Compatible with the Coast Guard’s standard black or white web belts, this ornamental buckle is mounted with the Coast Guard rate insignia for a Petty Officer Third Class (PO3), a single downward-pointing gold chevron surmounted by a silver Coast Guard shield. This insignia is also worn as a collar device and as a cap device on the Garrison Cap.
The design hearkens to more lenient Coast Guard uniform regulations for everyday working uniforms, and buckles were made not only with rank/rate insignia, but also certifications (Cutterman, Boat Force Operations, etc.) and profiles of Coast Guard cutters. Even then, however, personnel were mandated to own at least one unadorned brass belt buckle for wear during official uniform inspections and at the Commander’s prescription.