January Uniforms

Transcription

1 Uniforms When you wear the ALERT Cadet uniform, you identify yourself with the ALERT Cadet program, and since this is a Christian program, with the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, the way you look reflects not only yourself, but also the organization you represent. The neatness (or lack thereof) in your appearance testifies to who and what you are. Though you need not be overly concerned about the way you look, you must know that if you dress in a sloppy or careless way, you damage your witness. Your actions will directly affect the reputation of the ALERT Cadet program and the God you proclaim. It is an honor and a privilege for ALERT Cadet fathers and sons to be allowed to represent the Lord and the ALERT Cadet program by wearing the ALERT Cadet uniform. It is important that you keep this perspective in mind as you strive to wear your uniforms in an appropriate and orderly manner. Purpose of ALERT Cadet Uniforms Uniforms are worn by groups of people for the following purposes: Identification as a member of an organization Development of esprit d corps by the members of that organization Protection from the outside environment in which the uniform is worn Providing the appropriate level or formality of clothing to be worn in a specific situation Teaching of character, discipline, uniformity, and responsibility The purposes of the various ALERT Cadet uniforms are identification, recognition, and motivation. In addition, the various uniform combinations allow an ALERT Cadet unit to participate in numerous activities (ranging from formal award banquets and parades to disaster relief efforts) while still maintaining a professional and uniform appearance. The ALERT Cadet Uniforms and Their Uses Dress Uniform The dress uniform is worn for formal occasions, including, but not limited to, award banquets, parades, and flag ceremonies. The dress uniform should be considered on the level of church clothes or business formal. Thus, the dress uniform should be worn in any situation where this level of dress is required. As a formal uniform, all standards of uniform care and wear must be strictly adhered to in order to present a professional appearance. See Phase One of the Novice Handbook for uniform care and wear and the Welcome to Cadets publication for award placement. The dress uniform consists of the following components: Issued green chambray shirt (long-sleeve or short-sleeve) All authorized awards Khaki Dickies 874 dress pants properly fitted and creased Black military-style woven cotton dress belt 1

2 Brass military-style belt buckle Black matte-finish tie Black dress socks Black dress shoes Many fathers and sons elect to purchase the long-sleeve chambray for use with the dress uniform, as it presents a more formal appearance. A brass nameplate is available to replace the cloth name strip, and many fathers and sons use this option for the chambray they wear with their dress uniform. The dress pants, black dress belt, brass belt buckle, and black tie are available for sale from The ALERT Store at as equivalent civilian clothing (dress belts, khaki dress pants, and black ties) should not be mixed with uniform components. The only exceptions are the black socks and the black dress shoes any black dress socks and any conservative, plain toe (oxford or capped toe style, not wingtip) black dress shoe are suitable for wear with the dress uniform. There is no dress cover (hat) for wear with the dress uniform, and none should ever be worn. Duty-Dress Uniform The duty-dress uniform should be worn for every ALERT Cadet activity except for dress occasions and physical training, unless otherwise specified. Most regular ALERT Cadet meetings will be conducted in the duty-dress uniform, with the addition of awards for encouragement and motivation. See Phase One of the Novice Handbook for uniform care and wear and the Welcome to Cadets publication for award placement. The duty-dress uniform consists of the following components: Issued green chambray shirt (long-sleeve or short-sleeve) All authorized awards (when authorized by the officer in charge of the event) Green ALERT Cadet T-shirt Unstained khaki BDU pants Black BDU belt Socks Boots or athletic shoes Khaki Marine-style cover The long-sleeve chambray with the brass nameplate may not be worn with the duty-dress uniform only the cloth name strip is authorized. The boots may be brown or black hiking or military-styled boots. If the boot covers the ankle (i.e., the 8-inch or high variety), the bottom of the BDU pants must be bloused inside the boots. A khaki Marine-style cover is required when outdoors. 2

3 The BDU pants worn with the duty-dress uniform should be relatively clean and unstained. Many fathers and sons have accumulated several pairs of BDU pants so that they can keep one pair clean, starched, and appropriate for wear with the duty-dress uniform. Duty Uniform The duty uniform is worn for some physical training activities, recreation, service projects, and other work-related activities. The duty uniform consists of the following components: Green ALERT Cadet T-shirt Green ALERT Cadet or LTC polo shirt (optional, worn over the T-shirt) Green ALERT Cadet sweatshirt or other similar solid-colored plain sweatshirt (optional) Khaki BDU pants (may be slightly stained) Black BDU belt Socks Boots or athletic shoes Khaki Marine-style cover The boots may be brown or black hiking or military-styled boots. If the boot covers the ankle (i.e., the 8 inch or high variety), the bottom of the BDU pants must be bloused inside the boots. The BDU pants may have light stains on them, but they should not have obvious tears or holes that have not been repaired. A khaki Marine-style cover is required when outdoors, but it may be removed when the activity requires and the officer in charge authorizes it. The khaki baseball cap, often issued as a single-use item at ALERT Cadet Challenges, is not considered a uniform item, and, therefore, should not be worn with an ALERT Cadet uniform. The green ALERT Cadet or LTC polo shirt may be worn when a more professional appearance is required; a green ALERT Cadet T-shirt must be worn underneath. Physical Training Uniform The physical training uniform is worn exclusively for physical training or recreation. The physical training uniform consists of the following components: Green ALERT Cadet T-shirt Green athletic shorts Athletic socks Running or athletic shoes 3

4 Green ALERT Cadet sweatshirt or other similar solid-colored plain sweatshirt (optional) Plain green sweatpants (optional) Black or green beanie or wooly (optional) The athletic shorts must be of a modest mid-thigh length (i.e. not running shorts or long basketball shorts). We recommend purchasing the athletic shorts from The ALERT Store, as suitable green shorts are difficult to find. Green, black, or dark colored compression shorts and shirt may be worn under the shorts and T-shirt as long as they do not extend beyond the hem of the shorts or the sleeve of the T-shirt. As much as reasonably possible, the T-shirt must be tucked into the shorts at all times. When to Wear the ALERT Cadet Uniform When you are deciding whether or not to wear the ALERT Cadet uniform, remember that a main purpose of the uniform is to identify you as a member of ALERT Cadet. If it is not necessary to be recognized as part of the ALERT Cadet program, it is probably not necessary to wear the uniform. However, wearing the ALERT Cadet dress uniform to church is authorized and encouraged. Standard Uniform Issue Upon acceptance into the ALERT Cadet program, a new ALERT Cadet father and his sons receive their duty-dress uniforms (chambray, BDU belt, BDU pants, and Marinestyle cover) from ALERT Cadet Headquarters. The chambray uniform shirt may be either long- or short-sleeved. Additional Uniform Item Purchases Individual families should order additional of replacement ALERT Cadet uniform items from or by contacting ALERT Cadet Headquarters. Chambray uniform shirts are only available from ALERT Cadet Headquarters. Outerwear ALERT Cadet Headquarters sells a green sweatshirt, embroidered with the ALERT Cadet logo, for wear with the duty and physical training uniforms. An equivalent green sweatshirt with a hood and front pocket may be worn with those uniforms. In addition, plain green sweat pants and a black or green beanie or wooly head covering may be worn with the physical training uniform. There is no official ALERT Cadet jacket, rain gear, or sweater. At the discretion of the unit leader, any civilian outerwear may be worn to and from an ALERT Cadet function, such as a unit meeting or service project. When participating in an ALERT Cadet function where outerwear is required, only the following outerwear pieces are authorized: A completely black, full zip, long sleeve fleece jacket (not a soft-shell) with minimal pockets, logos, and extra features. This jacket may be worn with the duty-dress and duty uniforms. 4

5 A completely black, full-zip, long sleeve water-repellent jacket or parka with minimal pockets, logos, and extra features. This jacket may be worn with the dress, duty-dress, and duty uniforms. A black pullover military issue sweater with engraved brass nameplate and appropriate rank for officers. This sweater may only be worn with the dress uniform. Uniforms for Adventure Outings Adventure outings present a unique challenge, as standard uniforms collide with extreme conditions, weight restrictions, and practicality. Normally you would wear the duty uniform according to the guidelines unless extreme weather, gear, or activity conditions merit a change. A khaki military-style boonie hat may be substituted for the Marine-style cover when appropriate on adventure outings. No other headgear is authorized. If more extreme situations are encountered, balance the need for identification with the needs of the situation, activity, and environment. If the ALERT Cadet T-shirt fits over the parka and does not interfere with the use of the ice axes as you ascend up the frozen waterfall, the ALERT Cadet program would be honored to be represented! ALERT Cadet Headquarters staff often uses photos of units meetings, deployments, adventure outings, and service projects for ALERT Cadet publications. You might submit some great photos from your unit activity, but if the fathers and sons are not in the proper uniform we cannot use the photos. Mixing of Uniform and Non-Uniform Pieces Except for the outerwear and adventure outing exceptions, ALERT Cadet uniform components should not be mixed with non-uniform pieces. The uniform is designed to be worn as a complete set, and wearing a mix of pieces may have a negative impact on your witness and on the ALERT Cadet program in general. Used Uniforms Used ALERT Cadet uniform items may be exchanged between ALERT Cadet members, handed down in families or units, or sold between unit members. This reduces costs and accommodates the needs of growing sons. If you have serviceable uniform components your unit members no longer need, please contact ALERT Cadet Headquarters. We maintain a small stock of used uniforms to meet the needs of families who would otherwise not be able to afford a uniform. Special Notes Most jewelry is prohibited when wearing ALERT Cadet uniforms. The exceptions include: wrist watches, medical alert tags or bracelets, promise or purity rings, and wedding bands. 5

6 Non-uniform items such as cased knives, cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) are appropriate if worn on the belt in a neat manner. The only item authorized for wear on the dress uniform belt is a mobile phone or a PDA. Any appropriate item may be placed in the pants pockets as long as it does not excessively bulge out. No items are to be put in the chambray pockets, worn on the chambray button placket, or clipped to the neck of the T-shirt. 6

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