Uniform
                   The uniform is an integral part of Pinkerton Academy's Cadet Corps program and perhaps the most recognizable characteristic. The Air Force requires it to be worn once a week by the cadets participating in the program. Each member of the corps should be proud of the privilege of wearing the uniform, so all personnel should wear it with pride. By doing so they enhance the standing of both themselves and Pinkerton Academy's Corps of Cadets in the eyes of others.   Cadet's responsibility regarding the uniform is comparable to that of the active duty person. It is the same uniform, with certain exceptions, as that worn by active duty Air Force personnel. Cadets do not wear commissioned officer rank insignia or sleeve braid. Otherwise, all cadets wear the standard Air Force service uniform. Pinkerton Academy's Corps of Cadets places great emphasis on this matter throughout the program. How our cadets wear the uniform subjects the Corps to praise or fault by fellow cadets, fellow students, and the community at large.

                                                                           History of the Uniform 

                      The English word "uniform" originated from a combination of two Latin words, unus and forma, which means "one form." The word "uniform" thus infers a peculiar manner of apparel. In ancient times, the Roman togas yielded a unique attire. The toga, a loose outer garment worn by citizens appearing in public, came in several styles. The toga candida was a white garment worn only by candidates for public office. The toga palmata was a fancy toga worn to ceremonial affairs. The toga praetexta, a white toga with a purple border, was worn only by emperors. The toga sordida was worn by the lower classes and by mourners and prisoners accused of crimes.  Military apparel in ancient times acquired a certain degree of sameness but in a much different sense from modern military uniforms. During the Peloponnesian War in the fifth century B.C., the Athenians and Spartan soldiers dressed according to their position in military formations. The Greek heavy infantryman wore a helmet, breastplate, and armor covering his legs below the knee. They also carried a shield and sword. The light-foot soldier had only a lighter built shield and a spear. These were military uniforms in the sense that all the soldiers looked alike. To this extent, therefore, we assign the origin of the military uniform to an early date in western civilization.  During the Great Rebellion (1642-1646), the English Parliament decided to raise and support an army. National armies, with standardized uniforms, thus became a reality. The English uniform, red in color but with different colored facing to distinguish regiments, gained national significance. These regiments were named by their facing colors: blue, red, orange, etc. The uniform styles were really an adaptation of civilian dress and featured an ample coat, waistcoat, breeches, stockings and shoes or, with calvary boots.  From this start, the military uniform evolved. During this slow process, the uniform ranged from the extreme of ornamentation to the opposite extreme of drabness. Some claim that the more colorful the uniform, the more uncomfortable the soldier. High, tight collars, tight breeches, and boots that restricted knee action, looked attractive but were not functional.  Uniform Wear  Wearing the uniform serves a dual purpose. Not only does it represent the uniqueness of the Air Force Junior ROTC program, but also teaches attention to detail, instills pride, and teaches the student to follow a uniform code of standards. With practice and attention to detail, all the do's and don'ts about the proper wear and care of the uniform and personal appearance will soon become almost automatic. A smart appearance is important not only in drill practice, but also in performing various other duties and attending military functions. The following are guidelines that must be understood and carried out by each cadet when wearing the uniform.

                                                                       UNIFORM CLEANING

                All dark blue items of the uniform must be dry cleaned. Only the light blue shirt and blouse may be washed (wash and press after each day's wear).

                                                           ENFORCEMENT OF UNIFORM WEAR 

               Cadet Corps student leaders, cadet officers, cadet master sergeants and above and cadet flight sergeants have the authority over others in the enforcement of prescribed uniform wear and proper behavior. They are also authorized and expected to make on-the-spot corrections. If the cadet fails to respond to correction, he/she should be reported to the SASI/ASI for appropriate disciplinary action.  When correcting others, cadets are encouraged to do so privately and as discreetly as possible. Cadets receiving the corrective action are encouraged to accept constructive criticism in the proper spirit. Avoid difficulties and embarrassment by wearing the uniform properly. Any cadet who feels mistreated may appeal to the SASI or ASI.
How to wear your uniform:
Cover
Shirt
Service Dress
Pants/Misc