The Chief Warrant Officer specialty of Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) was announced in August 2008, two months after U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen established the Maritime Enforcement rating that would eventually serve as the source for new MLE CWOs. Guardsmen from the Port Security Specialist rating were initially used to fill MLE CWO billets.
An open diamond-shaped emblem holding a law enforcement badge emblazoned with the Coast Guard Shield serves as the Maritime Law Enforcement Chief Warrant Officer specialty mark embroidered on MLE CWO Hard and Enhanced shoulder boards. Both types of boards are issued in regular (Large) and three-quarter-scale (Small) sizes, affording male and female MLE CWOs the ability to select one that’s most proportionate to their shoulder size and physical stature.
Hard shoulder boards use a hasp and snap-button closure for attachment through the shoulder loops of the coats and jackets worn with the male and female versions of Full, Dinner, and Service Dress White uniforms and the Dinner Dress White Jacket uniform. Hard boards are also authorized for Bridge and Reefer Coats (the latter is a legacy item whose wear has been grandfathered contingent upon the garment’s serviceability).
The Enhanced shoulder boards are designed for less formal wear, specifically on shirts and optional women’s overblouses worn with the Service Dress Blue “Bravo” and Tropical Blue uniforms; they’re also prescribed under certain conditions for the Cardigan and Wooly-Pully sweaters and Bridge Coats.
Related Items
Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist (MLES) Collar Device
Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist CWO Sleeve Device