The coat rank device for District Staff Officers, DCO Administrative Assistants (D-AA), and Branch Chief (BC) is authorized for wear on the epaulettes of Trench Coats and Windbreakers, which are the prescribed outerwear for the men’s and women’s Tropical Blue and Undress Winter—Blue uniforms (they may be worn on other uniforms, however). They are also worn on Raincoats when that garment is prescribed. Place the insignia with the stem pointing toward the shoulder and its outer edge 3/4-inch from the epaulette’s shoulder seam.
A red “A” on the insignia indicates the wearer is an Auxiliarist who has been appointed rather than elected to an office or position. DSOs are appointed by the District Commodore to manage district or regional departments or programs, some of which (such as Aviation) do not exist at the Flotilla Level. A DCO Administrative Assistant, as well DCO Aides, are also appointed by the District Commodore to help him/her in fulfilling the position’s duties and responsibilities; Aides are considered Staff members and may also hold elected or appointed office while serving as an aide. Branch Chiefs are the heads of branches within a Division of a Directorate.