UNIFORM GUIDELINES

A major reason that we utilize uniforms is to set us apart and to be readily identifiable as members of the United States Corps of Chaplains. It is understood that uniform items can be expensive so these directives are constantly under further consideration. It is perfectly appropriate and acceptable to wear the uniform of black trousers with a white shirt and black tie without the dress coat, which can be an expensive item (See Uniform for New Members below. Placement of devices for the uniforms is covered further down in this document.

Basic Uniform for New Members

1. WEAR OF THE USCOC UNIFORM: The USCOC uniform may be worn at any time, and at any place, that is not detrimental to the USCOC image, and is not inconsistent with ministry. Prohibitions on wear of the uniform are as follows:
   1. The uniform will not be worn in connection with the promotion of any political or commercial interest.
   2. The uniform will not be worn while the USCOC member is participating in picket lines, marches, rallies, or in public demonstrations.
   3. The uniform will not be worn when wearing of the uniform would discredit the USCOC, or any branch of the U. S. military.
   4. The uniform will not be worn in public drinking establishments, with the exception of meetings in VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and other veterans organization buildings where a bar is not the primary or sole reason for the existence of the building.

2. WEARING OF AWARDS: The USCOC uniform may display only those ribbons, badges and decorations that have been officially awarded by the following:
   1. Federally authorized ribbons, badges, patches, and decorations awarded by the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard Active or Reserve components.
   2. State authorized ribbons, badges, and decorations awarded by the Air or Army National Guard of any state.
   3. Ribbons representing awards by any State Guard and Guard Associations.
   4. United States recognized foreign decorations or ribbons.
   5. Commemorative ribbons issued by the various branches of the U. S. military are authorized for wear on USCOC uniforms.
   6. The wear of ribbons, medals, and devices awarded by the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and equivalent recognized veterans groups is authorized on USCOC Class A and B uniforms.
   7. United States Corps of Chaplains authorized ribbons and awards.
   8. Any other items or devices ARE NOT authorized for wear on the USCOC uniforms.

3. FULL DRESS UNIFORM (CLASS A)
   1. HEADGEAR: A black beret is authorized, with device centered on the area above the left eye. A plain black garrison (flight) cap is authorized with device being worn on the left side centered top to bottom, 1 inch back from the front seam. A Round Combination Hat with White Cover is authorized with either the 1860 U.S. Hat Devise or the Eagle Hat Devise. If in the field, or at a disaster site, a plain white hard hat is authorized for wear with any uniform combination, with name and rank clearly written in permanent marker. The beret, garrison cap, combination hat, and the hard hat are authorized for wear with any uniform of the USCOC, except that the garrison cap or the combination hat will not be worn with BDUs. Chaplains are authorized to wear the Gold Chaplains Cross on the right side of the garrison cap with the 1860 U.S. Devise on the left side.

      Special note on headgear: Any headgear may display the 1860 US device. If a hard hat is worn, the wearer may, with permanent marker, indicate rank and last name.

   2. COAT / JACKET: Black in color, single or double breasted, with gold buttons. Jacket should display proper rank insignia, emblem of faith (for Chaplains), name tag, USCOC patch, veteran pin (if prior service), flag patch, and appropriate, authorized awards. Color US flag shall be placed on left shoulder, with the USCOC patch being placed on the right shoulder, both centered one and one half inch below the shoulder seam. For more information, including placement of accoutrements and devices, refer to shirt section. Same devices must be worn on coat as on shirt. In the event of inclement weather members may wear plain black windbreakers, raincoats, etc., without any devices, over the uniform.

   3. SWEATER: Military supply sources carry a black pull over sweater designed to be worn over the shirt and tie combination. This item is authorized for wear by members of the USCOC. If a member elects to wear the sweater, they do not wear the coat over it. No insignia other than a pin on name tag, rank insignia, and emblem of faith (if a Chaplain) is to be worn on the sweater. Name tag should be worn on right side of chest, as on the shirt. Pin on rank is worn on the shoulders or, if the sweater has epaulets, the member may wear shoulder boards indicating appropriate rank. If a Chaplain, the emblem of faith would be worn on the left side of the chest, as on the shirt. Wearing the sweater does not constitute full dress. Full dress is only accomplished through the wear of the coat.

   4. SHIRT: White, short or long sleeve, with two full size flap pockets, and epaulets, if available. A name tag is to be worn above the right pocket, just resting on top edge of pocket. Authorized ribbons and / or medals to be worn centered above left pocket, just resting on top edge of pocket. Members may wear medals or ribbons awarded by the United States Corps of Chaplains, or from any branch of military service, as long as properly authorized. Veterans of military service may wear their branch specific veteran pin on the right side, centered above the name tag on the shirt, and on the jacket, when worn. Chaplains are to always, on any uniform, wear the emblem of faith centered above left pocket (above any other authorized awards). Other members are to wear appropriate authorized badge of office, if available, in same location. If the member is an aide-de-camp to a General Officer and wears the aide pin as illustrated in the Badge folder, Photos section of the group site, it should be worn on left side, centered, one half inch above chest pocket. Soft black shoulder boards displaying correct rank or gold pin on rank insignia will be worn. If pin on rank insignia is used, the small size should be worn on dress shirts, with the large size worn on coats. If wearing shirt without shoulder straps, pin on rank to be worn on collar. All shirts should have the color US flag (rectangular) on the left shoulder and the USCOC patch on the right shoulder, with both being placed approximately one and one half inch below shoulder seam.

   5. NAME TAG: The Name Tags for the Class A, B, and C Uniforms should be gold in color, with black lettering, and may be made of plastic or metal. It should contain the last name of the member. The word CHAPLAIN or the letters CHAP may precede the last name for Chaplains. Lettering should be all capitals.

   6. CAP DEVICE : In order to stay away from standard military and police insignia we have decided to use an 1860 era US insignia consisting of a gold wreath with the letters US in silver inside the wreath. The 1860 era Chaplains Hat Insignia (black velvet bullion sew-on, wreath and cross) may be worn on the beret. The US Army Officers hat device with the cloudburst removed is used on the round combination hat.

   7. RANK INSIGNIA: Pin on rank devices are available from many sources. These may be either knurled or smooth finish. Shoulder Marks (Rank Epauletts) may also be worn instead of the pin on rank.

   8. TIE: Black in color, plain in design. A gold tie clasp with correct rank insignia (or gold emblem of faith for Chaplains) may be worn centered between pockets. Tie not required for female members. Female members may wear the tab type collar device or leave top button of shirt open, as desired.

   9. BELT: Black web type belt with plain gold colored metal buckle.

   10. TROUSERS / SKIRT: Plain black to match coat / jacket. Length should be such that the hem rests on top of the shoes with only a slight break in the crease. A plain black knee length skirt is authorized for female members who do not wish to wear pants.

   11. SOCKS / HOSE: Black in color, plain in design. Hose of black or neutral color authorized for female members.

   12. SHOES: Black in color, plain toe leather or perm shine. Plain black or patent leather pumps for female members may be of a height comfortable to the wearer.

4. SERVICE DRESS OR UNDRESS UNIFORM (CLASS B)

   Identical requirements to the Class A uniform. Except that the coat is not worn.

5. WORK (DUTY) UNIFORM (CLASS C)
   1. HEADGEAR: A black baseball cap with gold (yellow) USCOC lettering is authorized. Chaplains may display their emblem of faith on the ball cap. For more information on headgear, refer to the Full Dress Uniform section of this manual.

   2. SHIRT: Tan (khaki) long or short sleeve shirt. Tie not worn. For more information refer to Full Dress Uniform section.

   3. INSIGNIA: Pin on collar insignia appropriate to rank and assignment, or Shoulder Marks (Rank Epauletts) may also be worn instead of the pin on rank, and name tag. No ribbons, medals, or other devices except gold emblem of faith for Chaplains.

   4. TROUSERS / SKIRT: Tan (khaki) trousers. Length should be such that the hem rests on top of the shoes with only a slight break in the crease. A plain tan color (khaki) knee length skirt is authorized for female members.

   5. BELT: Black web belt with plain gold buckle.

   6. SOCKS / HOSE: Black socks. Hose of neutral color authorized for female members to wear with skirt.

   7. SHOES: Black shoes, plain toe leather or perm shine. Plain black or patent leather pumps for female members, may be of a height comfortable to the wearer.

6. BDU (CLASS D) Uniform Policy for the USCOC
   The purpose of this section of the manual is to familiarize all members of the USCOC with the BDU or Battle Dress Uniform.
   
   BDU stands for Battle Dress Uniform. BDUs are commonly referred to as camos. The woodland camouflage (hunter) pattern is the most widely recognized style, but they are available in several different patterns for use in desert, woodland, and even arctic regions of the world. Several solid colors are also available in a BDU type of uniform. The woodland camo version is the one most widely used by the military, and is the one authorized for wear by members of the United States Corps of Chaplains. Those who serve primarily in arid regions (I.E. - Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, etc.) may, at the discretion of the state or division commander, wear the tan BDU or the so called "chocolate chip" desert camo. Those who serve in very cold regions (I.E. - Maine, North Dakota, Alaska, etc.) may, at the discretion of state or division commander, wear the arctic pattern BDU.
   
   A BDU consists of a pair of pants and shirt which are utility style with extra, expandable pockets to carry gear one might need in the field. BDUs are available in light and heavy weight material. Each member may wear whichever is more personally comfortable. These BDU clothing items are available from several sources...military clothing sales stores, military surplus stores, and by mail order from several firms. One such mail order company has a link on our Yahoo group site.
   
   A brown or olive drab (military green) t-shirt should be worn with the BDU combination. Most military clothing sales stores and surplus stores have olive drab (military green) and brown "sweaters" that are pullover type with three buttons at the throat area. These are designed for wear under the BDU shirt and are authorized for wear by USCOC members when weather conditions require it.
   
   The BDU uniform is to be worn with military style boots, called jump boots or jungle boots. Again, these are available in several styles. For wear with BDUs they should be black in color and in good repair. If wearing the tan or desert BDU, wear of the desert tan jump boot is authorized. There are representative photos of a BDU shirt, pants, and jump boot in the photo area of the USCOC Yahoo group site.
   
   The shirt should have name tapes. Tapes are available at the same sources as BDUs and must be sewn on. They should be applied so as to not extend beyond the edges of the pockets and should rest just on the top edge, but not over the edge, of the pocket. These tapes should be black with gold (yellow) lettering. This will make them easier to read and will distinguish Corps members from active duty military. The tape to go above the right chest pocket should have your last name, all in capital letters. The tape to go above the left chest pocket should read USCOC as United States Corps of Chaplains will not fit. The USCOC patch is to be worn centered on the left side chest pocket. Subdued US flag should be worn on each shoulder, centered one and one half inch below shoulder seam.
   
   Rank insignia is to be of the large gold pin on type, or sewn on. Rank insignia should be worn on both collars and the chaplains should wear the cross or other emblem of faith centered one half inch above the USCOC (left) tape. Rank insignia should be centered on the collar as per illustration in Uniform Item album in photo section of the USCOC Yahoo group site. Veterans may wear branch specific veteran pin on right side, centered above name tape.
   
   All members must wear name and USCOC tapes, rank insignia, flags, and USCOC patch on the BDU uniform combination. Chaplains must wear the emblem of their faith.
   
   The matching pattern ball cap may be worn with standard size gold pin on rank insignia (or the emblem of faith for Chaplains) centered on the front. A plain black ball cap with the letters USCOC in yellow may be worn with this uniform or you may wear the plain black beret with US device or large size pin on rank insignia centered on area above left eye. Chaplains may wear their emblem of faith on the ball cap (or on the beret in lieu of rank insignia). Rank insignia may be of either the gold metal knurled or smooth finish type. A white hard hat may be worn at disaster sites or in other places where head protection is necessary. If hard hat is worn, name and rank should be clearly visible in permanent marker.
   
   Matching jackets are available in all colors and patterns and may be worn as required. Rain coats require no insignia, but the field jacket requires rank insignia, name tapes, USCOC patch, flags, and the emblem of faith, just like the shirt. You may use sewn on items on the field jacket. Other equipment is available, such as backpacks, fanny packs, and ponchos. These are authorized as long as the pattern matches the pattern of the uniform worn. It is suggested that you mark all uniform items and equipment in a discreet location with some unique identifying mark or code. On active duty, it is common to use the initials followed by the last four numbers of the Social Security Number (SSN). This will save confusion if several members should place jackets or other items in the same area.
   
   The BDU combination is primarily for field work, such as disaster response. It is also suitable for wear around the office, travel, and in performance of some duties. However, when attending or participating in a funeral, or when visiting someone, the dress uniform shall be worn. A good rule of thumb is that if you are going to be among the public, put forth the best image possible.

7. OTHER
   1. A safety vest and hard hat should be considered normal equipment for all members.

   2. Measurements:
      • Hat size - Measure across your brow just above your ears, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. For female sizes, this measurement in inches is your hat size. For male and generic sizes, divide the measurement in inches by 3.14 to obtain your hat size to the nearest 1/8".

      • Collar - Measure around your neck at the point where the collar is worn, pulling the tape tight enough to remove gaps between the tape and the skin, but not so tight as to depress and discolor the skin. Round up to the next ½" for your collar size. Another technique is to measure the collar of a comfortably fitting shirt while laying it on a flat surface. Measure from the center of the button to the center of the button hole and round up to the next 1/2'".

      • Chest/bust - While standing erect, but relaxed, measure around the largest part of the chest or bust with the tape passing under the arms, remaining parallel to the floor, and snug *.

      • Waist - While standing relaxed, measure around your waist where the trousers are worn; generally this is the smallest part of the waist. Pull the tape snug *.

      • Hips - While standing relaxed with your feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips or seat, keeping the tape parallel to the floor and snug*. Remove wallets and cell phones from your pockets prior to taking the measurement.

      • Skirt length - Measure from your waistline to the center of your kneecap.

      • Inseam - Measure the inside seam from the crotch to the bottom of the trouser leg. A good technique is to measure a pair of well-fitting trousers while laying them on a flat surface.

      • Sleeve outseam - With your arms held relaxed at your sides, measure from the center of the back, over the shoulder, and to the bottom of the wrist bone where the hand joins the wrist.

        * Snug means that the tapes is tight, but yet loose enough to slide your hand under the tape.