Two silver stars in a point-to-center configuration and mounted with a blue “A” serve as the coat rank insignia (coat device) for both the Vice National Commodore (VNACO) and Deputy National Commodore (DNACO) offices in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Worn on the epaulettes of the Trench Coat, Raincoat, and Windbreaker, the device is oriented with a single ray pointing toward the neck and the “A” facing outboard.
Reporting to the National Commodore (NACO), the Vice National Commodore is the Coast Gard Auxiliary’s Chief Operating Officer and is the Auxiliary’s representative (at the direction of the NACO) to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Flag Officers and Flag Officer-equivalent civilians at USCG Headquarters concerning Auxiliary Matters. In addition to the responsibilities of COO and performing specific duties given by the NACO, the VNACO has eight other broad job mandates listed in the Auxiliary Manual primarily involving management, supervision, assistance, and advisory roles.
There are a total of four DNACO positions in the Auxiliary, with three being elected offices and thus authorized to wear the blue “A” on the two-star insignia: DNACO-Operations, DNACO-Recreational Boating Safety, and DNACO-Mission Support, abbreviated respectively DNACO-O, DNACO-RBS, and DNACO-MS. They are elected to represent the three Auxiliary Areas (Atlantic East, Atlantic West, and Pacific), with the NACO (in consultation with the VNACO and IPNACO) selecting each of three for the specific O, MS, or RBS office. The fourth DNACO position, Information Technology and Planning (DNACO-ITP), is filled with an appointment by the NACO; Auxiliarists serving in this officer are no longer eligible for the office of NACO or VNACO.