When you became an HCol or HCapt, you were issued a Service Number (SN), which can be found on the back of your NDI 20 card. Even though you’ll likely use your SN only a few times a year, it’s worth committing to memory — you’ll want to be able to recall it instantly when asked. A simple way to remember your Service Number is to say it out loud each time you put on your military uniform.
Honoraries in the Canadian Army (CA) rotate between three types of uniform: CADPAT, DEU, and mess kit.
CADPAT (short for Canadian Disruptive Pattern) is worn on the parade square, on army bases, and in the field. The design is completely unflattering, but incredibly practical for tasks like loading and unloading heavy equipment from military vehicles. CADPAT is famous for its innumerable pockets — you’ll discover a new one almost every week.
DEU (short for Distinctive Environmental Uniform) is worn outside the parade square and off-base. Its design, material, and colour palette date back to the 1960s, when all branches of the CAF wore a unified uniform in public. Since then, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) have reclaimed their distinctive uniforms, much to their satisfaction. However, the CA remains stuck with the 1960s-era polyester look, complete with baggy pants. Some Honoraries even take their DEUs to a tailor for proper fitting — a completely appropriate and often recommended choice.
Mess kit is where the CAF truly shines sartorially. Each officer is expected to purchase a custom-fitted mess kit, and the final result is nothing short of Downton Abbey perfection. There’s some friendly debate over which formation boasts the best mess kit: the CA with its brilliant crimson or forest green jackets, the RCN with dark blue ensembles adorned with gold embroidery, or the RCAF with their lighter blue, textured look. Add a few miniature medals and a neck gong, and you’ll look like a walking Christmas tree — and proudly so.
Highland units have differentiated kit and customs. In addition to CADPAT, DEU and Mess Kit jackets, Honoraries in kilted regiments will also need kilts (and/or trews), Blues (patrols) jackets, leather and horse hair sporrans, spats, Lovat and diced hose, flashes, brogues, a sword sling and a dagger known as a “sgian dubh”. Headdress is a glengarry with DEU and Blues, and a balmoral with CADPAT. Some regiments have modified kilt options for females, if requested. A Regimental Officers’ tie would be worn with DEU. Units also have the option of wearing an officers’ regimental jacket with which a regimental officers’ tie or cravat may be worn. Some of these items are available on Logistik Unicorp (see below), but have limitation windows for ordering. Other items must be purchased (often custom-built), funded by the honorary personally.
CADPAT and DEUs are issued by Clothing Stores, typically located at a central armoury in larger cities. CADPAT is issued quickly; DEUs, however, may take several months and multiple visits to complete. Adding to the challenge, Clothing Stores are often open only a few hours on select days. Be patient and soldier on — unless your weight fluctuates wildly, you’ll likely only need one DEU fitting during your tenure as an Honorary.
A few Canadian military tailors:
https://www.gpmazzotta.ca/the-military-tailor
https://www.themilitarytailor.com/
The CAF dress manual can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/dress-manual.html
If you’re wearing a jacket or coat, always zip or button it up fully. Avoid walking around with outerwear left open — either wear it properly or don’t wear it at all. If your hands are cold, wear gloves rather than putting your hands in your pockets. Soldiers, sailors, and aviators who stand around with their hands in their pockets risk appearing idle — not the impression you want to give in a professional military environment.
There are three types of medals you’ll wear: full-size, miniatures, and undress ribbons.
Full-size medals are worn only during the day, and only with DEUs or business attire. They are always worn on Remembrance Day and at formal ceremonies such as Change of Command parades, promotions, and funerals. The CAF is strict about the wear of unofficial full-size medals or those issued by foreign entities. Unofficial medals include any not recognized by the Canadian honours system — such as those from the Order of St. George, the Order of St. Joachim, or the Order of St. Lazarus. Permission to wear foreign-issued medals, including those from the Vatican, must be obtained in writing from the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall, Ottawa.
Miniature medals are reserved for evening events and are worn on mess kit or formal business attire. There’s a bit more flexibility here. Unlike full-size national honours (e.g., the Order of Canada or the Order of Military Merit), which remain the property of the Government of Canada, miniature medals belong to the individual. As a result, racks of miniatures often run long, with unofficial medals and Catholic orders of knighthood frequently tacked on at the end.
Once you become familiar with medals, you’ll find that a rack of miniatures can be read much like a CV. They reveal a person’s place in the Canadian honours system (e.g., the Meritorious Service Medal), where they’ve deployed (e.g., operational medals), whether they’ve served more than 12 years in the CAF (e.g., the Canadian Forces Decoration), and sometimes their appetite for recognition — as evidenced by certain dubious chivalric orders that add length to their rack and padding to their résumé.
Undress ribbons are rarely worn. In fact, the only time an Honorary will consistently wear one is for their official portrait — so, essentially, just once.
Canadian medals chart: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/medals/medals-chart-index.html
Guide for wearing Canadian orders, decorations and medals: https://www.gg.ca/sites/default/files/wearingguide.pdf
Full-size and miniature medal mounting services:
https://www.martelsmedalmounting.com/
https://www.williamscully.ca/index.php/en/shop/medal-mounting.html
Undress ribbons: https://topline-ribbons.ca/
Name tags are always worn on both CADPAT and DEUs — always on the right side of the chest. The CADPAT name tag has a Velcro backing, while the DEU version is fastened with pins. If you wait for Ottawa to issue your name tags (and they eventually will), prepare for a long wait. Fortunately, you can take matters into your own hands and order both types online — and no one will ever know they aren’t the official issue.
Order name tags here: https://cpgear.com
Logistik Unicorp is the official clothing supplier for the CAF. Every member is issued an account: https://www.logistikunicorp.com/home/en/index.html
No more standing in line at Clothing Stores! Each year, you’re granted 200 points to order clothing items from a pre-approved list, which are then shipped directly to your home.
At the end of your term as an Honorary, all issued clothing not in direct contact with your skin must be returned to Clothing Stores or reported as missing and paid for. So yes — you get to keep the military socks and underwear. And in terms of value-for-points, the temperate weather wool socks from Logistik Unicorp are the undisputed champions. Perfect for cold Canadian winters, they’re ideal for lounging at home. Order an extra pair for your spouse or parents — they’ll bless the day you became an Honorary.
Replacement items and accessories that occasionally fall off your DEUs can be ordered through CANEX: https://www.canex.ca/en/ CANEX also carries brass buttons and accessories for your mess kit. For example, if you’re with a CAF medical unit, there are distinctive medical buttons available. Ask your tailor to swap out the standard CAF buttons — it may be a subtle change, but your fellow medical personnel will notice and quietly admire your good taste and attention to detail.
The Canadian Army takes berets very seriously. An improperly worn beret is the unmistakable mark of an impostor. There’s even a 35-minute YouTube tutorial on how to properly shape one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTpUqEnY_B0 Yes — it’s that serious.
But in the interest of limiting screen time (and avoiding the awkward experience of standing in the shower wearing only your beret), here are the practical steps to shaping it properly:
A well-formed beret gives you a sharp, aerodynamic appearance. An ill-formed one makes you look like Chef Boyardee.
Berets (and other headgear) are never worn while seated or driving. On military bases, they are worn only in designated saluting areas, typically near the entrance. On the parade square, berets are standard, but they are removed in classrooms and in the unit mess. When in public, they are worn outdoors but not indoors — except for ceremonial functions. If someone salutes you while you’re wearing your beret, you may return the salute only if they are also wearing authorized military headgear. Otherwise, just nod at them politely.
Boots come in various styles and shades. Old-school members often choose to tuck their CADPAT trousers into their boots, even though it’s no longer required. Regardless of your choice, always ensure your boot laces are tucked in — loose laces are almost as egregious a breach of dress protocol as an untucked beret tail.
Unless you’re deeply immersed in military culture, you’ll likely make the occasional misstep in dress or deportment — errors that even the most junior private can spot from a kilometre away. Fear not! As the Honorary, you’ll be graciously forgiven for nearly all sartorial sins. But when in doubt, consult your unit Adjutant (Adjt) — they’ll keep you squared away.
The parade square — and the classrooms nearby — is where most of the action takes place. Aim to be physically present for at least 30% of parade nights. You’ll quickly get to know the cast of regulars, and they’ll get to know you.
When you first step onto the parade square, everyone will be in CADPAT and look more or less the same, aside from subtle differences in their insignia. There’s actually a bit of history behind this uniformity: in the early days of the First World War, officers often wore big, floppy jodhpurs. Snipers quickly learned that the soldiers with the bulging pants were the ones to target. The modern CAF has learned from this — today, uniforms are standardized, and rank is identified primarily through small insignia.
CAF Ranks and Badges:
RCAF ranks most closely resemble those of the Canadian Army. RCN ranks, on the other hand, can be bewildering to members of the CA and RCAF — for example, Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class is neither a trivial title nor one of secondary importance.
Canadian Army insignia follow a fairly logical order — with a couple of exceptions. Both Warrant Officers (WOs) and Majors (Majs) wear St. Edward’s Crown, but the WO’s crown is larger, despite the Major holding the higher rank.
RCAF insignia can be a bit of a visual acuity test. Spotting the difference between tightly spaced wide and narrow stripes requires some practice — and good lighting.
Avoid addressing others as “Sir” or “Ma’am.” As an HCol or HCapt, you are likely the most senior rank on the parade square, and it’s others who should be addressing you that way.
Don’t forget to explore your surroundings. Visit the basement, peek into the storage rooms, and ask to sit in a military vehicle. It’s all part of becoming part of the fabric of the unit.
For an interactive gallery of CAF badges, click here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/canadian-forces-badges.html
For a gallery of CAF camp and branch flags, click here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/flags.html
Military acronyms form a universe unto themselves. For an exhaustive (and bilingual) list of acronyms used across the CAF, refer to this official resource:
Never hesitate to ask what an acronym means. Doing so shows that you’re engaged — and not afraid to learn. If you really want to impress the troops, jot the acronym down in a notebook or on a cue card. It’s a small gesture that signals respect for the culture and curiosity about the mission.
One acronym you’ll hear frequently on the parade square is OPI — Officer of Primary Interest. If you hear it repeated in rapid succession (e.g., “Who’s the OPI? Where’s the OPI?”), it’s usually a sign that things are starting to unravel.
Some useful military slang:
C-6 = FN MAG 58 general purpose machine gun (GPMG), 7.62mm
C-7A1 = Colt Canada version of the AR15 rifle, which is similar to the M16A2
C-8 = Colt Canada carbine
C-9 = FN Minimi light machine gun, 5.56mm
C-22 = semi-automatic, full-frame modular pistol
M203 = a C-7A1 with a 40mm grenade launcher.
APC = Armoured Personal Carrier
MBT = main battle tank
SAM = Surface to Air Missile
RPG = Rocket Propelled Grenade
COA = course of action
C/S = call sign
niner = your boss
niner domestic = your spouse or partner
pointy head = officer
man with the bars = officer
brass = officers
higher = officers
Track = M113 APC
Bus = M113 or LAV III
battle taxi = APC
fast air = jets
HE = high explosive
HEAT = high explosive anti tank
M-72 = light weight anti tank launcher
84 = portable 84mm anti tank gun
bullet launcher = rifle
There are several key individuals in your unit whom you should make a point of getting to know. These include:
The CO and RSM form the Command Team, the core leadership duo of your unit.
During Developmental Period 1 (DP1), reservists will complete Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) and undergo basic occupational training. Once qualified, they are promoted to Private (Pvt) or Sailor 2nd Class (S2) and exchange their generic gold-coloured cap badge (often affectionately referred to as a cornflake) for a unit-specific one — a proud milestone in their military journey. Further training and leadership courses are required for promotion to Corporal (Cpl)/Sailor 1st Class (S1) and Master Corporal (MCpl)/Master Sailor (MS).
Fully trained reservists fall into three broad categories:
A Class B reservist working full-time for the CAF but not enrolled in the Regular Force may seem paradoxical — and that’s fine. The CAF is full of such paradoxes.
Padres are truly exceptional. The CAF has no official religion and welcomes members of all faiths — including no faith — making the role of the padre, by definition, non-judgmental and universally supportive. Padres are available to speak with at almost any time, on nearly any topic. They are often the first person a member turns to when experiencing a moral injury. In the absence of a formal social worker, padres frequently serve in that role as well.
Once a year — typically in the fall — every CAF reservist is required to complete the standardized FORCE Test. The date is announced months in advance, and on test day, you’ll see members of your unit arrive on the parade square in gym clothes, ready to go.
If you’re physically fit for your age, consider giving the FORCE Test a try. Passing it as an Honorary will impress everyone — and earn you serious street cred.
The test consists of four components:
The first three events are timed, requiring a steady pace and consistent effort. The fourth event — the drag — is not timed, but you must complete it without stopping to rest.
If you have a bad back, the shuttle run (item 1) is typically the most challenging, so consider doing it first while your energy is high. For the sandbag lift (item 2), there’s usually plenty of time — pace yourself.
Attending Remembrance Day ceremonies and laying a wreath are, for all intents and purposes, mandatory for Honoraries. For one cold, solemn hour on a grey November morning, you are expected to look and act the part.
Wear your DEU uniform with full medals, and wear it all day — including to work, if possible. Wear it with pride, even if it doesn’t fit quite as nicely as your best tailored suit. Your presence in uniform carries meaning.
If someone approaches you and says, “Thank you for your service,” simply smile and nod — no need to explain your role unless you wish to.
If someone salutes you, only return the salute if they are a member of the military and both of you are wearing head coverings. Otherwise, a polite smile and nod is the appropriate response.
For a Remembrance Day aide-mémoire, click here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/remembrance-ceremony.html
As a full member of the CAF, you're eligible for membership in the Armed Forces Vacation Club. https://www.afvclub.ca/ Check it out. If you're a skier, check out the military discounts offered by Epic Pass. https://www.epicpass.com/info/canadian-military-faqs.aspx
If you ever travel to London (UK), why not join the Victory Services Club? https://www.vsc.co.uk/membership/types-of-membership/ Membership is free and the location in Central London, near Marble Arch, is unbeatable value for the pound.
The Canadian Army aide-mémoire for honoraries can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/honoraries/aide-memoire.html
The RCAF honorary colonel handbook can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/rcaf-arc/migration/docs/en/honorary-colonels/honorarycolonelhandbook-en.pdf
The RCN Honorary Captain page can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/community-support/honorary-navy-captains.html
The list of CA HCols and HLCols can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/programs.html
The list of RCFA HCols can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/showcasing/honorary-colonels/members.html
The list of RCN HCapts can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/community-support/honorary-navy-captains/list-honorary-captains.html
If you’re interested in heraldry and would like to design your own personal coat of arms, crest, and even a flag — yes, you read that correctly — Canadians are legally entitled to obtain their very own flag, which they can proudly fly in front of their home, cottage, RV, or even tent — then click here: https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/grant-of-a-coat-arms-flag-badge
If you suspect that someone is wearing a medal they aren't allowed to wear, look them up here: https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients
If you wish to wear a foreign medal, read this first: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/medals/cf-honours-policy-manual/chapter6.html
As an HCol or HCapt, you’ll eventually receive a Commission Scroll from Ottawa, signed by the Governor General and the Minister of National Defence. It’s a beautifully crafted document that deserves a place of honour on your awards wall.
If you haven’t received your scroll within six months of the start of your term, follow up — it may have arrived and been inadvertently filed away by office staff.
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