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To Cap It All

134 (Bedford) Squadron can finally reveal that for the past 4 months, they have been part of a top secret uniform trial held by the Headquarters Air Cadets, the results of which could form part of the uniform used by the corps for the next 50 years. The squadron has been trialling a cap, which could replace the current ATC beret, which is the oldest unchanged part of the current uniform and dates back to around 1950. 

The Squadron was chosen with a handful of other squadrons around the country to trial different pieces of potential replacement uniform.

The new cap is RAF Blue in colour and shares the same ATC cap badge as is currently being issued. Although we understand that other squadrons have been trying slightly different caps that come with embroidered badges.

AWO Taylor said "Although I did voice my initial reservations for such a radical change to the uniform, I am pleased to say that in retrospect these new caps have proven themselves. They stay smarter much longer than berets do, and unlike berets can be worn straight out of the packet without requiring any shaping, this time saving can now be spent on polishing brass and boots."

The cadets also appear pleased with the new headwear and have overwhelmingly given them the thumbs up.

The trial will officially come to a close at the end of March. But don't go changing your uniform just yet, it is expected to still take a further 12-18 months before any changes are seen in the ATC uniform.

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