Released 9 Jun 09
To: ALAUX
From: CHDIRAUX
Subj: Clarification of Boat Force Operations Insignia Criteria for
Auxiliarists -021/09
1. The Boat Forces Operations Insignia is an active duty insignia that an
industrious auxiliarist may earn and be entitled to wear IAW COMDTINST
M16114.32, the Boat Manual Vol I. Since this is not specifically an
Auxiliary award the member must complete what an active duty member would
have to do, service and qualification standards, with the exceptions
specifically noted in Part 2 Chapter 6 of COMDTINST M16114.32 and the
clarifications noted in this ALAUX.
2. While the time requirements for the permanent award of the Pewter-Tone
Insignia are detailed, there are no time requirements detailed for the
temporary award. However, the same rule of thumb applies as for the
permanent award, i.e. the temporary entitlement of 6 months + qualifications
would equal one day per week for 6 months for an auxiliarist to be awarded
the temporary insignia. Please note that this is what will continue to be
required for wearing the temporary insignia until the permanent insignia is
awarded. Once a member no longer devotes the necessary time commitment --for
any reason-- the temporary insignia can no longer be worn.
3. Support of a boat forces unit is a primary requirement for the award of
this insignia. This means "direct support" of a boat forces unit as defined
in the BOAT Manual. Standard Aux surface patrols should not count toward
this goal.
4. The award of the Gold and Pewter-Tone Insignia requires the completion of
the Boat Force Operations Personnel Qualification Standard (PQS
), COMDTINST
M16114.30. This requirement applies to Auxiliarists with the exception of
Task 03-05 item 12.b.2. "Oversee a Law Enforcement Operation", and 12.b.3.
"Conduct a post-operations debrief with a key supervisor". These 2 tasks are
waived in recognition of the prohibition against Auxiliarists conducting or
participating in law enforcement. Since there is no restriction on
Auxiliarists having a general knowledge of how the Coast Guard conducts law
enforcement, all other sections must be completed to maintain the integrity
of the insignia and the meaning of its wear.
5. These exemptions and clarifications are issued in concurrence with the
program manager at the Office of Boat Forces (CG
-731).
