Not to be confused with open-ended, metal-tipped aiguillettes (typically with a tassel and worn by aides and aides-de-camp in the Armed Forces) and fourragère (unit award from a foreign nation), shoulder cords come in a variety of colors and are usually worn during ceremonies, drills, exhibitions, or other formal events held by military, law-enforcement, first-responder, and other organizations.
Air Force regulations call for the wear of a silver, closed-end loop aiguillette by enlisted members of the USAF Honor Guard, Honor Guards (Base and Installation), Color Guards, Drill teams, and Military Funeral Details with the Summer Uniform.
This metallic silver shoulder cord is also suitable for wear by members of Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard units. The silver shoulder cord is listed in the Civil Air Patrol Manual as a distinctive of Honor Guard Units to be worn on the left shoulder next to the shoulder seam. Worn underneath the epaulet (if the uniform has one).