The Royal Air Force Air Cadets wear the uniform of the Royal Air Force. As an Air Cadet you need to know the different types of uniforms and how to wear them.

Each uniform is worn for different reasons. The three main types of uniform you will wear are No. 2A Dress, No. 2C Dress and No. 3 Dress. 

You can find all the information about uniform in Air Cadet Publication ACP 1358, accessible via Cadet Portal.

Number 2A (light blue) uniform

This uniform is an Air Cadet’s most formal dress and is mainly used for formal events like public parades, events on your squadron or in your wing.

This uniform consists of:

  • Belt
  • Beret
  • Black tie
  • Brassard
  • Parade shoes
  • Trousers/skirt (with tights)
  • Wedgewood shirt (long sleeved)

This uniform will be provided but Cadets will need to sort out their own shoes. There is also the Number 2 (FULL) uniform which is the same as Number 2A uniform but also includes a jumper/jersey.

Number 2C (dark blue) uniform

This uniform is an Air Cadet’s standard working dress uniform. You will usually wear this on a squadron evening for most general activities.

This uniform consists of:

  • Belt
  • Beret
  • Brassard
  • Jumper
  • Parade shoes
  • Trousers/skirt (with tights)
  • Working blue shirt

This uniform will be provided but Cadets will need to sort out their own shoes.

Number 3 (MTP or DPM) uniform

This uniform is mainly used for fieldcraft and shooting activities but can also be used for other challenging or dirty work. It is designed to withstand a lot of activity and wear and tear.

This uniform consists of:

  • Beret
  • Boots
  • Shirt
  • Smock
  • Trousers
  • T-shirt

This uniform isn’t provided to Cadets. There are some occasions when there may be spare uniform items available so check with your local Squadron. All uniform items can be bought from local Army and Navy Stores and online. Check with your local squadron about the suppliers they recommend.

Looking after your Air Cadets uniform

It is expected that all uniforms are cared for and well presented. Keeping your uniform clean and tidy will make it easier to maintain. Watch our short video tutorials for tips and advice for looking after your Air Cadet uniforms.

How to mould your beret

A guide to moulding your beret after initial issue.

How to polish parade shoes

A short video demonstrating one of many methods to polish parade shoes.

How to polish boots

A guide on how to polish boots for use with No.3 dress (CS95/PCS-MTP).

How to iron a skirt

How to iron and maintain your issued skirt.

How to iron slacks or trousers

A guide on how to iron issued No.2 RAF trousers or slacks.

How to iron a shirt

A guide on how to iron your issued shirts.

How to iron a brassard

A guide on how to iron your issued brassard.

How to correctly wear a lanyard

A guide on how to correctly wear the Instructor Cadet, Qualified Aerospace Instructor or Junior Leaders lanyard on your issued uniforms.