Introduced in 2000, the Coast Guard’s Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) replaced two older uniforms, the Working Blue and the Blue Undress, as a primary daily work uniform. The ODU’s heritage as the replacement for the Working Blue is seen in the requirement that only embroidered collar rank insignia may be worn on it; previously, embroidered collar rank devices were permitted but not required only on the Working Blue (metal grade insignia were worn with the Blue Undress).
On the ODU, place the Commander’s silver oak leaf on the collar with the stem pointing toward the collar point so that an imaginary line that equally bisects the also runs through the oak leaf; center the leaf on this line. The bottom of the oak leaf should be 1-1/8th of an inch from the collar point.
Though not a liberty uniform, the Operational Dress uniform is approved for wear year-round and maybe worn while commuting, including during trips that require necessary brief stops for gasoline or at drive-thrus.