Cadet Uniform Order

[skippytim]

Okay...so how long does it take to get your uniform after you order it in E-Services? I'm referring to my Air Force Blues.

I also have a quick question to go along with it...I suppose you can't promote to Airman if you don't have your blues yet, can you? Can you test? I've been waiting for my blues forever!

Thx.

[Cecil DP]

You can test without having the AF provided uniform. Generally it takes a couple of weeks to get the uniform, if they are available. Some times cadet sizes are unavailable for a while. But if it's been over a month call National and they can try to track the order for you. 

[SDF_Specialist]

I also have a quick question to go along with it...I suppose you can't promote to Airman if you don't have your blues yet, can you? Can you test? I've been waiting for my blues forever!
Thx.

As long as you show up in eServices, you can test, and participate in CAP activities. Your uniform should take about 2 weeks, but it could take longer. Just test, promote, and be an active member of CAP!

[jimmydeanno]

Once you are a real member you are eligible to participate in the activities and test for promotion.

In my squadron, when you turn in your membership application, we fit you for BDUs and issue everything needed (minus boots and nametape). Those two items are up to you to get. 

Blues can sometimes take months for you to get if they happen to be out of your size, etc.  So we don't hold that against a new cadet.  If you have at least one complete uniform we will promote you (assuming you meet the other criteria).

I'm not about  not promoting a cadet that has been working hard because our bureaucratic channels aren't flowing...

[MIKE]

Relevant cite:

2-4. f. Uniform. Cadets must possess a CAP uniform and wear it properly to complete Achievement 1 and all subsequent achievements in the Cadet Program. For additional guidance on uniform policy, see CAPM 39-1.

Emphasis mine.

[LtCol Hooligan]

skippytim,
If your new uniform has not come yet, I would confirm you ordered it correctly and your commander approved it.  Mike's statement of the regs is correct, but you may want to work with your SQ/CC to see his/her interpretation of the regulation on this matter.  I know that in my squadron we do issue used uniforms as quickly as possible, but it should be understandable that patches, boots, and other essential items may take some time to come in.  We use a basic uniform (dark t-shirt/sweat shirt with no writing and blue jeans) as a uniform for brand new members until they can receive their uniforms.  If I notice it is taking longer than normal for a cadet to get their real uniforms, I always talk to them to get details on the situation.  I personally believe learning to wear the uniform is essential to being a cadet airman, but outside circumstances should be factored in when you are considered for promotion.

Here is the link to where you can get more info on the FCU program:  http://level2.cap.gov/index.cfm?nodeID=5354

[Cobra1597]

Relevant cite:

2-4. f. Uniform. Cadets must possess a CAP uniform and wear it properly to complete Achievement 1 and all subsequent achievements in the Cadet Program. For additional guidance on uniform policy, see CAPM 39-1.

Emphasis mine.

At least it doesn't say blues 

Though our squadron has been able to get them blues one way or another before they would complete achievement 1 throughout its history.

[skippytim]

Well...I have my BDU's complete with all patches and insignias and am properly able to wear it. My squadron however only promotes on blues nights, therefore this is a problem.

See, the thing is...It's taking longer for me to recieve my blues tan it is for me to go to our local military base and buy new BDUs, order patches from Vangaurd and recieve them, sew on patches, clean up BDU's (removing split threads, etc...), shine my new boots (3 hours), and I ordered my Blues 2 weeks before I even started working on my BDUs.

I guess I'll just wait than. Thanks.

[Major Carrales]

Ever think that the failure of the Congress to Aprrove the 2008 Fiscal Budget might also have soemthing to do with it?

Am I off base?

[Cobra1597]

Ever think that the failure of the Congress to Aprrove the 2008 Fiscal Budget might also have soemthing to do with it?

Am I off base?

Do you have any actual evidence that it has anything to do with it? I sure don't. My brand new cadets haven't gotten their uniforms yet, but they are getting their notebooks and stuff, and I expect their uniforms soon.

I know this is the internet where speculation runs rampant, but as with the O-Flights/SAREX thing, can someone actually present some EVIDENCE that the budget issues are to blame before we start getting politically heated, accusing congress of "failing" (which implies taking a side that they are wrong), etc.?

Next thing you know we are going to accuse the rain on the Fiscal '08 Budget.

[Major Carrales]

Ever think that the failure of the Congress to Aprrove the 2008 Fiscal Budget might also have soemthing to do with it?

Am I off base?

Do you have any actual evidence that it has anything to do with it? I sure don't. My brand new cadets haven't gotten their uniforms yet, but they are getting their notebooks and stuff, and I expect their uniforms soon.

I know this is the internet where speculation runs rampant, but as with the O-Flights/SAREX thing, can someone actually present some EVIDENCE that the budget issues are to blame before we start getting politically heated, accusing congress of "failing" (which implies taking a side that they are wrong), etc.?

Next thing you know we are going to accuse the rain on the Fiscal '08 Budget.

Some speculation: The Free Uniform comes from the USAF, the CAP Binder comes from CAP.  Hence, the 2008 budget is not yet out.  That means the USAF is operating on the FY2007 budget.  Address CAP cadet uniforms or give them to USAF airmen?  I'm not too sure but, if I was USAF leadership, I would outfit the USAF Airman first.

Also, all the cadets in our unit who ordered uniforms before the end of September got their uniforms, all others after 1 OCT 2007 have not.

I detect an indication that you think I am taking sides in some "Political Issue" debate, that was not my intention.  When I'm in CAP uniform I am neither a DEM or a REP...and I am both.  If the "D" and the "R" stood for "doing right," as they should, then we would have true statesmanship. My intention was to ask the question of if it was a possibility.

None of that is in play here.  My question was only asked to make some since of all this...when you know know the reason something is, often it is better understood...thus, improving attitude.  Every Curry Cadet knows that, its in Leadership Chapter 1.

As to my choice of words.  As I see it, the US Congress is supposed to pass a FY Budget before the Fiscal Year ends.  Since they have not approved one as of this day (according to my knowledge), which is after the end of the 2007 Fiscal year, that indicates that they have "failed" to pass one as of this day.  This is in the same way that a Student fails to turn in an assignment if they do not turn it in on the due day.

If anyone has evidence...I too would like to see it.

[CadetProgramGuy]

I know this is a biiittt of a stretch, but why can CAP not get uniforms just like JROTC or ROTC?
Issued from a supply, new (previously loved) uniforms every time.

[Cobra1597]

Ever think that the failure of the Congress to Aprrove the 2008 Fiscal Budget might also have soemthing to do with it?

Am I off base?

Do you have any actual evidence that it has anything to do with it? I sure don't. My brand new cadets haven't gotten their uniforms yet, but they are getting their notebooks and stuff, and I expect their uniforms soon.

I know this is the internet where speculation runs rampant, but as with the O-Flights/SAREX thing, can someone actually present some EVIDENCE that the budget issues are to blame before we start getting politically heated, accusing congress of "failing" (which implies taking a side that they are wrong), etc.?

Next thing you know we are going to accuse the rain on the Fiscal '08 Budget.

Some speculation: The Free Uniform comes from the USAF, the CAP Binder comes from CAP.  Hence, the 2008 budget is not yet out.  That means the USAF is operating on the FY2007 budget.  Address CAP cadet uniforms or give them to USAF airmen?  I'm not too sure but, if I was USAF leadership, I would outfit the USAF Airman first.

Also, all the cadets in our unit who ordered uniforms before the end of September got their uniforms, all others after 1 OCT 2007 have not.

I detect an indication that you think I am taking sides in some "Political Issue" debate, that was not my intention.  When I'm in CAP uniform I am neither a DEM or a REP...and I am both.  If the "D" and the "R" stood for "doing right," as they should, then we would have true statesmanship. My intention was to ask the question of if it was a possibility.

None of that is in play here.  My question was only asked to make some since of all this...when you know know the reason something is, often it is better understood...thus, improving attitude.  Every Curry Cadet knows that, its in Leadership Chapter 1.

As to my choice of words.  As I see it, the US Congress is supposed to pass a FY Budget before the Fiscal Year ends.  Since they have not approved one as of this day (according to my knowledge), which is after the end of the 2007 Fiscal year, that indicates that they have "failed" to pass one as of this day.  This is in the same way that a Student fails to turn in an assignment if they do not turn it in on the due day.

If anyone has evidence...I too would like to see it.

The thing is, I've yet to see on the news any evidence of the military feeling the crunch yet, let alone passing it on to us. The only thing I've seen is that if it isn't solved, the DoD may fire several thousand civilians in February.

So, multiple levels of speculation here that will get people upset at congress (something which since we are supposed to be neutral, as you said, runs counter to what we should be doing baseless on a CAP forum), first that the Air Force is experiencing a severe crunch, second that the crunch has been passed on to CAP, third that CAP has decided to take it out of uniforms (or in the case of the other thread, O-Flights and SAREXs). As with the other thread, which did devolve into people saying nasty things about congress, and turned out to be incorrect as many wings were still running o-flights, and the ban in wings without them included self-funded flights (not just AF funded).

[SarDragon]

Not all wings are funded equally. Those that have better support from their state government have a higher probability for funding O-flights without AF funding.

[Cobra1597]

Not all wings are funded equally. Those that have better support from their state government have a higher probability for funding O-flights without AF funding.

According to the other thread, wings were banning o-flights even if you had non-AF funding, which suggests it isn't an AF funding issue.

[brasda91]

I have cadets that ordered their uniforms months ago and they haven't received them yet.  I know they were ordered correctly, I helped them order them.

[davedove]

Well...I have my BDU's complete with all patches and insignias and am properly able to wear it. My squadron however only promotes on blues nights, therefore this is a problem.

Since you have a complete uniform, that is what's required for Achievement 1 and you can be promoted.  The promotion ceremony is not the promotion.

[brasda91]

I have cadets that ordered their uniforms months ago and they haven't received them yet.  I know they were ordered correctly, I helped them order them.

Just found the problem.  The former squadron commander never approved the order.  I just happened upon it after reviewing the Commanders Corner in e-services.

[LtCol Hooligan]

Just found the problem.  The former squadron commander never approved the order.  I just happened upon it after reviewing the Commanders Corner in e-services.

How frustrating!!  I wish they would e-mail you when an approval is waiting.  I try to check eServices once a week as sometimes things hide in there.  There are so many places to check for approvals.  I actually ask the parents to e-mail me as soon as the order is placed so i can go out and approve it.  It makes life easier for everyone!!

[Cobra1597]

First cadet from my new training flight just got her uniform package from national today. Her membership came through 3 weeks ago.

I think it is safe to say that the stuff with Congress (or results of congressional action or inaction) hasn't cut the uniform program yet.

[Major Carrales]

First cadet from my new training flight just got her uniform package from national today. Her membership came through 3 weeks ago.

I think it is safe to say that the stuff with Congress (or results of congressional action or inaction) hasn't cut the uniform program yet.

Frankly, Brother Airman, I don't care one way or the other.