MEMORANDUM
ISSUED: 5/28/2007




From: COMO Robert Sterzenbach, DCO 11SR

To:
All Auxiliary District 11SR elected leaders

Subj: Authorization to wear the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU).

Ref: (a) Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1(Series)

(b) Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6 (Series)

(c) ALCOAST 223/07

1. This memorandum gives guidance to Auxiliary leaders when prescribing the
Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) for Auxiliary events or activities pursuant to
Auxiliary Manual Chapter 10.A.11.

2. The Auxiliary Manual CH.10.A.9. and A.11 gives broad authority for uniform wear to
the Operational Commander (A.9) and the Auxiliary Elected Leader (A.11). The
Uniform Regulations Manual CH. 1.A.2 directs Coast Guard personnel must present a
proud and professional appearance that will reflect positively on that individual, the
Coast Guard and the United States.

3. Since the introduction of the ODU to the Auxiliary, there have been frequent
questions regarding the intended use and appropriate situations for the wearing of the
ODU. This has partially been due to the number of information sources available to the
Auxiliarist that claim to interpret current regulations. Close investigation of these
sources often reveals they are unofficial interpretations or they are from reputable sources
yet have no authorizing endorsement.

4. For the Auxiliary, the ODU is primarily a work uniform designed for operational
activities. It is not intended to be worn in those situations where a dress (or undress)
uniform is required or considered more appropriate. Although ALCOAST 223/07 states
the ODU is a general purpose everyday uniform that is intended for wear in any
situation that does not require a dress uniform, Auxiliarists must remember Auxiliary
Manual CH. 10 states Uniforms shall be worn as prescribed in Uniform Regulations
COMDTINST M1020.6 (Series), except as noted in this chapter. Thus, for the
Auxiliary, the ODU must be worn as specified in CH. 10 of the Auxiliary Manual.

5. In order to maintain a more professional appearance, and

uniformity among all
District 11SR Auxiliary units, and to ensure that the general public may clearly identify
our non-law enforcement, boating safety, educational mission, I am prescribing, pursuant
to Auxiliary Manual CH.10.A.11., the following guidelines for the wearing of the ODU.
A. The ODU may be worn during the following activities or events:

1)

Auxiliary Operational activities (i.e. surface operations, watchstanding, etc.)
where the Order Issuing Authority (OIA) is the Coast Guard.
Note
:
When the temperature is high, the Hot Weather outfit as prescribed
by the OIA may be worn in lieu of the ODU.


2.) When working with Coast Guard active duty units and the Coast Guard
Authority (Commanding Officer or Officer In Charge) has prescribed the ODU
for assignment to duty or is a requirement for entry onto a Coast Guard
installation or vessel. Members shall wear only member devices (in lieu of office
insignia) when working with Coast Guard active duty units.

3.)

Outdoor public affairs events where the scope of employment of the
Auxiliarist includes direct involvement with static displays of Auxiliary
facilities or Coast Guard operational assets and/or equipment (i.e. aircraft,
helicopters, HAZMAT equipment, etc.).
Note: When the temperature is high, the Hot Weather outfit as prescribed
by the OIA may be worn in lieu of the ODU.

4.) When conducting Vessel Safety Checks (VSC). It is highly recommended
however that the VE Polo Shirt be worn as part of the Hot Weather Outfit when
conducting VSCs.

5.) Events deemed appropriate and approved in advance by the DCO and/or
Director of Auxiliary or their designees.


B. The ODU may not be worn during the following activities or events:

1.) Auxiliary unit meetings. Note that the authorization to wear the ODU in the
office environment (ALCOAST 223/07) is at the discretion of Commanding
Officer and this authority has not been delegated to Auxiliary unit leaders.

Exception: Member training events where the ODU uniform is modeled as one of
the Auxiliarys authorized uniforms or the member is directly involved in an
operational demonstrations/activities (e.g. demonstrating the P-6 pump). Non-
participants shall not wear the ODU.

2.) Indoor public affairs events such as boat shows, civic lectures, etc. where
there are no static displays of Auxiliary facilities or Coast Guard operational
assets and/or equipment.
3.) Outdoor public affairs events where the scope of employment of the
Auxiliarist does not directly involve static displays of Auxiliary facilities or Coast
Guard operational assets and/or equipment.

4.) Public educations classes.

C. When assigned to duty and while serving with a Coast Guard active duty unit,
Auxiliarists may wear that units Coast Guard unit baseball cap as authorized by
the Commanding Officer. When so authorized to wear the unit baseball cap, the
Auxiliarist shall wear only the miniature Auxiliary garrison cap device on the cap.

When not assigned to duty (including travel to and from the units duty station),
the wearing of a Coast Guard units baseball cap is not authorized.