At Ease with the SEL: VOL. 1, NO. 5

AT EASE WITH THE SEL: VOL. 1, NO. 5

“The NCO Standard: Look Sharp, Lead Strong”

By SMSgt Nick Taylor
Senior Enlisted Advisor, New Jersey Wing, Civil Air Patrol

To My Fellow NCO's and ALL Leaders 

As Non-Commissioned Officer leaders in the Civil Air Patrol, we are the backbone of the New Jersey Wing. We are the trainers, the mentors, and above all, the standard-bearers. When our cadets and junior officers look for an example of what right looks like, they look to us. This month, I want to talk about one of the most visible representations of our discipline and our heritage: the Air Force-style uniform.

Wearing the Air Force-style uniform is a profound privilege. As the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force, we are granted the honor of wearing the uniform of our parent service, distinguished by our unique CAP insignia. With that privilege comes a non-negotiable responsibility: we must wear it impeccably, and we must wear it exactly in accordance with CAP Regulation 39-1 (CAPR 39-1).

Professionalism doesn't happen by accident. According to CAPR 39-1, it is each member's individual duty and personal obligation to maintain a neat appearance and professional image. That means ensuring our uniforms are clean, pressed, and in fully serviceable condition—never frayed, faded, or worn out.

We don't guess when it comes to standards; we look it up. Whether it’s confirming the proper wear of the ABU or OCP utility uniforms, checking grooming standards, or verifying the placement of name tags and ribbons on the blue service uniform, CAPR 39-1 (and its latest Interim Change Letters) is our sole authority. If you haven't reviewed the regulation lately, make it a priority this week.

Our distinctive CAP insignia is what sets us apart and tells our story. For NCOs, paying attention to the small details of our rank and insignia is paramount:

• Chevrons: Ensure you are wearing the proper 3 ½ or 4-inch NCO chevrons, and that they are positioned perfectly. For example, on the service dress coat and short-sleeved shirts, they must be centered on the outer arm halfway between the shoulder seam and the elbow when bent at a 90-degree angle.
• Lapel Insignia: On the service coat, the "US" lapel insignia with the distinctive circles (authorized exclusively for NCOs) must be placed exactly halfway up the seam, resting on but not over it, with the letters parallel to the ground.
• Headgear: Ensure your cover features the proper CAP NCO Cap Device where authorized, and that it is worn proudly and properly whenever outdoors.

Commanders rely on the NCO corps to enforce dress and personal appearance standards. We cannot effectively correct a cadet or guide a junior member if our own uniforms are out of tolerance. When a New Jersey Wing NCO walks into a room, there should be zero doubt about their professionalism. Our bearing, our grooming, and the precise placement of our distinctive insignia should immediately reflect credit upon the Civil Air Patrol and the United States Air Force.

Take a few minutes this weekend to conduct a thorough inspection of your own uniform combinations. Check your insignia spacing with a ruler. Snip those loose threads. Ensure your boots are properly polished or brushed. Once you know you are 100% compliant, take that knowledge and mentor those around you.

Excellence in all we do starts with the image we project in the mirror. Let's ensure the New Jersey Wing continues to set the gold standard.

Stand tall, look sharp, and lead from the front.

Semper Vigilans!

For More Information:

Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP

1+ 609-306-0966

Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov