Member Training – Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) Introduction

Uniform Description (from Chapter 10 of the Auxiliary Manual)

H.4. Operational Dress Uniform

The ODU may be worn in any situation where any form of dress
uniform is not required or more appropriate and while commuting,
including brief stops for gas and drive-through business. Though there
is no weight standard in the Auxiliary, the ODU shall only be worn in
Coast Guard standard sizes from Coast Guard standard stock from a
Coast Guard exchange or the UDC. ODU substitution look-alikes are
not authorized. Like other Coast Guard uniforms, the ODU must fit
properly (see Figure 10-30). For more information on proper ODU
wear and care, visit the Chief Director’s web site. (see Appendix J)

H.4.a. Trousers: ODU trousers bloused with boots, straight with deck
shoes are worn.

H.4.b. Belt: A black web belt with subdued black open-faced buckle is
worn.

H.4.c. Shirt: Coast Guard blue ODU top with sleeves rolled up
accordion style, with only the cuff showing or down.

H.4.d. Socks: Socks should be black, undecorated.

H.4.e. Shoes: Shoe/boot, high top black lace up or The optional boat
shoe (dark brown leather) low cut shoe of moccasin type construction
with functional rawhide lacing, brass eyelets, and nonmarking sole
may be worn. Dress oxford (black, lace, plain toe) sole and heel must
be same color as the shoe. Heel will be no higher than 1 inch.

H.4.f. Insignia: Sew-on collar devices are worn. [note this is a

revision to the former instruction and what is shown in the manual]

H.4.g. Breast Insignia/Devices: Cloth nametape with “USCG

AUXILIARY” is sewn above left pocket. Direct embroidery on shirt is
not authorized.

H.4.h. Hat: A unit baseball cap with metal or sew-on collar devices or
a working blue (ODU) utility cap with miniature cap device, or a knit
watch cap (cold weather only) may be worn with this uniform.

H.4.i. Accessories: The all weather parka, windbreaker, work jacket, trench coat, and wooly-pully or cardigan,
with enhanced shoulder boards, may be worn with this uniform.

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What this means (or what you need for a complete uniform)

Complete ODU Uniform Checklist

1. ODU Trousers
2. ODU Coat (the top)
3. Blue USCGAux t-shirt (or basic blue t-shirt)
4. ODU Belt and buckle
5. Boots or boat shoes
6. Black socks – boot style with boots
7. Ball cap (one of the following)
o USCGAux baseball cap + member or officer device
o Sector Portland ball cap + member or officer device
8. USCGAux member or officer devices, cloth
9. Cloth nametape, USCG Auxiliary in silver
10. Cloth nametape, your name in silver

It is a significant menu of equipment.

SIZING
Try it on and leave some room for shrinkage. A sizing guide can be found at: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-w/g-
wp/udc/ODUUniforms.html

SOURCES OF THE ODU & ODU ACCESORIES

The ODU is available from three sources.

1) The Uniform Distribution Center – Woodbine NJ.

Note: You must have your Auxiliary ID number to order from the UDC

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-w/g-wp/udc/ (or just search for USCG UDC on google)

New: SHOP ON-LINE

Online ordering is now available from the UDC. Click on USCG UDC Web Store to gain access. To
login for the first time, select the "Request / Change Login and Password" link and complete the form
in its entirety. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to you indicating your User Name and Password.

Phone orders may be placed from 0800 to 1530 Monday thru Friday eastern standard time.
You may use Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or American Express. The UDC stops taking phone
orders at 1530 everyday.

To place a phone order, call: 1-800-874-6841 or (609)861-1221

The Uniform Distribution Center (UDC) is usually the least expensive way to acquire standard USCG uniform
items. They stock a very limited range of Auxiliary items. Most Auxiliary unique items (auxiliary insignia, hats,
etc.) must be purchased from the district stores. See the section that follows on “other items” for sources for
these items.

The UDC stocks:

ODU Coat - $26.90 (See stock book for item number per size)
ODU Trousers - $31.10 (See stock book for item number per size)
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 ODU Belt Buckle - $0.45 (Item BODU)
ODU Belt - $2.00 (Item BBODU)
ODU Trouser Blousers - $0.40 (Item TB)
Boot socks - $1.40/pair (See physical fitness section of the stock book for item number per size)
ODU Name & ODU Auxiliary tapes.
Blue crew neck t-shirts

2) The Exchange on base (or at Astoria)

The Exchange is open M-Sat until 4pm. The exchange stocks most of the items available at the UDC but only
in limited sizes. The exchange in Astoria has a more complete inventory. Prices at the exchange are usually
slightly higher than the UDC.

The Exchange does stock a very good deal on boots:

Bates boots - $55
(Note: BIG-5 also carries a zip up boot ~$25)
Boot socks, 3/pair - $4.10

3) Lighthouse Uniform – Seattle

http://www.lighthouseuniform.com/uscga/index.htm
Note: Details for Lighthouse Uniform have been removed. Their pricing is not competitive!

Beyond the ODU – Name tapes

You need two nametapes, one with your last name and one with
U.S.C.G. Auxiliary. Name tapes typically come in one of two
materials, a cotton tape and the same rip-stop as the ODU material.
Buy the blue rip-stop (as the sources given here indicate) Buy a few
sets to save on shipping.

Name tapes can be purchased from:

1) UDC
A. $4.12 (group of four) for name tapes
B. "USCG AUXILIARY" tape $1.03 each

2) THE BENT NEEDLE

A. USCG Auxiliary Name on RIP STOP $2.50 ea.
B. USCG Auxiliary Tape on Rip Stop $2.50 ea.
+ shipping

http://www.bentneedle.net
1444 COMMERCIAL ST.
ASTORIA, OR. 97103
(503) 325-0638

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Beyond the ODU – Sew on Collar Devices

Sew on collar devices are now required. The easiest source is:
http://www.bentneedle.net
1444 COMMERCIAL ST.
ASTORIA, OR. 97103
(503) 325-0638
New members get these:

Member Device
(pair)
More...
Price: $5.00

Beyond the ODU – Auxiliary Items

This leaves the following Auxiliary unique items:

USCGAux baseball cap
USCGAux cap device – garrison

1) Our District store

http://www.shopauxiliary.com

What it all costs

Not including boots or shoes the ODU costs ~$100 including all insignia, name tapes, a t-shirt and a cap.
Additional sets are less since you don’t need multiple hats/Auxiliary insignia etc. The Auxiliary unique items
purchased for the ODU are all useful for other uniforms as well.

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PREPARING THE ODU FOR WEAR
The collar devices are attached as follows:

ALL COLLAR RANK INSIGNIAS, WITH EXCEPTION OF EMBROIDERED O3 AND O6, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE
IMAGINARY LINE BISECTING THE ANGLE OF THE COLLAR WITH THE BASE OF THE INSIGNIA (NOT THE
EMBROIDERED PATCH) APPROX 1 1/8 INCH FROM COLLAR POINT. DUE TO THEIR HORIZONTAL FORMAT,
EMBROIDERED O3 AND O6 RANK INSIGNIA SHALL BE PLACED 1 1/2 INCHES FROM THE POINT.

Name tapes

Tapes are sewn on with matching color thread with the

name centered above the pocket flap. The ends of the
name tapes should match the width of the pocket flap.
Turn the ends of the tapes under and sew. The last
name goes over the right pocket.

The Cap

The cap is worn facing forward squarely on the

head.

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New Member’s Guide to Getting into the ODU in Record Time

Once you have turned in your paperwork ask your mentor or another member to meet you at the Exchange at Sector
Portland.

At the UDC

1. ODU Trousers
2. ODU Blouse/Coat
3. Ripstop name tapes (rec. 2+ ea)
4. Ripstop USCGAUX tape (rec. 2+ ea)

At the Exchange purchase:

1. Blue T-Shirt
2. Riggers belt
3. ODU Trouser blousers
4. Boots if in stock
5. USCG Sector Portland Ball Cap

From Bent Needle order

1. Cloth member devices (1 pair)

Ask a member to order (In Flotilla 76 your FC tries to keep a few extra):

1. Auxiliary member device

Sew on the devices and name tapes as detailed above.

NOTE: PLEASE do not wear a partial uniform. Wait until

you have all elements of the uniform.

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Shoes, Boots and the trousers

When wearing boat shoes the trouser leg should be straight. When wearing boots you have the
option of “blousing” the trouser leg using blousing bands.

Attach the “band” around the top of the boot. Pull the
trouser cuff over the band and roll the cuff inward,
underneath the band. Once the cuff is in place, position
the band just above the second eyelet of the boot.
Blousing bands and socks should not be visible.

Belt

The ODU belt

& buckle are to
be worn by
both men and
women in the
same manner
as the men’s
standard CG belt. The metal tip is run through the belt
loops beginning on the left side of the zipper. Once
fastened, the metal tip will extend from 2” to 4” beyond the
buckle.

The right side of the buckle (as viewed by wearer) shall

be aligned with the right side of the shirt opening and
the right side of the zipper to form a straight line as
shown (both men and women).

Sleeves

Sleeves may be worn down with cuffs buttoned (or) with

sleeves neatly rolled.

When properly rolled, the cuff should be approximately

2” above the elbow (mid-bicep) with only the cuff
visible.

To properly roll the sleeves takes some patience and a

little practice, but once mastered can be achieved
without difficulty. Depending on an individual’s size and
sleeve length some sleeves may be rolled with one fold
while others will take two.

Directions

1. Have someone show you ☺

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Removing the Coat

The coat may be removed in working situations where heat is an issue. The coat should probably
also be removed when wearing an anti-exposure coverall (Mustang).

Uniform alternatives

The ODU has replaced the working blue and undress blue – summer bravo uniforms for the regular
Coast Guard. Both the working blue and the undress blue – summer bravo are still authorized for the
Auxiliary and are in common use by the membership. The ODU is ALWAYS an acceptable uniform
for operations.

Revision 11JAN2009
Daren Lewis

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