COAST GUARD INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT CWO HARD/ENHANCED SHOULDER BOARDS

The specialty insignia for Coast Guard Information Systems Management (ISM) Warrant Officers recalls the heritage of the Information System Technician rating from which the ISM specialty was birthed: the French-style phone handset resting on a globe was first introduced in 1960 for the Telephone Technician rating.

As part of the Coast Guard’s Officer Corps, Information Systems Management Chief Warrant Officers wear insignia of grade on Hard shoulder boards when wearing white Service or Dress uniforms—but unlike Commissioned Officers, their boards also give them the honor of displaying the field of service in which they’ve devoted a great many years of service in order to reach their current grade. Hard shoulder boards are also prescribed for Bridge Coats (with shoulder loops) and the legacy Reefer Coat (its wear is still permitted if still in acceptable condition).

Enhanced shoulder boards are worn on the epaulettes of Light Blue shirts worn with the SDB “Bravo” and Tropical Blue uniforms, sweaters (Cardigan and Wool), and Bridge Coats with epaulettes.

Note that both Hard and Enhanced shoulder boards are offered in a Large and Small size; the latter is 3/4 the dimensions of the standard sized board. Sizes are non-gender specific—they are provided simply to give Officers the opportunity to choose one that fits and provides the best appearance on their uniforms.

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