I could not find any information on this either way. I want to standardize my ground team to an extent. We are all getting the same orange reflective vest (our bags are differant). Does anyone know if we can put any patches or name tapes on the orange vest? When we wear the vest can read the nametape on the BDU's so I am trying to find a way of identifying us better. Was also thinking of attaching a squadron patch.
Computer Geek
If you want....there is no guidance.
There is a rumor going around that we will in the near future have to wear ANSI Type II or better reflective vests.
If you have not gotten them yet...I would go ahead and get them now.
Here's what the folks where my sweetie works wear:
(http://static.shopdirectbrands.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/250x250/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/largeimg/ERG-8250Z.jpg)
http://www.shopdirectbrands.com/ergodyne-glowearr-8250z-class-2-surveyors-vest-erg-8250z.html (http://www.shopdirectbrands.com/ergodyne-glowearr-8250z-class-2-surveyors-vest-erg-8250z.html)
$20.15; sturdy, mesh back, ANSI Class 2. Also available in the Lime flavour.
Quote from: lordmonar on July 12, 2010, 11:37:45 PM
If you want....there is no guidance.
There is a rumor going around that we will in the near future have to wear ANSI Type II or better reflective vests.
If you have not gotten them yet...I would go ahead and get them now.
It's not a rumor, IIRC safety handed down that directive a couple of months ago.
Quote from: Spaceman3750 on July 13, 2010, 12:00:30 AM
Quote from: lordmonar on July 12, 2010, 11:37:45 PM
If you want....there is no guidance.
There is a rumor going around that we will in the near future have to wear ANSI Type II or better reflective vests.
If you have not gotten them yet...I would go ahead and get them now.
It's not a rumor, IIRC safety handed down that directive a couple of months ago.
I have not seen any offical edict yet...
Ref: Safety Beacon June 2010, Vol 1. No. 1
Safety vests rules have changed. A policy change has been made and a copy of the revised CAPR 62-1 will be out in print for member comment soon. Please note that the requirements of CAPM 39-1 have been superseded.
Here are the requirements:
To be compliant with Federal Regulations, it is now required for CAP members to wear ANSI Class 2 or Class 3 safety vests or apparel if they are going to be or if there is a chance members may perform duties within the vicinity of federal-aid roadways.
For the military style uniforms, only ANSI-approved vests are authorized. For the corporate uniform, members may wear ANSI-approved apparel such as insulated vests, jackets, winter coats, o rain gear, as an option. For other activities that will not be in the vicinity of federal-aid roadways, all safety vests must have reflectivity applied to them. While safety vests do not have to meet the ANSI standard, again, reflectivity is required. For all apparel items other than safety vests, ANSI compliance must be met regardless of the activity. See link or attachment below for additional details.
Yes, CAPM 39-1 CAP Uniform Manual does require an orange plastic, mesh, or cloth safety vest be worn with BDUs when participating in Ground Team activities.
But as mentioned before, we haven't seen an ICL, a regulation change, or a smoke signal. Last time I checked, the Safety Beacon or its successor do not carry force of regulations. I will believe it when I see it, even though I think this is A Good Thing (TM).
Quote from: capn_shad on July 13, 2010, 02:14:27 AM
But as mentioned before, we haven't seen an ICL, a regulation change, or a smoke signal. Last time I checked, the Safety Beacon or its successor do not carry force of regulations. I will believe it when I see it, even though I think this is A Good Thing (TM).
Concur.
Quote from: JoeTomasone on July 13, 2010, 05:18:28 AM
Quote from: capn_shad on July 13, 2010, 02:14:27 AM
But as mentioned before, we haven't seen an ICL, a regulation change, or a smoke signal. Last time I checked, the Safety Beacon or its successor do not carry force of regulations. I will believe it when I see it, even though I think this is A Good Thing (TM).
Concur.
While I agree with your observation that we haven't seen anything 'official' yet from CAP, I'll offer three thoughts:
1. The ANSI Vest is almost certainly the future, so why wouldn't we want our squadrons to be purchasing something 'future-proof' right now. This avoids the double-dip of having to repurchase when the 'really, really official' word comes down.
2. You can cite CAP regs all day long, they won't stop the various Fed agencies from fining you, the Squadron, the Wing, and CAP NHQ for each violation. Granted, enforcement is ludicrously inconsistent, but at the end of the day, if you don't move to ANSI vests you are setting yourself, and CAP, up for financial liability. I'll actually be surprised if the proposed deadline doesn't get pulled forward. The expense of buying all new vests is significant, but so are the penalties we are exposed to until we have completed the transition.
3. The ANSI vests just make sense. As noted by someone earlier in the thread, the full ANSI vests are "A Good Thing (TM)".
To the OP's question, I haven't seen any CAP guidance ever for what you can or cannot put on the GT vest. You will note that many agencies put plenty of identifying information all over their vests. Some sort of CAP/SAR/Search/etc. marking on the back and a last name on the front would be quite useful and not at all uncommon with other agencies. Just keep in mind that you don't want to cover too much of the base material, and as little of the reflective material as possible.
I'm not sure if using standard blue nametapes or specialty badges would be a violation of uniform regs or not. Any ideas from those who know the regs inside and out?
Thom
Quote from: Thom on July 13, 2010, 12:59:20 PMI'm not sure if using standard blue nametapes or specialty badges would be a violation of uniform regs or not. Any ideas from those who know the regs inside and out?
There's no comment either way - I can't see why it would be a problem - I got color-matched tapes for mine which negates the issue.
As to the "there's no ICL, you can't make me do that..." responses, true enough.
But...
Thom's points are spot on, and we know this is coming, so whether you run out and replace existing equipment is a judgement call, but I sure wouldn't spend money right now on gear that didn't meet the upcoming changes, or that could be altered.