Members of an Honor Guard take pride in their personal appearance and maintain attention to detail with their uniforms. The importance and reverence demanded in these circumstances requires that ones appearance and uniform be clean, professional, well-designed-from hat to shoes. A professional image begins with uniforms that are clean, crisp, consistent reflecting the respect felt for fallen serviceman.
In any circumstance, Law Enforcement and Uniformed Officers are required to look their best. It stands to reason then that the requirements for the Dress Uniform, including that of the honor guard, is held to an extraordinarily high standard. The Class A uniform is often comprised of many accessories, depending on the particular Honor Guard and must be meticulously cared for.
The Class A dress and honor guard uniform shows identification, authority, professionalism and unity. A police officer in full dress uniform is respected and emulates authority. It is each officer’s responsibility to maintain a clean, neat uniform in good repair, and to know how to wear that uniform properly. Each department has its own regulations for wearing dress uniforms, but most have similar specifications as to uniform appearance and insignia placement.
Under any circumstance, there are guidelines as to how to keep a dress uniform in presentable condition, keeping with the quality standards of Law Enforcement. Here is an overview:
- It is essential to start with a clean uniform. As instructions advise, dry clean or home wash. Tip* turn the uniform inside-out and use a good quality detergent. If a dryer is used, remove the uniform immediately to avoid excessive wrinkling. Avoid wrinkling at home by drying on a hanger.
- Iron the uniform inside-out, applying a sufficient amount of starch as needed to achieve a clean, crisp look. Designer uniform shirts have sewn-in military creases.
- Wear the Class A dress uniform shirt with the collar buttoned and the tail nicely tucked into the uniform trousers. Ascots and ties must be tied neatly.
- Remove any lint or dust from the uniform. Tip* Masking tape or sticky lint rollers may help with stubborn particles.
- Buff, clean and arrange collar brass, nameplate and insignia. Wear no more than three pins at a time on the dress uniform as a general rule.
Tip* Nameplates may be centered, using the button as the center point. - Black or dark blue socks should be worn with the dress uniform. Remove dust from dress shoes or boots with a stiff brush. Polish shoes, boots and other leather accessories.
- Wear the Class A Dress Jacket or coat and a dress uniform hat or cap appropriate to the season. Gloves and overcoats may be worn as guidelines provide.
These guidelines can help you save money by avoiding the dry cleaners, yet still allowing easy maintenance of this symbolic uniform. As with any special item, deep stains and repair is best handled by a professional.
