How to wear Class B per Procedure 1502-2 (revised May 2023).
What Class B is for
The Administrative Uniform is authorized for activities where it is not appropriate to wear a full-dress (Class A) uniform but where semi-formal dress is desired and there is no expectation of emergency response.
Examples in the procedure: public-relations activities, office work, fire prevention programs, training, meetings, special events.
The two shirt options
There are exactly two approved Class B administrative shirts:
- Administrative Navy Blue (100% Wool) — short or long sleeve. Available in Flying Cross or Elbeco LAPD-style cuts. This is the default Class B shirt.
- Administrative White (Chief Officer) — optional, available in Flying Cross tropical short or long sleeve. Only Chief Officers may wear this option.
Chief Officers may wear either the white "Chief Officer" shirt or the navy administrative shirt depending on work assignment.
T-shirt rules (under the admin shirt)
- The Uniform T-Shirt and Navy-Blue T-Shirt are not worn with the white "Chief Officer" shirt.
- The CAL FIRE T-Shirt shall not be worn in lieu of the uniform shirt while performing official business or interacting with the public.
- Long sleeve T-shirts shall not be worn with short-sleeve admin shirts (matching is the rule).
Administrative trouser — not for response
Critical rule: the administrative work trouser is not approved for response. It may only be worn when no expectation of immediate emergency response exists.
The administrative trouser shall not be worn with the Nomex IIIA Uniform Shirt. If you're heading to a setting where you may need to respond, the Class C work trouser (Nomex IIIA) is the right choice.
The necktie — optional
Unlike Class A (where the tie is always required), the necktie is optional for the Class B Uniform. Wear it for a higher-formality administrative day; skip it for routine office days.
Cold weather
Approved optional cold-weather garments are approved for use with the administrative uniform. See the Optional Items article for outerwear (5.11 Chameleon Jacket 2.0, Valiant Duty Jacket, etc.).
Insignia — what's required vs optional on Class B
| Item | Class B status |
|---|---|
| Uniform patches (both sleeves) | Required |
| Service Stars | Optional |
| Collar Brass | Required |
| Department-issued badge | Required |
| Department-issued nameplate | Required |
| Rank Insignia Badge (Class A & Campaign Hat) | Optional |
| Flag Pin | Optional |
| Medal of Valor | Optional |
| EMS Pin (ALS Paramedic certified) | Optional |
| Union Pin (BU membership) | Optional |
| BU 8 Honor Guard Pin | Optional |
| Local Cooperative Fire Protection Pin | Optional |
| Aviator Wings Pin | Optional |
| FTO Pin | Optional |
| Hazardous Materials Pin | Optional |
| Incident Management Team Pin | Optional |
| Unit/Program Pin | Optional |
| Tie Tack / Clasp | Optional (plain, gold/silver) |
Pins worn 1″ above the nameplate. Only one uniform insignia pin shall be worn at a time unless explicitly listed as a stand-alone identifier (Local Cooperative, Aviator Wings, FTO, Hazardous Materials, IMT, Unit/Program — all worn alone).
The female cross-over snap-tie and skirt are optional Class A/B items. The female footwear option is also B/A only.
Patch placement (matches the rest)
- Both sleeves
- Centered ½″ below the shoulder seam on uniform shirts
- Centered 1″ below the shoulder seam on coats/jackets
Earrings — not permitted on Class B
Earrings are prohibited on duty outside the Class A exception. Class B is on duty without the Class A exception, so earrings are off.
Class M
Pregnant employees authorized to wear a Class B uniform may opt into the Class M Maternity Administrative Uniform — same Class B layout with maternity modifications. See the Class M article.
Source
Procedure 1502-2 — Class B "Administrative" Uniform and Insignia Display Procedures, revised May 2023. Companion: Class B Administrative Purchasing Guide (revised February 2024). Insignia: Uniform Insignia Display Exhibit (revised July 2023).
