Unlike pin-on metal Coast Guard Auxiliary insignia or even the embroidered Auxiliary shield, the Auxiliary’s sew-on embroidered collar devices use only a black letter “A” instead of a blue/silver or red “A” to differentiate between elected and appointed offices. Consequently, a gold oak leaf with a black “A” is worn by Division Vice Commanders (VCDR) who are chosen for an office by vote and Auxiliarists who have been appointed to positions as District Staff Officer (DSO), District Commodore Administrative Assistant (D-AA), or Branch Chief (BC).
Sew-on embroidered collar devices are mandatory when wearing the Operational Dress Uniform and on the Foul Weather Parka when it is worn as a standalone exterior garment; Auxiliarists have the option of wearing them with the Jump suit. When determining insignia placement, measurements are done from the insignia itself and not the patch upon which it is embroidered.
To properly place the VCDR/DSO/D-AA/Branch Chief insignia on a collar, picture a line equilaterally bisecting the angle of the collar. Next, center the VCDR/DSO device on the line so that it is also equilaterally bisected, which should result in the devices being tilted inboard at about 40 to 45 degrees. Maintaining this orientation and centering, move the device until the insignia’s bottom (not the patch it’s on) is 1-1/8-inch from the collar point.