Civil Air Patrol Manual, 1949 Note the short OD “Ike” jacket for males. Most likely shade 1 khaki (“tropical worsted”)

Girl’s Summer Uniform Image from CAP’s Volunteer magazine Image from Smithsonian Institute website

Insignia Placement Civil Air Patrol Manual

New cadet chevrons and Senior Member specialty badges Civil Air Patrol Manual

Note newly authorized “merit ribbons” for cadets. The presence of C/Maj to C/Col insignia is interesting. Most research sources indicate those grades were not authorized until late However, Lt Col Ostling has uncovered documentation of cadets promoted to C/Maj and C/Lt Col in New York Wing in Even the Civil Air Patrol Manual states “a squadron [is commanded] by a captain or major, depending on its size.” Was C/Maj – C/Col restricted large population areas, and not authorized on a national scale? The C/Maj to C/Col insignia was the same used by Army ROTC. History’s Mysteries

Merit Ribbons According to the CAP News, February 1949, merit ribbons were awarded for: Blue – awarded to cadets who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Cadet program, or by extraordinary acts of heroism under unusually hazardous conditions. White – awarded to cadets who attain a final grade of 90% or higher on the prescribed instruction comprising the Secondary Training of CAPC Training Program. Red – awarded to cadets who attain a final grade of 90% or higher on the prescribed instruction comprising the Basic Training of the CAPC Training Program. In the 1954 Cadet Handbook, merit ribbons were longevity awards: Red – one year White – two year Blue – three years

Encampment Patches Worn on the lower half of the sleeve. The red prop version was a manufacturer’s error. It was used by some units to indicate a second award. Introduced in 1949 and phased out in 1954 with the introduction of the encampment ribbon. Personal collection

Photo from the 1949 Civil Air Patrol Manual. Note the encampment patch on the sleeve of the cadet on the right.

1951 IACE

1951