Uniform

The Ontario Regiment 2525 Army Cadet Corps prides itself on maintaining excellence in the standards of our uniform.

Uniforms are provided free of charge, and every attempts are made to provide it to the cadet within the first couple weeks. In some case, it may take additional time as items may need to be ordered. Uniforms can also be exchanged free of charge for a different size as the cadet grows. Cadets are responsible for their uniforms. They must be kept clean and pressed, with boots shined and all badges and rank insignia properly fastened. Uniforms are property of the Cadet Corps and must be returned when the cadet resigns or ages out. A full uniform includes: leather boots, pants, belt, short sleeve shirt, socks, tunic, beret and winter jacket. At times, back orders of uniform parts can extend the 4-6 week estimate substantially.

Cadet Field Training Uniform (FTU/combats) clothing is being distributed as quickly as possible to the cadets. There are limited numbers and sizes available at this time, but we are trying to ensure all cadets are equipped with a Cadet Field Training Uniform (FTU/combats) uniform as quickly as possible. The Cadet Field Training Uniform (FTU/combats) provided by the Corps is on loan and all Cadet uniform guidelines are to be followed. The Cadet Field Training Uniform (FTU/combats) is used during Field Training Exercises and on some Cadet events. Please note that the Cadet Field Training Uniform (FTU/combats) is recommended only and is not a mandatory requirement for any exercise (unless specified). Civilian clothing (Civvies/see below) is an acceptable alternative unless the Cadet Field Training Uniform (FTU/combats) is requested as the specific and only Dress of the Day.

Here are the documents which will guide you to achieving the very best possible appearance.

Where badges are sewn on cadet tunic sleeves:

Dress Regulations
The document called CATO 46-01 is the overall document describing all aspects of a cadet's uniform and his/her appearance. Every cadet should read it.

The last page of this document mentions some additional documents, called "Annexes", and here below are the most useful ones:

ANNEX A - Numbered Dress
This is a description of all the various uniform codes like C1, C2 and so on. You can download a single document that lists all the numbered dress, or you can download individual pages: C1 | C2 | C2A | C3 | C3A | C4 | C4A | C5 | C6 | C7 | SC1

ROYAL CANADIAN ARMY CADET UNIFORMS - NUMBERED DRESS (with pictures)

ANNEX D - Badges
Here you can see a complete list of all the badges and pins that could be worn on the uniform, and perhaps more importantly, which badges you can earn!

ANNEX F - Illustrated References

Illustrated References

This excellent document illustrates where to put your badges, how to wear your hair and beret, how to lace your boots, proper placement of pins and medals, and much more!

Field Training Uniform (FTU) - Instructional Guide/TIPS Booklet

Additional Information

Typical Dress of the Day


Additionally, here are some useful tips to help you succeed in maintaining a top appearance ...
Recruits
Civilian Clothing(Civvies): Until you are issued a uniform you will most often wear Civvies ("Black & Whites") Black & Whites are black or other dark colour pants (no blue or faded jeans), black or dark shoes or boots, and a white collared shirt The equivalent to the Army Cadet Orders of Dress are: C1 Dress = Black & Whites your best dark pants & shoes and your best white collared shirt (for special parades), with a coat or jacket appropriate for the weather for outdoor parades C2 Duty = Black & Whites doesn't have to be your best as you will be training (ie laying on mats, sitting on the floor, etc); bring a coat or jacket for outdoor training C2A Short Sleeve Order = Black & Whites for training, only bring a jacket for wet or cool weather C3, C3A, C4 & C4A are rarely worn if ever at the unit C5 Combats = Adventure Wear something you feel comfortable in while crawling, climbing, hiking, biking or canoeing (no jeans) C6 Mess Dress = Black & Whites your best with a black bow tie on your white long-sleeved collared shirt (with coat or jacket when necessary) C7 & SC1 are for senior cadets only Sports Dress running shoes, shorts or athletic pants, t-shirt or sweatshirt (depending on the weather and if indoors or outdoors)
Dress Uniform
Always, always, always press your uniform! To prevent your uniform from going shiny, do not use too much heat and consider using a pressing cloth when ironing Always press both collars (tunic and light green shirt) Sew your badges on straight and to standard (see below) Remove threads De-lint your beret Press a sharp crease in your pants Males, make sure you have a clean hair cut Females, make sure your hair is tied back in a bun and there are no hair wisp Shine your boots ... here is a helpful video on how to properly polish your boots Tying a Half Windsor Knot (Tie)

Cadet Field Training Uniform (FTU/combats)
Always put your combats in the dryer before cadets, this will eliminate wrinkles; if the dryer doesn't work, don't be afraid to iron your combats, just don't show up with wrinkles! Put old cassette cases in the breast pockets to flatten them out- otherwise they fold everywhere Remove threads De-lint your beret, tuck in the tags on the back of your beret Twist up the string on the bottom of your combat tunic, then attach the loop to the bottom button; this prevents the strings from showing on parade The string in the middle of your combat tunic can be fed through the button holes, hide it as well Buy boot blousers - if you do not know what they are, ask your Sergeant