Canadian Army Dress Instructions

(Supersedes Orders and Instructions for Dress of the Canadian Army, 1953, 11 amendments)
(IAW DAOD 1000-7, this document supersedes CAF Dress Instructions for all Army orders of dress)

Issued on the Authority of: Commander, Canadian Army

OPI: G1 // G1 Dress & Ceremonial

Canadian Army (CA) dress identity is the sum of our distinctive Corps’ identities. The stronger our distinctive Corps identities, the stronger our CA identity.

  • The CA is a well-trained and disciplined institution which demonstrates pride through our distinctive uniforms. Our uniform finds its roots in our military heritage, founding cultures, and our accomplishments. Traditionally, Canadians wore uniforms based on our French and English founding cultures through many wars and in many places. Today we are proud to wear uniform designs created by Canadians.

    By appearance, our uniforms stand out from civilian society, including law enforcement agencies.Our uniforms are intended for our identification and also to be our collective symbol of an organised and disciplined military force. Wearing our CA uniform enhances our soldiers’ sense of belonging to our institution, their pride of distinct trade and individual role, and creates a positive impression and striking rapport both internationally and with Canadians.

    A sharp looking uniform is an indication of self-respect, pride, readiness and positive attitude. The CA embraces these qualities and is determined to strengthen them with our members. Be a proud soldier, be proud to represent the CA, the Canadian Armed Forces, and mostly your country, Canada.

    Strong, Proud, Ready

  1. Orders and Instructions for Dress of the Canadian Army (CA) 2019, is issued on authority of the Commander CA.
  2. The short title for this publication shall be CA Dress Instr.
  3. These instructions are effective upon receipt and supersede all CA dress policy and rules previously issued as a manual, supplement, order or instruction, except:
    1. Queen’s Regulations & Orders (QR&O), Chapter 17 – Dress Appearance;
    2. QR&O Chapter 18 – Honours;
    3. DAOD 5516-3, Religious or Spiritual Accommodation; and
    4. CFAO 17-1, Safety and Protective Equipment – Motorcycles, Motor scooters, Mopeds, Bicycles and Snowmobiles.
  4. Where there is an overlap or conflict of guidance on Army specific orders of dress with A-DH-265-000/AG-001 – Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instructions, IAW DAOD 1000-7, these CA Dress Instrs shall take precedence.
  5. Suggestions for revision shall be forwarded through the chain of command to the Comd CA, Attention: CA, G1 Dress and Ceremonial.
  1. All Canadian Army (CA) members shall wear the uniforms prescribed by the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and Commander (Comd) CA, in accordance with QR&O 17.01.
  2. IAW DAOD 1000-7, the Comd CA is the functional authority for all orders of CA dress and accoutrements. Further, in accordance with the CAF Dress Instructions, the Comd CA will establish the rules for the design and wear of Army operational orders of dress worn by the Army and Army members of other commands found in this CA Dress Instructions.
  3. This publication, issued under Comd CA authority, details CA dress and personal appearance policy, authorized dress items and the method of wearing all uniforms and accoutrements.
  4. CA Dress Instructions shall be interpreted as follows: if an item is not included in these instructions or the CAF Dress Instructions A-DH-265-000/AG-001, it is not authorized.
  5. Changes in CA dress policy, dress instructions or uniforms, or in the designs of uniforms, uniform accessories, accoutrements or insignia, shall only be made with the approval of the Comd CA.
  6. The Comd CA is advised by:
  1. The Canadian Army Dress & Ceremonial Committee (CADCC) which coordinates the review of all recommendations made by Divisions and Corps/Branches on matters related to Army dress and ceremonial; and
  2. The Army Sergeant Major (SM) who is the Comd CA’s principal advisor regarding dress, deportment/drill and discipline. The G1 Dress & Ceremonial is the principal staff officer to the Army SM on dress and ceremonial.
  1. Control is exercised by local commanders who may standardize the dress of subordinates, including the wear of accoutrements and alternative or optional items, subject to overall command direction.
  2. High standards of dress, deportment, and grooming are universally recognized as marks of a well-trained, disciplined and professional force. Commanders shall maintain these standards at all times to reinforce these characteristics for peace or war. Unauthorized modification of dress demonstrates a failure of those in command.
  3. Officers may not delegate their leadership responsibility. They are assisted by Warrant Officers and non-commissioned officers, who control standards and compliance by all subordinates (see also A-DH-201-000/PT-000, CAF Manual of Drill and ceremonial, Chapter 1, Section 1, paragraph 12 and Chapter 7, Section 1, paragraph 3).
  1. The CADCC meets as required and provides the Comd CA with Division and Corps perspectives on dress, deportment, identity, and ceremony. Annexes A-C of this chapter provide the Terms of Reference, membership, and process to recommend matters to the CADCC.
  2. The point-of-contact for the CADCC is the CA G1 Dress & Ceremonial. The minutes of the CADCC are found at the following G1 Dress & Ceremonial ACIMS link: CA Dress and Ceremonial
  3. CA Dress Instructions are maintained on-line and updated routinely IAW the recommendations of the CADCC and the approvals of the Comd CA. The on-line version of CA Dress Instructions, which will always be up-to-date, shall always take precedent.
  4. The CADCC will also provide guidance, on behalf of Comd CA, to maintaining these detailed dress and ceremonial instructions. The CA will also record all Army universal patterns for all orders of dress in this document. All dress regulations of all Corps and all Regiments of the RCAC / RCIC are included as Chapters in these CA Dress Instructions.
  1. Our Identity. CA dress identity is the sum of our distinct Corps identities. The stronger our distinctive Corps identities, the stronger is CA identity.
  2. Wearing the Canadian Army uniform. The CA is a well-trained and disciplined institution which demonstrates pride through is variety of uniforms. Our uniform finds its roots in our military heritage, founding cultures, and our accomplishments. Throughout the past centuries we have worn uniforms from our French and English founding cultures in many wars and in complex terrain. Today, we are proud to wear our own uniforms created by Canadians.
  3. By appearance, our uniforms stand out from civilian society and even police agencies.Our uniforms are intended for our identification and also to be our collective symbol of an organised military force. Wearing our CA uniform enhances our soldiers’ sense of belonging to our institution, their pride of distinct trade and individual role, and will create a positive, impressive and striking rapport internationally and with Canadians.
  4. A well maintained uniform is an indication of self-respect, pride, readiness and an optimistic attitude. The CA promotes these qualities and strives continually to strengthen them with our members. Be a proud soldier, be proud to represent the CA, the Canadian Armed Forces, and mostly our country, Canada.
  1. Standard term meanings and definitions of terms are used throughout this publication. Where deemed necessary, further explanations of terms are included in the relevant text. Specific definitions and explanations follow (listed alphabetically). The French version of each term is also included in brackets.
  • Accessories. Small articles, such as cuff links, worn as adjuncts to various orders of dress. (accessoires)
  • Accoutrements. Items of the service member’s outfit other than arms and garments, e.g., aiguillettes, Royal cyphers, ceremonial waist belts, shoulder sashes, pace sticks and canes. (attributs)
  • Army. Personnel allocated a land environmental identity and the ceremonial, mess and service dress which matches that identity. (Armée)
  • Categories of Dress. Classes of uniforms designed to support a portion of the spectrum of activity from ceremonial duties to operations in the field, i.e. ceremonial, mess, service, operational and occupational dress. (catégories de tenue)
  • Ceremonial Dress. A category of uniform worn on formal occasions with orders, decorations and medals and other ceremonial weapons, accoutrements and accessories as deemed appropriate for the occasion. (tenue de cérémonie)
  • Climatic Clothing. Clothing designed to provide protection from extreme climatic conditions and which is provided on either personal loan or temporary issue, e.g., parkas, wind pants, mukluks, etc. (vêtements adaptés au climat)
  • Distinctive Environment Uniform (DEU). Uniforms which identify the personal, permanent allocation of CAF members to one of the four functional environments. (uniformes distinctifs pour les trois éléments UDE)
  • Environment. The customary functional division of the CAF, i.e. the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Special Forces Command. (élément)
  • Environmental Colours. For these purposes, the environmental service dress colours for the army is rifle green. (couleurs propres à chaque élément)
  • Full Dress. The elaborate and embellished ceremonial uniforms which reflect the heritage of the organizations that they represent. These uniforms are provided through a combination of public and non-public/private procurement and maintained in separate record keeping (grande tenue)
  • Maternity Dress. Clothing items authorized for wear by pregnant members and those who have just given birth in lieu of service, Op Dress or other regular dress items. (tenue de maternité)
  • Mess Dress. A category of formal evening dress uniforms, worn at military and appropriate civilian social functions. (Tenue de mess)
  • NDCDC. National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee at L0. (CTVFC)
  • Occupational Dress. Clothing worn by those working in unique occupations, such as nurses, cooks, fire fighters, chaplains, and individuals requiring safety clothing and specialized equipment to carry out their tasks. (tenue de travail spécialisée)
  • Operational Dress. The Canadian Disruptive Pattern (CADPAT) operational combat clothing worn by personnel during land training, operations, or routine activities. (tenue opérationnelle)
  • Optional Items. Those items of clothing which are authorized for wear at a commander’s or member’s discretion, including approved items from CANEX, but which are not provided at public expense. (articles facultatifs)
  • Orders, Decorations and Medals. The insignia of national honours, suspended by their ribbons, and worn in accordance with CAF Dress Instructions A-DH-265-000/AG-001. (ordres, décorations et médailles)
  • Orders of Dress. Specific compositions of dress items which, by regulation, are worn together. (tenues réglementaires)
  • Personal Loan Clothing. Scaled public clothing and equipment which is retained for the duration of a member’s service or until the requirement ceases; examples include load-carrying webbing, flying clothing, combat clothing and divers’ wet suits. This clothing and equipment is issued and maintained at public expense. (vêtements fournis à titre de prêt personnel)
  • Service Dress. A category of uniform which meets all CAF public image standards for military service under any circumstances. (tenue de service)
  • Temporary Loan Clothing. Scaled public clothing and equipment issued from a Distribution Account (DA) to an individual, military or civilian, because of his/her temporary employment or location, and returned on termination of the special circumstances; examples include maternity dress, parkas, wind pants, coveralls and respirators. This clothing and equipment is issued and maintained at public expense. (vêtements prêtés à titre provisoire)
  • Undress. Items of clothing or equipment worn on, or in a manner which indicates, ordinary or less formal occasions. An historical term, now only used in specific instances, such as full dress worn with undress (service/forage/etc.) caps, navy optional high-collar white jacket, and Army patrol dress. See also “undress ribbons”. (Petite tenue)
  • Undress Ribbons. The ribbons (only) of orders, decorations and medals, worn in accordance with CAF Dress Instructions A-DH-265-000/AG-001. (ruban de petite tenue)
  1. Selected dress items are described in these instructions in technical terms not commonly found in all dictionaries. CAF meanings and usage are explained below for greater clarity (listed alphabetically).
  • Aiguillette. A plaited cord ending with needles, points or aglets worn to distinguish several types of service personnel. (Aiguillette)
  • Braid. Woven ribbon or cord used to trim or bind cloth. Its design and placement can be used for identification or as an insignia. (galon)
  • Cap. A headdress without a brim all the way around, e.g., beret, field cap. A peaked cap has a projecting brim on the front. (casquette)
  • Cuff. The end part of a sleeve, where the material of the sleeve is turned back or a separate band is sewn on; the colour dictated by the facing colour of the Corps, Branch or regiment. Mess dress cuffs are “pointed” with the exception of several Scottish regimental patterns. (see also: Surgeon Cuff) (manchette)
  • Cut-Away. The service dress tunic when modified by a tailor to be shorter in length and cut-away at the front for the wearing with a sporran. (jaquette)
  • Epaulette. An ornate piece of cloth and embroidery worn on the shoulder – originating from a need to keep a shoulder sash or belt in position. An epaulette is removable from the garment and a shoulder strap is fixed to the garment. (épaulette)
  • Facings. The cuffs, collar and trimmings of a tunic or jacket, usually in a contrasting colour. Originally, a garment lining, often meant to be turned back, as on an open collar. A military organization’s facing colour is one of its distinguishing marks. (parements)
  • Field Service Cap. A cloth folding or “wedge cap” (see below). Originally designed for wear during field operations and training, it may now also be worn as an undress cap with full and undress uniforms. (calot de campagne)
  • Forage Cap. An undress peaked cap (see “cap”) which may be worn with army full and undress uniforms. Originally designed for casual and fatigue wear in the field (“foraging”). (casquette plate)
  • Frogging. The ornamental braid or cord fastening on a tunic. A frog is an ornamental loop over a button or similar device. (brandebourg)
  • Hat. A headdress with a brim all around the central crown. (chapeau)
  • Hijab. Muslim women’s hair and neck covering. (hidjab)
  • Lace. Gold, yellow, silver or white braid with ornamental stitching used to trim uniforms. (Gallon ornemental)
  • Overalls. Close fitting formal trousers strapped under the instep to hold them in place; or, for occupational clothing, a loose-fitting garment worn over other orders of dress to keep them clean. Formal overalls may be worn in lieu of regular trousers with certain ceremonial or mess dress uniforms by those whose appointment reflects an earlier cavalry or horse-mounted occupation. (Pantalon fuseau/salopette)
  • Peaked Cap. (See “cap”). (Casquette à visière)
  • Piping. A narrow band of material used to trim edges and seams of clothing. (passepoil)
  • Service Cap. A peaked cap (see “cap”) designed and coloured for wear with service dress uniforms. (casquette de service)
  • Shoulder Board. A removable epaulette having a firm resilient waterproof foundation. (See shoulder strap). (épaulette rigide)
  • Shoulder Cord. Gold or silver cord, straight or twisted worn as a kind of shoulder strap. (Cordon d’épaule)
  • Shoulder Strap. A short soft piece (band strip) of uniform material set into the shoulder seam of the tunic, jacket or shirt, fastened usually at the collar end with a button. May be plain or embroidered to distinguish the rank grouping of the wearer. (patte d’épaule)
  • Slip-on. A small cloth sleeve bearing rank and other identifying insignia, slipped onto a garment's shoulder or coat strap. (fourreau de grade)
  • Surgeon cuff. A slit cuff fastened with serviceable buttons. The “universal” norm for Army mess dress is two buttons. (manchette de chirurgien)
  • Tunic. A short, close-fitting formal coat; or, for maternity wear, a woman’s loose over-blouse or jumper. (tunique)
  • Turban. Headdress consisting of a long length of material wound round a cap or the head. (Turban)
  • Wellington. An unlaced, high-cut boot. Strictly, a very high boot coming nearly to or above the knee, the term is now conventionally applied to a shorter, formal boot reaching above the ankle. Also known as a George boot. (Botte wellington)
  • Yarmulke. Skullcap worn by members of the orthodox Jewish faith. (kippa)
  1. “Shall”, “may”, and “should”
  1. “shall” shall be construed as being imperative;
  2. “may” shall be construed as being permissive; and
  3. “should” shall be construed as being informative only.
  1. “Practicable” and “practical”
  1. “practicable” shall be construed as “physically possible”; and
  2. “practical” shall be construed as “reasonable in the circumstances”.
  1. “On duty”. As a general rule, for purposes of dress and appearance, a member is considered to be on duty:
  1. When actively engaged in operational, training or administrative duties, either in accordance with specific orders or in accordance with established military routine or practice;
  2. When attending a course or administrative function, either in accordance with specific orders or established routine or practice;
  3. When participating in or attending any sport, recreational, social or other activity where military authorities require her/him to be there; or
  4. When he/she is at a specific place, or doing a specific act, because of a military order.
  1. The Commander of the Canadian Army (Comd CA) is the authority for all matters of CA dress and ceremony. The CADCC meets to provide the Comd CA with Corps and Division perspectives on dress, deportment, and ceremonial matters. Corps or Divisions may present matters to the CADCC IAW the matrix found at Annex B. The committee may make recommendations through the Chair to the Comd CA for consideration. Certain matters may be delegated by the Comd CA to the Chair of the CADCC IAW Annex B. The diagram at Annex C is provided to support the Table at Annex B.
  1. The CADCC is composed of the following members, advisors, and resource people. Advisors such as CA Representative to CAF Women Dress Committee, CA GBA+ and CA Aboriginal Advisor will be represented at all meetings. Additional resource persons and other optional members may be invited to provide information regarding their requirements or to provide subject matter advice. Other L1 Command partners (RCN, RCAF, SOF, etc) may be invited to the CADCC, as required, to discuss matters regarding the CA operational dress.

Chair:

  • Chief of Staff, Army Operations

Co-Chair:

  • Army Sergeant-Major

Members:

  • Sergeant-Major, Army Reserve
  • Sergeant-Major, CADTC
  • Sergeant-Major, 2 Cdn Div
  • Sergeant-Major, 3 Cdn Div
  • Sergeant-Major, 4 Cdn Div
  • Sergeant-Major, 5 Cdn Div
  • Sergeant-Major, RCAC
  • Sergeant-Major, RCA
  • Sergeant-Major, RCE
  • Sergeant-Major, RCCS
  • Sergeant-Major, RCIC
  • Representative, RCLS (Army Rep)
  • Sergeant-Major, RCMS
  • Sergeant-Major, RCDC
  • Sergeant-Major, RCEME
  • Representative, RCChS
  • Sergeant-Major, C INT C
  • Representative, Canadian Rangers (Corps)

Secretary:

  • G1 Dress and Ceremonial

Advisors:

  • G1 Honours and Heritage
  • CA Representative to CAF Women Dress Committee (Female)
  • CA GBA+ Advisor
  • CA Aboriginal Advisor

Optional Invitees:

  • Sergeant-Major, HQ, 1 Cdn Div
  • Sergeant-Major, Army MP Group
  • Sergeant-Major, Legal Branch
  • Representative, Training Development Branch
  • Sergeant-Major, Public Affairs Branch
  • Representative, Royal Canadian Army Cadets

Resource Invitees:

  • DHH 3-2
  • DLR 5
  • DSSPM
  • G1 Snr Dir of Music
  • G4 Supply
  • DAPA

SER

DESCRIPTION

COMD CA

COS A OPS
CADCC

ARMY SM

ARMY G1

CORPS DIR

DIV COMD

1

Terms of Reference of CA Dress Committee (CADCC)

Approval

Recommend from CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

Recommend
to CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

2

Minutes of each CADCC Meeting

Approval

Recommend

Review

Secretary

Information

Information

3

Promulgation of CA Dress Instructions

Approval

Recommend
from CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

Submission of Corps Dress Regulations

Submission of Division dress requirements

4

Changes to Army Universal Patterns of Ceremonial Dress and Mess Dress

Approval

Recommend from CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

Recommend
to CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

5

Corps Deviations to Ceremonial Dress No. 1B, No. 1C, No. 1D, and Mess Dress No. 2, No. 2A,

Secretarial Action

Approval

Submitted to CADCC as new business item

Submitted to Army SM for Information

Admin

Approval
of Corps or Regimental Requests

May
Recommend
to Corps

6

Changes to Universal Patterns of No. 3 Service Dress

Approval,
Information to NDCDC

Recommend from CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

Recommend
to CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

7

Corps Deviations to Service Dress No. 3

Approval,
Information to NDCDC

Recommend from CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

Recommend
to CADCC

May Recommend
to Corps

8

Changes to Army Operational Dress No. 5A (Field) and equipment capability

Approval

Recommend from CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

May Recommend
to CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

9

Changes to Army Operational Dress No. 5B (Garrison)

Approval

Recommend from CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

May
Recommend
to CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

10

CADPAT/ECU Badges or Army Trade Skills Badges

Submitted for Information

Approval

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

Recommend
to CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

11

New Corps/Regimental Badges/Identity

(Heraldry)

Approval,
Submit to DHH for Admin

Info CADCC at next meeting

Info CADCC at next meeting

Admin

Request to Comd CA

N/A

12

New Regimental or L2/L3 Badges/Identity

(Heraldry)

Approval,
Submit to DHH
for Admin

Info CADCC at next meeting

Info CADCC at next meeting

Admin

N/A

Request to Comd CA

13

Changes to A-PD-201-000/PT-000 The CF Manual of Drill and Ceremonial

Recommend to NDCDC

Recommend from CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

Recommend
to CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

14

Policy changes to A-PD-202-001/FP-000 The CF Manual of Bands and Music

Recommend to MPC

Recommend from CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

Recommend
to CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

15

Policy changes to A-AD-200-000/AG-000 The Heritage Structure of the CF

Recommend to MPC

Recommend from CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

Admin

Recommend
to CADCC

Recommend
to CADCC

16

Requests for new Guidons (RCAC) or Stands of Colours (RCIC)

Approval

Information

Advisor

Admin
Maintenance of Army List of RCAC and RCIC priority with DHH 3

Recommend to Comd CA
Set priority of RCAC and RCIC requests with G1 Heritage

Information

  1. Continue to refer to Chapter 2 of A-DH-265-000/AG-001, Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instructions except for the amendments below.
    Nil.

  1. Continue to refer to Chapter 3 of A-DH-265-000/AG-001, Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instructions except for the amendments below.
    Nil.

  1. Continue to refer to Chapter 4 of A-DH-265-000/AG-001, Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instructions except for the amendments below.
    Nil.

  1. This chapter describes Army universal patterns of No. 1 Ceremonial Dress and associated Band uniforms, No. 2 Mess Dress, No. 3 Service Dress, and No. 5 Operational Dress, and provides instructions for wearing uniform items. With each order there are stringent guidelines and limitations on what may be worn.
  2. The orders of dress are identified by dress number and dress title. When advising the order of dress on invitations and in instructions the dress number and dress title are to be used.
  3. Distinction between genders is minimal for the wear of CA uniforms. The CA complies with CAF Dress Instructions in regards to gender diversity, including the wear of optional items, such as skirts, footwear, hosiery and other optional items described in this chapter. Safety and operational needs will always take precedence when wearing optional items.
  1. Officers and non-commissioned members’ Service Dress is similar, differing primarily in rank insignia. All CA uniforms today descend from previous versions of operational or working dress, but this instruction does not describe historical or obsolete uniforms. All orders of dress, and the respective uniforms within that order, are modern authorized variants, and must be worn according to regulation, including uniforms acquired from non-public sources. The CA takes its dress heritage for Full Dress Uniforms primarily from the Dress Regulations for Officers of the Canadian Militia, 1907. While there was a variety of uniforms worn across the Army, the 20th Century saw Army uniform policy slowly evolve, with different uniforms designed for ceremonial and operational use. In 1952, the Canadian Army adopted an Undress uniform specifically for the coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. In order to standardize patterns across the Army, this economical and popular “Coronation Uniform” became central to the development of a modern dress policy in 1953, documented in the “Orders and Instructions for Dress of The Canadian Army”, that many regiments still refer to. These distinctly Canadian innovations, were partially carried forward after Unification. This new policy placed primacy on Service Dress and relegated other Orders of Dress to secondary roles, but did not eliminate them. The CF Green uniforms lasted until 1988, when Navy and Air Force Service Dress was returned to their respective Environments.
  2. Ceremonial uniforms include traditional Full Dress or Undress uniforms, and are authorized for most regiments and corps, and provided at public expense to units who perform an assigned ceremonial duty. For all other regiments and corps, these remain optional, and therefore not publically funded, however, they must be worn exactly according to regulation.
  3. Full dress uniforms are worn by the cadets of the Royal Military Colleges of Canada (RMCC) and by many CA regiments, especially bands. Tradition is however still strong within the CA military culture and their regimental distinctions are key to this policy, most notably for the RCAC and RCIC regiments. Patrol Dress uniforms are worn by the RMCC and as optional uniforms across the Canadian Army.
  1. Canada was one of several nations that wore a variant of the Battle Dress from the late 1930s until the 1960s. The waist length jacket was of heavy wool with a closed collar and loose fitting trousers with material matching the jacket. In the 1960s, a distinct combat uniform was introduced and was the first all-purpose CA field uniform intended to be worn in all weather and as the first uniform intended solely for use in the field. The olive green combat uniform consisted of a combat jacket, a "shirt coat", trousers, and new boots and would remain the standard field uniform until the early 21st Century.

  2. Canadian Disruptive Pattern (CADPAT) camouflage was introduced in the 2001 and consisted of a digital camouflage pattern with three variants: temperate woodland (TW), arid region (AR), and winter/arctic (WA). This was initially printed on the existing pattern of combats, but a new design, the Enhanced Combat Uniform (ECU) was introduced later in the following decade, addition of hook and loop and pocket improvements were among the upgrades, to this distinctly Canadian uniform. In 2020, a new variant of CADPAT was introduced to reduce the diversity of patterns, and this also reintroduced traditional earth colours back into the primary identity for the CA. All ranks wear the same pattern of Op Dress which are designed for wear in combat conditions and as dress of the day in many of the CA organizations.

  1. Specifications of optional items and accoutrements may be found at Section 6.

Serial

Activity or Event

Attendees

Order of Dress

Dress Description and Remarks

a.

Guards of Honour

Openings of Legislatures

Participants

Nos. 1, 1B or 1C

Ceremonial Parade Dress

In winter, overcoats and alternative headdress may be worn, and accoutrements shall still be carried.

b.

Change of Command

Freedom of City

Participants

Nos. 1, 1B or 1C

Ceremonial Parade Dress

Army recruits not yet issued Service Dress may parade 5 Op Dress, if the unit is unable to obtain early issue. Recruits will parade with their training element, or as a separate sub-unit.

Spectators

Nos. 1A, 1D, or 3

Ceremonial Day Dress

No. 1D worn with leather belts.

c.

Presentation of honours and awards

Participants

No. 1A

Ceremonial Day Dress

No. 1A minimum for presenter and receiver of a CD and commendation. Other presentations may be in No. 3

Spectators

Dress of the day

When not on parade.

d.

Band Performances

Participants

Nos. 1B or 1C

The standard for public duties as a full band or ensemble is No. 1B. Nos. 1C or 1 may be worn if No. 1B is not yet available.

Buglers or Pipers tasked as individuals may wear No. 1B or the order of dress specified in the invitation for the ceremony.

No 5 Operational Dress (CADPAT) is not worn by any band, except for practice.

e.

Parade Rehearsal

No. 3 Drill Order

Non-Ceremonial Day Dress

worn with belts and swords.

Serial

Activity or Event

Attendees

Order of Dress

Dress Description and Remarks

a.

Remembrance Days

Participants

Nos. 1, 1B or 1C

Ceremonial Parade Dress

Spectators

Nos. 1A or 1D

Ceremonial Day Dress

b.

Church Parades and Services

All attending

Nos. 1, 1B or 1C/1D

Ceremonial Parade Dress

Swords for those taking part in ceremonies before, during or after the service. Others, no swords.

c.

Royal Wedding or Funeral

Participants

(official delegations)

Nos. 1, 1B or 1C

Ceremonial Parade Dress

No. 1C is an alternative to No. 1B.

General Officers may wear the No. 1C frock coat.

No. 1 is an acceptable standard where No. 1B or No. 1C is not available.

d.

Military Funerals

Funeral party

Nos. 1, 1B or 1C

Ceremonial Parade Dress

Attendees

No. 1A or 1D

Ceremonial Day Dress

No. 1D worn with leather belts.

e.

Viewings and wakes

Attendees

No. 3

No. 1A

Service dress is acceptable if requested by the family, Ceremonial Day Dress

f.

Levee

Nos. 1, 1A or 1D

Ceremonial Day Dress

No. 1D worn with leather belts.

Serial

Activity or Event

Attendees

Order of Dress

Dress Description and Remarks

a.

Royal, State or Military Balls or formal Mess functions

All Ranks

No. 2 or

No. 2A

Full Ceremonial Evening Dress

White tie may be required.

b.

Regimental Mess Dinners

Serving members and military guests

No. 2 or

No. 2A

Ceremonial Evening Dress

No. 1D or No 3 are acceptable where the member does not own No. 2. or No. 2B.

c.

Unit “Dining-In” events

No. 1D or

No. 3

Non-Ceremonial Evening

d.

Soldiers Festive Dinners

No. 3

Service Dress

Including daytime events.

Serial

Activity or Event

Attendees

Order of Dress

Dress Description and Remarks

a.

Military Wedding

Participants

No. 1C

Ceremonial Day Dress or Non-Ceremonial Day Dress

Officiating chaplain may wear the same Order of Dress as the groom.

No. 1 or No. 1B is acceptable.

The wear of No. 2 and No. 2A should be restricted to wedding receptions and dinners.

The wearing of uniform is not compulsory at a private wedding.

Guests

No 1C or 1D

Ceremonial Day Dress or Non-Ceremonial Day Dress

No. 1D worn with leather belts.

No. 1B is acceptable

Serial

Activity or Event

Attendees

Order of Dress

Dress Description and Remarks

a.

Meetings with government departments or civilian agencies or municipal government

Participants

No. 3

Service Dress

Some meetings may allow No. 3B or No. 3C based on season.

b.

Conferences or meetings with non-CAF attendees or with Allied military

Participants

No. 3

When attending foreign hosted conferences, CAF members shall confirm to the dress instructors laid down by the host nation.

c.

CAF Recognition Events

Participants

No. 3

Service Dress

The wear of service dress is required of any member speaking or accepting a recognition at a CAF recognition, especially when PA or social media coverage is present.

No. 5 Operational Dress (CADPAT) may only be worn in limited circumstances, by spectators in an arena setting if they are not on parade at any time during the event.

d.

Retirement Functions

Dress of the Day

While dress of the day may be worn at the recognition of member’s career and retirement by attendees, command teams and formal presenters as part of the DWD event itinerary are encouraged to wear an order of No. 3 service dress commensurate with their official CAF duties at the event.

Serial

Activity or Event

Attendees

Order of Dress

Dress Description and Remarks

a.

Field Operations

All

No. 5A Operational Dress (CADPAT)

Operational Dress

As per corps SOPs including the wear of occupational specific clothing.

b.

Dress of the Day inside all Army units and HQs

All

No. 5B Operational Dress (CADPAT)

Operational Dress

Dress of the Day inside all Army units and HQs. Sleeve rolled down at all times.

  1. This section describes Army universal patterns of ceremonial uniforms and its several variants. Regimental patterns with their authorized variations are listed in this section at annex B, appendix 1 for the RCAC, and annex B, appendix 2 for the RCIC, and detailed regimental specifications may be found in the respective chapters of this publication.
  1. Standard rank insignia shall be worn on full dress and patrol dress uniforms. Rank and special skill insignia only shall be worn. RMCC officer cadets wear college appointment insignia on their collars in lieu of officer cadet rank insignia.

  2. Where background cloth might obscure easy recognition, e.g., NCOs black or blue rank chevrons on a green tunic or grey greatcoat the insignia may be highlighted by backing it with scarlet or green (depending on garment colour) or gold Russia braid outline (foot guards patrol dress). For contrast, officer rank insignia, silver metal or silver embroidery is worn on gold or gold trimmed shoulder cords/straps/boards; gilt metal or gold embroidered insignia on cloth straps/boards. In Rifle Regiments insignia will be black or gun metal, as authorized.

  1. Advice on tailoring specifications may be obtained from branch/corps advisers, DLR or DSSPM through the chain of command. To minimize expense, units are advised to pool purchases where practical.

Notes:

1. No. 1 is as for No. 3 service dress, with orders, decorations, medals and accoutrements

2. No. 1A is as for No. 1 without accoutrements (medals only)

3. No. 1B and No. 1C are optional orders of dress and may be worn in lieu of Nos. 1 and 1A as authorized

4. No. 1C and No. 1D are authorized for Royal Military College of Canada, and Army members where authorized by corps and IAW regimental dress instructions

Figure 5-1-1 - Ceremonial orders of dress

Category

Order

Occasions when Worn

(Accoutrements)

(Medals only)

(Full Dress)

(Medals & Accoutrements)

(Undress)

No. 1

No. 1A

No. 1B

No. 1C

No. 1D

Formal state and military ceremonies and parades, including:

a.Inspections, church parades service funerals and viewings;

b.Investitures;

c.Guards of honour;

NOTE

The order of dress for a guard of honour is not necessarily the same as that of the honoured personage, who normally arrives dressed for the occasion or duty in any dress from No.1 Order to civilian attire.

d.In attendance on or as escorts to, Royal and vice-regal personages;

e.Exchanging ceremonial visits or official calls, if considered appropriate;

f.As a representative of the CAF at formal civilian functions;

g.Formal military weddings; and

h.Other occasions as ordered.

Formal and other significant occasions for which the wearing of complete ceremonial attire-No. 1 or No. 1B orders-is not deemed necessary or appropriate; i.e., no swords, ceremonial belts, bayonets etc.:

a.Investitures;

b.Levees;

c.Ceremonial parades;

d.Ceremonial occasions, when attending as a spectator;

e.On Remembrance Days in messes;

f.Formal military weddings; and

g.Other occasions as ordered.

As for No. 1 or 1A orders of dress. Worn by authorized units only.

As for No. 1 or 1A orders of dress. Optional undress order, worn when permitted by authorized units.

As for No. 1C order of dress with undress ribbons. For wear on less formal occasions at which the wearing of orders, decorations and medals would be considered inappropriate.

Figure 5-1-2 – Ceremonial Dress – Categories, orders and occasions worn

  1. No. 1 Ceremonial Parade Service Dress is as No. 3 Army Service Dress (see section 3) and includes ceremonial accoutrements as ceremonial belt, gloves, sword, pace stick, regimental cane, and orders, decorations and medals. Garments shall be tailored to eliminate creasing or folding, when accoutrements are worn. No. 3 Drill Order Service Dress is worn for drill competitions or parade rehearsal, and is the same as No. 1 Ceremonial Parade Service Dress, except Undress ribbons are worn, in lieu of orders, decorations and medals.

  1. No. 1A Ceremonial Service Dress is as No. 3 Army Service Dress (see section 3), without accoutrements, and with orders, decorations and medals. It is worn for ceremonial functions not involving a formal parade, or for a sit-down ceremony. It is the minimum order of dress for the formal presentation of major honours and awards, when it is not possible to present the award on parade.

Figure 5-1B-1Full Dress – Universal Pattern
FULL DRESS RANK – GROUP EMBELLISHMENT – UNIVERSAL PATTERN

5.Gold 0.6 cm cord vice yellow worsted cord; shoulder strap, thin gold braid edging


Figure 5-1B-2Full Dress – Rank Group Embellishment – Universal Pattern
FULL DRESS RANK – GROUP EMBELLISHMENT – ARMOURED

Hussars. Officers and CWOs


5-1B-3Full Dress – Rank Group Embellishments – Armoured
FULL DRESS RANK – GROUP EMBELLISHMENT – ARTILLERY

Figure 5-1B-4Full Dress – Rank Group Embellishments – Artillery
FULL DRESS - THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF CANADIAN ARTILLERY
(LESS ROYAL CANADIAN HORSE ARTILLERY)

Notes

  1. Authorized accoutrements include belts with pouches for officers and CWOs.

  2. Private illustrated.

    Figure 5-1B-5Full Dress Artillery – The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
    FULL DRESS - ROYAL CANADIAN HORSE ARTILLERY

Notes

Notes

Includes: FMR NCM’s

Figure 5-1B-9Full Dress – Rank Group Embellishments - Rifles, Scottish and Kilted Irish Infantry
FULL DRESS - BANDS

Figure 5-1B-10Full Dress – Bands

Figure 5-1B-11Full Dress – Bands

Figure 5-1B-12 Full Dress – Bands

Figure 5-1B1-1 Full Dress – Armour (Less Hussars)

Figure 5-1B1-2 Full Dress – Armour Hussars

As a special case, uniform facings remain standard dark Canadian Royal Blue, although the field of the Regimental Colour is authorized to be the lighter French Royal Blue.

  1. No. 1C Ceremonial Patrol Dress is a parade order of dress, and must be worn with orders, decorations and medals, and accoutrements. For regiments and corps without full dress, it may be designed as the authorized ceremonial uniform in Regimental Dress Instructions. It shall be provided to units at public expense for officially assigned ceremonial task.

  1. No. 1D Patrol Dress is worn on less formal occasions or non-ceremonial parades when the wearing of orders, decorations and medals would be considered inappropriate (Undress ribbons shall be worn in lieu). This order of dress may be worn as a spectator to a parade, or a similar occasion, and in Canadian Army tradition, is worn without orders, decorations and medals. When worn in the mess with a cloth belt, it is designed as a relaxed order of dress, and may be worn for all mess events, including weeknight dinners and dining-in events, in lieu of Mess Dress, except for the most formal mess functions, when Mess Dress is required. In addition:

    1. RCHA, Light Cavalry and Rifle Regiments shall wear No. 1D with shoulder belts and shoulder cords or chains as for No 1C, but with Undress ribbons only, except when this order is worn for dinner, when shoulder belts shall not be worn;

    2. Other corps and regiments shall wear No 1D as per No 1C, with following exceptions:
      (1)
      Officer shoulder boards are plain, and of the same materiel as the jacket, with metal badges of rank in the same colour as the buttons;
      (2) Undress ribbons only;
      (3) Officers and CWO wear a Sam Browne belt, unless a shoulder belt is authorized. A sword frog may be worn according to Regimental Standing Orders. A cloth belt may be worn on informal occasions and shall be worn in the mess, unless on duty;
      (4) Sword, if required (i.e. duty officers or on a non-ceremonial parade) shall be worn with leather scabbard and leather knot; and
      (5) Gloves in black leather for all corps and regiments.

  1. This section describes the universal pattern of Army No. 2 mess dress. Authorized branch, corps and regimental variations, are listed in the respective chapters of this publication and technical details are recorded on mess dress control sheets. This section does not contain information on band concert dress, which is a variant of No. 1B full dress. See relevant regimental chapters/annex.
  1. Army mess dress originated in the early nineteenth century as short undress “shell jackets” (or “stable jackets” in mounted corps), with trousers or overalls, and waistcoats produced in the same colours as the full dress uniform of the corps or regiment, and which were worn off duty or as working dress. These items gradually replaced full dress garments as a more comfortable uniform for evening dining and social functions, eventually becoming a distinct order of dress. Today’s predominant style of a roll-collared jacket was introduced at the beginning of the twentieth century, although other earlier styles also persist. While the current Army No. 2 universal scarlet mess dress was standardized in 1988, there remain many variations in pattern authorized for corps and regiments. The No. 1D patrol dress or No. 3 duty service dress remain the standard for informal CAF mess events.
  1. No. 2B Service mess dress is an optional uniform for wear on occasions when mess dress is considered appropriate, and worn by the following (see figure 5-2-5):

    1. Newly commissioned Regular force officers during the time accorded them to obtain No. 2 mess dress;

    2. All other members without a mess dress uniform; and

    3. Members without this optional order of dress shall wear No. 3 duty service dress, including green shirt and tie.

  2. Jacket is worn as for No. 3 service dress, except with white shirt and bow tie and including undress ribbons, flying and specialist skill badges. Name plate is not worn. Infantry NCO sashes shall not be worn, except by duty NCOs. Oxford shoes shall be worn by all ranks, or black pumps with skirt no patent leather.

  3. Headdress of Army service dress pattern may be worn with No. 2B when outdoors IAW corps or regimental dress instructions.

  1. No. 2C shipboard mess dress is a variation of No. 3B short-sleeved shirt order, worn on shipboard only. It consists of the following elements (see figure 5-2-6):

    1. No. 3B short-sleeved shirt with pin-on (NCM) or slip-on (officers) rank insignia as appropriate. Name plate, undress ribbons, metal flying and specialist skill badges and commendations are not worn;

    2. Branch, Corps or regimental pattern cummerbund; and

    3. Service dress trousers, black Oxford shoes; No. 3 skirt and black pumps (optional) with nylons (plain pattern skin toned).

CATEGORY

ORDER

OCCASIONS WHEN WORN

Temperate mess dress

Tropical mess dress (White)


Service mess dress

Shipboard mess dress

Undress patrol

Duty service dress

No. 2

No. 2A

No. 2B

No. 2C

No. 1D

No. 3

Formal evening functions (after 18:00) such as:

a. Mess dinners;

b. Other formal mess functions; and

c. Service and civilian occasions where formal attire would be deemed appropriate, for example, formal receptions, dinners and weddings which occur in the evening.


As for No. 2 order during hot weather, or as ordered.

As for No. 2 order, or as ordered.

Aboard ship for evening wear, when ordered.

As for No. 2 order, or as ordered. Optional dress where approved, for informal mess events and military weddings.

Informal mess functions during the day, weeknight evening, or when not in possession of No. 2B.

Rank /

Appointment

Jacket

Rank Insignia

Waistcoat / Cummerbund

Legwear / Footwear

Shirts / Ties

Headdress

General Officers

CA No. 2 Universal Pattern:

Canadian scarlet cloth body; 390gm2 doeskin or

360gm2 barathea. Midnight Blue collar, shoulder straps and cuffs of same cloth as body

Pointed surgeon cuffs with 2 x 22-ligne buttons each. 4 x button front closure with buttonholes, 26-ligne buttons. For female members, the 2 x 26-ligne linked buttons with buttonhole closure are optional. 26-ligne buttons for shoulder straps

Gold metal staff pattern crossed scimitars collar badges; CA universal pattern buttons

Silver embroidered insignia IAW rank

12.7mm gold lace edging on shoulder straps and cuffs

Waistcoat:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; 4 x 22-ligne buttons

Cummerbund:

Midnight blue, or Corps/Branch or Regimental pattern

Overalls / Trousers:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; Canadian scarlet stripe 4.5cm wide, of same fabric as jacket

Skirt:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; Canadian scarlet stripe 4.5cm wide around vents of same fabric as jacket

Footwear:

George boots and spurs with overalls.

Oxford shoes with trousers. Black pumps with skirt

White shirt or blouse

Black bow tie with shirt

Plain gold, CAF, CA or Regimental pattern shirt studs and cufflinks

Forage Cap or Field Service Cap with appropriate coloured band for RCMS, RCDC and RCChS

Royal Appointee

holding Honourary General Officer Rank

As for General Officers

As for General Officers

As for General Officers

As for General Officers

As for General Officers

As for General Officers

Rank /

Appointment

Jacket

Rank Insignia

Waistcoat / Cummerbund

Legwear / Footwear

Shirts / Ties

Headdress

Staff Colonel (Col)

CA No. 2 Universal Pattern jacket:

Canadian scarlet cloth body; 390gm2 doeskin or 360gm2 barathea. Midnight blue collar, shoulder straps and cuffs of same cloth as body

Pointed surgeon cuffs with 2 x 22-ligne buttons each. 4 x button front closure with buttonholes, 26-ligne buttons. Alternative 2 x 26-ligne linked buttons with buttonhole closure if worn with skirt. 26-ligne buttons for shoulder straps

Gold metal staff crossed scimitars collar badges; CA universal pattern buttons

or

Former Corps or Regimental pattern with Colonel rank and embellishment

Colonel rank insignia

4mm gold Russia braid edging on shoulder strap and trefoil knots on cuffs

Waistcoat:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; 4 x 22-ligne buttons

Cummerbund:

Midnight blue, or Corps, Branch or Regimental pattern

Overalls / Trousers:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; Canadian scarlet stripe 4.5cm wide of same fabric as jacket

Skirt:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; Canadian scarlet stripe 4.5cm wide around vents

or

Former Corps or Regimental pattern items.

Footwear:

George boots and silver spurs with overalls. Oxford shoes with trousers. Black pumps with skirt

White shirt or blouse

Black bow tie with shirt

Plain gold, CAF, CA or Regimental pattern shirt studs and cufflinks

Coloured Forage Cap or Field Service Cap

Honourary Colonel of the

Canadian Army

(HCol CA)

As per Staff Colonels

As per Staff Colonels

As per Staff Colonels

As per Staff Colonels

As per Staff Colonels

As per Staff Colonels

Rank /

Appointment

Jacket

Rank Insignia

Waistcoat / Cummerbund

Legwear / Footwear

Shirts / Ties

Headdress

Royal Appointee holding

Corps / Regimental Appointment

(eg. Colonel-in-Chief)

Pattern and insignia for affiliated Corps or Regiment with distinctions of Senior Officers

Colonel rank insignia; 4mm gold Russia braid edging on shoulder strap and trefoil knots on cuffs, or other insignia IAW Regimental Dress Instructions

Patterns for affiliated Corps or Regiment

Patterns for Senior Officers of affiliated Corps / Regiment

White shirt or blouse

Black bow tie with shirt

Plain gold, CAF, CA or Regimental pattern shirt studs and cufflinks

Forage Cap, Field Service Cap, Glengarry or Caubeen in accordance with Corps or Regimental Dress Instructions

Corps Colonel-Commandant

Corps pattern jacket with distinctions of Senior Officers

Colonel rank insignia; 4mm gold Russia braid on shoulder strap and trefoil knots on cuffs, or other insignia IAW with Corps Dress Instructions

Pattern for affiliated Corps

Corps pattern

White shirt or blouse

Black bow tie with shirt

Plain gold, CAF, CA or Corps pattern shirt studs and cufflinks

Forage Cap, Field Service Cap, Glengarry or Caubeen in accordance with Corps Dress Instructions (Optional)

Colonel of the Regiment or Honourary Colonels

Corps or Regimental pattern jacket with distinctions of Senior Officers

Rank insignia of appointment irrespective of former serving rank; 4mm gold Russia braid edging on shoulder strap and trefoil knots on cuffs; or other Corps or Regimental pattern

Corps or Regimental pattern

Corps or Regimental pattern

White shirt or blouse

Black bow tie with shirt

Plain gold, CAF, CA or Regimental pattern shirt studs and cufflinks

Forage Cap, Field Service Cap, Glengarry or Caubeen in accordance with Corps or Regimental Dress Instructions

Rank /

Appointment

Jacket

Rank Insignia

Waistcoat / Cummerbund

Legwear / Footwear

Shirts / Ties

Headdress

Senior Officers

(MajLCol)

CA No. 2 Universal Pattern jacket:

Canadian scarlet cloth body; 390gm2 doeskin or 360gm2 barathea. Midnight blue collar, shoulder straps and pointed cuffs of same cloth as body

Plain, buttonless front. Alternative 2 x 26-ligne linked buttons with buttonhole closure if worn with skirt. 26-ligne buttons for shoulder straps.

Corps or Regimental pattern collar badges

or

Corps or Regimental pattern jacket with distinctions of Senior Officers

Rank insignia as appropriate; 4mm gold Russia braid edging on shoulder strap and trefoil knots on cuffs; or other Corps or Regimental pattern distinctions

Waistcoat:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; 4 x 22-ligne buttons; or

Corps or Regimental Pattern

Cummerbund:

Midnight blue; or Corps or Regimental pattern

Overalls / Trousers:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; Canadian scarlet stripe 4.5cm wide of same fabric as jacket; or Corps or Regimental pattern

Kilts / Trews: Regimental pattern

Skirt:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; Canadian scarlet stripe 4.5cm wide around vents; or Corps or Regimental pattern

Footwear:

George boots and silver spurs with overalls.

Oxford shoes with trousers.

Black pumps with skirt. Buckled shoes or brogues with kilt; brogues with trews

White shirt or blouse

Black bow tie with shirt

Plain gold, CAF, CA or Regimental pattern shirt studs and cufflinks

Forage Cap, Field Service Cap, Glengarry or Caubeen in accordance with Corps or Regimental Dress Instructions

Rank /

Appointment

Jacket

Rank Insignia

Waistcoat / Cummerbund

Legwear / Footwear

Shirts / Ties

Headdress

Junior Officers (2LtCapt)

and

Chief Warrant Officers (CWO)

CA No. 2 Universal Pattern jacket:

Canadian scarlet cloth body; 390gm2 doeskin or 360gm2 barathea. Midnight blue collar, shoulder straps and pointed cuffs of same cloth as body

Plain, buttonless front. Alternative 2 x 26-ligne linked buttons with buttonhole closure if worn with skirt. 26-ligne buttons for shoulder straps.

Corps or Regimental collar badges

or

Corps or Regimental pattern jacket

Rank insignia as appropriate; 4mm gold Russia braid edging around the cuffs only

or

Other insignia IAW Regimental Dress Instructions

As for Senior Officers

As for Senior Officers

White shirt or blouse

Black bow tie with shirt

Plain gold, CAF, CA or Regimental pattern shirt studs and cufflinks

Forage Cap, Field Service Cap, Glengarry or Caubeen in accordance with Corps or Regimental Dress Instructions

Rank /

Appointment

Jacket

Rank Insignia

Waistcoat / Cummerbund

Legwear / Footwear

Shirts / Ties

Headdress

Non-Commissioned Officers

and

Non-Commissioned Members

(Pte to MWO)

CA No. 2 Universal Pattern jacket:

Canadian scarlet cloth body; 390gm2 doeskin or 360gm2 barathea. Midnight blue collar, shoulder straps and pointed cuffs of same cloth as body

Plain, buttonless front. Alternative 2 x 26-ligne linked buttons with buttonhole closure if worn with skirt. 26-ligne buttons for shoulder straps.

Corps or regimental collar badges

or

Corps or Regimental pattern jacket

Rank insignia as appropriate; no Russia braid.

Waistcoat:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; 4 x 22-ligne buttons; or

Corps or Regimental pattern

Cummerbund:

Midnight blue; or Corps or Regimental pattern

Overalls / Trousers:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; Canadian scarlet stripe 4.5cm wide of same fabric as jacket; or Corps or Regimental pattern

Kilts/Trews Regimental pattern

Skirt:

Midnight blue 360gm2 barathea; Canadian scarlet stripe 4.5cm wide around vents of same fabric as jacket; or Corps or Regimental pattern

Footwear:

George boots and silver spurs with overalls.

Oxford shoes with trousers.

Black pumps with skirt. Buckled shoes or brogues with kilt; brogues with trews

White shirt or blouse

Black bow tie with shirt

Plain gold, CAF, CA or Regimental pattern shirt studs and cufflinks

Forage Cap, Field Service Cap, Glengarry, Caubeen in accordance with Corps or Regimental Dress Instructions

  1. This section describe Army Universal Pattern of No. 3 Service Dress and its several variants. Corps and regimental patterns with their authorized variations, are listed in the respective chapters of these instructions.

  2. The Army Universal Pattern of Service Dress is worn by Army members only.

Category

Order

Occasions when Worn

(General Duty)

(Long-Sleeve Shirt)

(Short-Sleeve Shirt)

(Sweater)

No. 3

No. 3A

No. 3B

No. 3C

Daily duty and travel dress, suitable for all occasions, including:

a. routine parades and inspections;

b. public appearances;

c. off-duty wear;

d. appropriate military social occasions; and

e. other occasions as ordered.

Indoors and limited outdoors, when an occasion allows the removal of jackets for a more casual work appearance. May be worn:

a. aboard military vehicles, ships and aircraft;

b. within the confines of DND property, including military buildings, or those areas of public buildings occupied by the military; and

c. long sleeve shirt worn with a tie and headdress is considered a walking out order of dress.

Worn in lieu of No. 3 Order on more casual occasions.

Worn in lieu of No. 3 Order.

Notes

  1. For limited wear see table at figure 5-3-1.
  2. Sleeves shall not be rolled.
  3. Only slip-ons are worn for all, and NCMs to wear their metal ranks on collar tips.
  4. Undress ribbons, gorgets, flying and specialist skill badges and nametags shall not be worn.

Figure 5-3-4 No. 3A Service Dress – Long sleeved-shirt

Notes

  1. Short-sleeved shirt shall be worn with the collar open. Optional t-shirt shall not be visible.
  2. Undress ribbons, gorgets, flying and specialist skill badges worn as authorized.
  3. Name tag shall be worn.
  4. All ranks to wear slip-ons IAW their rank and organisation.
  5. NCMs shall wear metal rank insignia on collar tips.
  6. Optional skirt may be worn.

Figure 5-3-5 No. 3B Service Dress – Short Sleeved-Shirt

Notes

  1. Name tag shall be worn on the right side.
  2. Gorgets to be worn with short sleeved shirt only.
  3. Optional skirt may be worn.

Figure 5-3-6 No. 3C Service Dress – Sweater


NOTES

1. This order shall be worn in tropical climates only, or as ordered.

2. All ranks shall wear environmental headdress and slip-ons.

3. Socks, knee, tropical tan are worn with alternative shorts, tropical tan.

4. Boots ankle, tan suede, with socks black or socks, knee, tropical tan may also be worn.

  1. This order from the Commander of Canadian Army (Comd CA) establishes the universal guidelines for the wear of the Canadian Disruptive Pattern (CADPAT) / Enhanced Combat Uniform (ECU) and its accoutrements, accessories and badges/patches.

  2. Canadian Army Dress Instructions supersedes CFAO 17-4, Combat Clothing and Care, dated 14 Nov 86.

  3. Base commanders or commanding officers may authorize or restrict the wear of operational dress in messes institutes and other designated areas.

  4. Operational dress may be worn:
    1. by all ranks of the CA, as the No. 5A order of dress, while engaged in operations or training;

    2. by all ranks of the CA, as the No. 5B order of dress, as dress of the day when authorized in garrison or unit-lines; and

    3. may be worn by all ranks of other Commands of the CAF, in accordance with (IAW) CA Dress Instructions, to meet their mission specific needs.

  5. Dress variations during OUTCAN deployments may be authorized by the Task Force Commander without compromising the mission and safety of members. Any badges/patches to be added shall be authorized by a L1 Comd/SM and/or IAW formation Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) policies.

  6. Non-issued clothing/equipment items, e.g.: chest rigs, may be worn while on OUTCAN deployments, under the authority of the highest ranking Commander in place. Items shall not endanger safety and/or mission requirements.

  7. Operational dress without hook and loop patches on the sleeves is referred to as CADPAT (old version) and ECU refers to the newer version with hook and loop patches on the sleeves.

  1. The role of the No 5B order of dress is to permit the wearing of the operational dress in garrison for comfort and accomplishment of duties while meeting the need for our soldiers to display their Esprit de Corps (trade)/formation(s) identity for cohesion and skills qualification for esteem, pride and retention. No. 5B order of dress is meant to be worn with strict regulation to conform to discipline, uniformity and wear in a civilian environment, see Figure 6A-2.

  2. No. 5B order of dress, when authorized to be worn in public, shall be clean, in good repair and reflect positively on the CAF.

  3. The following non-operational headdress may be worn if the situation permits, and is the norm for the unit outside of field operations and training: beret, field service cap, tuque, turban, balmoral, glengarry, caubeen and khaki tam-o’-shanter (see Headdress Policy, A-DH-265-000/AG-001, Chapter 5, Section 1, paragraphs 2 to 6).

  4. Shirt in No. 5B shall be worn open at neck with the top button/velcro open and all other buttons properly fastened. The shirt sleeves shall not be rolled-up but kept extended to the cuff and buttons/velcro shall be fastened at the wrist level.

  5. Trousers bottom shall be attached at height of top of footwear (bloused) with No.5B order of dress.

  6. CA polar fleece tops are not to be worn as outer garment in No. 5B.
  7. Hybrid combat shirt is not a substitute for the operational dress shirt, and shall not be worn with No. 5B.

  8. Other Commands (RCN and RCAF) may wear their colour version of headdress, t-shirt, name plate and rank.

  9. L2 (Division), L3 (Brigade), and specialist skills/army master occupational badges are worn with No. 5B, and on the CADPAT rain jacket when worn with No. 5B. Faith identifiers for the RCChS are authorized to be worn according to the service SOP’s.

  10. Badges/patches on ECU No. 5B are as follow: L2 Division patches on the top right shoulder Velcro patch and the L3 Brigade/formation badge under the L2 formation patch on the lower Velcro patch. The Canada national flag shall be worn on the top left shoulder Velcro patch, and specialist skill/army master occupational badges under the national flag in hierarchic order, starting from the top down and centered, see Figure 6A-4.

  1. Care and use of CADPAT/ECU uniforms and all optional items are the responsibility of each member. Instructions can be found in the Guide to Integrated Clothing Ensemble (ICE) and Load Carriage manual.

  2. All clothing will be laundered in accordance with the affixed laundry instruction tags. Operational dress shall not be dry-cleaned, pressed or ironed as it defeats the integrity of the material.

  3. Footwear authorized for wear with the operational dress shall be cleaned from dust, mud and dirt. Boots shall be brushed and only necessary applications of CAF-approved protective lubricants and compounds should be used to repel water. Boots to be polished according to affixed/tag maintenance instructions.

  4. The operational dress is designed with focus placed on utility and durability. Small tears shall be repaired and detached buttons replaced by the user. Fading less than 50% and minor repair work should not be considered as a basis for replacement of clothing.

  5. No alteration and/or modification shall be made to any of the uniforms, items and equipment. If any alterations are made at non-public expense to any item of operational dress and equipment, the total cost of the item may be recovered from the individual who requested the modification and disciplinary action may be taken.

NOTES

  1. L2, L3, skill and army master occupational badges are not worn, for exceptions see para 28.
  2. National flag in infra-red (IR) or subdued color on top left shoulder.
  3. High visibility name plates, rank and unit flashes to be worn on the shirt unless otherwise directed, the Velcro rank badge is authorized to wear on the top right shoulder instead of the slip-on version.
  4. Headdress type ie. Helmet, floppy field cap, tuque etc… to be worn according to mission specifics.
  5. CA operational dress shirt sleeves shall not be rolled.
  6. Hybrid combat shirts shall only be worn with the frag or tactical vest, or while carrying a rucksack or a combination of.
  7. Arid and/or other colour of CADPAT/ECU shall be worn accordingly with these instructions.
  8. Trousers bottom may be unbloused when authorized.
  9. Only authorized operational footwear (issued or non-issued) will be worn, see para 14.
  10. Optional items/equipment to be worn in accordance with local SOP, weather conditions and mission specifics.

NOTES

  1. Authorized L2 badge shall be worn on top right shoulder and L3 badge shall be worn below L2 badge.
  2. National flag in color shall be worn on top left shoulder.
  3. Authorized skill and army master occupational badges in hierarchic order to be worn below National flag from top down and centered.
  4. High visibility name plates, rank and unit flashes shall be worn.
  5. Headdress: Beret, Balmoral, Caubeens and religious approved headdress remain the primary. Helmet, field service cap, tuque etc… to be worn according to the weather and/or work conditions. Also see para 33.
  6. CA operational dress shirt sleeves shall not be rolled.
  7. Trousers shall be bloused, attached at height of top of footwear.
  8. Only authorized operational footwear (issued or non-issued) will be worn, see para 14.
  9. Optional items/equipment to be worn in accordance with local SOP, weather conditions and mission specifics.

NOTES

  1. A mixture of CA operational dress trousers (bloused or unbloused) with civilian upper body PT clothing.
  2. Headdress may be: a CA/Corps/Branch/Regimental/Unit/School Instructors tuque, ball cap, floppy field cap issued tuque or helmet.
  3. The civilian upper body clothing to be either: a CA/Corps/Branch/Regimental/Unit/School Instructors PT top.
  4. An issued belt to be worn.
  5. Only authorized operational footwear (issued or non-issued) will be worn, see para 14.
  6. No. 5C order of dress is not authorized for wear in public/local establishments ie.gas station, bank, restaurant, bar, shopping centre etc...

NOTES

  1. Authorized L2 patch shall be worn on top right shoulder and L3 badge shall be worn below L2 patch.
  2. National flag in colour shall be worn on top left shoulder.
  3. Authorized skill and master occupational badges (high visibility) in hierarchic order to be worn below National flag from top down and centered on the left shoulder.
  4. The Velcro rank badge is authorized to wear in No. 5A, on the top right shoulder.

Reference: A-AD-200-000/AG-000, Chapter 6, Badge Design – General

Ref: You must enter the Meeting or an Approval of the Corps/Branch Director, add date.

Prepared by: CWO X. Smith, Corps SM RCXX, 613 971 3030
Approved by: Col X. Smith, Corps Dir RCXX, 819 444 5867
Date: 1 July 20xx


Distribution List

CA G1 Honours & Heritage
CA G1 Dress & Ceremonial

  1. This section and figures 5-6-1 to 5-6-20 describes the various specifications of accoutrements and optional items for Nos. 1 Army Ceremonial Dress and Nos. 3 Army Service Dress.

  1. This section and figures 5-6-1 to 5-6-20 describes the various specifications of accoutrements and optional items for Nos. 1 Army Ceremonial Dress and Nos. 3 Army Service Dress.

Content here

NOTES

  1. No visible underlaces except at the top
  2. Straigth across method shown

NOTES

  1. The scimitar on the General officer shoulder insignia always points forward.

  2. With the exception of the following Branches the gorget patches and service cap band will be scarlet melton:

    1. Medical Branch – Dull Cherry;

    2. Dental Branch – Emerald Green; and

    3. Chaplain Branch – Purple.
  3. The gorget patches are not symmetrical, there is a left and right design. Large gorget are worn on the DEU tunic and a smaller clip version is worn on the shirt collars. A CA button (20 line) is used decoratively.

  4. Gorgets are not worn with any shirt when wearing a tie.

  5. CWO in a SA position with a FO/GO wear a CF Green band on the service cap.

1 - GOs, COLs, RCA, RCLS & MPs (red) 2 - RCAC (calvary gold) 3 - RCE, RCCS & RCEME (blue)
4 - RCIC
(scarlett) 5 & 6-RIFLES / VOLTIGEURS (dark green) & (red – QOR of C) 7 - RCChS (purple)
8 - RCMS
(dull cherry) 9 - RCDC (emerald green) 10 - C INT C (green)

NOTES

  1. RCMS, RCDC and RCChS: GOs / Cols retain their corps/branch border colour.
  2. Coloured border of 1.5 mm.

NOTES

1 - Canadian Forces (CF) 2 - Command (C)
3 - Senior appointment (NS) 4 - Private trained (T) / basic (B)

Note: A member of the CAF who is the legal recipient of the Memorial Cross may wear the Memorial Cross on the service dress jacket with Nos. 1, 1A, and 3 orders of dress. The Cross is worn 2 cm above the left breast pocket, or 2 cm above any ribbons, medals or specialist badge the person may be entitled to wear. The Cross may have to be offset in order to not be obscured by the lapel of the jacket.

Principal

Appointment

Pattern to be worn

Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal Family

Heads of Foreign States

The Governor General

The Governor General as Commander-in-Chief

Lieutenant Governors of Provinces

Aide-de-camp-General

Aide-de-camp

Honorary Chaplain (QHC)

Honorary Surgeon (QHS)

Honorary Physician (QHP)

Honorary Dental Surgeon (QHDS)

Honorary Nursing Officer (QHNO)

Equerry

Aide-de-Camp

Aide-de-Camp

Honorary Aide-de-Camp

Other military members of the Governor General’s household

Chief of the Defence Staff

Honorary Aide-de-Camp

Ceremonial pattern, right shoulder

Head of Mission

Minister of National Defence

Serving Officers of the CAF in the rank of, or equivalent to:

a. General

b. Lieutenant-General

c. Major-General

d. Brigadier-General when holding a position of command in: The CAF, NATO or NORAD

Canadian Armed Forces attachés/advisers

Assistant Canadian Armed Forces attachés/advisers

Minister’s Staff Officer

Aide-de-Camp Executive

Assistant Staff Officer

Temporary appointment to a principal

Ceremonial or duty patterns, left shoulder

Serving Officers of the CAF in the rank of Brigadier-General, or equivalent, other than those listed previously

Ministers of the Crown

Visiting military or civilian official

Dignitaries of other countries

Officers appointed as Personal Assistants to a Principal, during official visits or inspections by:

a. a CAF member;

b. a senior Canadian government official;

c. a visiting military or civilian official; and

d. dignitaries of other countries.

Ceremonial or duty patterns, left shoulder

NOTES

  1. Ceremonial pistol holster are worn on the left side at the hip and attached to the ceremonial belt.

LEGEND

A. Ceremonial pistol holster are worn on the left side at the hip and attached to the ceremonial belt.
B. Location of openings in the side seams of the service dress tunic.
C. Outside view of tunic, showing an opening in the side seam.
D. Inside view, showing hook secured to the tape.

TO ASSEMBLE

1. Locate passthrough opening in the side seam of the tunic, see B and C.
2. Pass the short bent end of the hook (A) through the opening (C) and slide it up between the tape and tunic material (D) until the hook passes over the top of the tape (D).
3. Pull back down on the hook to secure the tape into the short bent of the hook, see D

TO REMOVE

1. Push up on the hook to release the short bent end from the tape.
2. Twist and pull down on the hook.
3. Remove the hook from the opening.

NOTES

  1. Sashes are worn diagonly across the torso, placed under the right shoulder flap with the knot at the height of the left hip.
  2. Sashes are worn over the ceremonial belt, sashes may be worn otherwise IAW corps/regimental dress instructions.
  3. Kilted regiments wear sashes over the left shoulder falling off the right hip.

NOTES

  1. Ranks and accoutrements shall be worn as the DEU tunic; and
  2. The nameplate and undress ribbons should be in line with the top button.
  1. Continue to refer to Chapter 7 of A-DH-265-000/AG-001, Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instructions except for the amendments below.

2. Nil.

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