History of the Patch

Auxiliary ON/OFF
flight suit morale patch

What is it?
A common modification that pilots make to their flight suit is to cut off the flap of the upper-sleeve pen (a.k.a. cigarette) pocket. Once removed, a small 1" x 2" piece of loop fabric is left over at the front of the pocket where the closed flap attached with Velcro. The pocket was then perfect for placing a discrete, 1" x 2" hook-backed Morale patch. These unofficial, unauthorized patches can also be found on other improvised areas of the flight suit, jacket, bag, etc and are easily removed and hidden when appropriate... or inappropriate!

What does it mean?
When Title 10 of the US Code changed in October 2000, the Civil Air Patrol went from ALWAYS being the Auxiliary of the Air Force to SOMETIMES being the Auxiliary of the USAF - depending on the mission being performed. The gag is that pilots can easily identify thier Title 10 or Title 36 status with just a rip-n-flip of the label! Some examples of use would be...

  • Low-level survey of a flood zone for the DNR or FEMA... AUX ON
  • Helping law enforcement spot illegal dumping or marijuana... AUX OFF
  • Orientation flights with Air Force ROTC personnel... AUX ON
  • On patrol along the United States-Mexico/Canada boarders... AUX OFF


    Information provided by:
    Various Unidentifiable Sources

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    [Disclaimer: These patches are not authorized under CAPM 39-1 and may, in fact, open the wearer to ridcule and scorn. However, since you're probably Joe Cool, who cares? Morale patches are just that: morale patches. If some tool wants to bust your chops about a cool little patch, maybe he's got too much time on his hands or he's just envious...order a few spares so you can give him one to get him off your back. May cause envy, lust, greed and a whole raft of other "deadly sin" type reactions in those without nifty-shifty high-speed morale patches that they can show off with. Always wear your flight suit. Professional pilot on a closed course. Taxes, title, destination fees and membership in CAP required. Reg. US. Pat. Off.] - Lt Col Darin Ninness, CAP