Because the Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer civilian organization, its insignia system does not reflect military ranks, instead providing a simple method for Auxiliarists to recognize the increased responsibilities and management capabilities of elected and appointed leaders and staff officers. Nonetheless, you can’t be blamed if, when looking at the insignia stripes worn by Division Vice Commanders (VCDR), you recall the Coast Guard rank of Lieutenant Commander—but with silver in lieu of gold lace and an Auxiliary shield taking the place of the gold Coast Guard shield.
Division Vice Commanders wear this insignia on Hard shoulder boards worn exclusively on the Dinner Dress White Jacket and Service Dress White, securing the boards by passing the hasp on the bottom of the board through the shoulder loops on the jacket/coat. Use the Selection Box to the right to choose the Large or Small size Hard boards (they are the same width but 5.5”-long Hard boards are a half-inch longer than the Short version).
Enhanced shoulder boards are attached using the epaulette found on shirts and sweaters; these include the shirts worn with the men’s and women’s Service Dress Blue and Tropical Blue uniforms and the Wooly-Pully and Cardigan sweaters that may be prescribed for wear.