Flotilla 10-10 Uniform Information
Uniforms, Standards & Appearance
The Coast Guard
Auxiliary is the uniformed, volunteer component of the United States
Coast Guard. As such, we have the right and the privilege to wear the
official uniforms of the Coast Guard, with subtle differences in
insignias to identify us to one another, and to active duty Coast Guard
members. The most obvious differences: their buttons and braid are gold;
ours are silver, and our collar and shoulder insignia all have a small
"A" signifying "Auxiliary".
Auxiliary members
purchase their own uniforms.
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.
The uniforms most typically warn by Auxiliarists are the ODU and the Tropical Blue.
Operational Dress Uniform "ODU" Tropical Blue "Trops"
The ODU is the working uniform and is worn when serving along side our CG shipmates and on most missions. The Tropical Blue is used for meetings and some public demonstrations, partner visitation, boat shows and the public classroom.
To assist with a couple of common appearance issues concerning ODU neatness, please see these videos:
FOLDING THE SLEEVE
BLOUSING THE PANTS
In keeping with the true spirit of an organization of volunteers, the
possession and wear of the Auxiliary uniform by Auxiliarists must be a
matter of personal pride. When in uniform, an Auxiliarist is a
representative of DHS, the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary, and the U.S.
Government. Appearance, uniform fit, and grooming shall reflect the
pride of that representation. Often the public does not differentiate
between Coast Guard active duty and the Auxiliary, especially when the
uniform is worn. Coast Guard active duty members are bound by strict
military grooming and weight standards. Realizing that the Auxiliary is
made up entirely of volunteers, the active duty grooming and appearance
standards are relaxed as they apply to Auxiliarists. As a matter of
pride, all Auxiliary members should set the goal to strive to attain the
same standards as active duty members.
There are more specific grooming and appearance standards to be found in the all inclusive and exhaustive AUXMAN.
The Auxiliary does not have a weight standards program, but all
members should set the goal to strive to meet the same standards as the
active duty. Auxiliary members are encouraged to eat a balanced diet and
maintain a medically recommended weight level that is conducive to a
long and healthy life.