To: ALAUX From: CHDIRAUX Subj: WEARING PPE WITH AUXILIARY MARKINGS -043/09
1. Section 10.A.12. of the Auxiliary Manual (Commandant Instruction M16790.1 series) states, "Auxiliarists may not wear any distinctive part of the uniform or official Auxiliary insignia with civilian clothing." Coast Guard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is authorized for Auxiliary use while assigned to duty and that has Auxiliary markings (e.g. - "U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary" displayed on the back of a Coast Guard Type III life jacket) falls within the scope of, "...any distinctive part of the uniform..." Auxiliary-marked PPE, including life jackets and float coats, are therefore only authorized for wear by Auxiliarists when in uniform and assigned to duty. The Auxiliary Uniform Procurement Guide has also been changed to reflect this policy.
2. The purpose of this list is to keep Auxiliarists as well as all other interested parties abreast of current developments, policies, manuals, etc. All information contained herein and linked is OFFICIAL policy and information.
3. Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.
This is 180 degrees from the old policy of encouraging off-duty CG Aux PFD wear. Those of us who purchased our PPE and wore them whenever underway were much more proud of our membership, it seems, that the Auxiliary is of us.
That is the official version of something that was posted to the AuxKB on 06 Mar 2008 "http://kb.cgaux.info/kb/?View=entry&EntryID=546"
quote:
I have been told that P.P.E. items such as float coats, PFD's (inflatable and standard types), and anti-exposure suits are considered "non- unifrom items" and that they can be worn when not in uniform. Would it be appropriate to wear one of these items (with USCG Aux. markings) when not on official patrol, in uniform, etc. such as when boating for recreation?
Chapter 10, section A.12 of the AuxMan (see below) applies, particularly where it states, "Auxiliarists may not wear any distinctive part of the uniform or official Auxiliary insignia with civilian clothing." - this applies to insignia on PPE as much as it does to insignia on civ clothes
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What they are not 'fessin' up' to is that, as you mentioned, this is a reversal of long-standing policy. The ALAUX makes it sound like the Bilge Mice have been violating policy, when in fact they have been following it all along.
I guess the Aux Store and GNat needs more funds - so change the rules to generate more sales.
Since all my PPE has been given to me by the CG (the norm in my flotilla), I certainly wouldn't have even considered wearing it outside of Aux duty even if it was allowed.
I could see allowing the inflatables to be worn that just have the Aux symbol on them. Heck, no one is going to know what that means anyway. But, the big life jackets with "US Coast Guard Auxiliary" on them are a different story.
I buy my CG Aux uniform items and don't expect to wear them when not doing Aux duty, so don't see why it should be different for member-owned PPE that are marked in a similar fashion.
so don't see why it should be different for member-owned PPE that are marked in a similar fashion.
The rationale given at the time it was allowed (about 8 years ago) was that PPE were not part of the uniform and that allowing them to be worn reduced the cost to be an Auxie and was free advertising. The cost reduction comes about for the facility owning members. They did not have to buy a set of Auxie PFDs and a set of non-Auxie PFDs.
The document said that wearing them was similar to allowing the wear of Auxie ballcaps - without any insignia - for social use.
At face value, it doesn't seem like a big deal, since it's the same policy for the active and reserve side. We aren't allowed to mix and match our uniform items with civilian clothing items, with the exception of the foul weather parka, provided that we take off our rate insignia.
The rationale given at the time it was allowed (about 8 years ago) was that PPE were not part of the uniform and that allowing them to be worn reduced the cost to be an Auxie and was free advertising. The cost reduction comes about for the facility owning members. They did not have to buy a set of Auxie PFDs and a set of non-Auxie PFDs.
The document said that wearing them was similar to allowing the wear of Auxie ballcaps - without any insignia - for social use.
The rationale we heard, in New York, post 9/11 was that increasing the on-water awareness of a CG/CGAUX presence was both a security issue and a calming issue.
If you don't want to buy another float coat or "Mustang" simply cover the markings with a black rectangle fasten with a velcro strip on each corner. The Mustang is quite usefulI when ocean fishing in late October/November.
So does anyone really go out on the water not under orders once you join the Aux? I remember I used to enjoy fishing. Now all my water time ends up doing CG Aux stuff. Maybe I don't need anything but a CG Aux PFD anyway.
Going out to check ATONs isn't worth the hassle of rounding up a crew, cox'n, facility and orders. I wear a working blue shirt to get free launching privleges then go with an inflatable if the water's rough. The shirt goes in the ditty bag. There might be fishing tackle involved, maybe even kids, skis and cerveza.
We average about 100 engine hours a year with 20 hours doing patrols. We run 12 predicted log races, run up the coast (200 nm. round trip), and 4 raft-ups every year. So far we have completed four five hour patrols. Would do more but the hassle of getting crewpeople takes out all the enthusiasm.
For those who like the jacket, the manufacturer of the float coat makes versions for civilians. They come in multiple colors and lengths. Just google MUSTANG SURVIVAL and go thru "recreational" to "flotation coats." (Sorry, I cant provide a link.)
Sell or donate the old one, and purchase a civilian version. While I can sympathize with those who have to go thru the hassle and expense, I believe we should respect the USCG's right to change their policy.
Actually I would read the policy to say that if it has Aux on it, you can't wear it for personal use even if you cover up the markings. The fact is that the PFD is Auxiliary marked whether or not that marking is visible to the public. These are official gear and shouldn't be used for personal use.
