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Coast Guard Auxiliary Uniform Help Page Flotilla 23-06 Website / Watchstander's Reference Page / DougWeb |
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Coast Guard Auxiliary Uniform Help Page Flotilla 23-06 Website / Watchstander's Reference Page / DougWeb |
Many thanks to John and Connie, Ray, Dan, Bill Smith, and Jack for their help putting this page together! Also thanks to Johnny Troffo, Div. Vice Commander, Div 21 for his Uniform Class and his on-going assistance with some of the details I am still researching! Do you have questions. New April 29, 2009:Want to share your experiences? Visit the DougWeb Forums or send me an email. The original purpose for this page was for it to be a place to put the Internet-based uniform information sources I found in one easy to use place. As I learned more about Auxiliary uniforms I dropped the information here and asked mentors to check my understanding. As the information improved it made sense to share it with new members. Since October 1, 2008, I have been ordering my own uniforms and accessories and I am still learning about uniforms, requirements, and how to wear the uniform correctly. It was actually a challenge for a person with no prior military experience. There were a few embarrassing moments where I wasn't exactly correct with this and that. This page is updated on a regular basis to keep it correct. Anyone with useful hints and tips or corrections should send them to me at [email protected] or [email protected] Hopefully this page will help new members save time and money getting what they need. Also included on this page are links to other flotilla sites that contain useful information. There are a number of very good pages. I am considering turning this page into a "Flotilla Uniform Wiki" on my personal blog using the new WordPress Wiki Plugin. This would allow me to have others interested in this topic assist with editing. Updates, continued 1/16/09 0904 hrs Added photo of Bill Noyes wearing Winter Dress Blue and additional ball cap information from AUXPAT manual. Also included photo of ribbon and name tag clamps and two-ribbon ribbon holder. Answered ODU deck shoe question. 2/7/09 1124 hrs Tropical Blue Long name shortened to Tropical Blue. Alpha and Bravo designation removed from Service Dress Blue uniform name. Corrected errors in Undress Blue and Tropical Blue. 2/18/09 1503 hrs Updated information on ribbon mounts. 3/1/09 1834 hrs Updated ODU riggers belt. Made other minor changes. Added questions and answers. 3/3/09 1834 hrs Added Uniform errors section. Made minor updates. Feel free to link to the page now. Be sure to always consult OFFICIAL sources in case I have made an error on the page. 5/12/09 1230 hrs Added "Uniform Challenge" section. Please send me the names of local businesses you use for uniform tailoring services. |
Page Updates 11/26/08 0200 hrs- Reformatted page. 11/27/08 2247hrs- Answered a ball cap question. Added a suggested items list to get members started. 11/29/08 1152 hrs-Added links, modified formatting. 12/12/08 2036hrs-Updated ODU 12/13/08 0821hrs- Boat shoe question added. 1/3/09 1512hrs-Added PPT link to AUPDEPT.ORG and added a new question. This PPT has conflicting device info. See baseball cap below. 1/10/09 1014 hrs Update ODU belt question and added tailoring locations. Added a link to Air Station Caldwells page. |
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First Steps for the New Auxiliarist Study the Member Handbook. Basic uniform information is located in Chapter 10. Don't just browse it - read it. I didn't re-write the manual to create this page. This web page will assist you with additional information you may need to make the necessary purchases and fill in a few blanks. Reading this chapter will get you started and following some of the links here will answer many questions you are sure to have. The first thing that you will notice is that the Coast Guard (and other military) have a wide variety of requirements and uniform styles. The Auxiliarist has quite a few styles to wear depending on the chosen activity or the time of year. Some documents on the Internet lacked necessary detail and many pages I found were woefully out of date. You need to learn where the uniform devices and medals are worn, what replacement buttons are needed and where, what color hat band to wear, etc. What this page does is point out the on-line resources where most of this information can be found. New April 29, 2009:Hint: Becoming familiar with the manual has a major benefit. It can help you get that knowledge edge you need to pass the AUXAPC test. (Administrative Procedures) This test is based on the Auxiliary Manual and a good portion of the test is on the Auxiliary uniform. Please note that most formal Auxiliary events specify a uniform of the day for the event. Be prepared to show up in the correct uniform. When Tropical Blue is specified you should not show up in an ODU. Take advantage of the many mentors in the Flotilla - Dan, Bill S., Bill N., Jack, John, Connie, Ray to name just a few. All of these folks have been in the military. Uniform requirements are second nature to them. Learning this is a challenge any recruit can appreciate. Our mentors have been a big help understanding the requirements. These additional resources are also PDF files. Save copies of each file on your computer so you have your own copies available. Be aware that there are a number of out dated and poorly maintained sources of uniform information. On this page an effort has been made to link to the most current official sites. |
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CGAUX Uniform Styles This Coast Guard link to various uniform styles gives you an idea what the uniforms look like. These styles are the most frequently seen in the Flotilla. Service Dress Blue Dinner Dress Blue Winter Dress Blue (Dark blue long sleeve shirt Winter only) Tropical Blue (Short sleeve, insignia
and ribbons worn.) Undress Blue (No ribbons worn.) Short and long sleeve versions. Long sleeve version is called Undress Blue Winter. ODU - Operational Dress Uniform (tucked) New untucked version not yet available to Auxiliarists. UDC has requested on their site that Auxiliarists not try to order this uniform. Note that you cannot make your own uniforms or make personal adaptations. |
Check out District 11's great page on Coast Guard Auxiliary Uniforms. Air Station Caldwell's EXCELLENT Uniform pages forCoast Guard Auxiliary Uniforms. One of the Best Uniform Power Point Presentations "The Silver Side, A Guide to USCG Auxiliary Uniforms" AUXPDEPT has this new Power Point presentation for new members. |
Be aware that uniforms change with the season. Read up on what you should wear when. This could determine what you might purchase first depending on when you join the Flotilla. Ask the senior members for their suggestions. There is a "uniform of the day" and there are specific uniforms for some activities. There are uniforms suggested for Vessel Examiners, Program Visitors, Boat Crew, office holders and so on. (Chart swiped from the Uniform website of Auxiliary Air Station Caldwell.)
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| Uniforms of the Day | |||
| Uniform | Jan 1 to Mar 31 | April 1 to Oct 31 | Nov 1 to Dec 31 |
| Service Dress Blue | |||
| Winter Dress Blue | |||
| Tropical Blue | |||
| Summer Undress Blue | |||
| Operational Dress Uniform | |||
Service Dress
Blue This uniform looks sharp. It requires the purchase of the more expensive blue dress coat (also called a blouse), long sleeve blue shirt, and four hand tie. With the purchase of a white shirt and black bow tie it can be worn at some formal dinner occasions or solemn occasions as the Dinner Dress Blue (page 10-45) in lieu of the Dinner Dress Blue Jacket (Page 10-38) or Dinner Dress White Jacket. (Page 40) The Uniform also becomes the Service Dress Blue (Alpha) In order to understand the differences you must read the manual. Subtle differences in types of medals, tie, cap and so on determine when each is appropriate to wear. In this photo taken at the 2008 Change of Watch, Bill Noyes is dressed in the uniform wearing the white shirt and bow tie. He wears his uniform as the Dinner Dress Blue. A standard Service Dress Blue would be worn with the long sleeve blue shirt and four hand tie. Note the differences between the two uniforms. The Petty Officer standing with Bill has gold buttons on his jacket and Bill has silver buttons. Gold buttons are reserved for Coast Guard military personnel. When you purchase the dress coat you must also purchase replacement silver buttons - four small pocket buttons and four large coat buttons. The Petty Officer is wearing his Service Dress Blue (Alpha) uniform with the standard four hand tie. The slacks worn with this uniform must be hemmed to the appropriate length. The coat requires cloth sleeve devices as well as a button change. Where do you put the sew on member device. This is from: COAST GUARD UNIFORM REGULATIONS 2.b.1.a "Sleeve striping consists of a ½ and ¼ inch silver stripe(s) and a silver CGAUX shield ¼ inch above the stripe, centered on the outside sleeve. The silver stripe(s) are placed on the sleeve parallel and 2 inches from the cuff with each subsequent stripe placed ¼ inch apart moving up the arm." (A new "member" does not have stripes. Your member device is positioned at two inches from the edge of the sleeve.) When the first stripe goes on the sleeves the member device is 1/4 inch above the stripe.) No nametag, devices, or ribbons are worn on the long sleeve blue shirt with the Service Dress Blue. The blouse MAY be removed in an office environment but not during an activity or when leaving the office. |
Regardless of button color both of these guys are the Coast Guard's Uniform Gold-Standard. Dress like them and you are dressed for success.
The Dinner Dress Blue Jacket is shown to the right. Jack Margolis (above right) wears his properly. |
Undress Blue (Summer and Winter) (Page 10-52) No medals or ribbons are worn with the Undress Blue. No shoulder boards are worn with either version. Only a name tag is worn with collar devices. Qualification devices are OK. e.g. AUXOP, Coxswain etc. The Undress Blue Winter is a long sleeve shirt and four-hand tie. (Picture page 10-53) As far as I can determine this is the only way to correctly wear the long sleeve blue shirt during the Winter without a dress jacket (blouse.) Note that I have seen CGAUX member pages on the Internet showing this uniform with shoulder boards. That is not correct according to the Auxiliary Manual. |
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Tropical Blue (Page10-50,51) This uniform is the most frequently seen at Flotilla meetings in addition to the Undress Blue. This is worn with short sleeve shirt only. The TB allows the wearer to wear medals, name tag, ribbons, and cloth or hard epaulets. Dan and Harry pictured right have the different epaulet styles. Notice that collar devices are not worn on the shirts. Collar devices are worn on the Undress Blue. Anytime you want to wear a long sleeve shirt without the jacket (blouse) it must apparently be the Winter Undress Blue. I previously said on this page that the Tropical Blue could be worn with a long-sleeve shirt. Not sure where read that now. Every source I have looked at shows Tropical Blue as short sleeve only. I did find one private Coast Guard enthusiast bulletin board where wearing a long sleeve blue shirt like tropical Blue was discussed as an option; however, the option has not been approved by the Coast Guard. |
Dan McConnell and Harry Scott at the November 2008 Flotilla Meeting.
Charles Szetzfand and Connie Cosgrove. (Tropical Blue) |
Winter Dress Blue |
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Page 10-48,49 Dark blue shirt. Collar devices, no epaulets. Qualification devices OK. Ribbons OK. Worn only in Winter. Bill Noyes is pictured wearing this Winter uniform at the January 2009 flotilla meeting. Worn in place of Service Dress Blue where wearing a jacket is not as important. The is a very sharp looking Winter uniform. Choose this uniform if you would rather wear a long sleeve shirt. This is also considered a dressier uniform that the Tropical Blue. |
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Helpful Documents |
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Hint: See Table 1B in the Uniform Procurement Guide. |
You need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view most manuals at these sites. |
Where to Purchase Uniforms, Devices, and Accessories Warning - Before you buy! Read the following taken from the Auxiliary Manual Page 10-7 Auxiliary Manual: Item B.4. Commercial Sources Auxiliarists may use commercial sources for buying uniforms and insignia. Coast Guard and commercial sources of Auxiliary uniforms can also be found in the Uniform Procurement Guide, which is posted on the Auxiliary web site (see Appendix J) and distributed to all MA officers annually. Auxiliarists should purchase with caution because not all open market uniforms and insignia meet Coast Guard specifications. One can buy, in good faith, apparent regulation items and find such items are not the same. There may be differences in the material, design, cut, shade, durability, color fastness, etc. When buying uniform insignia, Auxiliarists should look for the Coast Guard certification numbers in a semi-concealed location. Certain commercial sources have received Coast Guard certification for the items they manufacture. The safest course is the purchase of insignia supplied to the district by the AUXCEN or ask the MA officer. Explore the Catalogs of all of the on-line sources so you know who has what. Look for the best prices. UDC does not always have AUX specific items. You may have to go to AUXCEN or the 5th District Store. |
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Bill Smith said that Auxiliary members can visit Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington D.C. to purchase uniforms at the Coast Guard Exchange or CGX. Bill said you can try on slacks, shirts, coats etc. and purchase items after you find your size. I plan to visit this facility with him and share with the Flotilla the procedures for making this visit. You must have your Coast Guard identification card to make purchases. Bill is planning a field trip to Coast Guard HQ in March. If you would like to go with us please contact me. |
Coast Guard Uniform Distribution Center This is where the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary buys uniforms online from the government. |
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Start at the UDC uniform information site. Here you learn how to measure yourself for the various uniforms. Get this right! UDC makes it possible for you to return items that don't fit but it is better to get it right the first time. I found that shirts are measured as fitted shirts. Older guys with generous middles are going to find the short sleeve blue shirts a might tight in the chest. In the case of items like the trench coat you are instructed to order one chest size larger than you measured so read instructions carefully. To get access to the UDC site you must first request a password. You provide your Auxiliary member number along with other identifying information and your access is granted. It took about 48 hours to get my password. The majority of your new uniform items can be purchased at UDC with most Auxiliary specific items available at AUXCENTER below. If you itemize your taxes like I do your uniforms are tax deductible so save your receipts. When I emailed UDC with questions I had helpful answers in 24 hours. Remember however that patience is a virtue. Orders from UDC can take from two to three weeks to arrive at your home using the free Priority Mail. Should you need faster service pay for next day or second day shipping. Exchanges take at least as long. |
Auxiliary Center |
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To access this site you must first create your account at AUXDIRECTORY. The moment you receive your Basic Qualification activate your account here! The password and username you get for the AUXDIRECTORY (link to the right) is the same used for the Auxiliary Center. A number of our folks have yet to create a log on at AUXDIRECTORY. You may find some great deals here. This store has the discontinued utility jacket on sale for $10.00! It is an excellent cold weather jacket. This store also sells cool items like radio logs, license plate frames, and logo items. I have received my orders within three days to one week of placing the order. Cloth member devices are available here. Buy a bunch. They are not expensive. |
(This site does not include telephone numbers with the member data.)
Doug Smith wearing the discontinued Utility Jacket. See question at the end of the page regarding whether or not collar devices should be worn with this jacket. What is wrong with this picture by the way? See if you can find the mistakes I made wearing the uniform. |
5th District USCGAUX Materials Center Online Store The information on this store comes from Ray Feller. This store sells the uniform buckle with AUX EMBLEM. This store appears at many of the 5th District functions. |
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High quality hat. Member emblem is embroidered into the hat. It is not a sew-on emblem. Very sharp in appearance. |
This company is owned by former Guardian, Robert Green. Cutter Agent sells complete ball caps. Members and office holders do not have to sew on their own devices. Cutter Agent also sells the Auxiliary hot weather T shirt. |
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Suggested Uniform Items Items in italic are not necessary right away so consider them optional. You may want to get just the ODU right away (if you are going for boat crew) or just the items required for the Undress Blue Summer and Tropical Blue. You can always wear a civilian suit to functions when you do not have the required dress uniform. I was advised that the dress uniform is optional because of its expense. I suggest three name tags. One for the Service Dress Blue jacket when worn as Bravo and one for shirts. The third is a backup in case you loose one. See name tag section.
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Member devices can be delicate. The pins may not survive long so I suggest purchasing additional devices for items made with stiffer materials like hats. |
Poke around in the various company stores for accessories. There is a learning curve to this no matter what Harry says ;) |
Tailors 1. I found a tailor shop in Lexington Park off Great Mills Rd. just down from Nav Air, Gate 2 that specializes in uniforms. The owner formerly worked in the tailor's shop on the Navy base. She did an excellent job with my Service Dress Blue jacket buttons and sleeve devices. Her shop is next to CVS Drug and behind the pizza place. Her street sign is small, so if you are driving too fast you might miss it. Looking at CVS it is down the driveway to your immediate left. There is a Fit-4 U sign visible from the street. Fit 4 U Alterations & Tailoring
When using any service take instructions you can find in the official alterations manual and uniform regulations. This shop's expertise is with US Navy uniforms. 2. Ray Feller uses Dunkirk Cleaners in the same shopping center with the Safeway and RadioShack store in Dunkirk. Take instructions with each sewing request. 3. John Cosgrove uses the tailor shop at PAX River NAS. Specific Hints & Kinks Shirts The blue uniform shirts are fitted shirts designed for the regular Coast Guard. The more mature person might find the shirts a little tight across the middle. I found that purchasing a shirt just one neck size larger helped the fit across the chest. (You may need more.) As an example, if you are a 17 inch neck try purchasing a 17 1/2 neck instead. Be sure to follow the UDC measuring instructions for sleeve length. The UDC measuring instruction page is a must if you plan to order on line as I did. Read carefully and measure carefully. Sew On Devices and Name Tapes Wash cloth devices and name tapes to pre-shrink them before sewing them on uniforms. Pre-wash the ODUs as well. Operational Dress Uniform 
You need to purchase a black web belt and black buckle for this uniform as well as sew on member devices, a USCG AUXILIARY sew on tape that goes on above the left pocket and a sew on cloth tape with your LAST NAME ONLY that goes on above your right pocket. You also need elastic hooked bands to blouse the pant legs on this uniform so look for those. I bought the boots for this uniform because that is what everyone here seems to wear. My wife volunteered to sew the member devices on my ODU jacket/shirt. Sewing these takes some trial and error. Instead of cutting the name tape she folded the tape to the the width of the pocket and then sewed them on using matching thread color. She's very good at this. Her method eliminates having to deal with frazzled ends. She also did my trousers for the Service Dress Blue uniform. Consult the Alteration Manual above! John Cosgrove indicated he uses the seamstress at the Patuxent Naval PX. John will have to tell us how to use this resource. Please note that the wooly pully sweater may not be worn with an ODU. The windbreaker may be worn with a tucked ODU but not with the untucked ODU. Folding the sleeves of the ODU properly takes some practice. On my ODU shirt I had to make two folds after the large half fold to achieve proper results. Before you wear the uniform match the sleeve you see in the How to Wear the ODU link above. Note that when on board a vessel remove any non-break-away jewelry before leaving the dock. Wedding bands and rings can cause amputation! "2. Operational Dress Uniform (ODU). The Coast Guard's new untucked ODUs have black Coast Guard emblems embossed on them in several locations. Untucked ODUs will not be produced without the emblems. Therefore, Auxiliarists are authorized to wear the new untucked ODU top with the embossed Coast Guard emblems." ( from Ch. DIR AUX 11/10/08) New April 29, 2009: I wore the ODU with boat shoes for the first time on patrol on April 25, 2009. The ODU trousers are too long if not bloused. It was suggested that I blouse the trousers at the ankle instead of cuffing up the trousers. Cuffing is not a perfect solution and dragging trousers at the heel, to me, is a safety issue so I will blouse from this point forward. Garrison Cap Device The garrison cap device I received from AUXCEN broke the moment I tried to use it. One pin on the back snapped off. Be very careful with these. The documents above have diagrams of exactly how the devices should be positioned on the uniforms. I didn't get it right the first time. The Garrison cap will have two devices. The standard garrison cap device on one side and a member device on the other side. Office holders use a device for their office in lieu of the member device. When not worn the Garrison cap is worn wrapped around or tucked under your belt. Do not wear it under an epaulet. This cap is worn squarely on the head and never at a side forward or reverse tilt. When you are in uniform and outdoors, "cover" (cap/hat) shall ALWAYS be worn.) (New: 51209) After seeing the garrison cap stowed in a number of places on various Auxiliary uniforms I asked around to determine where it should be kept on your person when indoors. The Coast Guard way is to tuck the garrison cap into the pant on your left side with the large member device displayed on the exposed flap draped over the belt. Combination Cap Save money and order your cap from UDC. Also order a silver chin strap and Auxiliary neck band buttons listed under Auxiliary Specific Items. (The latter two items are not necessary if you purchase a Combination Cap pre-made for the Auxiliary at Auxcenter.) Do not let a third party vendor try to convince you you need a black chip strap. They are not correct. The combination cap device is worn on the winter cap sold by UDC. Purchase a second device if you also want to wear the Winter cap or you must take the device off the Combination Cap to wear it with the Winter cap. Get a hat cover for this cap. The COVER WILL KEEP YOUR HAT LOOKING SHARP. Order devices and cloth tapes from UDC or AUXCEN. My suggestion is that when you cannot find it first at UDC go to AUXCEN. When you are in uniform and outdoors cover (cap/hat) shall ALWAYS be worn.) (New: 51209) How do you carry the combination cap when indoors? The Coast Guard way is to extend the left forearm arm parallel to the ground, elbow at your side, palm up. The cap rests on the palm emblem forward. It is not tucked under the arm. Baseball Cap "Auxiliary Ball Cap (aka - Dark Blue Auxiliary Baseball Cap, per section 10.D.3.b. of the Auxiliary Manual). This is the ball cap most commonly worn by Auxiliarists when a ball cap is authorized with certain uniforms. It can have either "USCG Auxiliary" or "USCG" over the word "Auxiliary" displayed (embroidered) in silver lettering on the front panel (as an option, Auxiliarists may also have the number of their flotilla, division, or region displayed in the same size lettering, for example "FLOT 11-4"). Auxiliarists must wear either the metal office collar insignia or the member collar insignia on this ball cap (embroidered/sew-on versions may be worn as an option). A few other aspects of wear remain as described in section 10.D.3.b." Taken from email from Chief Director of the Auxiliary sent 11/10/08. (Doug's Note: The AUXPDEPT in their August 2008 PowerPoint for new members indicates the garrison Cap Device is to be used on the ball cap. I suspect this may be incorrect.) (2) If an Auxiliarist is authorized to wear a Coast Guard unit ball cap, such wear shall not extend to activities involving public interaction. This is to ensure that an Auxiliarist is not mistaken by the public as an active member of a Coast Guard unit with commensurate authority. For example, an Auxiliarist may not wear a Coast Guard unit ball cap when performing VSCs. (3) An Auxiliarist's home unit is the flotilla. As active duty and Reserve personnel are authorized to wear standard issue Coast Guard blue and unit ball caps with proper uniforms while commuting to and from work (i.e. - home unit), so are Auxiliarists authorized to wear Auxiliary ball caps and Coast Guard unit ball caps, if authorized by the unit command, with proper uniforms while commuting to and from flotilla meetings, a Coast Guard unit to which they provide support (in accordance with unit command policy), and fellowship events (e.g. - flotilla picnic). (4) Though not specifically addressed in the Auxiliary Manual for wear with Tropical Blue, per section 3.C.1. of the Coast Guard Uniform Manual, Commanding Officers may authorize standard issue Coast Guard blue or unit ball caps for wear on board Coast Guard shore units, small boats, and vessels with the Tropical Blue uniform. Ball cap wear with Tropical Blue is limited to the confines of the local unit and for commuting to and from work, including commuting from the wearer's home unit to a remote work site. Ball caps shall not be worn with Tropical Blue when a higher level of formality is appropriate. Likewise, Auxiliarists may wear an Auxiliary ball cap or Coast Guard unit ball cap, if authorized by the unit command, with the Tropical Blue uniform in accordance with these guidelines, including while commuting to and from flotilla meetings, a Coast Guard unit to which they provide support (in accordance with unit command policy), and fellowship events (e.g. - flotilla picnic). The following information is taken from AUXPAT Speciality Course, Student Study Guide, page 1-4, Section D. 2 Uniforms, COMDTPUB P16794.28A.pdf:
I recently read a reference that Flotilla ball caps do not require the cap device. I'm trying to find that instruction and reference it here. There is not easy place to put a device on the flotilla ball cap. When you are in uniform and outdoors cover (cap/hat) shall ALWAYS be worn.) Boots and Shoes I purchased shoes and boots from UDC so I would be using the same shoes as the Coast Guard. Black socks for shoes and boots were inexpensive so I purchased those at UDC as well. These polish up very nicely. Visit a shoe store to measure your feet first. Ask Bill Noyes how he gets the shine on his shoes ;) Shoes are described in the manual as: "Shoes shall be black, with heels, made of smooth leather or a synthetic material. Shoes shall be low-cut of plain style without decoration. There shall be no stitching or seams across the toe. Heels shall be no higher than 1 inch. Sole edges, heals, and laces must be black." Patent leather shoes are available from the Coast Guard Exchange. Service Dress Blue The coat you purchase from UDC requires different pocket buttons and different regular buttons. Four each. These you purchase from AUXCEN or the Member Center. Once you receive the coat you replace the buttons. The four smaller pocket buttons are easy to change. You pull the buttons off from the loops. The four larger buttons are sewn on. Gold buttons that come on the coat are for military personnel. (I gave mine to a Coastie as spares.) Sleeve lace is purchased to reflect CGAUX office. A "member" without office has no lace on the sleeves. A silver sew-on member device is all that is required on the member sleeve. Sleeve devices must be purchased from AUXCEN or the district store. Refer to to the documents above as to placement of the sew-on device. Please note that I was never able to find in any official document the exact placement instructions for the member sleeve device. Everything I found discussed the spacing for the lace and that the first lace was two inches from the end of the sleeve but not one of the documents talked about how high up the sleeve the device needed to be. The sleeve device placement instructions for the regular Coast Guard is different. This jacket can be worn with a regulation white shirt and black bow tie (available at UDC) to events that do not require a formal dress uniform. The first jacket I purchased was a little tight across the middle. The jacket sizes went from 46 to 48. Size 47 is no longer made. The folks at UDC suggested I try the "athletic model" of the jacket which is slightly more generous in size but still a 46. I assume that means slightly less tailoring. My coat was sent back for exchange. You must send your returns to UDC with a delivery confirmation option purchased at the post office. This is a UDC requirement. The athletic model fit just fine. It wasn't nearly as tight across the middle and gave me more room around the shoulders as well. Under Clothing Read the manual! Men must wear V-neck T shirts. Plastic Name Tags Bill Smith referred me to a local source for the name tags. You can get magnetic or pin on. I purchased one each. This turned out to be a good idea since the magnetic tag WILL fall off your shirt if you are wearing a heavy jacket. When I wear a jacket I wear the pin on name tag. The shop is located across the street from the Prince Frederick Safeway store on the second floor up the stairs. The building is between the KFC and the PNC Bank.
Important: Name tags using push on pins come with either metal or soft plastic push on holders. The Service Dress Blue jacket is thick and requires the metal push on holders. Don't try to use the plastic holders wearing a jacket because they will come off in minutes and you will loose the holders and probably your name tag. The plastic holders are OK with shirts. The advantage is that the plastic type keeps the pin from sticking the wearer. I'm going to purchase a name tag with metal holders that stays with the jacket.
11/10/08 Chief Director of the Auxiliary Announcement List " a. Per section 3.F.1. of the Coast Guard Uniform Manual, active duty and Reserve personnel are authorized to wear plastic name tags that display first and last names in lieu of the standard name tag (last name only). They may also display an unofficial-but-Coast-Guard-recognized insignia, such as a SAR or NATON school pin, on such name tag. This applies only to plastic name tags, not to cloth name tapes. The full name and "U. S. COAST GUARD" legend letter sizes must be the same as for the standard nametag. Commands have the authority to require the standard name tag when a higher level of uniformity is necessary." " b. Auxiliarists are similarly authorized to wear plastic name tags with first and last names displayed. A displayed first name must be the individual's full common first name or conventional shortened derivative (e.g. - "Mike" instead of "Michael"). Nicknames or parenthesized names are not authorized (e.g. - Doc, Mac, "Lefty"). No insignia are authorized on such name tags. Auxiliarists must also have a standard name tag for when a higher level of uniformity is necessary. " Cloth Devices and Member Devices Bill Smith provided another source for the Auxiliary, Coxswains cloth tapes used for the ODU. Auxiliary collar devices are also available. This link is to a copy of an order form provided by Bill. Price and ordering info is on the form.
Award Ribbons When you earn your first ribbon you will need to purchase ribbon holders. The holders are the gadgets that attach to the uniform. These items are available from AUXCEN or the District 5 store mentioned above. I also suggest purchasing an extra ribbon of the type awarded to you. This allows you to keep a ribbon ready on a shirt and one on your Service Dress Blue jacket. (This jacket also known as a blouse.) Ribbon Display Ribbons are not worn any-which-way. that is ribbons are worn in a specific order as defined by the Coast Guard. Prior military members will find they are now learning a new way to wear their service ribbons and Coast Guard ribbons they have earned. There are special requirements for ribbon display when wearing the Service Dress Blue blouse to avoid having the collar cover portions of your ribbon display. The Coast Guard has a website each member should refer to when preparing a ribbon display. Visit the Ribbon Checker. Non-military members may wish to learn a little about military ribbons. As an example, any member displaying the Medal of Honor has earned the right to be saluted regardless of his office. You salute any service member or Auxiliarist wearing the Medal of Honor.  Customs and Courtesy I strongly encourage new members to read the Customs and Courtesy page on the Coast Guard website. Here you learn the customs and courtesies required of members who wear the Auxiliary uniform. Researching and/or Questions from the New Auxiliary Member New Questions Note that if others have questions submit them to me at [email protected] and I will add the questions to this list to research an answer. Make the email subject line something like "Uniform Question." No question is a dumb question especially for folks with no prior military experience.
Questions Answered Is there a standard deck shoe worn by the Boat Crew with the ODU? What does it look like? Where do you get it? (12/13) Service Dress Blue question - When you are wearing the nametag and ribbons on the outside of the jacket are you also wearing the same thing on the blue long sleeve shirt underneath in the event you remove the jacket? Are you allowed to remove the jacket? How is this uniform actually worn on a long day? (See above) I am looking for the definitive authority on the positioning of cloth member devices on the sleeves of the Service Dress Blue Jacket. (1/3/09) (See above)
Where does the sew-on member device go on the ball cap? This requirement was new to me and so far I cannot find specific information on its placement.
I am still trying to determine if the cold weather hat uses the Garrison Cap device or no device. I cannot find a specific AUX device made for this hat only information that UDC does not sell the device for this cap! (Answer: Not usually worn in our flotilla. Still looking for a hat device answer.)
The ODU web belt that UDC sent was 60 inches long. I am assuming we have to cut this to fit. I see that the Member Center sells shorter belts, 40, 50, and 60 inch. (Answer: In January 2009 I found another Auxiliary uniform website that discusses the belt. UDC is selling the longer belt and you do need to cut it to fit:) I. THE BASIC RIGGERS BELT (NSN: 8415-01-526-5551), ALSO KNOWN AS THE BATTLE DRESS UNIFORM (BDU) BELT, CAN BE PURCHASED THRU THE UDC AND MAY BE WORN AS AN OPTIONAL ITEM ON THE ODU. THIS BELT IS A 13/4 INCH BLACK NYLON BELT. WHEN WORN, THE BITTER END SHALL STOP BEHIND, BUT NOT PAST, THE FIRST BELT LOOP ON THE WEARERS LEFT. (THIS WILL REQUIRE THE BELT BE PASSED THROUGH THE BELT LOOPS FROM THE RIGHT, THE OPPOSITE OF OTHER MENS BELTS). THE BASIC RIGGERS BELT COMES IN ONE LENGTH AND NEEDS TO BE CUT TO SIZE. TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT BELT LENGTH, LACE THE BELT THROUGH BELT LOOPS, PASS IT BEHIND THE BELT BAR, THEN FEED IT BACK THROUGH AND OVER THE BELT BAR. FINALLY, PULL TO SECURE. NEXT, MARK THE BELT SO THAT IT STOPS BEHIND, BUT NOT PAST, THE FIRST BELT LOOP ON THE WEARERS LEFT. MAKE A STRAIGHT CUT ALONG THIS MARK. SINGE THE BITTER END TO AVOID UNRAVELING. THE "BLACK HAWK" RIGGERS BELT IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR GENERAL WEAR, BUT MAY BE WORN AS ORGANIZATIONAL EQUIPMENT DURING TACTICAL MISSIONS. There are two kinds of ball caps. One that has our flotilla information and one that does not. Which one is the uniform hat? (Answer: Both can be worn. See the clarifications above.) When is the Tilley Sun Hat worn? (Answer: Worn in bright sun while on patrol to keep the sun off of your skin. It is very hot to wear.) Apparently boat shoes are authorized for the ODU? How do you blouse a tennis shoe? (Answer:: Don't worry about blousing the tennis shoe. The boat shoe was authorized to prevent boots from scuffing and damaging boat decks.) What is the difference between Tropical Blue and Undress Blue? (Answer: Undress Blue has no shoulder boards. Collar devices are worn instead. No ribbons.) Who sells trousers for Working Blue uniforms? UDC sells the dry-clean-only trousers (Answer: Unfortunately when the ODUs came in they stopped selling the working blue trousers. Some of us bought several pairs before they were discontinued. I don't know but Lighthouse may still have some of them.) How does the riggers belt buckle work? (Answer: Perhaps because it was so simple that's why I had so much difficulty trying to figure it out! Thanks to the CGAUX uniform training this last weekend I had the opportunity to see one completely assembled. I'll post the photo. (3/1) |
Observed Uniform Errors In the last year I have seen the following errors at various Auxiliary events. Note these are events attended by many different flotillas. I am an equal opportunity observer. A new Auxiliarist looks to the current member as an example setter especially when the new member has never been in the military. It takes more time for a new person to sort out the errors and get it right. Take pride in the uniform and wear it to spec. I'm more likely to do the right thing ;) The manual deals with personal appearance as well. Check your haircuts! Long sleeve blue shirt, open collar, and no four hand tie. Long sleeve blue shirt with four hand tie worn as Tropical Blue. (I'd actually like to see this as an option in Winter.) ODU worn with white turtleneck. ODU requires a dark blue T-shirt. ODU worn with wooly-pully sweater. Winter Dress Blue worn with boat shoes. Improper black shoes worn with a variety of uniforms. ODU worn to Auxiliary events that specified Tropical Blue or Winter Dress Blue. The ODU is a working uniform and generally is not worn at other locations unless specified. Civilian outer garments, coats, and sweaters worn over uniform. Winter Dress Blue with no tie and open collar. Improperly positioned office-holder collar devices. Crew neck T-shirt worn instead of V-neck T-shirt with Tropical Blue. No cover worn with uniform outdoors. Cover worn indoors with uniform. Garrison cap worn at a tilt on the head. Garrison cap stored under epaulets on the jacket or the shirt. Blue crew under shirt under Winter Dress Blue shirt. Trousers worn with a break. Trousers may only touch the shoe when you stand. There should be no break of the type you might have with suit trousers. Service Dress Blue jacket worn unbuttoned. Windbreaker worn open or less than 2/3rds zipped up.
Riggers Belt Buckle When I received the black belt and buckle I scratched my head for quite a while. I wasn't sure how it went together until I actually saw one. When you cut the end you insert it into the clip and push down. The belt you buy from UDC will be 60 inches long. You cut the belt to fit. Be sure to let the bitter end just go underneath and not past the first belt loop. 
New: April 29, 2009: This is the Marine belt and buckle and NOT the rigger's belt. The riggers belt is 1.5 times wider and uses an entirely different buckle. I am told that most people prefer the riggers belt.
The above belt is the riggers belt and buckle. Stock number OBB at UDC. Mentors should not assume that a new person "gets it" because something is so "easy to understand" in the mentor's opinion. Folks are sometimes loathe to ask questions because the new person does not want to appear vacuous. It is worth while to assign each new member a mentor to walk the new member through an Auxiliary introduction. as part of that discuss uniforms. Uniforms would be part of that presentation. Divisions or Districts could put on such training. |
Uniform Challenge (New 051209) Every once in a while I discuss uniforms with other members. When I see something that either doesn't look right or is new I ask the member about their uniform. I keep in mind that the Coast guard wants the Auxiliary to be dressed in the proper uniform and to wear it proudly. In reading training materials for various qualifications the subject of the uniform and wearing it correctly comes up frequently. Even our Public Affairs section wants photographs of Auxiliarists only in correct uniform. In this section I take on the occasional challenge. Some folks are convinced they are right about a uniform when I suspect they are not correct. What I do is go back and do the research to find out what the Coast Guard says. Challenge 1: The District 5 Store Auxiliary baseball cap with gold lettering is authorized for the ODU uniform. I asked a member why he was wearing the Auxiliary vanity cap sold by the District 5 store at various events. It has a cool emblem and gold lettering but not the standard member device. We are, after all, the silver side of the Coast Guard. I challenged the member while at a public affairs event about his hat. He told me, "I read about it in the manual. The manual says it's OK." On page 10-15 of the Auxiliary Manual, section 10 D.3.b. Dark Blue Baseball Cap you find the following partial description: "Letters are silver colored, 1/2 inch high." There is no specific authorization to wear the cap with gold lettering even though the word Auxiliary appears on this cap. The cap is not a valid uniform accessory. Auxiliarists have also seen information warning us not to be seen by the public wearing the gold regular Coast Guard baseball cap. The vanity cap in question is just that. It is a cap for wear with civilian attire and nothing more. |
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