Hypothetical Service Dress Change - put us in 1 uniform!

[SARDOC]

My big problem with the BBDU is that it is the uniform of numerous SWAT teams around the country. The last thing that I want is to be recognized by the public is a SWAT team member.

I see more SWAT teams wearing OCPs than wearing the BBDU. 

[NIN]

Apart from the TV show using blue ("LAPD Navy" which is pretty darn dark) uniforms as a throwback to the original show, I agree: PD tac teams these days are decked out in various forms of camo.

[TheSkyHornet]

Can't say much for OCPs, but I think most departments are using some form of combination blue blouse/pants with OD green vests, or entirely OD green.

Camouflage still seems to be minimal for most major cities. It's just not really a practical pattern. FBI and U.S. Marshals seem to use a much wider variation, including camo.

There's no practical need for CAP to be dressed in camouflage. It's really just to "blend in" with the Air Force (which isn't really a thing, since we're not in the same uniform anyway) and to "look militaristic."


If we list out some points in CAPR 39-1:

• A distinct and standard set of uniform items that provide a positive public image of the Corporation, build esprit de corps, and enhance professionalism
• A significant representation of CAP's organization heritage, as well as CAP's unique affiliation as the Auxiliary of the US Air Force
• The American public and its elected representatives draw certain conclusions on military effectiveness based on the image CAP members present
• Cadets will wear the USAF-style uniforms...as a key component of their cadet experience

So it's really to tie in a militaristic image and representation an Air Force affiliation

It's not for mission needs...not really...

[Shuman 14]

Well part of the reason should be cost and ease of procurement.

Using the same uniform as the USAF is "supposed" to lower costs and make it easier for CAP to acquire. For example:

Donations by Servicemembers who lost/gained weight and can no longer wear an otherwise serviceable uniform, discharged or retiring servicemembers divesting themselves of serviceable uniforms, excess uniforms provided by the Military itself, our ability to "access" the AAFES, military surplus stores in the community, etc.

Right now, we've given carte blanche to a vendor that provides a substandard field/working uniform at a high cost.

Would that be any different regardless of what color or style of field/working uniform we adopted?

I think our best option is to wait for the USAF to authorize the OCPs with appropriate distinguishing measures (i.e. blue tapes, rank and badges, full-color flags and patches, etc.) and then try to get written regulations in place to ensure when the USAF adopts any new uniform or uniform component, CAP has an appropriate wear-out date for the old uniform/component and pre-authorization to adopt the new uniform/component with the already approved distinguishing measure within a set timeframe.

It's like the foreshadowing in Battlestar Galactica... "All of this has happened before, and all of this will happen again."

OD Fatigues, BDUs, ABUs, OCPs, [insert next tacti-cool uniform here] ... it's quite tiresome actually.