Uniform for Boards or Competitions

Started by kirbahashi, February 06, 2012, 05:11:34 PM

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kirbahashi

Ok, this will come off as a rant just a touch, but I have a question to all.  Would you serve as a board member wearing the polo and slacks combo (authorized by Wing Instruction, as were the service uniform or aviator shirt with grey slacks) when the people going before the board were required to wear a version of the USAF style uniform (short sleeve shirt, tie, ribbons)?

This will mark the third time in two months I have attended some sort of Wing function, (NCSA/COY Board, Wing Color Guard Competition, & Wing sponsored Great Start Cadre Training) where either coaches, board members, or the person in charge was sporting the polo combo.  :o  I get the fact that it is an authorized uniform, but I get a little miffed that my cadets are told they will wear the service dress uniform, or a variation, when the person evaluating them or going before them won't.  Maybe it is 19 years of being in the military boiling over...  But I can't recall one time where I went before a board in service dress, and the board was in anything BUT service dress.  Additionally, it makes me think of my time as a cadet where we had the Seniors who wore the "Smurf Suit" because they didn't want to shave, or didn't want to look stupid in a USAF style uniform.  Which contributed to my animosity towards Seniors then...

Am I wrong on this one?  I get the fact Seniors sometimes have issues preventing them from wearing the USAF style uniform.  But before I would ever wear the polo in this situation, I would wear the aviator shirt with slacks.  And as a Senior I am a little torque on my peers who I think are taking a short cut.  We should be the positive example.  Not the guy with the ".50 cal" buttons.

Thoughts?
There's only one thing I hate more than lying: skim milk. Which is water that's lying about being milk.

RogueLeader

I wouldn't. When I was in the army, all the NCO boards where board members wore ACU's and soldiers wore service dress.
WYWG DP

GRW 3340

bosshawk

When I was in CAP, I regularly was asked to serve on promotion boards for cadets.  They were always done during a senior meeting night and I wore polos and slacks 100 % of the time to those meetings.  I usually had three minutes to prepare for the board and I certainly couldn't go home(50 miles) and change.  Of course, in our Sq, seniors wore nothing except polos unless we were wearing flight suits.  In eight years of being a member of that Sq, I don't believe that I ever saw a SM in anything other than polo or flight suit: possible exception, we had a Chaplain for awhile and he always wore AF style.

I have to go the RM route: we are not the military and military experience has little to do with how we interact in CAP.  Oh, boy, flames are on the way. :)
Paul M. Reed
Col, USA(ret)
Former CAP Lt Col
Wilson #2777

kirbahashi

No,

No flames from this guy.  I was really looking for what was going on outside my little slice of heaven.  If it isn't just here, and it is only in my mind, then there really is no issue.  I find this usually happens when I think military in CAP.  Usually they don't mix so well.

That, and I hate the polo & slacks combo...   ;D
There's only one thing I hate more than lying: skim milk. Which is water that's lying about being milk.

MSG Mac

Better to be in the alternate uniform than be overweight and in the AF style.
Michael P. McEleney
Lt Col CAP
MSG USA (Retired)
50 Year Member

Extremepredjudice

Review boards or promotion boards for cadets are different animals, compared to wing hosted functions. You can't compare them.

FLWG's competition only a couple team escorts wore anything other than blues/aviators. And I think they wore BBDUs..
I love the moderators here. <3

Hanlon's Razor
Occam's Razor
"Flight make chant; I good leader"

Sapper168

I lean the other way.  Since becoming involved with the Cadet Programs i have always had a 'lead by example' belief.  I try to wear the same uniform (albeit corporate version, :( currently fixing that 8)) as the cadets for the given activity.

As far as the Polo shirt goes, i personally can in no way equate it to Service Dress or Blues(A or B) in my head.  By design it seems to simply be an informal uniform desgned for comfort.  As such i personally only think it should be worn during travel to/from an activity, in an informal classroom setting, perhaps extended flying in very hot weather, and By CISM teams where a less formal military look can aid in their duties. 

As far as wearing it if i know im going to be sitting on a board...... negative!  For a cadet, a board be it promotion or otherwise is a serious occasion.  As such, we as seniors sitting on the board should treat it with just as much seriousness as the cadet. We as mentors and leaders of cadets should be portraying a higher standard for the Cadets.

Before someone says, 'But im not involved with the cadets' i will say unless you are in a Senior Squadron you very much are involved with the Cadets.  You may not be in the Cadet Program but if you are involved with the cadets.
Shane E Guernsey, TSgt, CAP
CAP Squadron ESO... "Who did what now?"
CAP Squadron NCO Advisor... "Where is the coffee located?"
US Army 12B... "Sappers Lead the Way!"
US Army Reserve 71L-f5... "Going Postal!"

MIKE

The former cadet in me says it is hypocritical to pass yourself off as a subject matter expert to cadets when you can't wear the same uniform... though the former senior in me knows that for the most part this is an unreasonable expectation.

You are a cadet, you show up to try outs for your Wing Drill Team, uniform as per CAPM 52-4.  Would you rather that your senior evaluators are:

A. Low thirties (with matching waist size), proper military grooming, wearing short sleeved service uniform.  Maybe wearing ribbons.  If so, has cadet milestone award and possibly NCC ribbon.  If really highspeed, likely not wearing ribbons or a tie though.  ;D

B. 55+ unmistakably over weight standards for USAF style uniform (and probably that belt too), facial hair, wearing polo or aviator shirt with CAP badges and ribbons.
Mike Johnston

Spaceman3750

You are there to impress the evaluators, not the other way around. Just because I wear a suit to a job interview doesn't mean I expect the interviewer to do the same (that might just be my field though). That's not hypocrisy, that's just the way things are, IMHO.

spacecommand

Another item is though the white aviator shirt, grey pants combination is the basic minimal uniform , there are seniors I know seem to just own the polo shirt version thinking that is the basic minimal uniform.  While not boards related, but if it is a formal night like awards and promotions...

Sapper168

Quote from: spacecommand on February 06, 2012, 08:58:41 PM
Another item is though the white aviator shirt, grey pants combination is the basic minimal uniform , there are seniors I know seem to just own the polo shirt version thinking that is the basic minimal uniform.  While not boards related, but if it is a formal night like awards and promotions...

CAPM 39-1 is a 'soft' regulatory document though isnt it?  ::) >:D
Shane E Guernsey, TSgt, CAP
CAP Squadron ESO... "Who did what now?"
CAP Squadron NCO Advisor... "Where is the coffee located?"
US Army 12B... "Sappers Lead the Way!"
US Army Reserve 71L-f5... "Going Postal!"

RiverAux

I would see it as a sign of disrespect and laziness if the seniors were not in a uniform as similarly formal as they expect the cadets to wear, whether during a regular meeting night or otherwise. 

a2capt

Quote from: Ground_Pounder on February 06, 2012, 09:15:11 PMCAPM 39-1 is a 'soft' regulatory document though isnt it?  ::) >:D
I don't think soft and mandatory mean the same thing. OTOH, enforcement, compliance and respect for, the manual, are a bit 'soft'.

Sapper168

I think a lot of issues come from the schitzophrenia this organization has devolved into.  The uniforms are just a symptom. I think the biggest problem we have is that it comes down to corporation vs auxillary.  This organization would be better served i believe if It identified with, focused on and portrayed one or the other.  Then the mission of the organisation could really be focused on.
Shane E Guernsey, TSgt, CAP
CAP Squadron ESO... "Who did what now?"
CAP Squadron NCO Advisor... "Where is the coffee located?"
US Army 12B... "Sappers Lead the Way!"
US Army Reserve 71L-f5... "Going Postal!"

stillamarine

Quote from: spacecommand on February 06, 2012, 08:58:41 PM
Another item is though the white aviator shirt, grey pants combination is the basic minimal uniform , there are seniors I know seem to just own the polo shirt version thinking that is the basic minimal uniform.  While not boards related, but if it is a formal night like awards and promotions...

Would be curious to see documentation on that. I've never heard of a basic minimal uniform for seniors, as long as it was an approved CAP uniform. I know many seniors that only own the polo/grey pants combo.
Tim Gardiner, 1st LT, CAP

USMC AD 1996-2001
USMCR    2001-2005  Admiral, Great State of Nebraska Navy  MS, MO, UDF
tim.gardiner@gmail.com

Sapper168

Quote from: stillamarine on February 06, 2012, 09:39:11 PM
Quote from: spacecommand on February 06, 2012, 08:58:41 PM
Another item is though the white aviator shirt, grey pants combination is the basic minimal uniform , there are seniors I know seem to just own the polo shirt version thinking that is the basic minimal uniform.  While not boards related, but if it is a formal night like awards and promotions...

Would be curious to see documentation on that. I've never heard of a basic minimal uniform for seniors, as long as it was an approved CAP uniform. I know many seniors that only own the polo/grey pants combo.

CAPM 39-1 page 8 section 1-5 item B:

b. CAP Distinctive Basic Uniform (senior members only). Male: Short-sleeve, white aviator shirt;
gray trousers; black belt; black shoes and socks. Insignia: CAP nameplate, embroidered epaulet sleeve.
Female: Short-sleeve, white aviator shirt; gray slacks or skirt; plain black shoes. Insignia: CAP
nameplate, embroidered epaulet sleeve.
Shane E Guernsey, TSgt, CAP
CAP Squadron ESO... "Who did what now?"
CAP Squadron NCO Advisor... "Where is the coffee located?"
US Army 12B... "Sappers Lead the Way!"
US Army Reserve 71L-f5... "Going Postal!"

Eclipse

And as it has been noted here umpteen times, the minimum basic uniform is required.  All seniors must own either blues or whites, yet a lot of commanders are unaware of this mandate, let alone new members.


"That Others May Zoom"

spacecommand

CAPM39-1 page 8

Quote1-5. Uniform Combinations. Various combinations of CAP uniforms are authorized in order to allow
for various climatic conditions, availability of uniforms, etc., but no member is obligated to equip
himself/herself with all or even a major part of the combinations described in this publication. Members
will equip themselves with the basic uniform.

Pylon

Bottom line is there is an appropriate uniform in our closet (AF-style or corporate equivalent) for pretty much every situation.  True, in many situations, we grant a lot of flexibility to the member because the situation doesn't always necessitate one particular uniform (weekly meetings for example) and because not every member owns the whole range of uniforms.


The polo combo has its place, as do the field uniforms, flight suits, service dress, and mess dress.  But there are places where less flexibility should be expected.  In a more formal setting, we tend to require (or at least expect) more formal uniforms.  BDUs don't cut it for attending a professional development course, for example.  Flight suits aren't expected to be the routine uniform for members when they're not engaged in flying duties.  Similarly, we wouldn't rock the mess dress to a weekly meeting.


In a formal setting like a board of review, competition, or other special event where the attendees are required to wear a certain uniform (service dress in this example) I think it's rude, at best, for the staff of that event to expect that they shouldn't reflect the same standard.   Wouldn't it be equally rude for a member to show up to the formal Wing Conference banquet wearing the polo uniform, where mess dress is common and service dress the least formal you tend to see? 


While we have a whole closet of uniforms to choose from, it doesn't mean every one of them is going to be appropriate for every setting. 


And the leadership and staff anywhere should always be setting the example, not the exception to the rule.
Michael F. Kieloch, Maj, CAP

NCRblues

Agree with pylon...

Plus a pretty simple fix to this problem. Whoever is in charge of the activity gets to set the uniform. If you want it to be all service dress (or corporate equivalent to service dress) than ask to head up that certain activity next time and set the UOD. BOOM problem solved. No need to thank me, its what I do.
  8)
In god we trust, all others we run through NCIC

The CyBorg is destroyed

Quote from: Ground_Pounder on February 06, 2012, 09:38:40 PM
I think a lot of issues come from the schitzophrenia this organization has devolved into.  The uniforms are just a symptom. I think the biggest problem we have is that it comes down to corporation vs auxillary.  This organization would be better served i believe if It identified with, focused on and portrayed one or the other.  Then the mission of the organisation could really be focused on.

I agree 100%.

I also don't believe it's possible to root out that schizoid outlook.  It's become too deeply entrenched and the "corporate" personality has won.
Exiled from GLR-MI-011

Sapper168

Quote from: NCRblues on February 06, 2012, 10:39:54 PM
Agree with pylon...

Plus a pretty simple fix to this problem. Whoever is in charge of the activity gets to set the uniform. If you want it to be all service dress (or corporate equivalent to service dress) than ask to head up that certain activity next time and set the UOD. BOOM problem solved. No need to thank me, its what I do.
  8)

According to capm 39-1, Table 4-8. CAP Distinctive Uniform Equivalents to USAF-Style Uniform     The knit shirt(polo shirt) is considered the equivalent of the AF-style light blue shirt (unless otherwise specified).  So that only solves the problem if you set the uniform to be Blues Shirt(class A and B) or equivalent and NO POLO.  I doubt anyone would actually do that.
Shane E Guernsey, TSgt, CAP
CAP Squadron ESO... "Who did what now?"
CAP Squadron NCO Advisor... "Where is the coffee located?"
US Army 12B... "Sappers Lead the Way!"
US Army Reserve 71L-f5... "Going Postal!"

NCRblues

Quote from: Ground_Pounder on February 06, 2012, 11:00:46 PM
Quote from: NCRblues on February 06, 2012, 10:39:54 PM
Agree with pylon...

Plus a pretty simple fix to this problem. Whoever is in charge of the activity gets to set the uniform. If you want it to be all service dress (or corporate equivalent to service dress) than ask to head up that certain activity next time and set the UOD. BOOM problem solved. No need to thank me, its what I do.
  8)

According to capm 39-1, Table 4-8. CAP Distinctive Uniform Equivalents to USAF-Style Uniform     The knit shirt(polo shirt) is considered the equivalent of the AF-style light blue shirt (unless otherwise specified).  So that only solves the problem if you set the uniform to be Blues Shirt(class A and B) or equivalent and NO POLO.  I doubt anyone would actually do that.

I absolutely would. If you make it service dress (what some call class A) than the polo is a no go. Problem still solved. CAP has become so afraid to tell anyone no for any reason. I tell people to play the game or go home. No one is irreplaceable in CAP.
In god we trust, all others we run through NCIC

Sapper168

Quote from: CyBorg on February 06, 2012, 10:47:29 PM
Quote from: Ground_Pounder on February 06, 2012, 09:38:40 PM
I think a lot of issues come from the schitzophrenia this organization has devolved into.  The uniforms are just a symptom. I think the biggest problem we have is that it comes down to corporation vs auxillary.  This organization would be better served i believe if It identified with, focused on and portrayed one or the other.  Then the mission of the organisation could really be focused on.

I agree 100%.

I also don't believe it's possible to root out that schizoid outlook.  It's become too deeply entrenched and the "corporate" personality has won.

I wouldn't care if CAP went all Corporate and totally disassociated from the airforce.  At that point they could persue the corporate ends and not have to worry about Ma Blue's approval.  Would i renew my mebership next time?  Probably not. There is no way  It could  continue in the three part mission and still be true to its roots.  If i just wanted to be part of a SAR organization I would join one of the local counties volunteer SAR squad.  And anyone who says that a straight 'corporate' CAP would still have a cadets program is fooling themselves.
Shane E Guernsey, TSgt, CAP
CAP Squadron ESO... "Who did what now?"
CAP Squadron NCO Advisor... "Where is the coffee located?"
US Army 12B... "Sappers Lead the Way!"
US Army Reserve 71L-f5... "Going Postal!"

Sapper168

Quote from: NCRblues on February 06, 2012, 11:05:03 PM
Quote from: Ground_Pounder on February 06, 2012, 11:00:46 PM
Quote from: NCRblues on February 06, 2012, 10:39:54 PM
Agree with pylon...

Plus a pretty simple fix to this problem. Whoever is in charge of the activity gets to set the uniform. If you want it to be all service dress (or corporate equivalent to service dress) than ask to head up that certain activity next time and set the UOD. BOOM problem solved. No need to thank me, its what I do.
  8)

According to capm 39-1, Table 4-8. CAP Distinctive Uniform Equivalents to USAF-Style Uniform     The knit shirt(polo shirt) is considered the equivalent of the AF-style light blue shirt (unless otherwise specified).  So that only solves the problem if you set the uniform to be Blues Shirt(class A and B) or equivalent and NO POLO.  I doubt anyone would actually do that.

I absolutely would. If you make it service dress (what some call class A) than the polo is a no go. Problem still solved. CAP has become so afraid to tell anyone no for any reason. I tell people to play the game or go home. No one is irreplaceable in CAP.

I would have no problem telling someone out of uniform to correct it or go home either, but i am not too concerned about whether i can or can't 'give orders' to other senior members.  The majority of what i have seen tends to lean towards 'we'll let it go hoping no one says anything.'
Shane E Guernsey, TSgt, CAP
CAP Squadron ESO... "Who did what now?"
CAP Squadron NCO Advisor... "Where is the coffee located?"
US Army 12B... "Sappers Lead the Way!"
US Army Reserve 71L-f5... "Going Postal!"

NCRblues

Quote from: Ground_Pounder on February 06, 2012, 11:13:04 PM
I would have no problem telling someone out of uniform to correct it or go home either, but i am not too concerned about whether i can or can't 'give orders' to other senior members.  The majority of what i have seen tends to lean towards 'we'll let it go hoping no one says anything.'

Well now that is the problem on your last sentence. Once you start letting things slip, it's so hard to stop, and that is where CAP is now.

Young SM's directing CLC/SLS/TLC even though they have never taken the class as a student. SM's allowed to blatantly violate the height/weight rule including members of the NB and NEC. SM's not caring about cadets truly understanding the items on the promotion tests and just rubber stamping promotions. SM's out of uniform and not checked or sent home. The list goes on and on.

But, start enforcing the rules and taking away those aircraft, vans and activities participation, and watch how fast people will fix themselves and start to help fix others around them. Will we lose some people? Yes, but we will attract the members we really want, and we will keep those members that are most productive. Nothing in CAP is so hard we MUST cut corners. Enforce the rules evenly across the board to all members = a happy CAP.
In god we trust, all others we run through NCIC

Phil Hirons, Jr.

#26
While the CAP Distinctive Basic uniform is listed, you also have

CAPM 39-1 Table 4-8 CAP Distinctive Uniform Equivalents to USAF-Style Uniform










CAP Distinctive UniformUSAF-Style Uniform Equivalent
Utility Uniform/Field UniformBattle Dress Uniform (BDU)
Blazer UniformService Dress Uniform
Blazer Semiformal Uniform (without
nameplate) Appropriate civilian attire is
recommended for females.
Mess Dress (Senior Members), Semiformal
(Cadets) or Civilian Formal Wear
Aviator Shirt with EpauletsAF-style light blue shirt
Knit ShirtsAF-style light blue shirt (unless otherwise
specified)
Blue Flight SuitGreen Flight Suit
Blue Flight JacketGreen Flight Jacket

So unless you specify the White and Gray the polo is an acceptable substitution for the AF Blue Shirt



Spaceman3750

Quote from: Ground_Pounder on February 06, 2012, 11:13:04 PM
Quote from: NCRblues on February 06, 2012, 11:05:03 PM
Quote from: Ground_Pounder on February 06, 2012, 11:00:46 PM
Quote from: NCRblues on February 06, 2012, 10:39:54 PM
Agree with pylon...

Plus a pretty simple fix to this problem. Whoever is in charge of the activity gets to set the uniform. If you want it to be all service dress (or corporate equivalent to service dress) than ask to head up that certain activity next time and set the UOD. BOOM problem solved. No need to thank me, its what I do.
  8)

According to capm 39-1, Table 4-8. CAP Distinctive Uniform Equivalents to USAF-Style Uniform     The knit shirt(polo shirt) is considered the equivalent of the AF-style light blue shirt (unless otherwise specified).  So that only solves the problem if you set the uniform to be Blues Shirt(class A and B) or equivalent and NO POLO.  I doubt anyone would actually do that.

I absolutely would. If you make it service dress (what some call class A) than the polo is a no go. Problem still solved. CAP has become so afraid to tell anyone no for any reason. I tell people to play the game or go home. No one is irreplaceable in CAP.

I would have no problem telling someone out of uniform to correct it or go home either, but i am not too concerned about whether i can or can't 'give orders' to other senior members.  The majority of what i have seen tends to lean towards 'we'll let it go hoping no one says anything.'

That settles it - I'm wearing my BBDUs to the change of command, just to bug you >:D.

Eclipse

Quote from: Spaceman3750 on February 07, 2012, 01:30:00 AM
That settles it - I'm wearing my BBDUs to the change of command, just to bug you >:D.

A couple people beat you to it at the recent one in our wing...

(Not to mention the photos of people in >much< less than formal attire at the most recent wing conference banquet I attended).

"That Others May Zoom"

Sapper168

Quote from: Spaceman3750 on February 07, 2012, 01:30:00 AM

... That settles it - I'm wearing my BBDUs to the change of command, just to bug you >:D.

See what im talking about!!! :o  It wont bug me that much since im not taking command.   ;)  I still have no idea where its going to be either.
Shane E Guernsey, TSgt, CAP
CAP Squadron ESO... "Who did what now?"
CAP Squadron NCO Advisor... "Where is the coffee located?"
US Army 12B... "Sappers Lead the Way!"
US Army Reserve 71L-f5... "Going Postal!"

ZigZag911

Board members should be in same uniform (or equivalent) as those appearing before the board.

Doing otherwise sets a poor example: "Do as I say, not as I do."

lordmonar

Just to play devil's advocate....

A)  What about RHIP?

B)  YOU are there to evaluate the candidate not impress him/her with your abilities.  You certainly have to be professional in appearance.

On a side note....I hate the "Do as I say not as I do" argument for leadership.

There are are a thousand reasons why a subordinate is not allowed or should not do what the leader is allowed and sometimes forced to do.

Leader's don't buff the floor and paint the rocks because they have got better things to do...and they painted the rocks and buffed the floor when they were peons.  Leaders don't have a curfew because they have proved they don't need one or have stuff to do after the kiddies have gone to bed. 

AND YES....there is a double/tripple/quadriple standards....but that is the nature of all things.

[/rant]
PATRICK M. HARRIS, SMSgt, CAP

ZigZag911

Before RHIP, RHIR...rank must have its responsibilities. And the main one is to lead by force of personal example.

I'm very much with Eclipse on this one...if you can't/won't put on an aviator shirt with insignia and a pair of gray slacks, at minimum, then in my opinion you don't belong on a CAP selection board.

The only exception I can see making is for those flying to the event to wear a flightsuit...polo shirts, BDUs, and other uniform combinations have their proper place...just not at a formal board.

And whoever mentioned it earlier is absolutely correct...it is the job of the officer in charge to set -- and enforce -- the uniform of the day.

The CyBorg is destroyed

Quote from: Ground_Pounder on February 06, 2012, 11:09:31 PM
I wouldn't care if CAP went all Corporate and totally disassociated from the airforce.  At that point they could persue the corporate ends and not have to worry about Ma Blue's approval.  Would i renew my mebership next time?  Probably not. There is no way  It could  continue in the three part mission and still be true to its roots.  If i just wanted to be part of a SAR organization I would join one of the local counties volunteer SAR squad.  And anyone who says that a straight 'corporate' CAP would still have a cadets program is fooling themselves.

Right on all points, except that the point must also be made that a non-AF CAP would really have to do fundraising and beg, borrow or steal whatever they (I don't say "we" because I wouldn't be part of such an organisation) could get.  There would be no more AF funding, nothing from the gov't in fact (unless the "new CAP" were moved to DHS or some equivalent), including the nice red, white and blue airplanes.  No more meeting space on military facilities (unless the commander was feeling very generous), and, as you said, no more CP/AE, just all ES, all the time.

WRT boards: To me if a CAP officer cannot be bothered to put on at least the minimum required uniform (blues or G/W) then I don't think they belong on a review board.  I would feel particularly uncomfortable if a cadet reported in all of his/her finery, clean, pressed uniform, ribbons and other blingage all in place and I was sitting there in BDU's, BBDU's or a flight suit (I don't own the polo shirt) unshaven (or ungroomed if with a beard).  I would wonder what kind of message I was sending this young person.

Having said that, I have noticed that a lot of military personnel I see now, in person or on TV, are wearing their camouflage for almost everything.  We meet on an ANG facility that also has some USMC, ARNG and USAR, plus I live not far from an ARNG armoury, and with the Army components in particular I couldn't tell you when the last time was that I saw a soldier (enlisted, NCO, commissioned or warrant) wearing anything but the ACU.  I have yet to see a soldier in person wearing the blue uniform that apparently some dim bulb thought our old CSU could be confused with.
Exiled from GLR-MI-011

lordmonar

Quote from: ZigZag911 on February 07, 2012, 04:31:43 PM
Before RHIP, RHIR...rank must have its responsibilities. And the main one is to lead by force of personal example.

I'm very much with Eclipse on this one...if you can't/won't put on an aviator shirt with insignia and a pair of gray slacks, at minimum, then in my opinion you don't belong on a CAP selection board.

The only exception I can see making is for those flying to the event to wear a flightsuit...polo shirts, BDUs, and other uniform combinations have their proper place...just not at a formal board.

And whoever mentioned it earlier is absolutely correct...it is the job of the officer in charge to set -- and enforce -- the uniform of the day.
Well....I did not really want to go there.  This, again is simply a leadership issue.  If you want your board members to wear Class B uniforms.....then you specify Class B uniforms.  You don't give exceptions to fliers, people who are new, people who have never been told, people who just don't care.
It is that simple. 

Typical that Ecliplse would change the focus of the OP's original rant.  The Rant is about board members no wearing the same uniform as the candidates.  No where did anyone suggest that board members did not have the proscribed minimum uniform....only that they did not wear it.

So to stay on target.....the fault lies in who ever set up the board.  If you don't specify the UoD....then people will wear what ever they feel like.
If the UoD is Class B and a member does not have a set......then yes he should not be on the board.
PATRICK M. HARRIS, SMSgt, CAP

Eclipse

^ Let's give credit where it's due, here.

I didn't start the spin on what is required, nor did I say who should or should not be on a board (though I do agree with ZiZag's comment retroactively).

"That Others May Zoom"

ol'fido

With regard to the original post:

1) Formal boards such as NCSAs or "of the Year" awards should probably specify Service dress for board members with the blazer combo being the corporate alternative. When I was sitting on the wing NCSA boards that was how we did it. Cadet officers were usually but not always in service dress while cadet airmen and NCOs were usually but not always in Class Bs. The only times this wasn't so was when someone who was there in a support role who was asked to sit on a board at the last minute when someone wasn't able to show up.

2)Depending on the night of the month you conduct promotion and position boards at your squadron should dictate what uniform you are in. I am going to assume that most units have their boards on blues night. If that is the case, then the board members should be in blues or gray/whites. Again, the last minute replacement rule applies here.

3) Members should not plan to sit on a board in anything less than what they require for the cadet for the board. This just shows respect for the person coming before the board.

4)For some cadet officers(c/Capt-c/Col), however, I wouldn't be above putting a person in polo shirt combo in the center of the board with the announced chairman in uniform sitting on one end of the table or the other. This is just to see how aware they are and how they think on their feet.

My .02. YMMV.
Lt. Col. Randy L. Mitchell
Historian, Group 1, IL-006

AngelWings

I think people who do not want to show simple courtesy has to simply wear something more dressier than what they typically do are unprofessional by default and unremarkable by standard.
It is a simple everyday courtesy where ever we go to meet the minimum standard our society or organization puts on us. Think of it this way, we expect people in the public to wear atleast the minimum amount of clothes, instead of being partially naked (in sense of the reproductive organs) or fully naked. When people go to a wedding, we expect something along the lines of black tie for men and dresses for women (at most weddings). In public, we do not expect exceptions to be made for people when it comes towards being partially or fully naked, and at something like a typical formal wedding, we do not expect exceptions to the dress standard.
Why should we expect or allow exceptions in an professional organization with military standards? Is it for laziness and comfort? Laziness has no place in CAP and comfort can become a casualty when in CAP. I would not wear anything less than the standard imposed on the men and women applying, nor would I exceed it.
If the senior members on this board want to wear polos, then the cadets should have to wear the equivalent, and with most senior members looking unprofessional in the polo, the cadets should be allowed to get comfortable in dressy civies (like wearing a sweater or dress shirt with jeans and whatever footwear works). I doubt many of you like the sound of that lowering of the bar.
To sum up everything I just said, we all belong in the same equivalent uniform. It is IMO disrespectful to wear anything but the equivalent, and to require anyone else to do anything different. We have standards and a simple understanding of courtesies that should stop that from happening. We should do as we say, and say as we do. Lastly, it is not a matter of rank or position, it is a matter of the simple human decency and respect to be in the equivalent uniform. Those who try to pull some sort of rank thing with this typically are the same as those who try to make everyone do the hard work while they sit down comfortably.

Sapper168

Quote from: Littleguy on February 08, 2012, 04:00:30 AM
.....To sum up everything I just said, we all belong in the same equivalent uniform. It is IMO disrespectful to wear anything but the equivalent, and to require anyone else to do anything different. .......


Thats the deal see according to CAPM 39-1 unless otherwise stated, the polo shirt combo (Knit shirt) is considered the equivelent of the White/ grey and Air force Blue shirt uniform.  I dont agree with it but there it is.
Shane E Guernsey, TSgt, CAP
CAP Squadron ESO... "Who did what now?"
CAP Squadron NCO Advisor... "Where is the coffee located?"
US Army 12B... "Sappers Lead the Way!"
US Army Reserve 71L-f5... "Going Postal!"

Phil Hirons, Jr.

So then it is up to the leadership for an activity / event to otherwise state.

kirbahashi

...The Rant is about board members no wearing the same uniform as the candidates.  No where did anyone suggest that board members did not have the prescribed minimum uniform....only that they did not wear it...


Yes, the OP was about would you wear uniform Y as a board member, if you were directing those appearing before the board to wear uniform X.  Keeping in mind, uniform Y was ok'd through not only CAPM 39-1 but the Wing Instruction for the board.  It was also a rant towards some Seniors who are good to go with wearing the polo and slacks at events directed towards Cadets.  When you are directing those Cadets to be a variant of blues.  Either S/S vs. L/S, ribbons or tie. 

I do want to say thanks to everyone chiming in.  Regardless where the post went, it was good to see some people's take on the original question.  And it lets me know, I am not alone in my thinking.  AND... I learned something about that dang uniform.  And yes, I own that uniform, and I wear that uniform.  I just know there are certain events and places where I know I would never wear it, even if authorized.  And a board is one of those places.

Thanks, and keep it going.
There's only one thing I hate more than lying: skim milk. Which is water that's lying about being milk.

ZigZag911

Quote from: lordmonar on February 07, 2012, 05:05:47 PM

Typical that Ecliplse would change the focus of the OP's original rant.  The Rant is about board members no wearing the same uniform as the candidates.  No where did anyone suggest that board members did not have the proscribed minimum uniform....only that they did not wear it.

So to stay on target.....the fault lies in who ever set up the board.  If you don't specify the UoD....then people will wear what ever they feel like.
If the UoD is Class B and a member does not have a set......then yes he should not be on the board.

Agreed!

And apologies to Eclipse for dragging him into this.