How to wear Class A correctly per Procedure 1502-1 (revised May 2023) and the Uniform Insignia Display exhibit (revised July 2023).
When to wear Class A
The Class A "Dress" Uniform is worn for formal meetings, special events, or gatherings. That includes graduation, promotions, line-of-duty funerals, formal inspections, and ceremonies where the Department's appearance is on public display.
Your Class A is your most public artifact. The same coat will be photographed at promotions, hung at funerals, inspected at academies, and seen by every elected official your battalion meets. There is a reason every spec is exact.
Headwear — the only approved hat
The Class A "Dress" cap is the only approved head-wear for Class A.
- Worn with the Class A uniform when outdoors.
- Never worn indoors, with two exceptions: honor guard members and as directed for special ceremonial events.
- Always worn with the cap badge (rank insignia badge — see separate article).
There is no alternative cap, beanie, baseball-style cap, or campaign hat permitted with the Class A uniform.
The coat — badge, lapel, pins
When you wear the Class A coat:
- The badge must be visible and not covered by the lapel. This is non-negotiable for inspection.
- Pins are prohibited on the Class A uniform. (Pins permitted on Class B/C/D/E are explicitly excluded from Class A.)
What goes on the coat: collar brass, service stars, sleeve braid, uniform patches, badge, nameplate, rank insignia badge on the cap. That's the full set. Nothing else.
The necktie — always required
The necktie shall always be worn with the Class A uniform.
This is unique to Class A. Class B is optional. Class C is optional. Class D doesn't pair with one. Class E specifically prohibits the necktie. Class A: required, every time.
The female cross-over snap-tie is the permitted alternative (Sam Broome TV (FG 101)) — see the Class A Purchasing Guide article.
Earrings — the only Class A exception
Per Policy 1503: when on duty, earrings are prohibited. With one exception — the Class A uniform, subject to strict limits:
- Metallic only — no stones, gems, or non-metallic.
- Color matches badge / button trim — gold for Chief Officers, silver for Non-Chief Officers, smooth plain finish.
- Matching pairs, one per ear, ear lobe only.
- Button or studs: ≤¼″ diameter.
- Post-mounted ¾ hoop or full hoop: ≤¼″ width × ¾″ diameter × ⅛″ thickness.
- No drop, hanging, or dangle earrings or charms.
Outside the Class A uniform — for example, while wearing Class B Administrative — earrings are not permitted on duty.
Insignia — what's required vs optional on Class A
| Item | Class A status |
|---|---|
| Uniform patches (both sleeves) | Required |
| Service Stars | Required |
| Collar Brass | Required |
| Department-issued badge | Required |
| Department-issued nameplate | Required |
| Rank Insignia Badge (Class A cap) | Required |
| Medal of Valor | Optional — worn alone, centered above name plate on the Class A jacket |
| Tie Tack / Clasp | Optional — plain, gold (Chief) / silver (Non-Chief) |
| Flag Pin · EMS Pin · Union Pin · BU 8 Honor Guard Pin · Local Cooperative Fire Protection Pin · Aviator Wings · FTO Pin · Hazardous Materials Pin · IMT Pin · Unit/Program Pin | Not permitted with Class A. (Pins are prohibited per 1502-1.) |
The Medal of Valor is the only "above the nameplate" item permitted on Class A — and it's worn alone.
Sleeve patch placement
- Worn on both sleeves.
- Centered 1″ below the shoulder seam on the coat.
Service stars — every 5 years
One ¾″ five-point gold star per 5 years of service. Embroidered on the left sleeve of the Class A coat, ½″ above the braid. The 7th star (if applicable) is mounted 1″ above star #6 in alignment with stars #1 and #6.
You may add the next star within the 6 months prior to completing the 5-year period when purchasing a new Dress Coat or Shirt.
Collar brass placement
- Stars are placed on each collar parallel to the inside of the collar, 1″ from the front. With or without necktie.
- Crossed bugles (odd number) — the middle bugle points at the collar tip; 1″ from the collar tip. With or without necktie.
- Crossed bugles (even number) — the middle point between the bugles points at the collar tip; 1″ from the collar tip. With or without necktie.
- Uncrossed bugles — worn at 90° (horizontal) when the necktie is worn; worn parallel to the collar tip, 1″ from the collar tip, when worn without a tie. Class A always has the tie, so uncrossed bugles on Class A always sit at 90°.
Badge
Department-issued badge worn centered 2″ above the left pocket.
Nameplate
Department-issued metal nameplate (⅝″ × 2½″, polished, Arial CAPS engraving). Gold finish for Chief Officers, silver finish for Non-Chief Officers. Line 1: full first and last name. Line 2: specific unit or assigned work location.
Source
Procedure 1502-1 (revised May 2023) · Uniform Insignia Display Exhibit (revised July 2023) · Wearing Collar Brass Exhibit (revised December 2021) · Service Star Configuration Exhibit (revised December 2021) · Policy 1503 Earrings Exception (revised August 2025) · Policy 1505 / 1505-1 Nameplates (revised December 2021 / May 2023).
