Sometimes referred to informally by the shorthand phrase “cap rank device,” the gold oak leaf mounted with a blue “A” worn by Division Vice Commanders (VCDRs) on various types of headgear is technically not a rank device because the Coast Guard Auxiliary has no military ranks. Instead, it is officially an “insignia designating organizational leadership position,” and a small version (same as worn on shirt collars) is authorized for wear by VCDRs on several types of headgear.
For the placement of insignia and devices on the Garrison Cap, the Auxiliary borrowed its guidance from the United States Coast Guard’s rules for wear of Officer headgear insignia. VCDRs mount the gold oak leaf on the left side of the (wearer’s left), positioned so that its center measures 2” from the crease in front of the cap and 1/5” from the bottom.
On ball caps, the VCDR leadership-position insignia is centered between the inscription text. On an Auxiliary hat, for example, the insignia would be placed beneath the “U.S. COAST GUARD” line and above “AUXILIARY,” while the first line on a USCG unit hat reads “U.S. COAST GUARD” and is followed a unit name, such as “TACLET GULF.” Note: Auxiliarists must receive authorization form Coast Guard command to wear USCG unit hats, and this authorization ends when the Auxiliarist is no longer providing recurring direct support to the USCG unit.