chapter 11. AUXILIARY MEMBER RECOGNITION
A. Recognition for Auxiliarists. Members of the Auxiliary, being volunteers, receive no direct compensation for the many hours of time and effort they donate to the CG. The recognition of an Auxiliarist's service, through the presentation of timely and appropriate awards, is essential to the success of the Auxiliary program. In many respects, the recognition they receive through these awards can be considered to be their "paycheck." The service and actions of the Auxiliarists should receive the appropriate recognition and awards to the maximum extent possible.
B. Descriptions of Auxiliary Awards.
1. Auxiliary Distinguished Service Award.
b. The performance required to justify this award is exceptional performance of duty that benefits the Auxiliary as a whole. This performance, therefore, must be clearly much higher than normally expected, and must have a measurable, positive effect on the entire organization. Normally this award will be given to elected and appointed officers for extraordinary achievement. However, do not interpret this to preclude the award to any person whose service meets the requirement.
c. The key words for this award are: for persons who DISTINGUISH themselves by contributing EXCEPTIONAL MERITORIOUS service to the entire organization. To justify this award, exceptional performance of duty, clearly much higher than normally expected, which has resulted in significant benefit to the entire Auxiliary organization, is required.
d. This award consists of Commandant’s citation letter, a plaque, ribbon, miniature medal, and lapel pin. The operational "O" attachment is not authorized for this award. Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16 inch gold or silver stars as appropriate.
e. Although active duty and reserve members can be recognized with this award, the associated ribbon and medal are not authorized for wear on the military duty uniform.
2. Plaque of Merit.
a. The Plaque of Merit is given to Auxiliary members in recognition of extreme skill in performing an assist or rescue that involves risk to the Auxiliarist's life. The Plaque of Merit may be awarded by any Flag Officer.
b. This award recognizes heroism in the face of grave personal risk and which clearly stands out as above normal expectations.
c. The key aspects of performance for award of the Plaque of Merit are: EXTREME SKILL in performing an ASSIST OR RESCUE at RISK TO THE MEMBER'S LIFE. As can be seen, the Plaque of Merit can only be given for an assist or rescue. The individual must have exercised extreme skill, as opposed to just skill required for the Award of Operational Merit. Lastly, there must have been risk to the member's life. Neither the assist nor rescue need be successful, only that the action required extreme skill and was performed or attempted at risk to the member's life.
d. This award consists of a bronze plaque, ribbon and miniature medal. There is no certificate. The operational "O" attachment is not authorized for this award. Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16 inch gold or silver stars as appropriate.
3. Auxiliary Meritorious Service Award.
a. The Auxiliary Meritorious Service Award (MSA) is awarded to members of the Auxiliary who have contributed exceptional meritorious service to the CG and/or Auxiliary. Members who serve in any capacity within the Auxiliary are eligible. The Auxiliary Meritorious Service Award may be awarded by any Flag Officer.
b. The meritorious performance of duty must have enhanced Auxiliary goals on a district level. This performance must clearly be of a nature much higher than that normally expected, and which has a significant positive effect on the ability of the CG and/or the Auxiliary to complete its missions and goals.
c. For this award, the key words are: OUTSTANDING and MERITORIOUS service worthy of special recognition which contributes significantly to fulfillment of Auxiliary goals at the local level.
d. This award consists of a ribbon, miniature medal, and certificate. The operational "O" attachment may be authorized for this award. Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16 inch gold or silver stars as appropriate.
4. Award of Operational Merit.
a. The Award of Operational Merit is given to Auxiliarists in recognition of outstanding skill in performing an assist, rescue, or other meritorious operational service. The Award of Operational Merit may be awarded by any CG Commanding Officer (06 and above) of an operational unit or serving as division chief or higher at a district office, MLC or HQ or serving as a district director.
b. This award recognizes outstanding achievement or service of an operational nature worthy of special recognition.
c. For this award, the key words are: OUTSTANDING OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE or SKILL in performing an ASSIST or RESCUE or OTHER MERITORIOUS OPERATIONAL SERVICE. To receive the Award of Operational Merit, only skill is required, not extreme skill, and there does not have to be a risk to the member's life. Further, outstanding operational performance and other meritorious operational service have been included in this category. This was added to allow recognition of a cumulative series of operational services, none of which, standing alone, would merit this award, but taken as a group, do merit this level of recognition.
d. This award consists of a ribbon, miniature medal and certificate. The operational "O" attachment is not authorized for this award. Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16 inch gold or silver stars as appropriate.
5. Award of Administrative Merit.
a. The Award of Administrative Merit is given to members of the Auxiliary in recognition of outstanding administrative assistance that furthers any of the Auxiliary's authorized activities. The Award of Administrative Merit may be awarded by any CG Commanding Officer (06 or above) or under same circumstances as Award of Operational Merit.
b. This award recognizes outstanding achievement or service of an administrative nature worthy of special recognition.
c. The key words for the Award of Administrative Merit are: OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATIVE ACHIEVEMENT which FURTHERS ANY of the Auxiliary's AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES. The Award of Administrative Merit is for outstanding administrative services. This requires services accomplished in a manner which is much better than could normally be expected from an Auxiliarist of like capability and experience. Neither doing a difficult job well nor doing a routine job in an excellent manner will suffice. The achievement must be truly outstanding.
d. This award consists of a ribbon, miniature medal, and certificate. The operational "O" attachment is not authorized for this award. Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16 inch gold/silver stars as appropriate.
6. Award of Merit.
a. The Award of Merit is given to members of the Auxiliary in recognition of sustained professional and/or leadership achievements in administration or operations. The Award of Merit may be awarded by any CG commanding officer (O-5 and above) of an operational unit or serving as a division chief or higher at a district office or MLC, or Headquarters office or District Auxiliary Director (O-5 and above).
b. This award recognizes outstanding achievement or service of a nature which is worthy of special recognition as described below.
c. The key words for the Award of Merit are: SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL and/or LEADERSHIP ACHIEVEMENTS over a PERIOD OF TIME. The Award of Merit is for sustained achievement. It is for recognition of members who have maintained an outstanding level of performance and/or achievement over a period of time to further authorized activities of the Auxiliary. The achievements could be in administration or operations.
d. This award consists of a ribbon, miniature medal, and certificate. For achievement in operations, members may wear the operational "O" attachment centered on the ribbon or the medal's suspension ribbon. Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16 inch gold or silver stars as appropriate.
7. Auxiliary Humanitarian Service Award.
a. The Auxiliary Humanitarian Service Award (HSA) is presented to members of the Auxiliary who distinguish themselves as individuals or as members of an operational unit by meritorious, direct, non-routine participation in a significant act or operation of a humanitarian nature. Direct participation is defined as being physically present at the designated location, having directly contributed and influenced action.
b. Service rendered in the act or operation being considered must meet the following criteria:
(1) Must be above and beyond normal duties.
(2) Must have major significance.
(3) Must have provided immediate relief, relieve human suffering, and should save lives.
(4) Must have affected the outcome of the situation.
(5) Must have specific dates and must be restricted to the period of "immediate relief."
c. Examples of the types of acts or operations which may qualify for this award include:
(1) Significant assistance in the event of national or international disasters, natural or man-made, such as, but not limited to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, or conflagrations.
(2) Support or resettlement of refugees or evacuees.
(3) Significant acts or operations directly related to humanitarian service which are above and beyond routine service.
(4) Participation in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, equal rights to citizens, or the protection of properties are excluded from this award.
d. This award is considered the Auxiliary equivalent of the military Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM). Since Auxiliary members are not eligible to receive the HSM, the Auxiliary Humanitarian Service Award is awarded to Auxiliarists who participate in the same operations where active duty members are awarded the HSM.
e. This award consists of a ribbon and miniature medal. There is no certificate. For subsequent awards, a 3/16 inch bronze star is authorized to be worn on the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar.
8. Multiple Awards. Members indicate multiple awards of any of the above by adding 5/16" or 3/16" gold/silver stars.
9. Posthumous Awards. All the above awards may be made posthumously.
C. Applicable Coast Guard Awards.
1. Coast Guard Unit Commendation Awards. Auxiliarists are eligible to receive the CG Unit Commendation and the CG Meritorious Unit Commendation awards. The award consists of a ribbon only, there are no miniature medals. A Flag Officer approving authority makes these awards. To be eligible an Auxiliarist must have participated directly in at least 50% of the action in a single operational incident for which the CG unit involved received a citation for one of these awards. The operational "O" is attached when authorized. Members indicate multiple awards by adding 5/16" gold or silver stars. Specific Auxiliary units awarded the CG Unit Commendation are authorized to fly the award pennant for three years after the award and on occasions of dress or full dress thereafter.
2. Commandant Award of Coast Guard Unit Commendation. On 1 Sept 1993, the Commandant awarded the CG Unit Commendation to the Auxiliary. Only those Auxiliarists who were members during the period from Oct 1991 through Nov 1992 are authorized to wear the CG Unit Commendation as a result of this award.
3. Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation. Only those Auxiliarists who were members during the entire period from Mar 1989 to Oct 1989 are authorized to wear the CG Bicentennial Unit Commendation. The award consists of a ribbon only; there is no miniature medal.
4. Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Award. Auxiliarists are eligible to receive the CG Meritorious Team Commendation award.
a. A Captain (O-6) or higher serving in command billets (area, MLC, district, unit), serving as an office chief at CGHQ or serving as an Auxiliary District/Regional Director authorize this award. To be eligible, an Auxiliarist must have made a significant contribution to a group or team cited for the award. This team can consist of Auxiliarists and other team CG members, or all Auxiliarists.
b. The command member, exercising operational or administrative control of the chartered team should initiate the recommendation. Recommendations for the Meritorious Team Commendation are made to appropriate operational CG commanders for actions under their control. Awards involving Auxiliary flotilla, division or district staffs must be forwarded to the applicable Director who will process via an Auxiliary or District Awards Board, as appropriate. Recommendations involving Auxiliary national staff members must be forwarded to the Chief Director, who will process came through appropriate channels. Awards should be recommended promptly after the action as there is a time limitation for making recommendations.
c. Separate recommendations for each team member are NOT required. A single award recommendation form (CG-1650) with a proposed citation, together with a complete listing of all eligible members must be included. If the operational "O" device is recommended, the citation should indicate same. Only those members who serve for the entire meritorious period and made a significant contribution to the overall team accomplishments should be included. For Auxiliarists, include full name, member number and current office held. For CG members, include full name, rank/grade, SSN, and current unit assignment.
d. The award consists of a ribbon only; there is no miniature medal. The operational "O" is attached when authorized. Members indicate multiple awards by adding 5/16 inch gold or silver stars as appropriate.
e. Inasmuch as the Meritorious Team Commendation and the Auxiliary Group Action Award recognize the same levels of performance and inasmuch as Auxiliary members are eligible to recommend or receive either award, the Auxiliary Group Action Award is retired. Members who previously earned the Group Action Award may continue to wear it until unserviceable.
5. Special Operations Service Ribbon. Auxiliarists who participate in a CG special operation, not involving combat, may receive this award. It is for individuals not recognized by another service award for the same operation, during the same period of service. This award can be authorized by the Commandant or an Area Commander.
6. Recruiting Service Ribbon. Auxiliarists are eligible to receive the Recruiting Service Ribbon.
a. Auxiliarists who have successfully completed the Recruiter Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS), are authorized to wear the Recruiting Badge. They must have augmented a recruiting office for two year minimum since 1 Jan 1980 to be eligible.
b. The approval authority for this award is the Director of the CG Recruiting Center. Recommendations should be forwarded to:
Director (MPC-CGRC-3)
Coast Guard Recruiting Center
4200 Wilson Blvd. - Suite 450
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
D. Applicable Non-Military Awards.
1. Department of Transportation Gold Medal Award. Only those Auxiliarists who were members during the period from 1 October 1993 to 30 September 1994 are authorized to wear the ribbon that accompanies the DOT Gold Medal for Outstanding Achievement. The ribbon is surrounded by a gold frame. No miniature medals are authorized for this award.
2. Lifesaving Awards. Auxiliarists also may become eligible for a Gold or Silver Lifesaving Medal for rescuing or trying to rescue another person from drowning, shipwreck or other peril of the water. The Gold Lifesaving Medal is earned only when the rescue or attempt is at the risk of one's own life. If the action was taken while assigned to duty as an Auxiliarist, award of the Plaque of Merit is more appropriate than the Lifesaving Medals.
3. Public Service Awards. Under the provisions of the CG Public Affairs Manual (COMDTINST M5728.2 (series)) Auxiliarists are not normally eligible for CG Public Service Awards. If recommended by the District Commander, however, such recommendations will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Commandant.
4. Coast Guard Foundation, Inc. Award of the Year. Auxiliarists, by outstanding service to the CG, also may be eligible for the annual CG Foundation Award. The CG Medals and Awards Manual (COMDTINST M1650.25 (series)) contains the authorization and criteria for this award.
E. Award for Team CG Members.
1. CG Active duty, reserve and civilian employees may also be awarded the Auxiliary Distinguished Service Award (DSA) to recognize any person who makes significant contributions to the Auxiliary on the national level. However, Military members are not authorized to wear any Auxiliary miniature medal, ribbon, badge or device on duty uniforms.
2. Auxiliarists are encouraged to work through the CG chain of command to ensure Team Coast Guard members who make significant contributions to the Auxiliary program receive due recognition. District Commodores, Division Captains and Flotilla Commanders should work closely with their active duty, reserve and civilian counterparts to recommend deserving CG members for appropriate active duty and civilian awards.
F. Making a Recommendation.
1. Who Can Recommend. For consideration of all listed awards (except the Auxiliary Distinguished Service Award and the Flotilla Meritorious Achievement), any Auxiliary member may make an Auxiliary award recommendation via the chain of leadership and management to the designated awarding authority. Military and CG civilian personnel may make Auxiliary award recommendations directly to their appropriate District Director.
2. National Commodore. National staff members may recommend to the National Commodore (NACO), via the chain of leadership and management, the consideration of a staff member for a meritorious award. The NACO will review it and forward it to the Chief Director with either a favorable or unfavorable endorsement. The Chief Director will endorse likewise and forward to the CGHQ Auxiliary Board of Awards for appropriate final action.
3. Command Initiated Awards. All CG military and civilian personnel can initiate and/or approve meritorious awards for deserving Auxiliarists at the appropriate awarding authority levels. CG Senior Executive Services (SES) civilian personnel, serving in appropriate award authority positions, may take action or approve Auxiliary Awards in the same manner as comparable Flag Officers.
4. What to Recommend. The "Key Words" in the paragraphs describing the meritorious awards will help with the decision. If the act or service meets the requirements, the recommendation is appropriate. If they do not, either an award is not indicated or, the wrong award is being considered.
5. Philosophy. Avoid inflation. Only the truly deserving should receive recognition. To do otherwise dilutes the significance of the award for the deserving recipient and minimizes the value of these awards to the entire organization. Good performance and service should always be recognized, but the presentation of formal awards should be reserved for individuals who have truly distinguished themselves in their service.
G. Procedures.
1. Documentation. The following documentation is required to have an award recommendation considered. The recommending Auxiliary official shall submit the recommendation form and the supporting documents, through the chain of leadership and management, to the NACO or District Commodore (DCO), as appropriate, who will endorse the recommendation and send it to the applicable reviewing authority for consideration. CG military and civilian personnel will use the appropriate chain of command with appropriate copies to the District Director.
a. Coast Guard Award Recommendation (Form CG-1650). A copy of this form is included as Appendix 11-2.
b. Summary of Action or Service. To make the recommendation for any of the above awards, a SUMMARY OF ACTION OR SERVICE must be prepared by the recommending official. This must be attached to the award recommendation, along with any documents (newspaper clippings, statements from those assisted, copies of CG station logs, letters, etc.) that help justify the recommendation. This SUMMARY is the most important part of the recommendation. Approval or disapproval will be based on the justification presented. Avoid generalities and excessive use of superlatives. Include any of the following, if pertinent or available:
(1) Specific examples.
(2) Positive results.
(3) Monetary savings.
(4) Eyewitness statements.
(5) Nature of action.
(6) Date or inclusive dates.
(7) Precise location.
(8) Time of day.
(9) Names of all involved.
(10) Detailed weather conditions.
(11) Amount of natural or artificial light.
(12) Any other pertinent information.
c. Citation. The citation is the account of heroic acts or of meritorious achievement of services. It is essentially a condensation of the SUMMARY OF ACTION OR SERVICE. Recipients of awards are entitled to well prepared citations; citations that will be cherished by the member and be a source of pride to their families. The citation may be prepared by an Auxiliary Awards Committee.
d. The Summary of Action is not required for the Award of Operational Merit, Award of Administrative Merit, and the Award of Merit. The Summary of Action for the Auxiliary Meritorious Service Award should be limited to one page.
2. Approval. The DCO will, following district policy, send documentation to the Director. The Director will review and forward the documentation to either the CG district awards board or a Director established Auxiliary awards board for screening. The appropriate military or Auxiliary awards board shall make appropriate recommendations to the District Commander, where such awarding authority is required. Awards requiring the Commandant’s approval will be forwarded to the Chief Director (G-OCX) for submission to the Headquarters Auxiliary Board of Awards.
3. Lesser Award. Should, at any procedural step, the recommendation not be concurred for approval, a lesser, more appropriate award may be made. This award could include any special district certificate or a Letter of Appreciation from the District Commander or the Auxiliary DCO.
H. Specialty Recognition.
1. Auxiliary Specialty Ribbon. This recognition is presented to a member who has satisfactorily completed any of the specialty courses. Members add 3/16" bronze or silver stars to show completion of additional courses.
2. AUXOP. This designation recognizes the satisfactory completion of seven specialty courses, which entitles the member to wear the AUXOP device. After earning the device, members no longer wear the Specialty Ribbon.
I. Auxiliary Program Ribbons.
1. Operations Program. This ribbon recognizes qualifications in the various operations program areas. Members who qualify as an Auxiliary crew member, air observer, ATON verifier, CG watchstander, CG boat crewman or CG boat engineer may wear the Operations Program Ribbon. Watchstanders and boat engineers are defined as Auxiliarists who have been designated in writing by a CG unit or the Director as qualified in that position. Members show multiple qualifications by adding 3/16" bronze or silver stars.
2. Examiner Program. This ribbon recognizes qualifications in various examiner program areas. Members who qualify as a vessel examiner (VE), marine dealer visitor (MDV) or a commercial fishing vessel examiner (CFVE) may wear the Examiner Program Ribbon. Members show multiple qualifications by adding 3/16" bronze or silver stars.
3. Instructor Program. This ribbon recognizes qualification in the instructor (IT) program. Qualified Master Instructors (MI) add a 3/16" bronze star to this ribbon.
J. Auxiliary Service Awards.
1. Sustained Auxiliary Service Award. This award is presented to a member contributing a documented total of 750 volunteer hours of Auxiliary service. Subsequent awards are presented for each additional 750 hours of service. Members indicate multiple awards by adding 3/16" bronze or silver stars, until the tenth award, at which time an hourglass device will be used. This award includes a miniature medal, ribbon and certificate. Eligibility for this award is documented by the Director, using AUXMIS data, whose staff shall then forward the initial medal/ribbon set issue and a prepared certificate to be presented by the Division Captain (DCP).
2. Auxiliary Membership Service Award. This award is presented to any member who completes five cumulative (needs NOT be consecutive) years of Auxiliary membership. Members indicate multiple five year award increments by adding appropriate bronze or silver 3/16" stars. This award, at the first five year award increment, includes a miniature medal, ribbon and certificate. Subsequent awards receive the star device and a certificate showing the numbered years of service.
K. Flotilla Meritorious Achievement Award. This award is given annually to one flotilla in each district and region. The winning flotilla is subjectively judged by the DCO and Director to have made the most significant contributions to the Auxiliary program that year. Auxiliarists, who have been flotilla members for at least six months and a day during the award period, are eligible to wear the award's ribbon and receive the award's certificate. Members indicate multiple awards by adding 5/16" gold or silver stars.
L. Procurement of Awards. All CG awards to Auxiliarists will include both ribbon and miniature medal with the exception of the Specialty Award which is only a ribbon.
1. Initial Issue. Any initial award issue should be provided through the CG at no cost to the member. Directors acquire Auxiliary award stocks through the ANSC. CG awards should be acquired through district channels or through Commandant (G-WPM-3).
2. Replacements. Members may purchase replacement Auxiliary ribbons, medals and devices, for all appropriate awards and qualifications, from the Auxiliary Center (AUXCEN) through established district channels. Replacement CG awards may be purchased through DOD/CG exchanges or through the Uniform Distribution Center in Woodbine, NJ.
M. Manner of Wearing Miniatures and Ribbon Attachments. Described below are the criteria for wearing attachments to Auxiliary ribbons.
1. Miniature Medals. All Auxiliary awards, except the Specialty Award, have a corresponding miniature medal. When an award has no miniature medal, members may not wear the ribbon alone on dinner dress uniforms.
2. Miniature Devices. Members should wear only miniature medals and devices on dinner dress uniforms. Members may wear the AUXOP and Past Officer devices on all uniforms.
3. Placement of Attachments. The following diagrams show the proper placement of various ribbon attachments to include stars; the operational silver letter "O" device which is also used for placing hourglass devices.
4. Attachments may be centered on suspension ribbons of miniature medals as authorized on the award ribbons. For the sake of preserving neatness, members should wear no more than five attachments on a ribbon.
a. Silver "O". Only the Award of Merit or Group Action Award, if authorized, will display this attachment. When worn, members should center the "O" on the ribbon.
5. Discontinued Attachments to Retired Ribbons. Members are not authorized to wear anchors, the letter "S" or "X", and numerals on any CG or Auxiliary ribbons. Those members still wearing retired ribbons should remove these attachments from them.
N. Additional Auxiliary Awards.
1. Life Membership. This award is given to DCOs in recognition of service at the conclusion of their office term. Award of Life Membership does not change member status or carry any special rights except exempting from paying National dues by past DCOs.. The award consists of a certificate to be presented by the Chief Director and NACO at an appropriate ceremony at a national level meeting. There is no ribbon, medal or plaque connected with Life Membership.
2. Certificate of Appreciation. At the Chief Director's discretion, a Chief Director’s Certificate of Appreciation may be presented to any person in "appreciation for outstanding service in furthering CG Auxiliary aims or programs". Recommendations for this special certificate should be forwarded through the Director to Commandant (G-OCX-1) for consideration and/or processing.
3. National Board Auxiliary Awards. The Auxiliary National Board may establish national awards for outstanding performance by members and units in Auxiliary activities and programs. These awards may consist of trophies, plaques, or certificates. The Board’s Standing Rules will specify the name, purpose, nature and applicable conditions of all awards offered.
4. District Board Auxiliary Awards. A district board may establish district awards for outstanding performance by members and units in Auxiliary activities and programs. These awards may consist of trophies, plaques, or certificates. The District Board’s Standing Rules will specify the name, purpose, nature and applicable conditions of all awards offered.
5. Awards for Non-Members of the Auxiliary. There are occasions when individuals who are not Auxiliary members contribute significantly to promoting the Auxiliary goals and missions. Such contributions and efforts are important to recognize in the following manner:
O. Relationship Between Coast Guard and Auxiliary Awards. The following table demonstrates equivalent relationships between the CG and Auxiliary awards and should be used in deciding the appropriateness of a considered award.
EQUIVALENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COAST GUARD
MILITARY AND COAST GUARD AUXILIARY AWARDS
|
COAST GUARD AUXILIARY AWARD |
COAST GUARD MILITARY AWARD |
REASON FOR CG AWARD |
|
Distinguished Service Award |
Distinguished Service Medal |
Exemplary Meritorious Achievement |
|
(none) |
Legion of Merit |
Outstanding Meritorious Service |
|
Plaque of Merit |
Coast Guard Medal |
Heroism not involving conflict with an enemy |
|
Meritorious Service Award |
Meritorious Service Medal |
Meritorious service in the performance of duty |
|
Award of Operational Merit |
CG Commendation Medal with "O" device |
Outstanding operational achievement |
|
Award of Administrative Merit |
CG Commendation Medal |
Outstanding administrative achievement |
|
Award of Merit |
CG Achievement Medal & Comdt. Ltr of Commendation |
Superior performance of duty |
P. Precedence for Awards. The Auxiliary’s Awards, as the parent organization, will precede all other organizational awards except as noted. DOT awards are listed, but other civilian governmental departments, international, and foreign awards may be appropriately worn. Information on other award precedence not shown is available from Commandant (G-OCX-1) or (G-WOM-1) or as found in the Uniform Regulations Manual – COMDTINST M102.6D (series). The order of precedence for most awards which may be worn by Auxiliarists is as follows:
1. Personal Decorations
|
*
*
*
*
* |
Medal of Honor * Distinguished Service Cross; Air Force Cross; Navy Cross Auxiliary Distinguished Service Award Defense Distinguished Service Medal DOT Distinguished Service Award * Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Medals: Navy; Air Force Presidential Medal of Freedom National Security Medal NASA Distinguished Service Medal National Science Medal Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal PHS Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Medal Secretary's Award for Outstanding Achievement (DOT Individual Gold Medal) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Coast Guard Medal Auxiliary Plaque of Merit * Navy/Marine Corps Medal Soldier's Medal Airman's Medal Gold Lifesaving Medal Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart Medal Auxiliary Meritorious Service Award Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal PHS Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal Silver Lifesaving Medal Secretary's Award for Meritorious Achievement (DOT Individual Silver Medal) Auxiliary Award of Operational Merit Auxiliary Award of Administrative Merit * Joint Service Commendation Medal Coast Guard Commendation Medal Commendation Medals: Navy; Army; Air Force Merchant Marine Mariner’s Medal PHS Outstanding Service Medal PHS Commendation Medal Secretary's Award for Superior Achievement (DOT Individual Bronze Medal) Auxiliary Award of Merit Joint Service Achievement Medal * Coast Guard Achievement Medal Achievement Medals: Navy; Army; Air Force PHS Achievement Medal NOAA Corps Director’s Ribbon Sustained Auxiliary Service Award Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon Bar Combat Action Ribbon |
2. Unit Awards
|
*
** # |
Presidential Unit Citation Joint Meritorious Unit Award DOT Gold Medal Ribbon Coast Guard Unit Commendation * Navy Unit Commendation; Army Valorous Unit Award; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (Note if both Air Force awards are earned, they are worn together, with the Outstanding Unit Award ahead of the Organizational Excellence Award.) Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation * Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation * Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation # Auxiliary Group Action Award Coast Guard "E" Ribbon Navy "E" Ribbon Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation |
3. Campaign and Service Awards
4. Foreign Personal Decorations and Unit Awards
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Korean Presidential Unit Citation Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation Vietnam Air Service Medal Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross Medal Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Medal First Class |
5. Non-U.S. Service Awards
Philippine Defense Ribbon Philippine Liberation Ribbon Philippine Independence Ribbon United Nations Service Medal United Nations Medal |
6. Foreign Service Awards
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal ("60 medal) Kuwait Liberation Medal Bosnia Service Medal |
7. Marksmanship Awards
Coast Guard Expert Rifleman Medal or Sharpshooter/Marksman Ribbon Coast Guard Expert Pistol Shot Medal or Sharpshooter/Marksman Ribbon Other Service Marksmanship Ribbons |
*NOTE: Marksmanship Medals are included in breast device choices if suspended from a pocket flap (Army and Marine).
Legend * - Indicates equivalent awards, worn in the order first earned. |
# - Indicates discontinued/retired Auxiliary awards. |
BOLD - Indicates awards an Auxiliarist without prior military service may earn. |
1. Air Observer/Pilot Ribbon.
2. Auxiliary Service Award.
3. Flotilla Achievement Awards (the six "GAP" ribbons).
R. Informal Recognition. In addition to formally recognizing an Auxiliarist's service through appropriate awards, there is immeasurable value to providing positive feedback to those individuals who give valuable time and effort to the flotilla, division, district, or national Auxiliary organization. Individuals need personal recognition for their efforts to continue to perform at consistently high levels.
1. Such recognition is provided in a number of different ways limited only by the imagination of the person giving the recognition. Some examples include:
a. Certificates or letters of appreciation to individuals from the unit's senior elected member.
b. Public recognition at all unit gatherings and social events.
d. The creation of specific informal awards; such as "Member of the Month/Quarter" or "Commander's Award of Excellence". These awards could be accompanied by certificates, pins or other items purchased with unit funds.
TERMS FOR REFERENCING AWARDS
Coast Guard personnel who have received awards from other military Services or departments of the United States Government, foreign governments, or other agencies will wear such awards on the Coast Guard uniform only as prescribed.
When referencing awards, the following terms will be used:
An all-inclusive term covering any decoration, medal, badge, ribbon, or an attachment thereof, bestowed upon an individual.
An award bestowed upon an individual for a specific individual act of gallantry or meritorious service.
An award made to an operating unit and worn only by members of that unit who participated in the cited action.
An award made to those who have participated in designated wars, campaigns, expeditions, or who have fulfilled in a creditable manner specified service requirements.
An award presented to an individual for performance of certain duties, acts, or services. Medals consist of a suspension ribbon made in distinctive colors from which hangs a medallion.
A replica of a large medal, made to a ½ scale of the original. Note: The Medal of Honor does not have a miniature medal.
An award to an individual for some special proficiency which consists of a medallion often hung from a bar or bars.
Consists of a portion of the suspension ribbon of a medal, and is worn in lieu of the medal. The dimensions of the ribbon will be 1 3/8 inches x 3/8 inch.
Lapel device made by gathering the suspension ribbon of the medal into a circular shape.
A miniature replica of the ribbon or ribbon bar.
Any appurtenance such as a star, letter device, clasp or other device worn on the suspension ribbon of a medal or on the ribbon (ribbon bar).
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APPENDIX 11-A
Coast Guard Award Recommendation Form
CG-1650
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APPENDIX 11-B
Auxiliary Ribbon Chart
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APPENDIX 11-C
Auxiliary Insignia Chart and Miniature Medals
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