New USCG Auxiliary Member Uniform Information

Welcome to the USCG Auxiliary!

The following information is provided to assist you in your uniform acquisition journey.  First, it is an investment in money.  Second, it is an investment in time and process, so be patient and understand sizing can sometimes be a challenge - particularly for the tropical blue pant sizing where they tend to be smaller than the size might indicate. 

In addition to the online ordering links below, a trip to the USCG Station Ft Macon Exchange (near Morehead City) can be set up, but their inventory is usually limited - if they have items, at least you can try them on, but it’s a long way and a long day.

We have tried to compare the Exchange and Auxiliary Association (AuxA) sites to find the lower price.  Wherever possible, the links below reflect the site with the lower price.

You will need to use your USCG Auxiliary ID number to set up login/accounts at each of the two USCG shopping sites (Exchange and AuxA).

·         https://shopcgx.com/ - USCG Exchange

·         https://auxcen.com/ - Auxiliary Association Fulfillment Center (AuxA)

Ultimately, the Auxiliary Manual is the final directive for guidance on uniforms (and much, much more).  Specifically, Chapter 10, Uniforms - there you can search for and find details on all components of all uniforms, wear guidance, and grooming standards.  Also, see the Interactive Uniform Guide on the CG Aux website.

See below for uniform guidance/links to help you:

·       Review all links on the following website. These presentations cover over ALL the uniforms and details of them:

o    https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=H-DEPT&category=auxiliary-uniforms

o    Three of the links on the site above are of particular interest:  Dress Uniforms, Work Uniforms, Covers (Hats).  But you should review them all.

·       The two main uniforms that Auxiliarists acquire to begin are the ODU (a work uniform) and the Tropical Blue (a dress uniform) - these two will cover the vast majority of our activities.

·       When you review the work uniform presentation, you will see reference to the AWU.  This is an alternate to the ODU available to Auxiliarists and considered interchangeable with the ODU.

·      Two main locations for procurement of uniforms are the Coast Guard Exchange (https://shopcgx.com/) and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association (AuxA) fulfillment center (https://auxcen.com/) - few, if any, items are able to be purchased outside these two locations because they do NOT conform to USCG standards.  Items you can get elsewhere tend to be limited to:  socks, undershirts, and shoes/boots.  While you can also find the 5.11 tactical pant for the AWU at places like Academy Sports, the prices through the USCG locations tend to be better unless you find a really, really good sale underway.

·       ODU Pant w/logo (same pant for men and women) -https://shopcgx.com/products/untucked-odu-trouser

·         ODU Blouse (same blouse for men and women) - https://shopcgx.com/products/untucked-odu-coat

·         ODU Sew-on Devices

o    Collar Member device (comes as a pair):  https://shopcgx.com/products/cg-aux-clr-dev-ripstop-member-silver-blue-shield-w-crossed-anchors

o    Breast devices - name tape and USCG Aux tape:  

§ Sew on Aux Tape:  https://shopcgx.com/products/name-tape-ripstop-uscg-auxiliary

§ Sew on NameTape:  https://shopcgx.com/products/individual-name-tape-uscg-odu-rip-stop

·         Undershirt - several options available - some are plain navy blue, some have the USCG Auxiliary logo and/or text imprinted

o    Unisex - #1 https://auxcen.com/operational

o    Unisex - #2 https://auxcen.com/operational-dress-uniform-blue-t-shirt-100-preshrunk-cotton/

o     

·         Black Riggers Belt - https://shopcgx.com/products/belt-riggers-w-buckle-size-52

·         ODU Ball Cap - https://auxcen.com/auxiliary-standard-ball-cap/

·         Metal member devices - need to acquire at least 1 pair initially - one for ODU ball cap, one for Garrison cap - sold as a pair - https://auxcen.com/member-collar-insigna/ 

·         Blousing straps (they come in a pair) (https://shopcgx.com/products/boot-bands-blue-elastic-2-pair-per-packagel).

·         Footwear: 

o    Eight to ten inch well blackened safety boots – shined for office wear.

o    Boat Shoes (dark blue or dark brown moccasin type boat shoe with non-marking sole). Boat shoe shall not be worn for more formal public or USCG engagement activities (e.g., not for watchstanding or for teaching public education classes).

o    All white or black or all dark/navy blue, low top, athletic shoes with nonskid/non-marking soles are also authorized for Auxiliarists for Operational Activities. Athletic shoes, if worn, must have soles that match the uppers (black or dark/navy blue).

Tropical Blue uniform information

·         Name Plate:  https://shopcgx.com/products/cg-aux-name-plate-white-cg-blue-5-8-x-3-3-16l

·         Trops Shirt (short sleeve):  

o   men - https://shopcgx.com/products/mens-light-blue-short-sleeve-shirt-trop

o   women (2 versions are shown on the site) - #1 - https://shopcgx.com/products/female-light-blue-short-sleeve-shirt

o   women - #2 - https://shopcgx.com/products/female-overblouse

·         Trops Trousers - recommend do NOT order the wash/wear versions - they are not compatible with future dress uniforms you may purchase

• men - https://shopcgx.com/products/dress-trousers-male
• women - https://shopcgx.com/products/dress-slacks-flat-front-female-womens

·         Trops Skirt - https://shopcgx.com/products/female-sdb-uniform-skirt

·         Trops Belt - https://auxcen.com/accessories-black-web-belt/

·         Belt Buckle - can get one with logo or without logo - https://auxcen.com/accessories-belt-buckle/

·         Enhanced Shoulder Boards - usually can get those as hand-me-downs from other members, but for purchase:  https://shopcgx.com/products/cg-aux-shldr-brd-enhanced-member-no-stripe-slvr-a

·         Shoes - black - men:  high gloss/no polish or black oxford you polish; women - black pumps/flats or 

·         Undershirt - V-neck white t-shirt (men and women) – NO crew neck t-shirts

·         Socks - black - crew length or longer 

·         Covers (hats) - 2 compatible with Tropical Blue Uniform:  Garrison Cap and Combination Cap

o    Garrison Cap - see Interactive Uniform Guide for proper wear and location of devices

o    Cap - https://shopcgx.com/products/garrison-cap

·         Left side device for cap - https://shopcgx.com/products/cg-aux-cap-dev-reg-sil-gld-bl-eagle-w-wreath-un-mtd

·         Right side device for cap - metal member device - see link above in ODU list

·         Combination Cap - 

o    Men (link is to the member version) - https://auxcen.com/complete-combination-cap-standard/

o    Women (link is to the member version) - https://auxcen.com/female-member-combination-cover/

·         Optional additions:  Wooley Pully Sweater, Cardigan Sweater

·         AWU information

·         AWU pant:  5.11 Pro Ripstop Pant - Dark Navy color (select Mens or Womens) - 

o   Men:  https://shopcgx.com/products/5-11-tactical-mens-taclite-pant-size-large?variant=41623386620079

o   Women:  

·         AWU shirt - need to choose short or long sleeve (personally I recommend short given our local weather) - oddly, link not on the AuxA or the Exchange site for the shirts

o   Choose short or long sleeve (or order 1 of each) - choose men or women and then fill in your member number, sizing, and LAST name - https://signexplosion.com/collections/uscg-auxilliary

·         AWU Belt - Black Riggers Belt - same as ODU belt - see link above

·         Undershirt - optional.  If worn, same as the ODU - see links above

·         Cover - ODU Ball Cap see link above

·         Footwear

o   same boots as ODU, or

o   Boat Shoes (dark blue or dark brown moccasin type boat shoe with non-marking sole). Boat shoe shall not be worn for more formal public or USCG engagement activities (e.g., not for watchstanding or for teaching public education classes).

o   All white or black or all dark/navy blue, low top, athletic shoes with nonskid/non-marking soles are also authorized for Auxiliarists. Athletic shoes, if worn, must have soles that match the uppers (black or dark/navy blue).

·         Socks – black, undecorated

·       Outerwear information:  Review Interactive Uniform Guide on Outerwear to see your options.  The Foul Weather parka with fleece liner (sold separately) can be used across almost all uniforms. The Auxiliary Windbreaker jacket is also an option for the AWU.

·       If you are going to seek Surface Ops qualification as Boat Crewmember, you will also need the Hot Weather Uniform (shorts, etc.).  See these links:

·         Hot Weather Uniform

o   Shorts (an ODU pant in a shorts format) - https://shopcgx.com/products/rothco-tactical-bdu-shorts

o   Riggers Belt - same as used for ODU and AWU

o   Cover

§ ODU Ball Cap, see link above, 

§ Tilley Hat - https://auxcen.com/auxiliary-sun-hat/

§ Watch Cap (cold weather) - black or navy knit beanie with no markings

o   Shoes – As outlined in the Interactive Uniform Guide and/or as described in the Auxiliary Manual

o   Boat Shoes (dark blue or dark brown moccasin type boat shoe with non-marking sole). 

o   All white or black or all dark/navy blue, low top, athletic shoes with nonskid/non-marking soles are also authorized for Auxiliarists. Athletic shoes, if worn, must have soles that match the uppers (black or dark/navy blue).

o   Socks - black, undecorated

 

ODU Sleeve Rolling Procedure

“Sun’s out, guns out”

Here’s how to roll your ODU sleeves.  When properly rolled, the cuff is about two (2) inches above the crease of your elbow, mid bicep, with only the cuff visible:

 

• Fully extend and flatten the sleeve on a level surface

• Starting at the cuff turn the sleeve inside out all the way to the armpit

• Flatten the sleeve to remove folds and creases

• Begin at folded edge, roll the sleeve up twice in equal rolls. Both rolls should be about the same width as the cuff

• Finally, turn the cuff down over the last fold. Flatten the cuff to remove all folds and creases

• When done correctly, only the cuff is visible

• With practice you will learn exactly where to make the folds based on the length of your arm

 Source:  reserve.uscg.mil/magazine

ODU Pant Blousing – using blousing straps

Proper blousing is key to proper ODU wear (with boots) and looking squared away when in uniform.  

These videos are just a couple examples – there are many.  In addition to blousing, ALL laces (loops and ends) need to be tucked behind your laces and never exposed.