The black web belt with an unadorned satin silver tip is worn on a wide variety of Coast Guard Auxiliary uniforms—a good reason to always have at least one extra on hand. (In many cases, Auxiliarists have the option of wearing the black web belt with the standard satin silver buckle or the ornamental buckle featuring the Auxiliary emblem.)
Just a few years ago, the black web belt was prescribed for five men's uniforms: the Service Dress, Winter Dress Blue, Tropical Blue, Undress Blue—Winter, and Undress Blue—Summer (Alpha). That number was reduced to four with the elimination of the Undress Blue—Summer (Alpha) uniform beginning on 31 December 2012. Women Auxiliarists wear it on just as many uniforms, including the Service Dress Blue, Winter Dress Blue, Tropical Blue and Undress Blue—Winter uniforms.
It’s also the default belt for the lone uniform worn by both male and female members, the Hot Weather Uniform (but only if modified standard Coast Guard blue utility trousers are worn). And it’s an optional item for Auxiliarists who have completed the AUXCHEF training program and are authorized to wear the AUXCHEF uniform.
Wear life for the black web belt is listed at four years, but this of course can vary greatly depending on working conditions and how much care is taken in cleaning.