Women Airforce Service Pilots
(WASP)
 . III. Uniforms
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-. Insignia
-. Service and Dress Uniform
-. Work and Flight Attire
-. Miscellaneous
-. Dress Regulations
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Dress Regulations


40-9
8 Pages
Page 1
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AAF REGULATION) 
NO. 40-9....................)
Headquarters. Army Air Forces
Washington, 14 February 1944.
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PERSONNEL, CIVILIAN
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Wearing of the WASP Uniform
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.....1..General. ..The wearing of the WASP uniform should be a matter of personal pride to all WASP personnel. Uniform clothing, equipment, insignia, and devices are hereby authorized and prescribed for use by WASPs, and WASP personnel are restricted from wearing any other than the regulation uniform, insignia, or devices, or in any way other than hereinafter prescribed. It will be the responsibility of those entrusted with authority to assure compliance with the provisions of this Regulation.
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.....2..Prescribed Uniform:
..a.  . The WASP dress uniform will consist of the following:
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.................................................Jacket
.................................................Skirt
.................................................White shirt
.................................................Black tie
.................................................Beret
.................................................Shoes
.................................................Hose
.................................................Gloves
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.(1).
 The dress jacket and skirt of the uniform should be a matter of pride to every WASP and should be worn at every opportunity. (See exhibit 1.)
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..(2).
 White shirts will be worn for all dress occasions and formal inspections, unless otherwise specified by the commanding officer. ..(See exhibit 2.) Blue shirts may be worn for operational duty.
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..(3). The tie will be tied in a four-in-hand knot placed at the collar opening. (See exhibit 2.) It will be worn at all times for duty at the station to which assigned unless otherwise prescribed by the commanding officer.
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..(4). The WASP beret or other appropriate headgear, except flying helmet, will be worn at all times except when in a building. It will be worn not more than one inch above the hairline at temples but in no case will it be worn so that an excess of hair appears in front. The insignia will be directly in line with the nose and the blouse of the beret tilted to right side toward the back, as shown in exhibit 3. While flying, appropriate headgear for the type of ship being flown (field cap, knitted cap, helmet) will be worn. Headgear need not be worn in transport airplanes. In aircraft with sliding hatch, or in any open airplane, the above-mentioned types of headgear will be worn.
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..(5). The service shoe will be worn with slacks at all times and for all formal inspections, whether slacks or skirt is designated, unless otherwise prescribed by the commanding officer. A dress shoe of the following specifications may be worn with skirts on occasions other than formal inspection, if desired:
 
Style: Woman's pump or oxford with plain unperforated toe.
Last: Wall toe.
Material:  Upper - Genuine black calf, or suitable substitute leather, that is not shiny.
Out sole - Six-iron thickness, good quality, vegetable tanned sole leather.
Heel - Shall not be greater than 18/8 (approximately 2.25")
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(6)
 .. Hose will be conventional long stockings, inconspicuous, without clocks or decorations of any kind; neutral beige in color; or rayon, silk, or nylon. Hose will be worn with skirt, right side out, with seam straight. Ankle socks will be worn only with exercise clothing, functional clothing, or slacks.
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(7)
 Utility gloves or mittens may be worn with slacks, short jacket, or functional clothing. Dress gloves will be worn with dress uniform and for all formal inspections. The dress glove for summer wear will be of white washable material, buckskin or cotton, plain in design, with no fancy or colored stitching. The length will be not more than two inches beyond the wrist. The cuff will be tucked under the coat sleeve.
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(8)
 Insignia will be worn in accordance with exhibits contained in this Regulation. WASPs will not wear official U.S. Army insignia except with prescribed WASP uniform.
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(9)
 WASP slacks and battle jacket, as well as any functional flying clothing, will be worn for operational duty only and will not be worn for any social occasion. Slacks will not be worn in any public place except when absolutely unavoidable; every effort should be made to avoid wearing these articles into a town, other than for transient purposes. Insignia on battle jacket will be worn as indicated in exhibit 4.
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.. (10) Bag, utility, will be worn on the left side, suspended from the left shoulder except when carrying packages, in which case it may be worn with strap on right shoulder, swung over left hip. It will not be worn for formal inspections. Under no circumstances will articles be carried in the pockets of the dress uniform.
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.. (11) Scarf with overcoat, raincoat, or functional clothing is optional.
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(12) Sweaters may be worn under battle jacket or functional clothing, but must not be visible.
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(13) Overcoat may be worn with either slacks or dress uniform. It will be as long as the skirt or not more than one inch longer. Belt will not be drawn so tightly as to prevent skirt from hanging evenly. AAF shoulder patch is the only insignia which will be worn on the overcoat.
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(14) Raincoat and overshoes may be worn with either dress uniform or slacks when weather conditions make it desirable.
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(15) Overcoat, parka type, will be issued only to WASPs in severely cold climates, upon approval of the Commanding General, AAF.
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(16) Exercise suit will not be worn except for active exercise.
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b. ... No part of the uniform will be worn with civilian clothing.
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c. No pins or other jewelry will be worn exposed upon the uniform by any member of WASP personnel. Bracelets, beads, and earrings will not be worn, and rings must be inconspicuous. Plain, inconspicuous wrist watches or identification bracelets may be worn. No flowers will be worn or carried when in uniform unless expressly approved by the appropriate commanding officer.
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d. The uniform to be worn for the season, day, or occasion will be prescribed by the appropriate commanding officer.
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 ....3...Wearing of the Uniform. WASP personnel will wear the prescribed uniform at all times, except:
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a. ... When on leave in excess of four days spent away from base.
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b. When in own home with not more than three guests present in addition to members of family.
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c. After duty hours within the confines of quarters.
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d. When attending mixed social gatherings at which evening or dinner clothes are required, in which case evening or dinner clothes may be worn.
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e. When actively engaged in sports, such as tennis, golf, swimming, etc.
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f. On other appropriate occasions when prior written permission of the commanding officer and squadron leader has been obtained.
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.....4...Issue of Clothing and Equipment. .The WASP uniform, insignia, and devices, protective clothing, and equipment which are to be issued in accordance with AAF Regulation 65-23 and will remain the property of the AAF and consist of the following: 
Item
Basis
of Issue
Item
Basis
of Issue
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-- Bag, Duffle 2 ea. -- Jacket, winter, short
2 ea.
-- Beret, summer 1 ea. -- Jacket, summer, short
2 ea.
-- Beret, winter 1 ea. Mittens, insert, trigger finger
2 pr.
-- Cap, field blue, poplin 2 ea.  Mittens, shell, trigger finger
1 pr.

--		 Cap, wool, knit
Coverall, work 		 1 ea.
3 ea.		 Overshoes, arctic, 4-buckle, 
women's
1 pr.
-- Distinctive insignia: Overshoes, low, women's
1 pr.
--Shoulder Patch Air  -- Overcoat, field, trench, WASP
1 ea.
Corps (1 for outer  -- Overcoat, parka type, WASP
1 ea.
garment) 9 ea.  Raincoat, WASP
1 ea.
--Beret insignia  1 ea. -- Slacks, summer 
3 pr.
--Lapels, WASP 2 sets  -- Slacks, winter
2 pr.
--Lapel wings 2 sets -- Skirt, summer
2 ea.
--Pilot wing 1 ea. -- Skirt, winter 
2 ea.
-- Flying suits, summer 1 ea. Socks, wool, ski 
3 pr.
Flying suits, winter 1 ea. Sweater, cardigan
1 ea.
Gloves, shell, leather 1 pr. Suit, exercise, trainee
2 ea.
Gloves, wool, insert 2 pr. 
-- Jacket, summer 2 ea.
-- Jacket, winter 2 ea. 
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a. ... The above clothing may be issued to WASP trainees as determined to be required by the commanding officer of the WASP training base. No items which indicate successful completion of flying training will be issued to trainees.
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b. In the event of a separation from the organization, each item of clothing and equipment issued will be returned in good condition, less normal wear and tear. Payment will be required for any article of clothing or equipment lost, destroyed, or damaged through carelessness.
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....,5. .Items Available for Purchase. ..The following items will be made available for women pilots to be purchased at their own expense, price list covering these items to be made available at a later date: 
Item
Basis
of Issue
Item
Basis
of Issue
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Anklet, cotton
3 pr.
 Shirt, winter
4 ea.
Anklet, wool 
3 pr.
 -- Shirt, dress
3 ea.
Bag, utility 
1 ea.
 -- Shirt, summer, blue
4 ea.
Gloves, leather, dress
1 pr.
 Shoes, dress, black, low
2 pr.
-- Necktie, summer
2 ea.
 Stockings, rayon, summer
4 pr.
-- Necktie, winter
2 ea.
 Underwear, wool ........3 suits
Scarf
1 ea. 
    4-6139,AF....
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40-9..
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.....6...Purchase of Additional Uniforms. A WASP will have the privilege of purchasing uniforms and other items of clothing in addition to those which are issued. A WASP may also purchase regulation material for the purpose of having a uniform made by her own tailor. Clothes made by the women for themselves, made by tailors for them, or received by them from other than official sources will be made from material procured from official sources and will conform in pattern and color to the WASP uniform issued through official sources. The uniform may be fitted by tailors designated for that purpose or by individual or her own tailor. In no event shall the uniform fit so snugly as to cause a wrinkle. The skirt will be fitted in such a way as to always be free of wrinkles and be long enough to completely cover the knee. The jacket will be buttoned at all times when worn. Under no circumstances will the collar of the shirt be worn outside the jacket, and the shirt will always be tucked inside the skirt or slacks.
 

a. ... WASPs desiring to have shirts made by own tailor may do so, providing fabric for shirt is bleached white, plain weave, closely woven, weighing approximately 4 ounces per square yard. The construction of the fabric will be sufficiently opaque to overcome any tendency for undergarments to be apparent. Style must not deviate from the white shirt, dress, which is available through official channels for purchase.
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b. A WASP who exercises the privilege of purchasing additional equipment and who at a later date becomes separated from the WASP organization will not be permitted after such separation to wear the following pieces of uniform and insignia purchased by her:
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All headgear
All insignia and devices
Jacket
Short jacket
Overcoat, field, trench
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c. A WASP at the time of her separation from the organization may sell to another WASP any of the articles purchased by her.
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....7...Appearance.
 
a. ... Uniforms will be kept scrupulously clean and pressed, with devices and insignia bright and free from tarnish and corrosion.
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b. Neatness and good grooming are of the utmost importance. Slips will not show below the uniform skirt.
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c. The hair will be dressed in such a manner as to be no less the 1/2 inch above the collar of the jacket. It must not touch the collar and must be well groomed and neat at all times.
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d. Heavy or conspicuous makeup will not be used.
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.....8...Conduct. WASPs will at all times conduct themselves in a manner befitting the dignity of the uniform. Intoxication or conspicuous and unbecoming conduct will be grounds for immediate dismissal.

By command of General ARNOLD:


OFFICIAL:
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THOMAS A. FITZPATRICK
Colonel, AGD
Air Adjutant General 		 BARNEY M. GILES
Major General, United States Army
Chief of Air Staff
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DISTRIBUTION:
..........."A" 
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Attachment: 4 Exhibits 

4-6139,AF....
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continue to:
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Insignia
Service and Dress Uniform
Work and Flight Attire
Miscellaneous
Dress Regulations
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