Types of Uniforms

Auxiliary members have the privilege of wearing official uniforms of the U.S. Coast Guard, with subtle differences to distinguish volunteers from active-duty or reserve forces. Silver braid and silver buttons (bear the letter "A") replace the gold braid and buttons worn by active-duty Coast Guard Officers - thus the term the "gold-side" of the Coast Guard.

All Auxiliarists are authorized and encouraged to wear the various Auxiliary uniforms or the Blue Blazer outfit. Some Coast Guard and Auxiliary programs and activities require that Auxiliarists wear a uniform when participating. Uniforms shall be worn as prescribed in Chapter 11 of the Auxiliary Manual (AUXMAN) M16790.1G. The ODU and the flight-suite are the newest uniform changes/additions. Click flight-suit for information on this new uniform. Click on this link for a PowerPoint presentationon the new ODU uniform. This uniform is also changing from the current 'tucked' to an 'un-tucked' version. The ODU coat and trousers are both different for these uniforms and are NOT interchangeable. For further information on all Uniform wear check out the Uniform Division page of the Human Resources Department web site.

Since, to most of the general public, we are virtually indistinguishable from our active-duty shipmates on the "gold side", we are held to the same high standards of dress, grooming, and comportment. We wear the uniform with pride.

Therefore, wear your Auxiliary uniform with pride, and give it the respect that serving in uniform is due.

There are ten different types of Auxiliary uniforms depending upon the occasion.

• One Operational Dress Uniform (ODU)
• Flight Suit
• Two Service Undress
• Tropical ("Trops")
• Winter Blue
• Two Service Dress
• Blue or White
• Two Dinner Dress
• Blue or White
• Two Dinner Dress Jacket
• Blue or White

The Commandant has authorized Auxiliarists to buy uniforms and insignia items in all Coast Guard exchanges and uniform stores. The Auxiliary identification card is the only document required for entry and purchasing ability.

Auxiliarists may also order uniforms by mail from the Coast Guard Exchange.

Auxiliarists may use commercial sources for obtaining 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 and distributed to all Materials (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 at commercial locations, Auxiliarists should look for the Coast Guard certification numbers inside the item. Certain commercial sources have received Coast Guard certification for items they manufacture. The safest course is to purchase insignia supplied to the district by the AUXCEN or to ask the MA officer.