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Member Training – Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) I ntroduction Uniform Description (from Chapter 10 of the Auxilia ry 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 un iform) 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 Recor d 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 un til 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