Uniforms: Past Officer Device on ODUs

By Daren Lewis

Shipmates,
A question recently came up about the Past Officer Device and wear on the ODU. While the new manual has a bit of room for interpretation I am reasonably comfortable that the intent is that no Past Officer Device is worn on the ODU for three reasons:

1. Chapter 10 H.4.g indicates the AUXOP device is the only authorized device for Auxiliarists (with some exceptions for prior service).

Insignia shall be centered directly above the USCG AUXILIARY cloth tape immediately above the wearer‘s left hand pocket. Only one embroidered insignia is authorized. If an Auxiliarist has earned more than one insignia, then the insignia worn shall be at the discretion of the Auxiliarist. Embroidered insignia shall be the same size as the metal insignia, centered on a tape the full width of the pocket. The tape shall not exceed the width of the pocket. Temporary or conditional qualification insignia shall not be worn on the ODU.

Incumbent Commanding Officers and Officers-in-Charge are authorized to wear the embroidered command ashore or afloat devices centered directly above the wearer‘s nametape. These embroidered devices shall be approximately the same size as the metal versions. The same parameters apply to the wear of the embroidered AUXOP device, which is the only device authorized for wear by Auxiliarists on the ODU.

2. AUXCEN does not sell a embroidered Past Officer Device.

3. In ALCOAST 291/11 on Uniform Board 44 the wear of a sew on Past Officer Device appears in the items considered and disapproved list.