The crossed quill pen and lightning flash that serves as the rating mark for Coast Guard members in the Intelligence Specialist (IS) rating and the specialty mark for Intelligence Systems Specialist Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) was first used by the Navy for its Cryptologic Technician rating badge. It was authorized by the Navy for Coast Guard use in 2007, the year that the Guard named its first three Master Chiefs in the IS rating; the corresponding CWO specialty was stood up in January 2008.
Intelligence Systems Specialist CWOs wear Hard shoulder boards featuring the mark on Hard and Enhanced shoulder boards that also display a gold Coast Guard shield and their insignia of rank. Both board styles are issued in non-gender specific Large and Small sizes so CWOs may select one that provides the best proportionate appearance on their uniforms.
Attached through shoulder loops using a hasp and snap-button closure, Hard shoulder boards are worn on the Dinner Dress White Jacket, Service Dress White Coat, Bridge Coats (with shoulder loops), and Reefer Coats (no longer sold).
Enhanced shoulder boards are worn on the Light Blue shirts (long- and short-sleeve) worn with the Service Dress Blue “Bravo” and Tropical Blue uniforms, as well as on corresponding women’s overblouses with epaulettes. They’re also worn on Bridge Coats with epaulettes and the Wooly-Pully and Cardigan sweaters (unless the optional Winter Dress Blue uniform is prescribed).
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