Coast Guard Auxiliary Division Vice Commanders (VCDRs) are elected to their office for a term of one year by Division Board members, which includes the Division Commander (DCDR), immediate past Division Commander (IPDCDR), and all Flotilla Commanders in the Division. Vice Commander elections are held annually on or before 20 November (actual election date must be approved by the District Commodore and Director).
An Auxiliary VCDR is a critical component of the Division Board as can be seen in the fact the Vice Commanders must be present at Division Board meetings in order for business to be conducted in the event that both the DCDR and IPDCDR are not present.
The gold oak leaf of the VCDR insignia is inspired by the oak leaf used for the military’s O-4 Officer grade (Lieutenant Commander in seagoing services, Major in ground-based), while the blue “B” indicates an elected as to an opposed an appointed office. This device is authorized for wear on Trench Coats, Windbreakers, and Raincoats, with the first two specifically prescribed for the Tropical Blue and Undress Winter—Blue uniforms.