The Royal Logistic Corps
Dress Instructions
Sponsored by The Corps Adjutant

 References:

A.        Queen’s Regulations for the Army, 1975.
B.         Dress Regulations for Officers of the Army, 1995.
C.        Materiel Regulations for the Army, Volume 3.
D.        Army General and Administrative Instructions, Volume 2. 

PART I – GENERAL

Purpose

1.         The purpose of Corps Dress Instructions is to secure the uniformity and maintain the standards of dress for all officers and soldiers of the RLC.  This instruction is to be read in conjunction with References A-C and the remainder of Part B of Corps Instructions.    

Authority

2.         This instruction applies to RLC male and female officers and soldiers of the Regular and Territorial Army, except where specific differences are identified.  Such differences will normally be in recognition of religious or cultural considerations, as described in Chapter 59 of Reference D.  Commanding Officers are to ensure all RLC personnel under their command, regardless of status, strictly observe the instructions in this Chapter.  Commanders and Commanding Officers do not have the authority to amend, modify or ignore Corps Dress Instructions. 

Amendments and Modifications

3.         Proposals to amend or modify any aspect of RLC uniform, including the introduction of badges or new items of dress, are to be submitted to the Secretary of The Corps Dress Committee (The Corps Adjutant). The proposal is to include the reason for the proposal, details of any known precedents and how and when the proposed item is to be worn. If supported by The Corps Dress Committee, the proposal will be forwarded to the Army Dress Committee for approval.  Only if approved by the Army Dress Committee will any modification be permitted.  This Instruction will then be revised and promulgated.

Definitions

4.         The term ‘officer’ refers to commissioned officers in The RLC but includes Warrant Officers Class 1 who have permission to wear officer pattern dress.  The term ‘soldier’ refers to all RLC personnel from Private to Warrant Officer Class 2, and Warrant Officers Class 1 who do not have permission to wear officer pattern dress.

Lieutenant Colonels and Below

5.         Except where otherwise indicated, the rules given in this instruction apply only to officers of and below the rank of substantive Lieutenant Colonel. 

Colonels and Above

6.         Officers of the substantive rank of Colonel and above wear Staff pattern uniform and comply with the instructions laid down in Pamphlets No 1 and 6 of Reference E. When serving with an RLC unit, however, they are expected to comply with the order of dress of that unit.  Officers granted the acting or local rank of Colonel may continue to wear Corps uniform with gorget patches as appropriate, or they may elect to adopt the uniform laid down for the rank granted.  Headdress is to be of normal pattern appropriate to the rank with bands and welts of authorised colour and with the badge also appropriate to the rank.

Detached Personnel

7.         RLC personnel attached to other arms, services or formations may wear only the host unit’s headdress as an embellishment.  In all other respects, these Instructions are to be observed.

Officers’ Scales of Uniform

8.         On commissioning, officers are provided with a list of the uniform items they require.  This list is laid down in Pamphlet No 3 of Reference C.  Some items in the scale are provided as a free issue and are indicated in the scale accordingly.  The remaining items in the scale are to be purchased by the officer from the initial outfit allowance that is paid on commissioning.  Many unnecessary items of clothing and equipment are on the market, and officers are advised to keep to the essentials.  Officers should ask their tailors, when ordering uniforms, to confirm that the materials used are exactly those laid down in these Instructions as no substitutes will be accepted. Accredited tailors and hatters will hold sealed patterns and copies of the detailed garment specifications.  The correct uniform scales for tropical and semi-tropical areas are also given in Pamphlet No 3 of Reference C.  Officers posted overseas should seek advice from their new theatre as to what items they should acquire at home and what items they can obtain on arrival overseas.

Soldiers’ Scales of Uniform

9.         Soldiers’ uniform is issued in accordance with Pamphlet 4 of Reference C. 

Permission to Wear Officer Pattern Uniform

10.       Individuals selected for promotion to Warrant Officer Class 1 may seek permission to wear officer pattern dress.  Permission is to be sought from the Regimental Colonel in a formal letter.  Permission will only be granted on the understanding that the individual will provide all officer pattern items at his own cost.  In the event of permission being granted, Warrant Officers Class 1 are to ensure they comply fully with dress instructions for officers (Corps Instruction B3). Soldier pattern items and officer pattern items are not to be mixed.  If individuals do not wish to apply to wear officer pattern items, they are to follow the instructions given for WO2s’ dress (Corps Instruction B4).  The only exception to this is in No 2 Dress, when Sam Browne belt and brown shoes are to be worn, provided at public expense.

Tailors and Hatters

11.       RLC officers and soldiers may employ the services of any tailor when buying items of Regimental uniform, provided that the highest standard of presentation, in accordance with these instructions, is maintained.  The RLC Dress Committee, however, approves certain military tailors.  All RLC personnel are strongly advised to use these tailors as they have proven knowledge of the Corps’ requirements and possess copies of these instructions.  The list of approved Corps tailors is contained in Corps Instruction B2.  Only RLC approved tailors are permitted to use facilities on MoD property, including rooms in Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes, in order to serve clients from the Corps. 

New Issues

12.       New issues, scales and types of uniform will be introduced periodically.  These instructions will be updated accordingly, based on direction from the Army Dress Committee.

Maintenance of Officers’ Uniform

13.       Officers are responsible for the upkeep of their uniform and are granted income tax relief for this purpose.  The appropriate allowance is notified in Defence Council Instructions from time to time.  Where personal expenditure exceeds the annual tax allowance, officers may claim additional relief but HM Inspector of Taxes will require details of the need for such expenditure, supported by receipted bills.

Maintenance of Soldiers’ Uniform

14.       Soldiers are responsible for ensuring their uniform is always maintained and presented in a clean and serviceable condition.  Routines to be followed for the exchange, maintenance, cleaning and replacement of soldiers’ uniform are described in Pamphlet 4 of Reference C. 

Care and Cleaning

15.       All items of uniform and accoutrements are to be correctly accounted for, maintained and cleaned to maximise their life expectancy.  Items are to be correctly sized and fitted to individuals so that they are worn correctly, safely and comfortably.  Items are to be exchanged or repaired promptly when they show signs of wear or damage.

Insurance

16.       Military clothing and equipment is worth thousands of pounds.  Individuals will receive further issues throughout their career as kit is updated or replaced.  Personnel are therefore strongly advised to ensure they have adequate insurance to cover the cost of replacement or repair, whether it is public or private property.

Security

17.       Individuals are responsible for the security and custody of their uniform and equipment.  All items are to be clearly marked with the owner’s name and Service number.

Civilian Clothes

18.       Except when directed otherwise, RLC personnel are to wear uniform whilst on duty.  Uniform and civilian clothing are not to be mixed except when permitted by local orders.  For example, mixed clothing may be permitted to cover uniform when travelling to work.  The only exception is when sports shirts are worn with uniform trousers, for example, for physical training or official recruiting efforts (see Corps Instruction B9).

PART II – ALL RANKS’ PRESENTATION AND APPEARANCE

Badges

Officers’ Rank Badges

19.       Badges of rank are to be of the regulation pattern in accordance with Materiel Regulations. Rank badges to be worn with various orders of dress are specified in these Instructions. In all orders of dress in which officers would wear anodised gilt badges, crowns are to have a crimson cushion.  Rank slides are to match the colour or pattern of the uniform with which they are worn.  Rank slides are to bear the correct rank and have ‘RLC’ embroidered in dark blue at the bottom.  Issued DPM rank slides may be worn.  Otherwise, DPM rank slides are to have the rank embroidered in white on a dark blue background with ‘RLC’ embroidered in dark blue at the bottom.

Soldiers’ Rank Badges

20.       Badges of rank are to be of the regulation pattern in accordance with Materiel Regulations. Rank badges to be worn with various orders of dress are specified in these Instructions.  Care is to be taken to ensure the correct size and pattern of rank is worn with the correct order of dress; Reference C, Pamphlet 15 Section 2 refers.  Rank badges are to be mounted on a scarlet backing in Nos 1, 3, 10 and 11 dress. Rank slides are to match the colour or pattern of the uniform with which they are worn.  Rank slides are to bear the correct rank.  They may have ‘RLC’ embroidered in dark blue or beige at the bottom.  Issued DPM rank slides may be worn.  Rank slides are not to bear any insignia but the rank of the wearer, including union flags, trade or skill-at-arms insignia.

Collar Badges

21.       Approved RLC pattern collar badges are to be worn on appropriate orders of dress with cannon muzzles pointing inwards.  Officers’ collar badges are of gilt with a scarlet enamel centre and blue enamel garter surround.  Soldiers’ collar badges are of gold coloured gilt with a shield of silver.

Cap and Turban Badges

22.       Officers’ cap badges are of gilt with a scarlet enamel centre and blue enamel garter surround.  Soldiers’ cap badges are of gold coloured gilt with a shield of silver.

Beret Badges

23.       Officers’ beret and side cap badges are of embroidered gold wire with a scarlet centre, coloured crown and blue garter surround.  Soldiers’ beret badges are of gold coloured gilt with a shield of silver.

National Badge

24.       The Union Flag badge is to be worn on CS95 on the left arm, 1” below the shoulder seam.  The Union Flag is not to be worn on rank slides or on any other forms of dress.

Appointment and Qualification Badges

25.       To be issued.

Employment Badges

26.       To be issued.

 Name Badges

27.       To be issued.

 Bags 

Daysacks

28.       Daysacks may be carried in uniform when not on parade. They are only to be of a plain olive drab or NATO DPM material and of modest size. 

Briefcases

29.       Briefcases may be carried in uniform when not on parade.  They are to be of a modest size and design and of black or brown leather. 

Handbags

30.       Females may carry handbags when not on parade.  In Nos 10 and 11 Dress they are to be of a modest size and design in a blue or black material.  In other orders of dress, they are to be of a modest size and design in a dark brown material. 

          Belts

Ceremonial Belts - Officers
 

31.       To be issued.

Ceremonial Belts - Soldiers

  32.       To be issued.

Cloth Belts

33.       Self coloured cloth belts may be worn with No 1, 4 and 6 Dress only on informal occasions.  A cloth belt is not to be worn with No 2 Dress. 

Sam Browne Belts

34.       Only officers and Warrant Officers Class 1 wear Sam Browne belts.  The belt is to be of brown leather with a brown leather brace and brass furniture.  It is to be bulled to a chestnut colour but is not to appear black.  The brown leather sword frog is only to be worn when the sword is worn.  The Sam Browne belt is only to be worn with Nos 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 Dress on ceremonial occasions such as Remembrance parades, courts martial and quarter guard inspections.  Such occasions are to be notified in unit orders and directives.  Unless ordered, the Sam Browne belt is not to be worn with No 2 Dress on any other occasion.  For example, it is not to be worn whilst travelling, inside buildings or at study periods. 

Stable Belts

35.       Stable belts are worn in Nos 7, 8 (CS95), 13 and 14 Dress.  They are not provided at public expense and soldiers are therefore not to be ordered to purchase them.  Soldiers wear the gold clip fastening stable belt; officers are to wear the leather buckle side fastening stable belt, with the buckle worn over the left hip and fastening straps pointing backwards.  

Sword Belts

36.       Sword belts are only permitted to be worn by personnel of The RLC Bands and The RLC Corps of Drums in the orders of dress prescribed in Corps Instructions B6 and B7.  Sword belts are not to be worn at any time by any other member of The RLC. 

Working Belts

37.       Working belts are to be of green woven plastic or green webbed material with a male/female clip fastening, as issued. Working belts are worn by all ranks over combat jackets, and on combat trousers in the field.  They are not to be worn over jerseys or in any dress except Nos 5, 8 and 9 Dress.  Soldiers in No 2 dress wear green woven plastic belts over the tunic.  Buckles are to be clean and not chipped. 

Attachments

 38.       Attachments, including mobile telephones, pagers, pouches, wallet chains, knives and  multitools are not to be worn on stable belts, ceremonial belts, Sam Browne belts or cloth belts.  Knives or multitools required for safety reasons are authorised to be worn only on working belts.  Examples include Seamen’s knives for RLC Seaman/ Navigators serving onboard Army vessels.  No other items are to be worn on working belts. 

Brassards

39.       Dark blue brassards are to be worn by Regimental Police personnel when on duty in that role.  The RLC pattern to be worn is shown in Corps Instruction B8.  Brassards may also be worn, if issued, by those wearing No 5 Desert DPM uniform for bearing rank or emblems when they are prohibited from being sewn onto No 5 Desert Dress.

Buttons

40.       The RLC button is to be of an anodised gold design.  The button size is to be in accordance with the uniform specification.

Coats

British Warm

41.       The British warm coat is an allowance item for officers on promotion to full colonel but it is not maintained at public expense.  It is an optional item to be purchased at individual expense for all other officers but is not to be worn when on parade with soldiers. 

Greatcoat Universal Pattern

42.       The greatcoat universal pattern is an optional item to be purchased and maintained at individual expense by officers of the rank of lieutenant colonel and below.  It may be available from HQ London District pool for loan on specific ceremonial occasions.  It is only worn on parade with soldiers when engaged on public duties. 

Greatcoat Female Officers

43.       The greatcoat female officers’ is held as a pool item for loan to officers of and below the rank of lieutenant colonel to wear on specific ceremonial occasions. 

Combat Soldier 95 (CS95)

44.       To be issued

Fleeces and Layers

45.       Fleeces, Sleeka jackets, Buffalo jackets and other thermal layers may be worn with Nos 5, 8 and 12 Dress as appropriate.  Such layers are only to be worn underneath other uniform items; they are not to be worn as top layers.  The top layer of uniform is always to be capable of bearing rank. 

Footwear

46.       Footwear to be worn with various orders of dress is indicated in these Instructions.  Footwear is to be of approved patterns for each order of dress.  Civilian footwear is not to be worn with uniform, including cavalry style ankle boots or civilian brogues. Care is to be taken to ensure soles, uppers and laces are serviceable and offer sufficient protection from injury.

Combat Boots

47.       Soldiers are to wear boots, combat, high or boots, assault in Nos 7, 8, 9, 12, 13 and 14 Dress.  A ‘best’ pair is to be kept to be worn on formal and ceremonial occasions in Nos 1, 2 and 6 Dress.  Officers are to wear boots, combat, high or boots, assault in Nos 8, 9 and 12 Dress. Boots, combat, desert are issued to personnel posted to certain warm weather areas for wear with Nos 5, 8 and 9 Dress only.  Boots, Jungle (US Pattern) may be worn in warm weather tropical areas.  They are not to be worn at any other time.  Other patterns or makes of boots, such as ‘Hi-Tech Magnum’, are not to be worn in barracks, but may be worn as a second pair of boots on exercises or operations. 

Safety Boots

48.       Issued safety boots of various patterns are to be worn in certain orders of dress as directed for health and safety reasons for the duration of the task for which protection is required. 

Wellington and George Boots

49.       Soldiers are not to wear Wellington or George boots except bandsmen and soldiers of the Corps of Drums on ceremonial occasions.  Male SNCOs and Warrant Officers Class 2 may wear George boots without spurs in Nos 1, 3, 10 and 11 Dress.  Male officers are to wear Wellington boots with swan necked spurs in Nos 1, 3, 10 and 11 Dress.  Warrant Officers Class 1 are to wear Wellington or George boots with swan necked spurs in Nos 1, 3, 10 and 11 Dress. 

Shoes

50.       Only SNCOs, bandsmen and soldiers employed as staff car drivers or on Mess duties may wear issued shoes, leather, black, DMS in Nos 7, 10, 13 and 14 Dress.  Officers are to wear shoes, leather, brown in Nos 2, 4, 6, 7, 13 and 14 Dress. 

Gloves

51.       The wearing of gloves is optional, except on parade when ordered and working gloves when required for health and safety purposes.   The correct patterns of gloves to be worn with various orders of dress are indicated in the Annexes to this instruction. 

Headdress

52.       The rules governing the wearing of various patterns of headdress are shown in Materiel Regulations, Volume 3, Pamphlet No 15.  The correct headdress for wear with various orders of dress is shown in the Annexes to this Instruction. 

Berets

53.       All ranks of The RLC are to wear the dark blue beret.  Officers’ berets are to have a silk band and embroidered gold wire badge.  Soldiers’ berets are to have a leather band and a gilt metal beret badge.  Soldiers are to have a working beret and a ‘best’ beret.  The beret is to be worn by soldiers in all orders of dress unless the operating environment makes another form of authorised headdress more appropriate, eg for safety reasons.  Officers are to wear the beret in Nos 5, 8, 9 and 12 Dress.   The beret is to be worn with the badge over the left corner of the left eye and the excess pulled over to the right of the head.  All personnel are expressly forbidden from wearing the beret like a ‘flat cap’ with the excess pulled forward over the eyes. 

Cap, Field, Service (Side Hat)

54.       The side hat is an optional item for RLC officers in Nos 2 (Non Ceremonial), 4 (Non Ceremonial), 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14 Dress.  Female officers do not wear the side cap in Nos 10 and 11 Dress.  The side hat is not to be worn by soldiers. 

Cap, Forage, Peaked

55.       The cap, forage, peaked is worn by officers in Nos 1, 2 (Ceremonial), 3, 4 (Ceremonial), 6 (Ceremonial), 10 and 11 Dress.  Females do not wear the cap, forage, peaked in Nos 10 and 11 Dress.  Except for The RLC Band, Corps of Drums and those filling certain ceremonial appointments, RLC soldiers up to and including the rank of SSgt do not wear the cap, forage, peaked.  The width of the cap’s chinstrap is to be 9.5mm for soldiers. 

Cap, Khaki, Peaked

56.       The cap, khaki, peaked is worn by officers in Nos 2 (Non-Ceremonial), 4, 6, 7 and 14 Dress.  The chinstrap is to be bulled to a chestnut colour.  Soldiers do not wear the cap, khaki, peaked. 

Protective Headdress

57.       Protective headdress includes motorcycle helmets, safety helmets with or without additional fittings, riding hats and combat helmets.  They are usually only worn in Nos 5, 8, 9 and 12 Dress for the duration of the task for which protection is required. 

Turbans

58.       All male Sikhs serving in The RLC may wear a turban in all orders of dress unless the operating environment necessitates protective headdress.  The outer turban (pagri) is to be of cotton cloth of the same colour as the cap, forage, peaked (dark blue); it is to measure 5.5 cm by 81.3 cm.  The inner turban (pag) is to be of the same blue as the band of the cap, forage, peaked. It is to measure 4.6cm by 20.3cm.  The metal RLC cap badge appropriate to rank is to be worn on the front of the turban. 

Hair

Females

59.       Hair is to be neat and above the collar.  Combs, slides and grips, when worn, are to be plain and of a similar colour to the wearer’s hair.  Style and colour, if not natural, is not to be of an exaggerated nature. 

Males

60.       The hair of the head is to be kept well cut and trimmed, except where authority has been granted otherwise on religious grounds.  Style and colour, if not natural, is not to be of an exaggerated nature.  If a moustache is worn, it is to be trimmed and not below the line of the lower lip.  Beards and whiskers are only to be worn with authority, which will usually be granted only on medical grounds or religious grounds.  Sideburns are to be trimmed horizontal, level with the middle of the ear.   

Hosiery

61.       Khaki socks are to be worn with khaki trousers, green or black socks with green/DPM trousers and dark blue socks with blue trousers.  Arctic socks may be worn in cold weather.  Women are to wear black tights with Nos 1, 10 and 11 Dress.  In Nos 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 Dress, women are to wear the following patterns of seamless tights or stockings: Christian Dior ‘Marquise’; Couture Range ‘Antelope’; Boots ‘Barely Brown’; Marks and Spencer ‘Coffee’; Sainsbury’s ‘Beechnut’; NAAFI ‘Coffee’. 

Identity Discs

62.       When issued, usually for operations, identity discs are to be worn round the neck beneath the clothes. 

Jewellery

63.       On formal parades, watches and jewellery, except wedding rings, are not to be worn.  At other times, only one wedding/engagement ring and one signet ring may be worn on the hands with uniform.  Females may wear a single small sleeper or stud earring in the centre of the lobe of each ear.  Rings, studs, etc are not to be worn through any part of the body in uniform, or at any time during operational tours.  Watches may be worn in uniform on either wrist, provided that they and their straps are of a sober style and colour.  Additional religious accoutrements may be worn where this is mandatory and authority has been granted.  

Lanyards

64.       Lanyards are worn with Nos 2, 4 and 6 Dress. RLC personnel do not wear lanyards on shirts.  The officers’ lanyard is of 10mm dark blue and gold silk cord.  The soldiers’ lanyard is of 8mm dark blue and gold silk cord. The lanyard worn by females is to be tailored locally.  Details of RLC lanyards are contained in Corps Instruction B10. 

Make up

65.       Make up, if worn, is to be inconspicuous.  Brightly coloured nail varnish is not to be worn.  Make up and nail varnish are not to be worn in the field, on exercises or operations.  Males are not to wear make up. 

Medical Warning Tags

66.       Individuals may wear appropriate medical warning tags at all times.  They are to be obvious but are not to affect the style in which uniform is worn. 

Mourning Bands

67.       A band of black crepe 3¹/₄ inches wide is worn on the left sleeve and positioned so that the bottom of the band is 2 inches above the elbow.  With the exception of private mourning, only officers and warrant officers are to wear mourning bands.  Reference A, Chapter 8, Part 5 refers. 

National Emblems

68.       The following national emblems may be worn: 

 Individuals may also wear their own national emblems when serving in other units on the appropriate day.

Netherwear

69.       The correct types of trousers, skirts and dresses to be worn with the various orders of dress are shown in these Instructions. 

Orders, Decorations and Medals

70.       Corps Policy is that full size and miniature medals should usually be court mounted.  Since court mounting is at private expense, however, soldiers are not to be ordered to court mount their medals.  Pamphlet No 10 of Reference C details the methods of, and occasions for, wearing insignia of orders, medals and the uniforms with which they are worn. 

Pregnant Women

71.       As soon as a female has had her pregnancy confirmed, she is to apply for an issue of maternity uniform.  When it is no longer comfortable wearing her standard uniform, she is to wear her maternity uniform.  Scales of maternity uniform are available from quartermasters. 

Sashes

72.       The sash, scarlet, polyester, worsted, webbing with tassels is to be worn by Orderly/Duty SNCOs and Provost Sergeants only.  When worn in No 2 Dress, the fringe of the sash is to be level with the bottom of the jacket.  Sashes are not to be worn by anyone else in The RLC at any time. 

Shirts

73.       The correct pattern of shirt to be worn with the various orders of dress is shown in these Instructions.  Officers are to wear the light pattern shirt, available from approved tailors and The Corps Shop, in Nos 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 13 and 14 Dress.  Officers are not to wear the issued No 2 Dress shirt. 

Shoulder titles

74.       Soldiers are to wear 10mm high gold anodised ‘RLC’ shoulder titles in Nos 6, 13 and 14 Dress.  Cloth shoulder titles are not to be worn by any RLC personnel.  Officers are not to wear shoulder titles. 

Smocks

75.       Issued pattern smocks may be worn with Nos 5, 8, 12 and 13 Dress.  They are to be worn with a working belt over the top around the waist.  They are always to bear the rank of the wearer.  Where uniformity is required, on parades for example, the CS95 combat jacket is to be worn by all personnel. 

Spectacles

76.       RLC personnel may wear prescribed spectacles when required.  Frames are not to be of an exaggerated colour or style.  On exercises and operations, only spectacles with the approved type of flattened sides, which do not interfere with the wearing of a respirator, are to be worn.  Such spectacles are provided at public expense. 

Sunglasses

77.       Sunglasses are not to be worn in uniform or on duty other than for medical or health and safety reasons.  For example, when operating vehicles, plant or boats in bright or dazzling conditions. 

Tattoos

78.       It is Army policy that a person with tattoo marks which, because of their size, position or nature would be detrimental to the Service, is ineligible for enlistment, re-enlistment or continued service in the Army.  Tattooing is to be discouraged, and unacceptable tattoos may result in applications being made for discharge.  Such tattoos are defined as being any tattoo(s), excessive in size or number, offensive or obscene, which are visible when wearing parade uniform (not including shirt sleeve order or sports clothing).  The visible area comprises the head and neck. 

Ties

79.       The correct pattern of neck tie to be worn with the various orders of dress is shown in these Instructions.  Ties knots are to be relatively small and be fitted well into the apex of the collar. 

Umbrellas

80.       RLC personnel may carry umbrellas when not on parade.  The umbrella is to be of plain black material and of modest size and design.  On informal Corps occasions, RLC umbrellas may be used to provide shelter.  On informal Regimental occasions, either The RLC or the Regiment’s pattern of umbrella may be used to provide shelter. 

Unit Clothing

81.       RLC units may procure and wear regimental pattern items of clothing, including tracksuits and sports shirts.  Such clothing is to be uniform across the unit and may be worn on informal and sporting occasions.  It may bear The RLC capbadge and approved regimental emblems.  Unit clothing is not to display obscene or offensive slogans or images.     

 PART III – OFFICERS’ DRESS - OPTIONAL ITEMS

No 1 Dress

82.       No 1 Dress is an optional item to be purchased and maintained at individual expense, with the exception of certain nominated appointments detailed in Pamphlet 3 of Reference C.

Side Hats

83.       A coloured side hat of the approved pattern may be worn with all orders of dress except Nos 1, 3, 8, 9 and 12 Dress.  The side hat is an optional item and is not to be worn on formal parades.  The wire embroidered RLC cap badge should be worn with the coloured side hat and with the beret.  The side hat pattern has body and flaps of dark blue, tip of scarlet, piped throughout in gold, 2 buttons (22 ligne) RLC and Wire cap badge.  A peak of dark blue velvet (Rubans 102) piped gold is worn by Majors and above only.

Swords

84.       The correct pattern sword for officers of The RLC is the Royal Artillery pattern sword with 3 bar hilt produced in accordance with MOD specification SA703.  The blade is to have specific RLC embossing.  When worn with the Sam Browne belt, the brown leather scabbard is worn.  The sword knot is a plain brown strap matching the colour of the Sam Browne Belt, and made of pig-skin, best bridle leather or calf, the end being secured into an ‘acorn’ having a plaited leather covering.  It is furnished with a sliding keeper. When the sword is worn in Nos 1 and 3 Dress Ceremonial, the steel scabbard is to be worn with the gold and crimson cord sword knot.  Warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of The RLC are not to carry swords.  Since The RLC follows the mounted tradition, officers are to allow the sword knot to hang, and are not to wrap it around the hilt.  The Quartermaster, 25 Training Support Regiment RLC, holds a pool of swords for temporary loan to RLC officers.