AIR TRAINING CORPS TYPES OF DRESS AND DRESS MAINTENANCE

In the ATC, there are three types of dress normally worn by cadets. These are:

• Working Blue
• Wedgwood Blue
• CS95 (DPM)

I am going to outline which items of clothing are appropriate for each type of dress and
show you the standard expected as a cadet in the ATC.

WORKING BLUE DRESS

Items of uniform in this order of dress:

- Beret
- Working Blue shirt (Dark Blue in colour)
- Blue pullover
- Trousers
- Black Socks
- Parade shoes
- Belt
- Brassard (worn on right arm)

WEDGWOOD BLUE DRESS

Items of uniform in this order of dress:

- Beret
- Wedgwood Blue shirt (Light Blue in colour)
- Tie
- Blue Pullover
- Trousers
- Black Socks
- Parade Shoes
- Belt
- Brassard (worn on right arm)

NOTE: The only differences between the Working Blue and Wedgwood orders of dress
are the differences in shirt type and the addition of a tie to the Wedgwood dress.

REMEMBER! - DARK BLUE shirt = WORKING BLUE

- LIGHT BLUE shirt = WEDGWOOD

1
OCCASION

On normal parade nights, unless you have been told otherwise, the usual order of dress
worn is working blue. Wedgwood blue order of dress is usually reserved for formal
occasions where the section is on show; such as Annual Camp Photographs,
Remembrance Sunday Parades, Squadron Reviews, Wing Training Days and recruitment
days.

CS95 DRESS (DPM)

ATC cadets do not wear this on as regular a basis as they do the

Working Blue order of dress;
CS95’s are only worn when conducting field exercises or when
learning field techniques (e.g. weapons handling) and where it is
deemed impractical to wear standard orders of dress as detailed above.

Items of uniform in this order of dress:

- Beret
- Olive green t-shirt
- CS95 Shirt (DPM)
- CS95 Trousers (DPM)
- CS95 Smock (DPM)
- Green Belt
- Boots
- Twisters (optional) – Can also use elastic bands which work just as well!

DPM – This stands for Disruptive Pattern Material. The term describes the “mismatch”
pattern of colours used in the material. The pattern is done in this way in order to blend
the individual into their surroundings (e.g. woodland), although natural foliage is also
used to help blend in.

2
FURTHER INFO: BRASSARD

This is perhaps one of the most vital pieces of kit to remember, as it distinguishes you
from a regular, serving member of the RAF. Its is worn on the right shoulder and displays
the squadron’s identification number as well as any badges you have received from
awards. These may include Cadet Classifications, Shooting Classifications, First Aid, D
of E and Air Cadet Leadership Course badges to name but a few.

The diagram below shows what the brassard looks like and where to position some of the
basic badges such as squadron identification number.

Badges on the Brassard

The Brassard is to be fitted over the right sleeve of the jersey or shirt and positioned
above the elbow. The top of the Brassard is to be fixed by a fabric strap to the right
shoulder strap of the jersey or shirt.

Identification Badge
The identification badge (Squadron Number) is to be worn
centrally on the brassard, 6 mm below the top edge of the brassard
and in this position covers the button hole.

Distinguishing Badge
The distinguishing badge (Air Training Corps) is to be worn
centrally on the brassard, immediately below the identification
badge.

Classification Badges
The First Class, Leading and Senior Cadet badges are to be worn
centrally on the brassard, immediately below the distinguishing
badge. Only one classification badge is worn at a time.

Badges for Shooting

Only one Marksmanship badge is to be worn and is to be for the highest level for which
the cadet is qualified. The appropriate badge is to be positioned 6mm in from the right
hand edge of the brassard.

3
CARING FOR YOUR UNIFORM

It is important that you maintain high standards of kit. You should always come to parade
smartly dressed, with properly ironed uniform. The kit issued to you is on loan and will
be used by other cadets once you return it to stores after you leave the ATC and so it is
important to take care of the clothing issued to you. It is also a sign of a committed cadet
who takes pride in their appearance. Showing consistently high standards of “turnout” on
parade will go a long way to proving that you are a committed and dedicated cadet.

Members of the public will come into contact with members of the Air Cadet
Organisation (ATC and CCF (RAF)) on a far more regular basis than they do regular
RAF personnel. It is important, therefore, to show high standards of dress and to uphold
the good reputation of the Cadet Force.

IRONING SHIRTS

This applies to both Working Blue and Wedgwood shirts.

Make sure that the iron is on a relatively high heat. Iron both front panels of the shirt with
no creases shown. Be careful not to place the iron on the buttons as this may cause them
to melt. Make sure that the back of the shirt is also ironed with no creases present.

When ironing the sleeves, make sure to iron a single crease down the sleeve; from the
centre of the Epaulette (Rank tab on either shoulder) to the cuff.

NOTE: You may need to apply a firm pressure to the iron in order to remove creases, this
is most apparent with the Working Blue shirt as it as a much thicker material.

IRONING GREY TROUSERS

Make sure the iron is on a relatively high heat.

Have a damp cloth to hand.

Lay your trouser leg out flat across the ironing board. Locate the crease in the trouser leg.
This runs from the top centre of the leg down the middle of the trouser leg to the bottom.
Make sure that the crease is straight and place the damp cloth over the area to be ironed.
Place the iron on the cloth and iron this area.

Continue until all the leg is ironed and a sharp crease present. Repeat for the back of the
trouser leg. Repeat both processes for the other leg.

NOTE: If a cloth is not used, shiny patches can appear along the trouser leg and this will
damage the appearance.

4
IRONING PULLOVER

The pullover will not need to be ironed regularly as it holds it shape quite well. It is
recommended, however, to iron it once in a while.

Make sure the iron is fairly hot. Quickly run it over the main front and back woollen
areas. Do not leave the iron on the woollen areas for too long as the fibres may singe.

When ironing the arm patches and rank tab areas, make sure to stretch these out and iron
a couple of times to get any visible creases out of the material.

IRONING CS95 SHIRT

Iron this shirt INSIDE OUT. If not, shiny patches will appear and damage the
appearance.

Iron like a normal shirt, making sure that no creases are present. Make sure that there is a
single crease down the middle of each sleeve.

Once the CS95 Shirt has been zipped up, you will see that both sides of the shirt that join
the collar can be folded flat. Make sure to iron these flat and so revealing the olive green
shirt. Place a damp cloth over the material and place the iron on the damp cloth. DO NOT
iron this part of the shirt without using the cloth as shiny patches will undoubtedly
appear. Iron this part of the shirt the normal way.

IRONING CS95 TROUSERS

Use a damp cloth as before, making sure to iron the single creases that run down the
centre of the trousers.

IRONING CS95 SMOCK

Iron this INSIDE OUT. Iron the pockets flat and Iron the main body of the smock as you
would a shirt so that no creases are present. However, DO NOT iron a crease down the
centre of each sleeve.

IRONING BRASSARD

Your brassard should be ironed flat. It is best to iron the back of the brassard as not to
damage the appearance of badges on the other side. Make sure the brassard is neatly
pressed every parade night.

5
GENERAL TIPS AND OTHER ITEMS

SHAPING YOUR BERET

Make sure that if your beret has tassels, that they have been removed from the back of the
beret or tied in a knot and hidden on the inside of the beret.

When fixing the cap badge to the beret: Remove the pin and back plate from the cap
badge, place the cap badge through the two holes at the front of the beret and fix the gold
back plate to the two prongs of the cap badge. Place pin through the two eyelets of the
cap badge on the inside of the beret.

To shape: Place the beret, fabric-first, into a sink of lukewarm water for a few seconds to
allow the beret to soak up the water. DO NOT allow the rubber band to come into contact
with the water as this may cause the beret to shrink.

Place on your head, with the rubber band 1 inch above your eye. Do not wear is as a hat,
have the back of the beret just over the back of your head, not pulled on tight.

Move any excess material over from the left to the right. The loose material will now
hang just in front of your right eye. Allow the beret to dry naturally before removing
from your head.

If you are having any further problems, speak to a SNCO on parade nights.

POLISHING SHOES/BOOTS

Use Kiwi Black polish.

Fill the lid of your polish tin with water.
Get a small piece of cotton wool, rub it in the polish until a fair amount of polish is on the
wool. Dip the cotton wool piece into the water until it is starting to drip. Rub the polish
onto your shoe toecap in small circles until a shine appears. You may need to dip the
wool back into the water.

You will not see a shine immediately. On a new pair of shoes it can a long period of time
before a shine is noticed. As more layers are applied the quicker it is to bring up a shine.

Note: Stick with it, it may take quite a while to shine your shoes, but persevere, it will be
worth it for the end results!

Use a duster to remove any excess water marks.

On the rest of the shoe, use a brush to get rid of any excess dirt, apply polish with a
duster, and use a brush to buff the shoe up to a shine. It is not expected that a shine as
predominant as that of the toe cap is achieved.

6
When polishing boots, apply the same methods as above; you may wish to apply the
polish with a brush as opposed to cotton wool in the case of boots.

BELTS

The majority of belts issued are now coated in a “Staybright” layer which means that they
do not dull. Simply go over with a duster to remove any finger marks and bring the belt
to a proper shine.

WORKING BLUE NOTE

When Working Blue dress order is worn with no pullover, it is said that “Shortsleeve”
order is in effect. Shirt sleeves should be neatly folded over to above the elbow.

Also, when Working Blue dress is worn, the top button of the shirt is left undone.

Wedgwood shirt sleeves are NOT rolled up at all.

If you have any other queries regarding uniform, feel free to speak to a SNCO or any
other member of staff.