UNIFORM REGULATIONS - U.S. Coast Guard

COMDTINST M1020.6G
3.E. QUALIFICATION INSIGNIA, DEVICES AND BADGES
3.E.1. INSIGNIA
Insignia denote a significant level of qualification or designation in specialized fields that
meet an established standard of knowledge, training, and experience.
Coast Guard officers and enlisted members who, while a member of the Coast Guard,
have earned qualification insignia from another United States military service are
authorized to wear said insignia on the Coast Guard uniform as described in this section.
When wearing ribbons or medals, a member may wear up to two insignia in accordance
with the specific guidelines below. When wearing two insignia, wear the insignia most
applicable to the current assignment uppermost. Otherwise, wear the most recently
earned uppermost.
Full-size qualification insignia are worn on all uniforms except miniature insignia are
worn on the Dinner Dress and formal uniforms
The polishing or high gloss plating of Coast Guard qualification insignia originally
finished in a single color (completely gold, silver, satin antique pewter or satin antique
gold colored finishes) is authorized. Personnel must make this modification at their own
expense. Polished or high gloss insignia are authorized for optional wear unless
prohibited by the uniform prescribing authority.
Metal insignias are worn on all uniforms with the exception of the Operational Dress
Uniform. A single embroidered insignia that the member has permanently earned
may be worn on the ODU, sewn on and centered directly above the “U. S. COAST
GUARD” tape. The single insignia should represent applicable qualifications or most
recently earned as appropriate.
Embroidered insignia should be obtained from Coast Guard approved sources (i.e.,
Uniform Distribution Center, Coast Guard Exchange System, or Coast Guard Exchange
approved contract vendors). From these sources, the fabric strip on which the insignia
are embroidered will be rectangular and will be the same length as the “U. S. Coast
Guard” tape.
The insignia must be sewn either by machine or hand, at a minimum of six stitches per
inch, directly above the Coast Guard tape using thread the same color as the background
of the insignia. Insignia must not be shorter than, nor extend beyond, the width of the
ODU breast pocket.
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