The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's three primary uniforms are the Tropical Blue Uniform (Trops), the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU), and the Auxiliary Work Uniform (AWU).

This page will provide the list of required items for each uniform type as well as clickable links for purchase at the Coast Guard Exchange website (CGX), the Auxiliary Center (AUXCEN), or Vanguard Industries.  The AWU has a unique purchasing process.  This will be described in the AWU section below.

Being a Uniformed Service, the expectation is to purchase at least one of these uniforms.  Depending on your interests, it is likely you will purchase more than one of these uniforms.  There are additional dress uniforms beyond this list, too.  If you have any questions about these uniforms or the dress uniforms, FSO R. Sagues or I are happy to help!

Thank you for your dedication to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.  5-3 is Semper Paratus!

Very Respectfully,

Jacob Dryden
Flotilla Commander 081-05-03



This uniform may be worn...for occasions where the civilian equivalent is coat and tie.  It is authorized for wear in a travel status pursuant to Coast Guard assignment to duty.  This uniform may be worn year-round for appropriate assignments to duty.
Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1G, Chapter 10, Section G.8., 10-66.

The Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) is the principal general purpose, every day Coast Guard uniform.  It may be worn year-round primarily as a field utility and watchstanding uniform.  It is intended for wear in any situation that does not require a dress uniform, including patrols, vessel safety checks, and Coast Guard unit office wear at Commanding Officer's discretion.
Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1G, Chapter 10, Section H.4., 10-77.

*M = Male, F = Female
**Before ordering from the Coast Guard Exchange, you need to create an account.
Click this Link to begin the process.

*Hot Weather Uniform (HWU)
The HWU is authorized as an optional uniform for Auxiliarists in the Eighth Coastal District.  This uniform is authorized for Patrol and Vessel Examination activities but not in a Public Affairs setting.
Two uniform changes occur with the HWU: the ODU Top and ODU Trousers. 
1. The ODU Undershirt listed above is the exclusive Top layer (the ODU Top is not worn). 
2. The ODU Trousers are replaced with the ODU Shorts (listed and linked below).
Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1G, Chapter 10, Section H.3., 10-76.

The AWU is authorized to be worn as an alternative work uniform whenever the ODU or CG-U is authorized to be worn.  This includes authorization to be worn for the purpose of instructing virtual and in-person public education classes, performing boating safety partner visits, and for public outreach events (e.g., boating safety booths at boat shows; public outreach information tables at National Safe Boating Week events).  The AWU is specifically not authorized to be worn for ceremonial events (e.g., as part of a color guard; in parade formation).
Auxiliary Uniform and Appearance Pilot Program, Standard Operating Procedures, AUX-SOP-007(A), Section 4.C., Page 3.

*M = Male, F = Female
**Before ordering from the Coast Guard Exchange, you need to create an account.
Click this Link to begin the process.
***(!) denotes same uniform component as the ODU.