The Warrant Officer Weapons specialty is one of the oldest in the Coast Guard, one of just six that were established when the Coast Guard was founded in 1915; it carried the designation of Gunner at the time. Gunner's mate is still the name of the rating from which Weapons CWO appointments are made, and the iconic “pineapple” insignia—actually an exploding shell—has remained the Weapons CWO specialty mark for over 100 years.
Shoulder boards are issued in two sizes for both male and female CWOs and are manufactured in two styles. Hard shoulder boards are primarily worn with white Service and Dress uniforms, specifically the Service Dress White Jacket and the Formal, Dinner, and Service Dress White uniforms. Worn by inserting a hinged hasp through shoulder loops and securing it near the neck with a snap-button, Hard boards are also authorized for the Bridge and Reefer Coats (although the latter is no longer available for purchase).
Enhanced shoulder boards feature an open-ended tube of elastic material through which a shoulder epaulette is inserted. They’re worn on the Light Blue Shirt (also on women’s overblouses), Tropical Blue uniform, sweaters (Wooly-Pully and Cardigan, but not with Winter Dress Blue uniforms), and Bridge Coats made with epaulettes.
Related Items
Weapons CWO Collar Device
Weapons CWO Sleeve Device