The United States Coast Guard has authorized the wear of service stripes, commonly referred to as hashmarks, since it was established in 1915. Since that time, the two biggest changes that have been made to them is their length—originally 8” long, now 5.25”—and the amount of service they represent: first awarded for each three years of service, a stripe now represents four years of active or reserve service in any of the Armed Forces of the United States, including the National Guard.
Coast Guard Service Stripes are issued in three colors—scarlet, navy blue, and gold—and are embroidered on backing material of the same color as the jacket on which they will be sewn. Scarlet and navy blue stripes are awarded to junior enlisted Guardsmen (E-4 to E-6), with scarlet worn on all jackets save the Dinner Dress White Jacket. Gold stripes are issued exclusively to Chief Petty Officers and above (E-7 to E-9), including the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.