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Often the public does not differentiate between Coast Guard active duty and the Auxiliary, especially when the uniform is worn. Since its creation in 1939, the Auxiliary has been granted a unique privilege: the Auxiliary is allowed to wear the same uniforms as the Coast Guard active duty and reserve personnel. But (as John F. Kennedy once said) “to those whom much is given, much is expected”.

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. Auxiliarists who wear the Auxiliary uniform will be held to higher grooming and appearance standards. Auxiliarists are authorized to wear Coast Guard uniforms with the appropriate Auxiliary insignia. Uniforms shall be worn as prescribed in the actual Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6 (series), except as noted in Chapter 10 of the Auxiliary Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1 (series)).

For those who still wish to be visually associated with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, but may not be able to wear the uniform to the same sharp & professional standard as the active duty, there is the approved and available Auxiliary Blue Blazer outfit. The Auxiliary Blue Blazer outfit is recognized as optional apparel and is authorized for activities described in Chapter 10 of the Auxiliary Manual. This is also an option for members who may not want to (or be comfortable with) wearing a military-style uniform. Also, Auxiliarists who desire to wear their hair, jewelry, or maintain a general appearance different from that described in the Auxiliary Manual are specifically directed that they “shall wear the Auxiliary Blue Blazer outfit instead of the Auxiliary uniform”.