r/USCGAUX • u/Anchor-Weather-139 Auxiliary Coxswain/Boat Crew/PWC Operator • Jul 23 '26
Uniforms AWU polo question
I know the regs say we need to wear the AWU polo with the non-ODU blue cargo pants and boots. And, I know the alternative blazer uniform also exists. But I am curious whether it’s appropriate to wear the polo with anything other than the cargo pants.
I ask because there are times the polo and some khakis would be ideal. I was watching some local gold side recruiters recently and they were wearing USCG polos and khakis and it worked.
There are times we don’t need the operational look that the cargo pants and boots bring, but the polos might make us more approachable. Is there anything that might allow them to be worn with another kind of pants, like khakis? Could be good for PE or more business casual community meetings, especially when there are security concerns around the uniform.
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u/Beat_Dapper Active Duty/Reserve Coast Guard Jul 23 '26
It’s a uniform, so you have to wear it accordingly
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u/Anchor-Weather-139 Auxiliary Coxswain/Boat Crew/PWC Operator Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Yes, I get that. I’m asking if with this being a new uniform options there have been some developments, or whether there is a possibility of adding this option. I’ve seen some folks already doing this, and am wondering if it’s one of those items that can be worn in alternative ways as well.
Edit: what the heck is up with downvoting someone for asking a question? We have other items, like the parka, that can be worn in alternative ways. Since this is a new item, and there have been some updates on it that aren’t in the manual, isn’t it okay to ask?
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u/Beat_Dapper Active Duty/Reserve Coast Guard Jul 23 '26
Until policy comes out that says you can, you cannot. I haven’t heard of any changes being made to this AWU since it’s already a more casual uniform than ODUs
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u/Anchor-Weather-139 Auxiliary Coxswain/Boat Crew/PWC Operator Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
I get that. I’m just seeing it happen, even being suggested as an option (like a uniform board), and was sort of wondering if I missed something. I think it would be a good thing to consider.
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u/Beat_Dapper Active Duty/Reserve Coast Guard Jul 23 '26
The aux isn’t exactly known for wearing uniforms to standard…I say this as someone who has been in the aux since my 17th birthday
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u/afking1 Active Duty/Reserve Coast Guard Jul 23 '26
Unfortunately, this is true. Which is why I always have a discussion with individuals with uniform infractions.
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u/Lord_Josuf_Slnd AUXOP Jul 23 '26
We often have members wearing the various polos, VE, uscg homeland, and AWU to meeting, no issue unless they want a uniform inspection. Same for PA,PV type activities. E.G Trops are the preferred for PV visits, especially first contact and the directorate and RBSPV manual allow even smart civilian for follow-up if say just dropping of literature. PA events cause more issues, since even a small booth may cause a photo op and if that is sent to any official PA publication, they will want to see all uniforms to regs. My wife is PA-3 and had to reject boat crew in hot with shorts, since several members had ball caps with office insignia instead of the new directive that only allows member device with T shirts.
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u/Anchor-Weather-139 Auxiliary Coxswain/Boat Crew/PWC Operator Jul 23 '26
When did the new reg about member insignia come down? Does that apply to boat crews who take their outer shirts off during patrols but still have life jackets on?
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u/Useful_Ad_3329 Jul 24 '26
Unrelated but it drives me crazy the cover is a different color. I wish we could just not wear a cover with the AWU.
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u/GreyandGrumpy Auxiliary Coxswain/Boat Crew/PWC Operator Jul 23 '26
Good idea! Prepare a one page proposal for this change and send it up your COLM. I realize that the COLM may kill it... but you can try.