A new age of business casual walk-out dress for cadets
By: Catie Keyser
Catie Keyser
Gone are the days of flip flops, ragged jeans, and youth-inspired graphic t-shirts. The time has come for the cadets of the Royal Military College to wear a ‘business casual’ uniform both on and off the peninsula in hopes of earning the reputation of professionals in society.
An off-peninsula cadet civilian dress code in the past few years has not existed. Only the first year cadets were restricted to wearing the 4’s uniform until the second semester Cadet Wing Commander (CWC) granted them permission to wear civilian clothing. In more recent years, cadets were instructed to wear the Cadet Dining Hall (CDH) standard in town, although this was never rigorously enforced. In brief detail, the CDH standard consisted of collared shirts, blouses that covered the shoulders for the ladies, any particular type of casual pant including well kept jeans, and appropriate casual shoes (no sneakers or skate shoes).
The Commandant of the Royal Military College of Canada, Commodore William S. Truelove, brought forth the motion to change the order of the off-duty dress early in the first semester. He wished to bring back standards similar to those of his days at the Royal Roads Military College, from which he graduated in 1985.
The main intent of the new dress standard is to develop presentable junior officers, and ensure that the student population will better represent both RMC and the CF. The new standard focused on building a business-appropriate wardrobe for the students, with a year by year distinction, and more leniency with each progressing year.
To create the new standards for the Off Duty Dress, first semester CWC Nick Bouchard tasked first semester Cadet Squadron Leader of 12, IV Matthew Hou 24742 to head a committee of cadets in order to make recommendations to the Director of Cadets, LCol Tony J. O’Keeffe.
When asked about the selection of the committee, IV Hou had this to say, “I had the distinct honour of chairing a committee composed of four well-spoken cadets from each year. Each cadet was carefully selected to equitably represent the College’s many facets with respect to gender, language group, varsity status and bar slate position. The minutes of our meetings have been distributed to the Wing to make our work as transparent and responsive to the cadets as possible. Furthermore, we benefited from the experience, advice and perspectives of a very well-respected Div. Cmdr, Maj Parisien, and senior NCO, CWO Chiasson.”
The committee worked hard to develop a suitable standard, and although the cadets were reluctant at first, they cannot deny the positive feedback that has been received from the populous of Kingston. Although like all changes, some cadets are still finding it hard to adjust. When asked about their thoughts on the matter, 92% of randomly chosen cadets answered that their main concern lay within the absence of funding for their new wardrobes. The committee looked into obtaining discounts at retail stores, but have not had much success. This is an area still being looked into.
The new Cadet Wing Commander, Mr. Ian Wookey stated, “I am happy to see that the Cadet Wing has, in large part, embraced such a significant change in our daily routine. Nothing of this magnitude comes without its challenges, but I am confident in the abilities of cadet leadership and I know that all cadets will be able to take pride in distinguishing themselves as lady and gentlemen cadets of RMC through the new dress standards.”
Mr. Wookey has stressed that all four barmen and up will adhere to the 2nd year standard, in order to help integrate the new order of dress, as well as to show the support of the upper years. The Military Wing as well as the UTPNCM’s of Otter Squadron have both agreed to wear the 4th year standard.
The new standard is detailed as follows:
Special thanks to the two models: II Eric Henderson 25191 from 1 sqn, and IV Jenna Cross 24507 from 1 sqn. (Click on photos for larger view)
Males
1st years:
Will wear 4’s until authorized by the CWC, in which they will wear the 2nd year standard.
2nd years:
Will wear a long-sleeve dress shirt and tie with dress pants, or dress shirt with sweater and dress pants. Dress shoes or dress boots must be worn, and short sleeve dress shirt is allowed in warm weather.
3rd years:
Are entitled to wear a collared shirt (polo) with khakis, as well as any of the second year options.
4th year:
Will wear the 3rd year standard with the additional option of nice jeans.
*appropriate dress shorts are permitted in warm weather.
Females
1st years:
Will wear 4’s until authorized by the CWC, in which case they will wear the 2nd year standard.
2nd years:
Will wear button down shirts with a pressed collar, blouses that cover the shoulders, cardigans or vests, skirts no shorter that knee length without nylons or tights, and dress pants or capris or knee-length shorts in warm weather. Shoes include pumps, dress flats, dress sandals, and nice cold-weather boots.
3rd years:
Can wear any of the 2nd year options, but are also entitled to wear polos and shirts with a minimum of 2cm-wide shoulder straps; all of which must cover the back and look presentable in an office-type setting. Bottoms and shoes are the same as the 2nd year standard.
4th years:
Will wear the 3rd year standard with the additional option of nice jeans.
The new standard is detailed as follows:
Males
1st years:
Will wear 4’s until authorized by the CWC, in which they will wear the 2nd year standard.
2nd years:
Will wear a long-sleeve dress shirt and tie with dress pants, or dress shirt with sweater and dress pants. Dress shoes or dress boots must be worn, and short sleeve dress shirt is allowed in warm weather.
3rd years:
Are entitled to wear a collared shirt (polo) with khakis, as well as any of the second year options.
4th year:
Will wear the 3rd year standard with the additional option of nice jeans.
*appropriate dress shorts are permitted in warm weather.
Females
1st years:
Will wear 4’s until authorized by the CWC, in which case they will wear the 2nd year standard.
2nd years:
Will wear button down shirts with a pressed collar, blouses that cover the shoulders, cardigans or vests, skirts no shorter that knee length without nylons or tights, and dress pants or capris or knee-length shorts in warm weather. Shoes include pumps, dress flats, dress sandals, and nice cold-weather boots.
3rd years:
Can wear any of the 2nd year options, but are also entitled to wear polos and shirts with a minimum of 2cm-wide shoulder straps; all of which must cover the back and look presentable in an office-type setting. Bottoms and shoes are the same as the 2nd year standard.
4th years:
Will wear the 3rd year standard with the additional option of nice jeans.