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Care of Your Uniform

Your uniform represents both you and the Air Cadet Program. Wearing it correctly and keeping it in good condition is an important responsibility of every cadet.

Uniform Standards

• Your uniform must be worn in accordance with the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers (CJCR) Dress Instructions.
• Cadets are expected to be familiar with these standards. If you are unsure how an item should be worn, ask a senior cadet or staff member for assistance.

When to Wear Your Uniform

Your uniform is worn only when:

• Attending scheduled training activities
  • Travelling directly to or from training
  • Participating in authorized ceremonies or functions
• The Dress of the Day for each activity is announced during Closing Parade and shared in weekly update emails.

Uniform Fit and Repairs

• If any part of your uniform becomes torn, worn, damaged, or no longer fits properly, bring it to Supply as soon as possible for repair or exchange.
• Do not attempt permanent repairs on uniform items without approval.

Cadet Responsibility

• Caring for your uniform is your responsibility as a cadet. While family support is appreciated, maintaining your uniform is part of developing personal discipline and independence.
• To help you succeed, the squadron provides access to instructional videos and resources that demonstrate how to care for, prepare, and wear your uniform correctly.

Taking pride in your uniform shows respect for yourself, your squadron, and the Air Cadet Program.

​Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group (CJCR Gp) Dress instructions

Canadian Forces Dress Instructions (Officers)

CANCDTGEN 011/22 - Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Dress Instructions – Interim Update

CANCDTGEN 003/20  - CADET AND JUNIOR CANADIAN RANGERS DRESS INSTRUCTIONS – UPDATE

Ironing Your Uniform

“Railroad tracks”? Shiny pants? What does that have to do with your uniform? Proper ironing is an important part of looking sharp—and with the right technique, it is easy to master.

A helpful instructional video is provided below and will guide you through the correct methods for ironing your uniform, including how to set creases properly and achieve a clean, professional appearance.

Important Tip

Always use a pressing cloth (such as a clean cotton cloth or pillowcase) when ironing your tunic and trousers. If the iron is too hot or left in one spot for too long, the polyester in the fabric can melt and create a shiny patch. Once this damage occurs, it cannot be reversed.

Taking the time to iron your uniform correctly demonstrates attention to detail, pride, and discipline—key qualities expected of all cadets.

Air Cadet Trouser Diagram

How to Tie Your Tie

There are two common approaches to tying a tie:
practice regularly until you can do it confidently without thinking, or tie it once, set it properly, and carefully loosen it without undoing the knot.

Whichever method you choose, knowing how to tie your tie correctly is an important uniform skill.

A helpful instructional video is provided below and demonstrates the proper technique for tying your tie to standard. Cadets are encouraged to refer to this video as often as needed until they are comfortable with the process.

Wearing a correctly tied tie contributes to a professional appearance and reflects attention to detail and pride in your uniform.

BADGES & PINS

I have a badge but where do I put it on my uniform and how do I get it to stay there?!!! 

THE SEWING ON OF BADGES - informative and funny. Once again...not your parent's job.

​Diagrams of where badges are to be placed can be found in Annex H Insignia Placement - Canada.ca  

NOTE: Do not use sewing glue to put on your badges. The glue does not wash out of the fabric and your uniform becomes unusable.

Pin placement can be found Annex G Participation and Competition Insignia - Canada.ca. Once you get into multiple pins it can be a bit daunting. If in doubt, ask a senior cadet. They are there to help!

HAIR​ - THE LONG & THE SHORT OF IT

Great video for the guys & gals on how to properly keep your hair so you look your best.

Long Hair - Beginning of video

Short Hair - Starts at 7:03

Real Short Hair - Starts at 9:58

For more detailed info, check out Section 2 Appearance - Canada.ca

Final Note

The dress and appearance of Air Cadets in uniform reflect credit upon both their squadron and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Whenever cadets appear in uniform—especially in public—it is their responsibility to ensure that their uniform is properly maintained and worn correctly at all times.

A sharp appearance demonstrates pride, discipline, and respect for the program.

When you look good,
we all look good.