CAP Talk

General Discussion => Uniforms & Awards => Topic started by: infinitefoxfire75 on July 28, 2009, 12:40:55 AM

Title: Shoulder Chords
Post by: infinitefoxfire75 on July 28, 2009, 12:40:55 AM
I have a huge question.  When it comes to shoulder chords which is which.  I can't find any regs on which one is which


Blue shoulder chord is......
Red shoulder chord is......
White shoulder chord is......
Silver shoulder chord is......
Yellow shoulder chord is......

please hit me up.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: Eclipse on July 28, 2009, 12:49:30 AM
Quote from: infinitefoxfire75 on July 28, 2009, 12:40:55 AM
I have a huge question.  When it comes to shoulder chords which is which.  I can't find any regs on which one is which


Blue shoulder chord is......not standard, varies by wing
Red shoulder chord is......cadets assigned to Wing CAC
White shoulder chord is......cadets participating in an NCC golor guard
Silver shoulder chord is......cadet Honor Guard Academy graduates
Yellow shoulder chord is......not standard, varies by wing

please hit me up.

Green - Group CAC
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: VPI18 on July 28, 2009, 01:08:43 AM
I always thought blue was region CAC and yellow, national CAC...
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: MIKE on July 28, 2009, 01:15:22 AM
Quote from: CAPR 52-16Figure 3-1. Awards & Identification for CAC Primary Representatives.
Appointing Authority CAC Echelon CAC Ribbon Device Shoulder Cord
Regions National Ribbon with gold star Gold
Wings Region Ribbon with silver star Blue
Groups or Squadrons Wing Ribbon with bronze star Red
Squadrons Group Basic ribbon only Green
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: SarDragon on July 28, 2009, 01:21:25 AM
Mos, can we fix the title, please?

Chords are musical in nature, not items of apparel. Those would be cords.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: PHall on July 28, 2009, 01:24:22 AM
Well, let's see here. A chord is is the mean effective length of an air foil. As far as I know, they don't come in any particular colors.

A shoulder cord is what is worn on the uniform.

Green is worn by Squadron Reps to a Group CAC. (If your wing has groups.)
Red is worn by Squadron Reps to the Wing CAC if your wing does not have groups or by Group Reps to the Wing CAC if your wing does have groups.
Blue is worn by Wing Reps to the Region CAC.
Gold is worn by Region Reps to the National CAC.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: Eclipse on July 28, 2009, 01:28:57 AM
Quote from: wilhelm147 on July 28, 2009, 01:08:43 AM
I always thought blue was region CAC and yellow, national CAC...

Whoops - that's correct, and as PHall points out, its a gold cord, not yellow, which threw me on the response.

(Wow, post #5700 - I really need to open a window...)
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: DC on July 28, 2009, 01:40:19 AM
Green = Group CAC
Red = Wing CAC
Blue = Region CAC
Gold = National CAC
White = NDTC and NCGC Teams, some wings also allow their CGs and DTs to wear the white cords.
Silver = Unit Honor Guard members or NHGA grads
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: davedove on July 28, 2009, 11:40:22 AM
Other than the few colors that are set in the regs, Wings may also authorize shoulder cords of different colors for different reasons.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BrandonKea on July 28, 2009, 11:56:28 PM
Quote from: davedove on July 28, 2009, 11:40:22 AM
Other than the few colors that are set in the regs, Wings may also authorize shoulder cords of different colors for different reasons.

Nebraska Wing previously had two cords for cadets with outstanding GPA's. I don't remember the exact colors of the GPA standards, but there's a lurker on here who knows and could probably remind me.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:38:50 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 28, 2009, 11:56:28 PM
Quote from: davedove on July 28, 2009, 11:40:22 AM
Other than the few colors that are set in the regs, Wings may also authorize shoulder cords of different colors for different reasons.

Nebraska Wing previously had two cords for cadets with outstanding GPA's. I don't remember the exact colors of the GPA standards, but there's a lurker on here who knows and could probably remind me.

Do they have cords for perfect attendance, too?
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: jimmydeanno on July 29, 2009, 01:41:24 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:38:50 AM
Do they have cords for perfect attendance, too?

Why you hatin'?

Our unit has a cord (yes, it is authorized by the wing king) which is yellow and blue.  It signifies our cadets of the quarter.  So at any given time, 4 of our cadets are wearing one.  Is that to foo foo too?
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:45:34 AM
Quote from: jimmydeanno on July 29, 2009, 01:41:24 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:38:50 AM
Do they have cords for perfect attendance, too?

Why you hatin'?

Our unit has a cord (yes, it is authorized by the wing king) which is yellow and blue.  It signifies our cadets of the quarter.  So at any given time, 4 of our cadets are wearing one.  Is that to foo foo too?

Nope, no disdain here for cords, as long as they're authorized with some restraint, as long as they make sense to the organization, and as long as the recognition is cord-worthy, versus ribbon-worthy.

Wearing a cord for a good GPA would be as relevant to CAP as wearing a cord for service on a volunteer fire department. A cord for a cadet of the quarter is just fine, though four of them wearing the same cord might be a little confusing.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BrandonKea on July 29, 2009, 03:21:00 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:45:34 AM
Quote from: jimmydeanno on July 29, 2009, 01:41:24 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:38:50 AM
Do they have cords for perfect attendance, too?

Why you hatin'?

Our unit has a cord (yes, it is authorized by the wing king) which is yellow and blue.  It signifies our cadets of the quarter.  So at any given time, 4 of our cadets are wearing one.  Is that to foo foo too?

Nope, no disdain here for cords, as long as they're authorized with some restraint, as long as they make sense to the organization, and as long as the recognition is cord-worthy, versus ribbon-worthy.

Wearing a cord for a good GPA would be as relevant to CAP as wearing a cord for service on a volunteer fire department. A cord for a cadet of the quarter is just fine, though four of them wearing the same cord might be a little confusing.

The cord for the GPA highlights those with a commitment to getting good grades. "A satisfactory record of academic achievement" is a requirement for being a cadet. Rewarding good grades is just an extension of that requirement. Rather than just asking to meet the standard, NEWG tried to push the cadets to greatness.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 04:01:27 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 29, 2009, 03:21:00 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:45:34 AM
Quote from: jimmydeanno on July 29, 2009, 01:41:24 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:38:50 AM
Do they have cords for perfect attendance, too?

Why you hatin'?

Our unit has a cord (yes, it is authorized by the wing king) which is yellow and blue.  It signifies our cadets of the quarter.  So at any given time, 4 of our cadets are wearing one.  Is that to foo foo too?

Nope, no disdain here for cords, as long as they're authorized with some restraint, as long as they make sense to the organization, and as long as the recognition is cord-worthy, versus ribbon-worthy.

Wearing a cord for a good GPA would be as relevant to CAP as wearing a cord for service on a volunteer fire department. A cord for a cadet of the quarter is just fine, though four of them wearing the same cord might be a little confusing.

The cord for the GPA highlights those with a commitment to getting good grades. "A satisfactory record of academic achievement" is a requirement for being a cadet. Rewarding good grades is just an extension of that requirement. Rather than just asking to meet the standard, NEWG tried to push the cadets to greatness.

"Satisfactory" could be a C average.

Here's the thing. Cords are usually used to identify special assignments or details. Aides wear cords, though they don't call 'em cords. CAC members wear cords. Color guard members and honor guard members wear 'em, too. I could see stretching that to special cadet recognition directly stemming from cadet program participation.

Cords are easy to get out of hand. That's my other caution with them. Next thing you know, it'll be berets, or maybe goofy little patches above the nametag that say "ranger second class." Oh, wait, we have that....
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: CadetProgramGuy on July 29, 2009, 06:15:00 AM
We have a Black/Gold Cord for Outstanding Cadet of the Quarter
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BrandonKea on July 29, 2009, 11:34:28 PM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 04:01:27 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 29, 2009, 03:21:00 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:45:34 AM
Quote from: jimmydeanno on July 29, 2009, 01:41:24 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:38:50 AM
Do they have cords for perfect attendance, too?

Why you hatin'?

Our unit has a cord (yes, it is authorized by the wing king) which is yellow and blue.  It signifies our cadets of the quarter.  So at any given time, 4 of our cadets are wearing one.  Is that to foo foo too?

Nope, no disdain here for cords, as long as they're authorized with some restraint, as long as they make sense to the organization, and as long as the recognition is cord-worthy, versus ribbon-worthy.

Wearing a cord for a good GPA would be as relevant to CAP as wearing a cord for service on a volunteer fire department. A cord for a cadet of the quarter is just fine, though four of them wearing the same cord might be a little confusing.

The cord for the GPA highlights those with a commitment to getting good grades. "A satisfactory record of academic achievement" is a requirement for being a cadet. Rewarding good grades is just an extension of that requirement. Rather than just asking to meet the standard, NEWG tried to push the cadets to greatness.

"Satisfactory" could be a C average.


I think a C average would be satisfactory. Someone who has, however, an A average, would be going above the satisfactory mark. Recognizing cadets for being exemplaray seems like a smart idea to me, especially in something as important as good grades.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: davidsinn on July 30, 2009, 12:10:13 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 29, 2009, 11:34:28 PM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 04:01:27 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 29, 2009, 03:21:00 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:45:34 AM
Quote from: jimmydeanno on July 29, 2009, 01:41:24 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:38:50 AM
Do they have cords for perfect attendance, too?

Why you hatin'?

Our unit has a cord (yes, it is authorized by the wing king) which is yellow and blue.  It signifies our cadets of the quarter.  So at any given time, 4 of our cadets are wearing one.  Is that to foo foo too?

Nope, no disdain here for cords, as long as they're authorized with some restraint, as long as they make sense to the organization, and as long as the recognition is cord-worthy, versus ribbon-worthy.

Wearing a cord for a good GPA would be as relevant to CAP as wearing a cord for service on a volunteer fire department. A cord for a cadet of the quarter is just fine, though four of them wearing the same cord might be a little confusing.

The cord for the GPA highlights those with a commitment to getting good grades. "A satisfactory record of academic achievement" is a requirement for being a cadet. Rewarding good grades is just an extension of that requirement. Rather than just asking to meet the standard, NEWG tried to push the cadets to greatness.

"Satisfactory" could be a C average.


I think a C average would be satisfactory. Someone who has, however, an A average, would be going above the satisfactory mark. Recognizing cadets for being exemplaray seems like a smart idea to me, especially in something as important as good grades.

So if you only did your work at your job at only a 70% level your boss would consider that satisfactory?
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BrandonKea on July 30, 2009, 12:35:32 AM
Quote from: davidsinn on July 30, 2009, 12:10:13 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 29, 2009, 11:34:28 PM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 04:01:27 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 29, 2009, 03:21:00 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:45:34 AM
Quote from: jimmydeanno on July 29, 2009, 01:41:24 AM
Quote from: BuckeyeDEJ on July 29, 2009, 01:38:50 AM
Do they have cords for perfect attendance, too?

Why you hatin'?

Our unit has a cord (yes, it is authorized by the wing king) which is yellow and blue.  It signifies our cadets of the quarter.  So at any given time, 4 of our cadets are wearing one.  Is that to foo foo too?

Nope, no disdain here for cords, as long as they're authorized with some restraint, as long as they make sense to the organization, and as long as the recognition is cord-worthy, versus ribbon-worthy.

Wearing a cord for a good GPA would be as relevant to CAP as wearing a cord for service on a volunteer fire department. A cord for a cadet of the quarter is just fine, though four of them wearing the same cord might be a little confusing.

The cord for the GPA highlights those with a commitment to getting good grades. "A satisfactory record of academic achievement" is a requirement for being a cadet. Rewarding good grades is just an extension of that requirement. Rather than just asking to meet the standard, NEWG tried to push the cadets to greatness.

"Satisfactory" could be a C average.


I think a C average would be satisfactory. Someone who has, however, an A average, would be going above the satisfactory mark. Recognizing cadets for being exemplaray seems like a smart idea to me, especially in something as important as good grades.

So if you only did your work at your job at only a 70% level your boss would consider that satisfactory?

Apples and Oranges. 70% in school is a passing grade. 70% for an Air Ambulance would probably not be.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: alamrcn on July 30, 2009, 03:35:55 PM
Other than the fix for Cadet Officers wearing the "bus driver" hat, shoulder cords are the #1 item in wing-level suppliments to 39-1.

Here are a bunch of them...
http://www.incountry.us/cappatches/library.html#Regulations and Manuals

If you have a suppliment that isn't there, let me know!
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 12:08:12 AM
Quote from: alamrcn on July 30, 2009, 03:35:55 PM
Other than the fix for Cadet Officers wearing the "bus driver" hat, shoulder cords are the #1 item in wing-level suppliments to 39-1.

Here are a bunch of them...
http://www.incountry.us/cappatches/library.html#Regulations and Manuals

If you have a suppliment that isn't there, let me know!

Wow, great resource. I wish NHQ would keep track of Wing Supplements on a National Level, making them available to everyone in a digital format in a centralized location. I don't know how many pubs I've been told are on the Wing Website only to discover either that the Wing Website sucks and the pub is hidden in some unknown folder, or that the pub simply doesn't exist. We need a clearinghouse for these publications.

NEWG has a supplement, but I don't know that any copies are still around, or if they have a Wing CC sig at this point. I'll do some asking.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: Eclipse on July 31, 2009, 02:16:04 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 12:08:12 AM
Wow, great resource. I wish NHQ would keep track of Wing Supplements on a National Level, making them available to everyone in a digital format in a centralized location. I don't know how many pubs I've been told are on the Wing Website only to discover either that the Wing Website sucks and the pub is hidden in some unknown folder, or that the pub simply doesn't exist. We need a clearinghouse for these publications.

NEWG has a supplement, but I don't know that any copies are still around, or if they have a Wing CC sig at this point. I'll do some asking.


Operational supplements can be found here:
http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/emergency_services/operations/supplements.cfm

As to local wing uniform supplements, each wing is required to publish them, but they aren't much value to anyone outside the wing.  Check your wing's website.

Yours (Nebraska) are here: 
http://www.newg-cap.org/Departments/Mission_Support/Administration/default.asp
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 03:17:31 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 31, 2009, 02:16:04 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 12:08:12 AM
Wow, great resource. I wish NHQ would keep track of Wing Supplements on a National Level, making them available to everyone in a digital format in a centralized location. I don't know how many pubs I've been told are on the Wing Website only to discover either that the Wing Website sucks and the pub is hidden in some unknown folder, or that the pub simply doesn't exist. We need a clearinghouse for these publications.

NEWG has a supplement, but I don't know that any copies are still around, or if they have a Wing CC sig at this point. I'll do some asking.


Operational supplements can be found here:
http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/emergency_services/operations/supplements.cfm

As to local wing uniform supplements, each wing is required to publish them, but they aren't much value to anyone outside the wing.  Check your wing's website.

Yours (Nebraska) are here: 
http://www.newg-cap.org/Departments/Mission_Support/Administration/default.asp

Our supplement section is a joke, that really hasn't been updated with any of the pubs useful. If National was the caretaker of all of the supplements, it would be easier.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: Eclipse on July 31, 2009, 03:43:56 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 03:17:31 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 31, 2009, 02:16:04 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 12:08:12 AM
Wow, great resource. I wish NHQ would keep track of Wing Supplements on a National Level, making them available to everyone in a digital format in a centralized location. I don't know how many pubs I've been told are on the Wing Website only to discover either that the Wing Website sucks and the pub is hidden in some unknown folder, or that the pub simply doesn't exist. We need a clearinghouse for these publications.

NEWG has a supplement, but I don't know that any copies are still around, or if they have a Wing CC sig at this point. I'll do some asking.


Operational supplements can be found here:
http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/emergency_services/operations/supplements.cfm

As to local wing uniform supplements, each wing is required to publish them, but they aren't much value to anyone outside the wing.  Check your wing's website.

Yours (Nebraska) are here: 
http://www.newg-cap.org/Departments/Mission_Support/Administration/default.asp

Our supplement section is a joke, that really hasn't been updated with any of the pubs useful. If National was the caretaker of all of the supplements, it would be easier.

By regulation, those are the only ones in force - most uniform supplements have to be approved by NHQ and they all have to be published.  At a minimum its a Compliance Inspection issue.

Odds are your wing doesn't have any that are properly approved.  Same goes for the operational ones.
That pages used to include about 20 states that had supplements.

The new 60-1 negated all of them, and few have had their new versions approved.   My wing, for example, is waiting for several other related regs to be published before submitting the operational supplements.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 03:45:27 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 31, 2009, 03:43:56 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 03:17:31 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 31, 2009, 02:16:04 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 12:08:12 AM
Wow, great resource. I wish NHQ would keep track of Wing Supplements on a National Level, making them available to everyone in a digital format in a centralized location. I don't know how many pubs I've been told are on the Wing Website only to discover either that the Wing Website sucks and the pub is hidden in some unknown folder, or that the pub simply doesn't exist. We need a clearinghouse for these publications.

NEWG has a supplement, but I don't know that any copies are still around, or if they have a Wing CC sig at this point. I'll do some asking.


Operational supplements can be found here:
http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/emergency_services/operations/supplements.cfm

As to local wing uniform supplements, each wing is required to publish them, but they aren't much value to anyone outside the wing.  Check your wing's website.

Yours (Nebraska) are here: 
http://www.newg-cap.org/Departments/Mission_Support/Administration/default.asp

Our supplement section is a joke, that really hasn't been updated with any of the pubs useful. If National was the caretaker of all of the supplements, it would be easier.

By regulation, those are the only ones in force - most uniform supplements have to be approved by NHQ and they all have to be published.  At a minimum its a Compliance Inspection issue.

Odds are your wing doesn't have any that are properly approved.  Same goes for the operational ones.
That pages used to include about 20 states that had supplements.

The new 60-1 negated all of them, and few have had their new versions approved.   My wing, for example, is waiting for several other related regs to be published before submitting the operational supplements.

There are 39-1 supplements which have been signed by the Wing CC and are on the books, just not online.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: Eclipse on July 31, 2009, 03:50:06 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 03:45:27 AM
There are 39-1 supplements which have been signed by the Wing CC and are on the books, just not online.

First, there should be only one.

Second, if they aren't online, how do you know about them?  And do you know for sure they are actually valid?

Third, as I said, at a minimum this should be a CI finding, which doesn't mean much to the average member.
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 03:54:36 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 31, 2009, 03:50:06 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 03:45:27 AM
There are 39-1 supplements which have been signed by the Wing CC and are on the books, just not online.

First, there should be only one.

Second, if they aren't online, how do you know about them?  And do you know for sure they are actually valid?

Third, as I said, at a minimum this should be a CI finding, which doesn't mean much to the average member.

I've seen the signed copies in person.

I believe I may be confused with a policy letter or two instead of a singular supplement. I know the Wheel Cap is authorized for C/Officer's and that our GPA cords are in effect too.

Do Wing's without webpages not have the ability to issue supplements since it seems they need to be online to be valid?
Title: Re: Shoulder Chords
Post by: Major Carrales on July 31, 2009, 04:01:10 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 03:54:36 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 31, 2009, 03:50:06 AM
Quote from: BrandonKea on July 31, 2009, 03:45:27 AM
There are 39-1 supplements which have been signed by the Wing CC and are on the books, just not online.

First, there should be only one.

Second, if they aren't online, how do you know about them?  And do you know for sure they are actually valid?

Third, as I said, at a minimum this should be a CI finding, which doesn't mean much to the average member.

I've seen the signed copies in person.

I believe I may be confused with a policy letter or two instead of a singular supplement. I know the Wheel Cap is authorized for C/Officer's and that our GPA cords are in effect too.

Do Wing's without webpages not have the ability to issue supplements since it seems they need to be online to be valid?

Online regs can be just as precarious as an out of date reg book sitting in a binder on the shelf at a unit.  The fact that internet access is not universal at this point in our history means that, to quote President Kennedy (attributed) during the Cuban Missile Crisis when a U2 Mission went ahead after being canceled..."There is always some son of a [-----] who doesn't get the word."