ABU-patterned name and CAP tapes. Male cadets will wear the traditional sky blue and white.
4. All CAP cadets will meet height and weight standards set forth by CAP-USAF. This means that if a cadet does not meet the minimum height for his/her age, they will be given growth hormones until such time as they meet the standards. If a cadet is too tall for their age, he or she will be given cigarettes at the rate of 4 packs a day to stunt their growth. Again, part of the move to the Total Force means we will be held to the same standards as our regular Air Force counterparts.
5. This also means that CAP will be paid for their time at the rate of one dollar per hour of CAP time served. We will be issuing time cards to track our time. Pay days will be the 31st of every month.
6. There will be a uniform allowance for purchase of a complete ABU, including boots. Boots will be sage green and will come from one manufacturer, Rothco, to ensure uniformity.

If there are any questions, please direct them to Lt. Col. Seth Yew at NHQ, CAP-USAF.

[Angus]

I just sent the following to my cadet commander.

Cadets,

It is with great pleasure that I announce that CAP NHQ has officially given permission for us to transition to the ABU. There are a few conditions, however.

1. All cadets aged 15-20 MUST undergo mandatory drug testing. We will be collecting urine, blood, hair and cheek swab samples to ensure the highest level possible of mission readiness.
2. All cadets over age 17 will automatically be enlisted in the Air Force. Encampment will be replaced by BMT at Lackland, AFB starting this summer. This will supercede ALL special activities. This move, coupled with CAP becoming part of the Total Force will ensure that we are indeed a part of the Total Force in perpetuity.
3. There will be a different set of insignia by gender. Female cadets will wear pink and yellow ABU-patterned name and CAP tapes. Male cadets will wear the traditional sky blue and white.
4. All CAP cadets will meet height and weight standards set forth by CAP-USAF. This means that if a cadet does not meet the minimum height for his/her age, they will be given growth hormones until such time as they meet the standards. If a cadet is too tall for their age, he or she will be given cigarettes at the rate of 4 packs a day to stunt their growth. Again, part of the move to the Total Force means we will be held to the same standards as our regular Air Force counterparts.
5. This also means that CAP will be paid for their time at the rate of one dollar per hour of CAP time served. We will be issuing time cards to track our time. Pay days will be the 31st of every month.
6. There will be a uniform allowance for purchase of a complete ABU, including boots. Boots will be sage green and will come from one manufacturer, Rothco, to ensure uniformity.

If there are any questions, please direct them to Lt. Col. Seth Yew at NHQ, CAP-USAF.

:clap:

[Майор Хаткевич]

I just sent the following to my cadet commander.

Cadets,

It is with great pleasure that I announce that CAP NHQ has officially given permission for us to transition to the ABU. There are a few conditions, however.

1. All cadets aged 15-20 MUST undergo mandatory drug testing. We will be collecting urine, blood, hair and cheek swab samples to ensure the highest level possible of mission readiness.
2. All cadets over age 17 will automatically be enlisted in the Air Force. Encampment will be replaced by BMT at Lackland, AFB starting this summer. This will supercede ALL special activities. This move, coupled with CAP becoming part of the Total Force will ensure that we are indeed a part of the Total Force in perpetuity.
3. There will be a different set of insignia by gender. Female cadets will wear pink and yellow ABU-patterned name and CAP tapes. Male cadets will wear the traditional sky blue and white.
4. All CAP cadets will meet height and weight standards set forth by CAP-USAF. This means that if a cadet does not meet the minimum height for his/her age, they will be given growth hormones until such time as they meet the standards. If a cadet is too tall for their age, he or she will be given cigarettes at the rate of 4 packs a day to stunt their growth. Again, part of the move to the Total Force means we will be held to the same standards as our regular Air Force counterparts.
5. This also means that CAP will be paid for their time at the rate of one dollar per hour of CAP time served. We will be issuing time cards to track our time. Pay days will be the 31st of every month.
6. There will be a uniform allowance for purchase of a complete ABU, including boots. Boots will be sage green and will come from one manufacturer, Rothco, to ensure uniformity.

If there are any questions, please direct them to Lt. Col. Seth Yew at NHQ, CAP-USAF.

Love it. Here's hoping there's no IG complaint against you after this!

[Garibaldi]

I just sent the following to my cadet commander.

Cadets,

It is with great pleasure that I announce that CAP NHQ has officially given permission for us to transition to the ABU. There are a few conditions, however.

1. All cadets aged 15-20 MUST undergo mandatory drug testing. We will be collecting urine, blood, hair and cheek swab samples to ensure the highest level possible of mission readiness.
2. All cadets over age 17 will automatically be enlisted in the Air Force. Encampment will be replaced by BMT at Lackland, AFB starting this summer. This will supercede ALL special activities. This move, coupled with CAP becoming part of the Total Force will ensure that we are indeed a part of the Total Force in perpetuity.
3. There will be a different set of insignia by gender. Female cadets will wear pink and yellow ABU-patterned name and CAP tapes. Male cadets will wear the traditional sky blue and white.
4. All CAP cadets will meet height and weight standards set forth by CAP-USAF. This means that if a cadet does not meet the minimum height for his/her age, they will be given growth hormones until such time as they meet the standards. If a cadet is too tall for their age, he or she will be given cigarettes at the rate of 4 packs a day to stunt their growth. Again, part of the move to the Total Force means we will be held to the same standards as our regular Air Force counterparts.
5. This also means that CAP will be paid for their time at the rate of one dollar per hour of CAP time served. We will be issuing time cards to track our time. Pay days will be the 31st of every month.
6. There will be a uniform allowance for purchase of a complete ABU, including boots. Boots will be sage green and will come from one manufacturer, Rothco, to ensure uniformity.

If there are any questions, please direct them to Lt. Col. Seth Yew at NHQ, CAP-USAF.

Love it. Here's hoping there's no IG complaint against you after this!

I forgot that I was actually going to announce something similar at our meeting this week. I'm a bad, bad man.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I just sent the following to my cadet commander.

Cadets,

It is with great pleasure that I announce that CAP NHQ has officially given permission for us to transition to the ABU. There are a few conditions, however.

1. All cadets aged 15-20 MUST undergo mandatory drug testing. We will be collecting urine, blood, hair and cheek swab samples to ensure the highest level possible of mission readiness.
2. All cadets over age 17 will automatically be enlisted in the Air Force. Encampment will be replaced by BMT at Lackland, AFB starting this summer. This will supercede ALL special activities. This move, coupled with CAP becoming part of the Total Force will ensure that we are indeed a part of the Total Force in perpetuity.
3. There will be a different set of insignia by gender. Female cadets will wear pink and yellow ABU-patterned name and CAP tapes. Male cadets will wear the traditional sky blue and white.
4. All CAP cadets will meet height and weight standards set forth by CAP-USAF. This means that if a cadet does not meet the minimum height for his/her age, they will be given growth hormones until such time as they meet the standards. If a cadet is too tall for their age, he or she will be given cigarettes at the rate of 4 packs a day to stunt their growth. Again, part of the move to the Total Force means we will be held to the same standards as our regular Air Force counterparts.
5. This also means that CAP will be paid for their time at the rate of one dollar per hour of CAP time served. We will be issuing time cards to track our time. Pay days will be the 31st of every month.
6. There will be a uniform allowance for purchase of a complete ABU, including boots. Boots will be sage green and will come from one manufacturer, Rothco, to ensure uniformity.

If there are any questions, please direct them to Lt. Col. Seth Yew at NHQ, CAP-USAF.

Love it. Here's hoping there's no IG complaint against you after this!

I forgot that I was actually going to announce something similar at our meeting this week. I'm a bad, bad man.

Hey, stranger things have happened in terms of IG complaints. BTDT, proud to have the letter framed.

[Holding Pattern]

Just don't use the google mic drop feature...

[Luis R. Ramos]

Angus-

Wasn't taking us enough? You had to gloat???



Nicely done!

:clap:

[Angus]

Hey I'm from the Hub of the Universe, we have egos the size of the all out doors.  So gotta through down a little gloat, especially cause no one else had actually posted an approval.  Granted we did have a premature denial from Capt Hatkevich.

[vento]

I just sent the following to my cadet commander.

Cadets,

It is with great pleasure that I announce that CAP NHQ has officially given permission for us to transition to the ABU. There are a few conditions, however.

1. All cadets aged 15-20 MUST undergo mandatory drug testing. We will be collecting urine, blood, hair and cheek swab samples to ensure the highest level possible of mission readiness.
2. All cadets over age 17 will automatically be enlisted in the Air Force. Encampment will be replaced by BMT at Lackland, AFB starting this summer. This will supercede ALL special activities. This move, coupled with CAP becoming part of the Total Force will ensure that we are indeed a part of the Total Force in perpetuity.
3. There will be a different set of insignia by gender. Female cadets will wear pink and yellow ABU-patterned name and CAP tapes. Male cadets will wear the traditional sky blue and white.
4. All CAP cadets will meet height and weight standards set forth by CAP-USAF. This means that if a cadet does not meet the minimum height for his/her age, they will be given growth hormones until such time as they meet the standards. If a cadet is too tall for their age, he or she will be given cigarettes at the rate of 4 packs a day to stunt their growth. Again, part of the move to the Total Force means we will be held to the same standards as our regular Air Force counterparts.
5. This also means that CAP will be paid for their time at the rate of one dollar per hour of CAP time served. We will be issuing time cards to track our time. Pay days will be the 31st of every month.
6. There will be a uniform allowance for purchase of a complete ABU, including boots. Boots will be sage green and will come from one manufacturer, Rothco, to ensure uniformity.

If there are any questions, please direct them to Lt. Col. Seth Yew at NHQ, CAP-USAF.

Well played! Paying every 31st of the month effectively cuts the cost in half. 

[Raikkonen]

You guys joke about this... and I did too, but then I got this email. 

Fellow members of the Civil Air Patrol:

The idea of Civil Air Patrol transitioning their Air Force style utility uniform from the BDU to the ABU, has been a topic of discussion in both official and unofficial circles for some time.

Previously, the decision was made to not pursue the ABU for CAP because the Air Force was considering phasing out the ABU. Recently, we were informed that the Air Force has no intention of phasing out the ABU in the near future. At that time, the decision was made to examine the possibility of CAP transitioning to the ABU, due to the increase in issues with BDU availability in some parts of the country. The National Uniform Committee was tasked with examining the issue.

It's important to remember that the Air Force Instruction governing our wear of the Air Force Uniform requires that our uniforms be easily distinguishable from Air Force Uniforms at a distance and at low light. This is accomplished through the use of distinctive insignia, name tapes, etc.

The National Uniform Committee, in coordination with CAP-USAF recommended that CAP ask for Air Force approval to wear the ABU with the following distinguishing modifications:

1.  Name and CAP tapes, aviation and specialty badges would be on a Navy Blue background with silver thread. These colors would be the same as currently in use on the NCO stripes. The NUC examined the possibility of using the ABU tapes. Because our adult members wear the same grade insignia as Air Force Officers, use of the ABU tapes was not considered to be distinguishable in accordance to the AFI. AFJROTC and AFROTC wear the ABU tapes, but they do not wear officer grade insignia. Wing, Unit, and Activity patches would be optional under the proposal.

2.  Black boots. There were many factors in our recommendation to retain the black boots. The first was cost to the membership. Many members already own black boots. Also, black boots are still available at reasonable prices commercially. The green boots cost over $100. Another consideration was asking members to buy a second pair of boots if they chose to wear other uniform combinations. The corporate (blue) uniform has black boots, as do the flight duty uniforms.  The final reason was the black boots provide a further distinguishing factor to the uniform.

Our final recommendation was to phase out the ultramarine blue tapes and insignia, and convert to the navy blue and silver tapes. These tapes better match the corporate BDU's and will eliminate the confusion caused by having two different color tapes.

As you have undoubtedly heard by now, our National Commander, Maj Gen Joseph Vazquez, sought the opinion of the CAP Command Council regarding the proposed changes. The Command Council overwhelmingly supported the change to the ABU. The proposal now goes to the Air Force for approval. As a reminder, the ABU Uniform for CAP is NOT approved yet.

The Command Council also recommended phasing out the ultramarine tapes in favor of the navy blue tapes on the Corporate BDU.

I hope this has answered your questions about how we arrived at our recommendations. If you have any further questions, I encourage you to address them with your chain of command. They have the most up to date information. Thank you.

Colonel Richard J. Greenwood, CAP
Chair, National Uniform Committee

To me, this is a bunch of idiotic b.s.   We are just fine in our BDUs. 

The latest edition of Volunteer Magazine has a picture of bunch of CAP pilots getting an award and two of them were wearing AF boots...  Guess they do what they want.

[Eclipse]

You didn't just get that, right?  It's over a month old and was discussed here.

[jeders]

You didn't just get that, right?  It's over a month old and was discussed here.

You beat me to it.

The latest edition of Volunteer Magazine has a picture of bunch of CAP pilots getting an award and two of them were wearing AF boots...  Guess they do what they want.

I can't tell on all three of them, but at least one of those pilots is an Air Force Lt Col. The other two, however, definitely appear not to be in compliance.

To me, this is a bunch of idiotic b.s.   We are just fine in our BDUs. 

I'm curious what exactly you feel is idiotic b.s. about this uniform transition. There have been so many reasons to hate the ABU, I'm just curious what your reason is.

[vesryn]

Personally, I'm excited about these new changes. However, they do present significant problems.

1. How will units pay for them? Currently, the AF is supposed to destroy all unused and old sets of ABUs. Will this change?
2. If units don't pay for them, how will cadets pay? A good set of ABUs will set you back about $300.
3. What will become of the monstrosity of mixed uniforms at public NCSAs line NBB? The uniformity of CAP uniforms will be completely gone for the next 5 years as cadets all around the world get ABUs at different rates.

Anyways, that's my two cents on ABUs.

[abdsp51]

1. How will units pay for them? Currently, the AF is supposed to destroy all unused and old sets of ABUs. Will this change?
2. If units don't pay for them, how will cadets pay? A good set of ABUs will set you back about $300

Anyways, that's my two cents on ABUs.

Cite....

[PHall]

Personally, I'm excited about these new changes. However, they do present significant problems.

1. How will units pay for them? Currently, the AF is supposed to destroy all unused and old sets of ABUs. Will this change?
2. If units don't pay for them, how will cadets pay? A good set of ABUs will set you back about $300.
3. What will become of the monstrosity of mixed uniforms at public NCSAs line NBB? The uniformity of CAP uniforms will be completely gone for the next 5 years as cadets all around the world get ABUs at different rates.

Anyways, that's my two cents on ABUs.

Air Force is not destroying ABU's. In fact many units have been offering them to their local CAP units.
They're also pretty plentiful in Surplus stores too.

By my math you're about a nickel short!

[Eclipse]

1. How will units pay for them?

"Units" don't.  Uniforms are the responsibility of the member, senior or cadet.

Where does this idea come from that "units" are responsible for issuing anything?

[Holding Pattern]

1. How will units pay for them?

"Units" don't.  Uniforms are the responsibility of the member, senior or cadet.

Where does this idea come from that "units" are responsible for issuing anything?

Memories of vast inventories of uniforms as a cadet.

[Eclipse]

1. How will units pay for them?

"Units" don't.  Uniforms are the responsibility of the member, senior or cadet.

Where does this idea come from that "units" are responsible for issuing anything?

Memories of vast inventories of uniforms as a cadet.

Fair enough - a 12 year old slick sleeve isn't going to be too interested in where the cool threads
came from, only that he got them and "mom didn't complain".

But by the time you get to be an officer, which means you are likely 15+, you should have some
understanding of the economics of that situation.

There are some units that still have supplies, and those will still be usable for the next couple of years
during the phase out (which assumes approval).  Beyond that, DRMO will probably loosen their grip
on the old uniforms, and BTW, we're in a draw-down, so there will likely be a channel like the olde days.

Not as many to go around, but CAP is markedly smaller, so the math probably works out.

In fact, one with a cynical eye could see a line drawn from the draw-down and someone at DRMO
saying "What the heck are we going to do with these?  Why isn't CAP wearing them already?"

[SarDragon]

3. What will become of the monstrosity of mixed uniforms at public NCSAs line NBB? The uniformity of CAP uniforms will be completely gone for the next 5 years as cadets all around the world get ABUs at different rates.

That's been the case every single time there's been a transition. I've watched several in my time in CAP. It happens in the RealMilitary™ all the time.

[vesryn]

3. What will become of the monstrosity of mixed uniforms at public NCSAs line NBB? The uniformity of CAP uniforms will be completely gone for the next 5 years as cadets all around the world get ABUs at different rates.

That's been the case every single time there's been a transition. I've watched several in my time in CAP. It happens in the RealMilitary™ all the time.

I suppose so. There still are a lot of soldiers in UCP on base, and not many OCPs.

[Fubar]

3. What will become of the monstrosity of mixed uniforms at public NCSAs line NBB? The uniformity of CAP uniforms will be completely gone for the next 5 years as cadets all around the world get ABUs at different rates.

I thought NBB typically broke uniformity by requiring different undershirts and of course the beret itself. We already break "uniformity" for a variety of reasons, a uniform transition is just another legitimate reason for that to happen.

[vesryn]

3. What will become of the monstrosity of mixed uniforms at public NCSAs line NBB? The uniformity of CAP uniforms will be completely gone for the next 5 years as cadets all around the world get ABUs at different rates.

I thought NBB typically broke uniformity by requiring different undershirts and of course the beret itself. We already break "uniformity" for a variety of reasons, a uniform transition is just another legitimate reason for that to happen.

As far as I know, all the cadets at the event are the same, except the RBs obviously have their berets from the start of the activities.

All cadets wear the same t-shirt at all times, and all cadets wear the same cover.

[jeders]

3. What will become of the monstrosity of mixed uniforms at public NCSAs line NBB? The uniformity of CAP uniforms will be completely gone for the next 5 years as cadets all around the world get ABUs at different rates.

I thought NBB typically broke uniformity by requiring different undershirts and of course the beret itself. We already break "uniformity" for a variety of reasons, a uniform transition is just another legitimate reason for that to happen.

When brown t-shirts were authorized, we wore those to distinguish ourselves from any other CAP personnel at AirVenture who were likely going to be wearing black t-shirts. It makes it easier when someone complains about CAP to narrow down who it was.

Now that only black shirts are authorized, we wear blue baseball caps with NBB on them. But in all cases, everyone at NBB wears the same thing; and when working, no one wears the beret.

[Raikkonen]

You didn't just get that, right?  It's over a month old and was discussed here.

Yes, yes I did.   

[Raikkonen]

You didn't just get that, right?  It's over a month old and was discussed here.

You beat me to it.

The latest edition of Volunteer Magazine has a picture of bunch of CAP pilots getting an award and two of them were wearing AF boots...  Guess they do what they want.

I can't tell on all three of them, but at least one of those pilots is an Air Force Lt Col. The other two, however, definitely appear not to be in compliance.

To me, this is a bunch of idiotic b.s.   We are just fine in our BDUs. 

I'm curious what exactly you feel is idiotic b.s. about this uniform transition. There have been so many reasons to hate the ABU, I'm just curious what your reason is.

Yes, we just got that email.  For some reason AZ-046 is always late to the party. 

Yes, I'm aware the guy on the far left is a Lt. Col.  I spent enough years in the Air Force to recognize who is who in that picture.

I don't hate the ABU.  The thing I hate is that some uniform committee sat down and thought the ABU with black boots was a good idea. 
That's not really the part that I think is idiotic B.S.  What I think is B.S. is that I'm seeing members wearing the new AF boots in their flight suits.  I'm seeing people with cloth ranks on flight suits.  I'm seeing Seniors wearing 4 button, two pocket Service Coats.... all things that go against the regulation... but nobody says anything to any of them.  I'm seeing individuals of "higher rank" deciding to wear the ABU in whatever configuration they want...  In the military we NEVER begin to wear uniforms or uniform items until the publication is updated for wear and appearance of said things.  I actually counseled an E6 for showing up to my class with an Army Basic Instructor Badge on his uniform before the wear was authorized by the Army... even though he had orders for it, it wasn't in the regs yet.  Regulations keep us on track... even in CAP where we are structured like, but are not the military. 

I've spent 14 years in two branches of the military... I've seen the uniform changes happen quite a few times with quite a few different uniforms...  What I never saw was the fiasco that is occurring right now in CAP with these uniforms.  And that, my friend, is what I'm calling idiotic B.S.   

[Eclipse]

Yes, we just got that email.  For some reason AZ-046 is always late to the party. 

The message was sent directly to all members at the same time.

That's not really the part that I think is idiotic B.S.  What I think is B.S. is that I'm seeing members wearing the new AF boots in their flight suits.  I'm seeing people with cloth ranks on flight suits.  I'm seeing Seniors wearing 4 button, two pocket Service Coats.... all things that go against the regulation... but nobody says anything to any of them.  I'm seeing individuals of "higher rank" deciding to wear the ABU in whatever configuration they want...  In the military we NEVER begin to wear uniforms or uniform items until the publication is updated for wear and appearance of said things.  I actually counseled an E6 for showing up to my class with an Army Basic Instructor Badge on his uniform before the wear was authorized by the Army... even though he had orders for it, it wasn't in the regs yet.  Regulations keep us on track... even in CAP where we are structured like, but are not the military. 

I find much of this hard to believe, but assuming it's true, not that surprising, and if true, your frustration is warranted, though you should feel empowered to call people on it.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Yes, we just got that email.  For some reason AZ-046 is always late to the party. 

That's not how email works.

[Paul_AK]

I don't hate the ABU.

I do.

[JeffDG]

I don't hate the ABU.

I do.

Then the good news for you is that it will not be mandatory.  You will retain the BBDU option indefinitely.

[Paul_AK]

I don't hate the ABU.

I do.

Then the good news for you is that it will not be mandatory.  You will retain the BBDU option indefinitely.

Partially good news. The problems I have with the ABU don't stem from the CAP. Unfortunately I'll be stuck with it until the AF changes again.

[calebtornado12]

Speaking of not being able to wear a uniform until the reg has been posted/released, one of the Senior Members (technically I'm supposed to call them officers now) wanted to make his uniform of the new ABU for CAP early, but not wear it until the reg is officially sent out and ready to go. The part I want to know is where they got the new name plates and rank tags. I know they haven't put them on Vanguard yet, but he had both the new CAP and Last name ones that are dark blue with silver (last name was customized to his last name). Does anyone know where people have been getting these? Just curious, I'm not planning on getting some, but just curious.   

[RogueLeader]

They (vanguard) have been making the navy blue grade insignia for a while now for the non-nomex blue flight suit, and its easy to get the new nametapes off of any one of the nametape providers.

[calebtornado12]

Ah, that makes more sense. Thanks!

[AlphaSigOU]

They (vanguard) have been making the navy blue grade insignia for a while now for the non-nomex blue flight suit, and its easy to get the new nametapes off of any one of the nametape providers.

I'm wondering if the so-called 'silver' thread for the soon-to-be (ain't holding my breath) dark blue tapes is actually a bright white.

[PHall]

They (vanguard) have been making the navy blue grade insignia for a while now for the non-nomex blue flight suit, and its easy to get the new nametapes off of any one of the nametape providers.

I'm wondering if the so-called 'silver' thread for the soon-to-be (ain't holding my breath) dark blue tapes is actually a bright white.

No, it's non-metallic silver. Same as they use on cloth flight suit name tags for Air Force Wings.

[kwe1009]

Speaking of not being able to wear a uniform until the reg has been posted/released, one of the Senior Members (technically I'm supposed to call them officers now) wanted to make his uniform of the new ABU for CAP early, but not wear it until the reg is officially sent out and ready to go. The part I want to know is where they got the new name plates and rank tags. I know they haven't put them on Vanguard yet, but he had both the new CAP and Last name ones that are dark blue with silver (last name was customized to his last name). Does anyone know where people have been getting these? Just curious, I'm not planning on getting some, but just curious.   

Is this person wearing that uniform?  If so, he is out of regs.  While it is very likely that if/when the Air Force approves ABUs for CAP that it will be with the name tag color scheme that was requested, it is not guaranteed.  The Air Force could say we have to wear red name taps with orange lettering (highly unlikely but still possible).  Everyone should just put on the pause button and wait until official word comes out.  It will not be a secret passed from one person to another.  It will be an ICL to CAPR 39-1 that will be published online and advertised on eServices and likely through mass email.  Until the ICL is published, there is no change to uniforms.

[NIN]

They (vanguard) have been making the navy blue grade insignia for a while now for the non-nomex blue flight suit, and its easy to get the new nametapes off of any one of the nametape providers.

I'm wondering if the so-called 'silver' thread for the soon-to-be (ain't holding my breath) dark blue tapes is actually a bright white.

Yeah, its more of a "grey-white" silver, not "metallic thread" silver.

[calebtornado12]

Speaking of not being able to wear a uniform until the reg has been posted/released, one of the Senior Members (technically I'm supposed to call them officers now) wanted to make his uniform of the new ABU for CAP early, but not wear it until the reg is officially sent out and ready to go. The part I want to know is where they got the new name plates and rank tags. I know they haven't put them on Vanguard yet, but he had both the new CAP and Last name ones that are dark blue with silver (last name was customized to his last name). Does anyone know where people have been getting these? Just curious, I'm not planning on getting some, but just curious.   

Is this person wearing that uniform?  If so, he is out of regs.  While it is very likely that if/when the Air Force approves ABUs for CAP that it will be with the name tag color scheme that was requested, it is not guaranteed.  The Air Force could say we have to wear red name taps with orange lettering (highly unlikely but still possible).  Everyone should just put on the pause button and wait until official word comes out.  It will not be a secret passed from one person to another.  It will be an ICL to CAPR 39-1 that will be published online and advertised on eServices and likely through mass email.  Until the ICL is published, there is no change to uniforms.

No, he just made the uniform, he in not wearing it.

[lordmonar]

Name tapes dot com will make them for you. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Angus]

Nothing has been finalized yet so the name tape and branch tape are just conjecture at this point.  We have a good idea on how they will be though. 

[calebtornado12]

Nothing has been finalized yet so the name tape and branch tape are just conjecture at this point.  We have a good idea on how they will be though.

I thought the AF has already approved it? (Look at other threads).

[Angus]

The AF has approved it but not told us HOW to wear it. 

[calebtornado12]

Alright, that makes sense.

[MSG Mac]

Hopefully they'll announce it at the national Conference and don't wait for the rewrite of  39-1

[calebtornado12]

What's the date of this year's conference?

[Гугл переводчик]

I'm the person that has those ABUs, and no, I dare not wear them! 

We got a box of ABU's and a couple other SM's were curious of what the Unofficial/Rumored ABU's with Navy/Silver lettering would look like. Ordered the grade insignia off of Vanguard, and the name-tapes off eBay. The uniform itself sits at the back of the staff room, and will remain there until such a time its needed.

[lordmonar]

What's the date of this year's conference?

11-13 Aug.

[tkelley004]

Personally, I'm excited about these new changes. However, they do present significant problems.


2. If units don't pay for them, how will cadets pay? A good set of ABUs will set you back about $300.

/quote

Not $300, as a retiree I checked AFFES on line just now....rounded to the nearest dollar.... and free (slow) shipping as these are "issue" quality

Male shirt $35.00 Male Pants $42.00 Female Shirt $33.00 Pants $40.00 ABU Cap $6.00 Tan Rigger Belt $4.00  Tan T-Shirts, 3 pack $21.50 Now if close to a base, back to the MCSS or non-military connected can do mail order (yes, it is painful, but the details are in 39-1 to use the service) but a quick check of commercial web pages have the shirt and pants going for 60 each.

Let hope the Encampment scholarship program is in effect for next year, new cadets get the Air Force to buy them a set of ABUs for Encampment...

[grunt82abn]

This was just posted on Facebook from NHQ.  :clap:

4 May 2016

1. I am pleased to announce that the Air Force has approved Civil Air Patrol's request to transition to the Airman Battle Uniform. As the official auxiliary of the Air Force CAP has a long history of wearing a USAF style uniform and our transition to the ABU once again brings us in line with our parent service.
2. As a result of negotiations with the Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES), CAP has also been approved to receive a significant number of excess ABUs. This will allow many CAP members to receive the basic ABU shirt and pants at no cost. We are currently working with AAFES to take possession of the excess uniforms and each Wing is establishing a distribution plan. We expect these uniforms to be available to members in the field this summer.
3. The phase in period for wear of the ABU will begin on 15 June 2016. Members will wear the ABU with the dark blue tapes and insignia as outlined in the attached wear instructions. Vanguard will begin accepting orders for the new devices on 15 June 2016. The Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) may continue to be worn until the mandatory phase out date of 15 June 2021. CAP will also begin to transition to dark blue tapes on the Corporate field uniform and BDUs with a mandatory wear date of 15 June 2021. Members are not required to change the tapes on existing uniforms until the mandatory wear date; however, all devices on the uniform must match. The attached wear instructions will constitute regulatory guidance on the wear of the ABU until a revision to CAP Manual 39-1 is released.

[NIN]

Personally, I'm excited about these new changes. However, they do present significant problems.


2. If units don't pay for them, how will cadets pay? A good set of ABUs will set you back about $300.

Not $300, as a retiree I checked AFFES on line just now....rounded to the nearest dollar.... and free (slow) shipping as these are "issue" quality

Male shirt $35.00 Male Pants $42.00 Female Shirt $33.00 Pants $40.00 ABU Cap $6.00 Tan Rigger Belt $4.00  Tan T-Shirts, 3 pack $21.50 Now if close to a base, back to the MCSS or non-military connected can do mail order (yes, it is painful, but the details are in 39-1 to use the service) but a quick check of commercial web pages have the shirt and pants going for 60 each.

Let hope the Encampment scholarship program is in effect for next year, new cadets get the Air Force to buy them a set of ABUs for Encampment...

I have two pair of ABU pants and an ABU shirt, and an ABU cap. I'm in to the whole thing for about $35 or $40 including shipping.

I hung on to all my tan t-shirts from the Army Cadets days. w00t!  And my tan rigger belt.

[Paul Creed III]

Personally, I'm excited about these new changes. However, they do present significant problems.


2. If units don't pay for them, how will cadets pay? A good set of ABUs will set you back about $300.

Not $300, as a retiree I checked AFFES on line just now....rounded to the nearest dollar.... and free (slow) shipping as these are "issue" quality

Male shirt $35.00 Male Pants $42.00 Female Shirt $33.00 Pants $40.00 ABU Cap $6.00 Tan Rigger Belt $4.00  Tan T-Shirts, 3 pack $21.50 Now if close to a base, back to the MCSS or non-military connected can do mail order (yes, it is painful, but the details are in 39-1 to use the service) but a quick check of commercial web pages have the shirt and pants going for 60 each.

Let hope the Encampment scholarship program is in effect for next year, new cadets get the Air Force to buy them a set of ABUs for Encampment...

I have two pair of ABU pants and an ABU shirt, and an ABU cap. I'm in to the whole thing for about $35 or $40 including shipping.

I hung on to all my tan t-shirts from the Army Cadets days. w00t!  And my tan rigger belt.

I got some of my ABU pieces from eBay on the cheap, especially the parka. I started watching eBay a few months ago when the initial announcement was made that ABUs were pending approval. Yeah, it was a gamble, but I used the lead time to score some sweet deals.