ALAUX: COAST GUARD UNIT BALL CAP CLARIFICATION -011/09

Shipmates,
Here is the official clarification on unit ball caps - as I indicated at our last meeting we are to wear Auxiliary caps while on patrol. Please comply if you are not already doing so. If you need any assistance please let me know. I fully understand the wearing of our unit ball caps is a point of pride, one I share. Please continue to wear your Sector cap aboard Sector Portland and to fellowship events if you desire to do so. 


Remember, it does not matter what cap you are wearing... you are a Guardian.


- Daren


To:    ALAUX
From:  CHDIRAUX
Subj:  COAST GUARD UNIT BALL CAP CLARIFICATION -011/09


1.  ALAUX 33/08 of 10 November 2008 dealt with several Auxiliary uniform matters.  One of these involved the wear of ball caps, specifically Coast Guard unit ball caps.  Section 1.C.2. stated:

   "If an Auxiliarist is authorized to wear a Coast Guard unit ball cap, such wear shall not extend to activities involving public interaction.  This is to ensure that an Auxiliarist is not mistaken by the public as an active member of a Coast Guard unit with commensurate authority.  For example, an Auxiliarist may not wear a Coast Guard unit ball cap when performing VSCs."

2.  Questions have arisen as to whether or not the conduct of Auxiliary patrols (e.g. - surface patrols on vessel facilities) constitutes "...involving public interaction."  The short answer is "Yes, Auxiliary patrols involve public interaction."  As further clarification, the following involve public interaction:

   a.  Performance of Vessel Examiner (VE) activities involving Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) and Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Exams (CFVSE).
   b.  Performance of Program Visitor (PV) activities.
   c.  Performance of Instructor (IT) activities.
   d.  Performance of patrol activities (surface, air, shoreside including missions involving mobile radio facilities).
   e.  Performance of Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection
       (MSSEP) activities.
   f.  Performance of public outreach, public affairs, and recruiting activities.

3.  Situations in which a Coast Guard unit ball cap may be worn, if authorized, include:

   a.  Wear of the cap to, at, and from the unit in the course of providing the direct support for which it is      authorized (appropriate for commuting, stops for gas, and drive-thru services).
   b.  Wear of the cap to, at, and from flotilla meetings (appropriate for commuting, stops for gas, and drive-thru        services).
   c.  Wear of the cap to, at, and from flotilla fellowship events (appropriate for commuting, stops for gas, and drive-thru services).

4.  If there is any doubt about the propriety of wearing a Coast Guard unit ball cap due to potential interaction with the public, then the Auxiliary ball cap shall be worn.

5.  These guidelines will be included in the next change to the Auxiliary Manual.

6.  The purpose of this list is to keep Auxiliarists as well as all other interested parties abreast of current developments, policies, manuals, etc. All information contained herein and linked is OFFICIAL policy and information.

7.  Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.

8.  CG-542, sends