Excerpt from Auxiliary Manual on Wear of the ODU

Belt
The buckle and belt tip of the standard 1¼-inch black ODU belt must not be chipped or discolored. The bitter end shall extend 2 to 4 inches past the belt buckle (subdued version) on the wearer’sleft. The basic riggers belt is an authorized optional belt for ODU wear. This belt is a 1¾-inch black nylon belt. When worn, the bitter end shall stop behind, but not past, the first belt loop on the wearer’s left. This will require the belt be passed through the belt loops from the right, the opposite of other men’s belts. This belt also comes in one size, and it must be properly cut to size.

Shirt
The ODU top is an integral part of the uniform, and the Coast Guard dark blue crew neck T-shirt is the prescribed undergarment. If the ODU top sleeves are rolled up, they shall be done so in prescribed accordion style with only the cuff showing. The ODU top may only be removed temporarily when working in demanding, prolonged operations in high temperatures. In all such cases, the Coast Guard dark blue crew neck T-shirt shall be worn stenciled or embroidered with the words “USCG AUXILIARY” across the front left chest in white ¾-inch tall block-style letters (they must be stenciled identically to promote unit identity and professional appearance), and it shall be in good condition with no tears or stains. It may be 100 percent cotton or be made of a cotton-polyester blend to facilitate moisture wicking. Such relaxed ODU wear is not authorized for routine wear in the office environment, in public, nor for wear while commuting to and from duty
assignments, including in private vehicles. The Auxiliary Operations Polo Shirt may be worn in lieu of the ODU top for patrol activities.

Socks
Socks should be black, undecorated. If wearing the hot weather version, white crew length socks shall be worn. H.4.e. Shoes Shoes shall be well-blackened 8-inch or 10-inch safety boots. When worn in an office, boots shall be shined. Excess laces shall be tucked away so they cannot be seen. The boat shoe, (dark blue or brown leather, low cut of moccasin type construction with functional rawhide lacing, brass eyelets, and nonmarking sole) is an authorized option for Auxiliarists, regardless of type ODU that is worn (regular or Hot Weather uniform).

Insignia
All insignia, except that for hats worn with the ODU, shall be in good repair and shall be embroidered (direct embroidery on the shirt is not authorized), including collar and specialty insignia. If embroidered versions of certain insignia have not yet been fabricated and made available through the Auxiliary materials network, then metal versions may be worn until they are
available. All embroidered collar insignia, withthe exception of Flotilla Commander (FC), District Captain (DCAPT), District Chief of Staff (DCOS), and their corresponding appointed staff officer insignia, shall be placed on the imaginary line bisecting the angle of the collar with the base of the insignia (not the embroidered patch) approximately 1⅛ inches from collar point. Due to their horizontal format, embroidered FC and DCAPT/DCOS insignia shall be placed 1½ inches from the point. COMDTINST M16790.1G 10-80

Breast Insignia/Devices
Direct embroidery on the shirt is not authorized.  Insignia shall be centered directly above the “USCG AUXILIARY” cloth tape immediately above the wearer’s left hand pocket. Only one embroidered insignia is authorized. If an Auxiliarist has earned more than one insignia, then the insignia worn shall be at the discretion of the Auxiliarist. Embroidered insignia shall be the same size as the metal insignia, centered on a tape the full width of the pocket. The tape shall not
exceed the width of the pocket. Temporary or conditional qualification insignia shall not be worn on the ODU. Incumbent Commanding Officers and Officers-in-Charge are authorized to wear the embroidered command ashore or afloat devices centered directly above the wearer’s nametape. These embroidered devices shall be approximately the same size as the metal versions. The same parameters apply to the wear of the embroidered AUXOP device, which is the only device authorized for wear by Auxiliarists on the ODU. Since these positions are integral to active duty command cadre, only incumbent gold and silver badge Command Chiefs are authorized to wear
their respective badges (embroidered only) on the ODU. They shall be worn in accordance with provisions of the Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1010.6 (series). Coast Guard active duty, Reserve, or retired personnel who also happen to be Auxiliarists may wear Coast Guard sew-on qualification insignia and devices earned through such service on their Auxiliary ODU uniform in accordance with Coast Guard uniform regulations.

Hat
The Auxiliary ball cap and Coast Guard unit ball cap (if authorized) are the prescribed hats to be worn with this uniform. The blue working utility cap may be worn, but it will no longer be authorized
for Auxiliary wear as of 31 December 2012. The Tilley hat may be worn in accordance with section
D.3.f of this chapter. The cold weather cap may be worn in accordance with the provisions of section D.3.e of this chapter.The knit watch cap may be worn in accordance with the provisions of section D.3.g of this chapter.

Accessories
The foul weather parka is the prescribed outer wear with this uniform. The trench coat, windbreaker, and work jacket may be worn with the ODU, but theywill no longer be authorized for Auxiliary wear with it as of 31 December 2012. The cardigan sweater and the wooly-pully sweater may be worn with this uniform in accordance with the provisions of section D.6 and D.7 of this chapter.