QUICK GUIDE TO PURCHASING UNIFORMS

QUICK GUIDE TO PURCHASING UNIFORMS Flotilla 054-10-05 October 2018 Contents I. Types of uniforms.... 2 II. Where to buy uniforms. 4 III. Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) Components... 5 IV. Hot Weather Uniform Components... 7 V. Tropical Blue Uniform Components.... 8 A. Men s Tropical Blue..... 8 B. Women s Tropical Blue....... 10

2 I. Types of uniforms. For detailed descriptions of uniforms and when they are authorized to be worn, refer to Chapter 10 of the Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1G. This Quick Guide is intended to help new members purchase the basic components of the uniforms they will wear most often. 1) Operational Dress Uniform (ODU). This is the most common uniform worn by Auxiliarists and active duty Coast Guard at Station Oak Island. It can be worn year round as a field utility uniform and also in an office environment. ODUs are the uniform-of-the-day for Auxiliary flotilla meetings, training sessions at Station Oak Island, vessel examinations, on-the-water patrols, and some public affairs events. It is recommended that new members purchase an ODU as their first uniform because it is the most versatile. Operational Dress Uniform ODU 2. Hot weather uniform. Auxiliarists may wear the optional hot weather uniform during summer months only, and only for on-the-water operations or vessel exams. The uniform should not be worn to meetings or public events. An ODU tee shirt is worn with dark blue shorts (modified ODU trousers), Auxiliary ball cap, boat shoes or athletic shoes. Hot weather uniform

3 3) Tropical Blue Uniform. This uniform can be worn when a tie is not necessary and the uniform will not be soiled. Auxiliarists wear Tropical Blues when teaching public education classes, at Division and District workshops and training sessions, Change-of-Watch ceremonies, and many public affairs events. Tropical Blue Uniform 4) Service Dress Blue uniform. This uniform may be worn for occasions where the civilian equivalent is jacket and tie. Most flotilla members do not buy Service Dress Blues until or unless they regularly attend functions for which the uniform is required. Because this Quick Guide is intended for new members, it does not cover purchasing the service dress blue. Service Dress Blue

4 II. Where to buy uniforms. Many uniform components can be purchased on the Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) website. Most Auxiliary-specific items are not available from the CGX, but can be purchased on-line from the Auxiliary s District 5 store. A few items, such as belts, name tags and garrison hats, are available on both websites. In most cases, the CGX prices are less than the District 5 store prices for the same items, and the CGX does not charge for shipping or tax. An alternative to the District 5 store is the Auxiliary Center (AuxCen) website. The two sites carry most of the same items and the prices are the same. There are many commercial sellers of Auxiliary uniform components. Prices vary considerably among the websites. They can be located by searching online, or by asking flotilla members for recommendations. Coast Guard Exchange (CGX): https://shopcgx.com You ll need to register to make purchases. Click on My Account, then Register, then I m a USCG Auxiliarist. Enter your member ID number and a password. (You can use your Member Zone password if you want.) If you re unsure about what to buy or about sizes, call Customer Service at 800-874-6841, hours 0800-1500 Mon-Fri. The website is similar to most on-line shopping sites, with a shopping cart and checkout procedure. Payment is made by credit card. District 5 store: http://uscgaux-5sr.bizhosting.com/index.html You will need your member number and flotilla number (0541005) to purchase items. The website is similar to other online shopping sites. There is a shipping charge. The following descriptions of uniform components are meant to help new members buy their first uniforms. Only ODUs, hot weather uniforms, and tropical blues are covered. Components of other uniforms, such as Service Dress Blues and Dinner Dress Blues, are not described as new members are unlikely to purchase those. Only basic uniform items are included here. Accessories and optional components, such as polo shirts, Tilley hats, sweaters and outerwear are not described. Members should always refer to the Auxiliary Manual and other uniform guidance documents for detailed information.

5 III. Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) components. Note: all prices and stock numbers listed below are current as of October, 2018. 1. ODU Shirt. Purchase from CGX. Click on Uniforms, then Shirts under ODU. Click on either Untucked ODU Shirt Male or Untucked ODU Shirt Female. Scroll down to the sizing chart, then enter the appropriate coat size and length. Price is $38.84. 2. ODU Trousers. Purchase from CGX. Click on Uniforms, then Trousers under ODU. Click Untucked ODU Trousers. Trousers are the same for male and female. Scroll down to the sizing chart, then enter the appropriate waist size and inseam. Price is $46.72. As of October 2018, certain sizes are out of stock. If the size you need is not available you can buy the NOAA/PHS Untucked ODU Trousers. 3. Auxiliary Tape. Purchase from CGX. This is the embroidered cloth tape that you sew on the ODU shirt directly above the left pocket. When sewn on, the tape should be the same width as the pocket. Click on Name Tag / Tape under Accessories. Click ODU Auxiliary Tape. Price is $1.62. 4. Name Tape. Purchase from CGX. It is shown on the same page as the Auxiliary Tape. Click on ODU Name Tape. Price $1.01 for four tapes. When placing an order that includes a name tape, be sure to specify the last name to be embroidered on it. The embroidered tape should be sewn directly above the right pocket. (Note: Do not order the $.41 name tag shown under CG Auxiliary Accessories.) 6. Trouser blousers. Purchase from CGX. Click on Uniforms, Accessories, Garters Boot Bands. Click on Trouser Blousers. Price is $1.37 for a pair. Blousers are elastic cords that you hook around your lower leg. You then tuck the bottom of the ODU trousers under the cords, and pull down over the boot. 5. Riggers Belt. Purchase from CGX. Click on Uniforms, Accessories, Belts Buckles. Click on Riggers Belt. Price is $4.31. The belt can be cut to proper size. This item also can be purchased from the District 5 store, but price is $5.00 plus shipping..

6 6. Ball Cap. Purchase from District 5 store. At the home page, click on Uniform Items, then on Caps/Hats/Accessories, then on Ball Caps. Select the proper size. Stock number 604xx, where xx is the size. Price $12.40. 7. ODU Tee Shirt. Purchase from District 5 store. At home page click on Uniform Items, then on ODU Dark Blue Tee Shirts. Select the right size. Stock number is M8-813xx. Price $9.70. (2XL is $12.80) The tee shirt is worn under the ODU shirt. 8. Member Sew-Ons. Purchase from District 5 store. On the Uniform Items page, click on Sew-Ons. Then click Member Sew-On (New)(Sold in Pairs). Stock number 60224, price $2.09. These cloth insignia are sewn on the collar of the ODU shirt, on the imaginary line bisecting the angle of the collar with the base of the insignia (not the entire patch), approximately 1-1/8 inches from the collar point. Note: the illustration on the right shows where the sew-ons should be placed on the collar. The new sew-ons, which replaced the letter A insignia, look like this: 9. Collar insignia for ball cap. Purchase from District 5 store. On the Uniform Items page, click on Collar Devices. Select Member Collar Insignia (pair). Stock number 60201, price $6.05. Although these are called collar insignia, they are no longer worn on the ODU collar. Rather, one insignia is worn on the ball cap, centered between the U.S. COAST GUARD and the AUXILIARY. 10. Boots. ODUs are worn with plain, black, hard toe boots. (When on the water, athletic shoes or leather boat shoes may be worn.) Boots are available on the CGX website. Click on Uniforms, then Shoes Boots, then Men or Women. The Super Boot Male is $105.71. Super Boot - Female is $105.89. Most flotilla members buy less expensive boots from other online or local stores.

7 IV. Hot Weather Uniform components. Note: all prices and stock numbers listed below are current as of October, 2018. 1. ODU shorts. Purchase from District 5 store. On the website s home page, click on Uniform Items, scroll down to ODU Shorts, click on the proper size. Stock number is 251368x and the price is $28.32. 2. ODU Tee Shirt. See Item 7 listed under ODU components. 3. Riggers Belt. See Item 5 listed under ODU components. 4. Ball Cap. See Item 6 listed under ODU components. 5. White crew socks. 6. Shoes Low cut, dark blue or brown leather boat shoes, or athletic shoes may be worn.

8 V. Tropical Blue Uniform components. Note: all prices and stock numbers listed below are current as of October, 2018. A. Men s Tropical Blues 1. Light Blue Short Sleeve Shirt. Purchase from CGX. Go to Uniforms, then Service Dress Uniforms, then Men. Click on Light Blue Short Sleeve Dress Shirt (Trops) - Male. Enter your neck size. Price is $14.75. If you re a person of stature, order the Light Blue Short Sleeve Dress Shirt (Trops) Tall. Price is $23.23. 2. Dress Trousers. Purchase from CGX. Go to Uniforms, then Service Dress Uniforms, then Men. There are two choices of trouser material. (a) Dress Trousers Male are 55% polyester, 45% wool. They can be worn with the Tropical Blue uniform or with the Service Dress Blue uniform. Dry clean only. Price $42.51 (b) Men s Service Dress Blue Trousers (Wash & Wear) are 75% polyester, 25% wool. They can be worn only with the Tropical Blue uniform, not with Service Dress Blues. Price $43.77. Each trouser description has a sizing chart. Enter your waist size and height. 3. Shoes. Black, smooth leather or synthetic, laced shoes without decoration. There should be no stitching or seams across the toe. If you want to buy shoes, they are available at the CGX under Uniforms, then Shoes Boots, then Men. Order either the Dress Shoes Male, price $48.93, or Dress Shoe Male Corafram, price $45.86. 4. Name Tag. Purchase from District 5 Store. On the home page, click on Uniform Items, then click on Name Tags, then select Auxiliary Uniform Name Tag, Regulation Size, Stock #80135, price $4.00. Be sure to specify last name when ordering. 5. Belt. Purchase from District 5 store. Black web belt with either plain silver buckle or buckle with Auxiliary emblem. On the home page, click on Uniform Items, then Belts/Buckles. Select Black Web Belt by length (it can be cut). Stock # 6043x. Price depends on length. Then select either Plain Buckle (stock #60435, price $4.40) or Buckle with Aux Emblem (stock #60457, price $13.40.).

9 6. Enhanced Shoulder Boards. Purchase from District 5 Store. On the home page, click on Uniform Items, then Shoulder Boards, then Enhanced Shoulder Boards Regular. Select Member, Regular Shoulder Boards (sold in pairs). Stock #62150. Price $26.80. Note: Before buying new shoulder boards, check to see if any are available from other flotilla members. Staff and elected officers may have member shoulder boards they don t wear anymore. 7. Hat. Either a Garrison Cap or Combination Cap may be worn. New members usually buy a garrison cap first, as it is much less expensive. Garrison Cap Combination Cap Garrison Cap: Purchase from CGX. Go to Uniforms, then Hats Caps, then Garrison Caps. Enter hat size. Price $10.65 This item can also be purchased from the District 5 store, but price is $16.75 plus shipping. Garrison Cap Device. Purchase from District 5 Store. Click on Uniform Items, then Caps/Hats/Accessories, then Cap Accessories. Stock #60458. Price $6.40. The device is placed on the left side of the cap, 2 inches from the front, 1½ inches from the bottom. Combination Cap: The men s combination cap can be bought as separate components or as a complete cap from the District 5 store. The separate components are a frame, vinyl or cloth cover, band with mount, cap device, chin strap, and cap buttons. Because it s much easier to buy the complete cap, that s the method described here. Complete cap. District 5 store: Click on Uniform Items, then Caps/Hats/Accessories, then Combination Caps (Complete Caps), then Combination Caps - Member Regular (Complete Caps). Select size. Stock #60460x. Price $65.95.

10 B. Women s Tropical Blues 1. Light Blue Short Sleeve Shirt or Over Blouse. Women may wear either a tucked dress shirt or an untucked over blouse. Purchase from CGX. Click on Uniforms, then Service Dress Uniform, then Women. Light Blue Short Sleeve Dress Shirt Female. Order by neck and bust size. Price is $19.29. Note: Female Auxiliarists are authorized to wear either male or female light blue short sleeve shirts that provide the best fit. Over Blouse - Female. Follow instructions to determine correct measurements. Choose Misses or Women s fit then enter dress size and length. Price $19.49. 2. Dress Slacks or Skirt. Women may wear either dress slacks or skirt. Purchase from CGX. Click on Uniforms, then Service Dress Uniform, then Women. Dress Slacks Flat Front. There are three options: Junior, Misses or Women s. Select proper fit and size from the sizing chart. 55% polyester, 45% wool. These can be worn with the Tropical Blue uniform or with the Service Dress Blue uniform. Price: Junior $42.67; Misses and Women s $37.78. SDB Slacks Flat Front (Wash & Wear). There are three options: Junior, Misses or Women s. 75% polyester, 25% wool. These can be worn only with the Tropical Blue uniform, not with the Service Dress Blue uniform. Price $39.64. Dress Skirt. There are three options: Junior, Misses or Women s. Refer to sizing chart to determine skirt size and length. Price: Junior $51.73; Misses and Women s $60.60.. 3. Shoes. The black women's pumps are plain in style, with no decoration, and made of smooth black leather or synthetic, with a closed heel and toe. The heel may be 1 to 2-5/8 inches high and no less than 1/2 inch wide at the floor. A flat wedge style sole which rises 1 inch is authorized. Sole edges and heels must be the same color as the shoe. Pumps can be purchased from the CGX. Go to Uniforms, then Shoes Boots, then Women. Click on Dress Shoes Female Pump. Price $39.39. Optional shoes, for wear with slacks, are plain, lace-up oxfords made of smooth black leather or synthetic. The heels should be no higher than one inch.. These can be purchased from the CGX. Go to Uniforms, Shoes Boots, Women. Choose either Oxford Dress Shoe Female, price $47.59 or Dress Shoe Female Corafram, price $41.05. 4. Name tag. See name tag under Men s Tropical Blues. 5. Belt. A belt is worn only with the slacks, not with the skirt. See Belt under Men s Tropical Blues.

11 6. Enhanced Shoulder Boards. Small shoulder boards are worn with the female dress shirt or over blouse. Purchase from District 5 Store. Click on Uniform Items, then Shoulder Boards, then Enhanced Shoulder Boards Small. Select Member, Small Shoulder Boards (sold in pairs). Stock #61150. Price $26.80. Note: Before buying new shoulder boards, check to see if any are available from other flotilla members. Staff and elected officers may have member shoulder boards they no longer need. 7. Hat. Women may wear either the garrison cap or female combination cap with tropical blues. Most members wear the garrison cap, as it is much less expensive than the combination cap. Garrison Cap. For garrison cap information, see Garrison Cap under Men s Tropical Blues. Female Combination Cap. Unlike the men s combination cap, the female Auxiliary cap is not available as a complete cap. You have to buy a woman s Coast Guard officer s cap and then replace the Coast Guard components with Auxiliary ones. Some Auxiliary components can be purchased from the CGX, some from the District 5 store. a) Coast Guard Combination Hat Officer - Female. Purchase from CGX. Click on Uniforms, Hats Caps, Combination Caps. Select Combo Hat Officer Female. Price $83.83. Sizes listed in drop down menu are head circumference. To convert to hat size, use chart shown under Combination Cap Enlisted Male. b) Auxiliary Chin strap. Purchase from CGX. Click on Uniforms, CG Auxiliary, Accessories. Select Auxiliary Chin Strap, Price $6.72. Note: This item can be purchased also from District 5 store, but price is $10.05. c) Auxiliary Cap Buttons. Purchase from District 5 Store. Click on Uniform Items, then Buttons, then Women's Cap Buttons, Prong Type. Stock #60425, price $0.70. This item can be purchased also from the CGX,, but price is $2.98. d) Hat band. Purchase from District 5 store. Click on Uniform Items, then Cap Accessories, then Women's hat band (for combination cap). Stock # 60493, price $26.80. e) Cap device. Purchase from District 5 store. Click on Uniform Items, then Cap Accessories, then Officers Cap Device (Combination Hat). Stock #60459, price $11.40.