In phase I, the councils contact CCD and parochial school administrators within their jurisdiction inviting 7th and 8th grade students to participate in the oratorical contest. They are the ones that are most noticeable at church and public functions, parades, etc. All others are Color Guard. The Corps basically follows a Naval theme with ranks and insignias. Note the chapeaux, which are never called hats, and are similar to the old naval uniforms.
Cape colors are an indication of rank.
The highest officer is called a Commander. They wear purple capes and chapeaux. Faithful Navigators whether a member of the corps or not are permitted to wear white capes and chapeaux. By the way, former VSMs, DMs, and PFNs are all permitted to wear their respective capes and chapeaux when they finish their term of office. A practical Catholic in union with the Holy See.