The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Staff Officer (FSO) insignia is based upon the single gold bar of an Officer in the O-1 grade of the Armed Forces of the United States, but with the addition of a red, capital “A” to reflect that the FSO is an appointed rather than an elected position. FSO metal pin-on insignia come in a large size (like this one) and in a small size for wear on shirt collars and the garrison cap. The large insignia is worn epaulets of blue raincoats and overcoats, windbreakers, and trench coats, with the “A” facing outboard and outermost edge of the insignia 3/4-inch from the epualet’s outer edge.
Flotilla Staff Officers are appointed by District and Flotilla Commander; they may appoint up to 16 Flotilla and Division Staff Officers in 21 FSO categories (four are only at the District level, however) unless specifically authorized by the NACO and Chief Director. The District Commodore may appoint up to 21 District Staff Officers from the same 21 categories.
FSOs serve at the Commander’s pleasure, and their appointment begins and ends with the term of the elected appointing leader unless it is terminated earlier (FSOs may be removed from a position at any time the elected leader deems it appropriate). A Staff Officer may hold more than one staff office as well as an elected office simultaneously.