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Security Levels
Authority and Guidance for Coast Guard personnel
- In
what types of community activities may USCG personnel participate?
- May
USCG personnel participate in commercial events?
- May
USCG personnel participate in political events?
- Dealing
with Political Candidates and Political Campaign Organizations
- How
should units handle requests by the public for Coast Guard speakers?
- How
may units obtain Coast Guard artwork and exhibits?
- Is
Coast Guard artwork available for office decoration?
- Are
portable backdrops available for units to use?
- How
do units make a request for an exhibit or artwork, and what fees are
involved?
- How
should Coast Guard units support aircraft exhibitions?
- What
types of volunteerism does the Coast Guard support?
- What
types of national organizations, including veterans groups, does the
Coast Guard support? How
should units support these organizations?
- How
can units arrange CGC EAGLE port visits?
- How
can units arrange for local Coast Guard Band concerts?
- The
Coast Guard Band Annual Tour
- How
can Coast Guard units request support from the Coast Guard Ceremonial
Honor Guard?
- How
may Coast Guard units participate in the naming of cutters and shore
facilities, including buildings and roads on Coast Guard installations?
- How
should units handle requests from outside organizations and commercial
entities to use the words "
- Coast
Guard Official Symbols
- May
the Coast Guard provide flags to other organizations?
- May
units provide photos for promotional material?
- How
can my command recognize and honor community members who strongly the
support the Coast Guard?
- What
does it mean for a city to be designated "A
In what types of community activities may USCG personnel participate?
The Coast Guard participates in official civil ceremonies, including
inaugurals, dedications of public buildings and projects, ceremonies for
official visitors, and the convening of legislative bodies. The Coast Guard
may - and should - participate in patriotic programs, national holiday
celebrations and events open to the public with no charge for admission. Use
of uniformed Coast Guard personnel as ushers, escorts, doormen, drivers,
etc., for non- military guests or local dignitaries is generally
inappropriate.
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May
USCG personnel participate in commercial events?
The Coast Guard may participate in commercial
events under certain conditions. The Coast Guard generally may not
participate in events that charge for admission, unless our participation is
incidental to the program, is patriotic in nature, and does not benefit or
appear to benefit selectively the commercial activity of the sponsor. The
Coast Guard may not participate in events that charge for admission if our
participation is, or could be considered to be, the primary or major
attraction. As an example, a color guard appearance at a professional
football game is incidental to the event, is not designed to be a drawing
factor for the game and does not add to the spectators' cost.
The exception to this rule is athletic events at the
USCG personnel may participate in ethnic observances, such as Saint
Patrick's Day, Black History Month, Mardi Gras, etc., if the occasion is
formally declared a civic celebration by a mayor or governor, or a civic
non-denominational group, and if the event is not sponsored by an ethnic,
religious or fraternal group. The observances must not take on political
overtones.
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May USCG personnel participate in
political events?
All personnel - military active duty,
reserve and civilian - are encouraged to personally participate in the
elective process with their right to register and vote, but must exercise
care in keeping personal activities and official activities separate.
Coast Guard personnel, in uniform, must not participate in political party
conventions or campaigns. Participation of the President does not change
this prohibition, unless the White House specifically requests the
appearance of uniformed Coast Guard personnel, in which case the request
must be cleared by Commandant (CG-09223).
The use of Coast Guard personnel or facilities, implying in any way the
endorsement of a particular candidate, is forbidden. Federal law prohibits
the participation of Coast Guard personnel, and the use of Coast Guard
facilities, for partisan political purposes. The Coast Guard does not
provide facilities, bands, color guards or other military support for
political candidates (either incumbent or new office seekers), or their
staffs, for political assemblies, meetings, fund-raising or other partisan
activities. Political candidates for elective office may be given the same
access to units to which any other visitor is entitled.
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Dealing with Political Candidates and
Political Campaign Organizations
- When responding
to queries from political campaign organizations, only information that
is available to the general public shall be provided.
- Unit magazines,
newsletters and newspapers will not carry partisan discussions,
cartoons, editorials or commentaries pertaining to partisan or campaign
issues, or political advertisements.
- Commanding
officers must not permit the use of government facilities by any
candidate, either incumbent or challenger, for political purposes, such
as assemblies, meetings, or press conferences. Members of Congress or
other elected officials may visit units and receive briefings related to
their official duties. All candidates must only be given the same access
as a member of the general public. In all cases of visits, commanding
officers will inform candidates in advance that all political activity
and media events are prohibited. Media cannot accompany any candidate
during a visit.
- Community
relations support, such as speakers, color guards or marching units,
must not be provided for political meetings or activities.
- Speeches,
articles and public comment by military personnel in their official
capacities as service representatives must not contain material that
could be construed as political in nature.
- Requests from
candidates to tape or film campaign material at Coast Guard units must
be denied. The Coast Guard cannot prohibit taping or filming from
outside its property.
- Military
personnel are prohibited from distributing campaign material at Coast
Guard units.
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How should units handle requests by
the public for Coast Guard speakers?
Coast Guard units are encouraged to establish Speakers Bureaus. Local units
who are unable to accommodate requests are encouraged to seek support from
local Auxiliary units, who may have auxiliarists available and prepared to
conduct such briefings.
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How may units obtain Coast Guard artwork and exhibits?
Commandant (CG-09223) maintains an
inventory of original artwork, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, bronze
statues and ceramic statuettes. This artwork is available for exhibit by
Coast Guard units, veterans' organizations, museums, libraries, civic
leaders or organizations or any other entity that would assist in raising
the visibility of the Coast Guard. Requesting units or organizations are
completely responsible for the safety and continued good condition of the
artwork while it is in their custody. The original artwork is a unique way
to depict the Coast Guard's rich heritage. Artwork has been arranged into
several general and mission-specific exhibits of 10-30 pieces. These
exhibits and art easels for displaying the art are available by placing a
request through Commandant (CG-09223) at least three months prior to the
intended event. Art exhibits are available for short-term exhibits (two to
seven days) or as long as several months, as long as the art is actively
exhibited. Commandant (CG-09223) provides a list of the art, titles, photos
and captions for local reproduction for use as a handout.
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Is Coast Guard artwork available for
office decoration?
Original artwork from the Coast Guard's
premiere art collection is not used for office decoration, except for
certain high-level offices such as the Commandant's. Units desiring
high-quality photo canvas reproductions of Service art may contact
Commandant (CG-09223) for details. Units must bear all costs for the
reproductions, including framing. Color corrected negatives may be loaned to
photo contractors when the reproduction process is available at the local
level.
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Are portable backdrops available for
units to use?
The portable backdrops maintained by
Commandant (CG-09223) are a great way to separate the Coast Guard from the
crowd at special events such as command exhibits, recruiting efforts, school
career days or civic meetings. The backdrop is an
8-feet-tall-by-10-feet-wide concave stand. The bright blue fabric panels
create a suitable platform to post the following, using Velcro: unit photos,
informational posters and graphics. Units may request up to two backdrops
for a maximum of one month. Units with a frequent need for backdrops should
purchase their own. Contact Commandant (CG-09223) for information on
purchasing a backdrop. Coast Guard units are responsible for the security
and continued good condition of the borrowed exhibit.
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How do units make a request for an
exhibit or artwork, and what fees are involved?
Send exhibit requests to Commandant (CG-09223)
three months in advance. Include the name and location of event, complete
shipping details, duration of event, date exhibit should arrive, and the
name of the Coast Guard representative.
Exhibits are shipped by commercial carrier. Headquarters pays for shipping
from the
Generally, two or three people are required to set up and take down the
exhibit, carefully following the instructions inside the packing crate. You
must also provide two or more people who can effectively engage the pubic
for maximum effect and to provide security.
Commandant (CG-09223) does not pay exhibitor or space fees for loaned
exhibits or artwork. The requesting unit is responsible for all such local
expenses: electricity, set up, staffing, security, etc.
Handouts are not supplied with exhibits.
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How should Coast Guard units support
aircraft exhibitions?
Requests must be submitted in writing on Form DD2535 (Available here) to the
appropriate area commander, in accordance with Chapter 4, Section P.3. of
the Coast Guard Air Operations Manual, COMDTINST M3710.1 (series).
Coast Guard aircraft may participate in appropriate public events
that help contribute to recruiting or public knowledge of the Coast Guard.
Participation may be a flyover, demonstration or static display.
Appropriate events include airport dedications, air shows, expositions and
fairs.
Static displays must be held at airfields or
heliports. The district commander may authorize exceptions when an
alternative display area meets operations and safety requirements. While the
aircraft is on display, crew members must be available to brief visitors and
prevent damage to government property. Civilian sponsors must agree to
provide or reimburse transportation, meals, and quarters costs of Coast
Guard participants. Sponsors also must provide suitable aircraft fuel at
military contract prices. Sponsors are required to pay all costs over
military contract prices, including any transportation and handling charges,
if fuel is not available at such prices.
Aerial demonstrations must be within FAA guidelines and must be over open
water or suitable open areas of land, where spectators will be safe.
Flyovers are appropriate for civic-sponsored, public ceremonies such as:
Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day and for
similar local holidays overseas; memorial services for dignitaries of the
armed forces or federal government; national conventions of veterans'
organizations; and occasions of more than local interest designed primarily
to encourage the advancement of aviation.
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What types of volunteerism does the
Coast Guard support?
One strong volunteerism program is "Partnership in Education." The Coast
Guard encourages commands at all levels to support "adopt a school"
efforts. Volunteer activities can include tutoring students, supporting
extracurricular activities, etc. See Coast Guard Partnership in Education:
2000, COMDTINST 5350.22 (series) for guidance on setting up a partnership
for your unit. Private Schools. The Coast Guard can support private schools,
including establishing Partnerships in Education, when participation clearly
supports education or recruiting.
As an extension of the Partnership in Education program, the Coast Guard has
established a national partnership with First Book, a private, non-profit
organization whose mission is to give disadvantaged children the opportunity
to read and own their first books. Commandant (CG-09223) is the Coast
Guard's national coordinator for the partnership.
Support for First Book is voluntary and is to be provided as operations
permit; additional information is provided in Partnership with First Book,
COMDTINST 5350.5. Support may include but is not limited to making spaces,
facilities and vessels available to:
- Store and help
facilitate the distribution of new books to disadvantaged children.
- Host book
parties sponsored by First Book.
- Host unit tours for First Book children.
Participation
in local programs of drug awareness education is encouraged. While the Coast
Guard's involvement in drug law enforcement causes its members to be
perceived as authorities on the subject by the civilian community, Coast
Guard personnel should generally limit their comments to operational
activities of the service.
Team
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What types of national
organizations, including veterans groups, does the Coast Guard support?
How should units support these organizations?
The Coast Guard works with several service-oriented organizations,
including: The Navy League, The American Legion, the Coast Guard Combat
Veterans Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and others.
Suggested activities can be, but are not limited to: inviting
organization leaders to Coast Guard ceremonies; providing color guards for
their ceremonies; recognizing their exceptional efforts; providing speakers,
tours, cruises, videos, pamphlets, etc., to help keep the leaders abreast of
local, district and national Coast Guard matters.
Commandant (CG-09223) is the primary Coast Guard contact for all types of
national organizations and the editors of their internal publications. These
include service-related, youth and other groups. District commanders
designate liaison officers to work with regional leaders of national
organizations. Local unit
commanders deal directly, and to the best of their commands' abilities,
with local chapters, except in the
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How
can units arrange CGC EAGLE port visits?
Requests for EAGLE port visits should be directed to the Commanding Officer,
CGC EAGLE. The Coast Guard
receives more requests than can be accommodated without interfering with
EAGLE's training mission. Requests
or recommendations on domestic port visits should arrive at the Academy not
later than 1 September the year before the cruise.
The Executive Officer, CGC EAGLE, authorizes guests to sail aboard EAGLE. If
it appears that there will be several requests in your area to ride aboard
the EAGLE, the unit commander should designate a representative to
coordinate local requests and work with EAGLE's executive officer.
The Superintendent,
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How
can units arrange for local Coast Guard Band concerts?
First, note that there are several restrictions on use of the Coast Guard
Band:
- Armed Forces
musicians are prohibited by law from playing at public-domain events
that put them in competition with non-military musicians.
- The band may,
with approval from Commandant (CG-09223), provide patriotic music at
national conventions and meetings of nationally-recognized civic,
patriotic and veterans' organizations.
- The band
receives more requests than it can fill. To ensure the widest exposure
and to avoid favoritism, repeat performances are generally not granted.
- Even when the band is committed for an event, official Coast Guard activities take precedence over any other appearance.
Coast
Guard commands may request appearances at ceremonies and other events, such
as changes of command, dinings in, retreats, etc. The requesting command
must fund transportation, lodging, meals and other incidental expenses.
Ample planning may allow for a band visit during a scheduled tour, reducing
unit costs. Background, dinner, dance or other social music for
service-sponsored events are permitted only for events held at military
installations.
Requests for the band at public events must be in the best interests of the
Coast Guard. The Coast Guard will participate only if the event (parade,
concert, etc.) meets general community relations criteria, at no additional
cost to the government. The sponsor must fund transportation, meals,
lodging, promotion efforts, ticket printing and distribution, programs,
sites, and all incidental expenses connected with the appearance. Such
funding is legally considered as a gift. Commandant (CG-00), Commandant
(CG-09), Commandant (G-CFP), area commanders, MLC commanders, district
commanders and the Coast Guard Academy superintendent all have the authority
to accept offers by outside sources to pay for band travel.
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The Coast Guard Band Annual Tour
The band conducts a regional tour each year,
with free public concert appearances. Coast Guard families and friends are
encouraged to attend when locations are convenient. Daytime school visits
are often included in the band's tour.
Tour schedules are normally decided one year in advance and generally do not
allow for added performances. If you want your community considered in a
future tour, submit your suggestion early.
Commandant (CG-0922) funds tour transportation and per diem. Local
sponsors are required to fund and carry out promotion, ticket printing and
distribution, programs, sites, and all incidental expenses connected to the
performance.
Newspapers are generally the most capable sponsors. While the band generally
visits large communities, travel is limited to two hours between sites. This
allows the band to serve smaller communities and perform in schools during
the day.
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How can Coast Guard units request
support from the Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard?
The Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard is stationed at U.S. Coast Guard
Telecommunications and Information Systems Command,
Within the Ceremonial Honor Guard are separate teams - a precision drill
team, a parade unit and a color guard. These units may be available for
public performances; however, official Honor Guard activities take priority
over other appearances. Submit requests to Commandant (CG-09223) for
engagements outside
Coast Guard requesting commands must fund all transportation, lodging and
meals and other incidental expenses. Requests from the public for events
must be in the best interests of the Coast Guard and the event sponsor. The
Coast Guard will participate only if the event meets general community
relations criteria and is without additional cost to the government. The
sponsor must fund transportation, meals, lodging, promotion efforts, ticket
printing and distribution, programs, sites, and all incidental expenses
connected with the appearance.
Neither the Ceremonial Honor Guard, nor its units, go on tour.
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How may Coast Guard units
participate in the naming of cutters and shore facilities, including
buildings and roads on Coast Guard installations?
The Commandant has appointed a standing board to make recommendations for
cutter names and to review nominations for facility names. Chaired by the
Chief, Office of Public Affairs, the board sends recommendations to the
Commandant for final approval. The remainder of the board consists of
representatives from Commandant (CG-005), (CG-00B), (CG-37), (CG-4),
(CG-09224) and (CG-09223).
District commanders and commanding officers of headquarters units should
submit nominations to Commandant (CG-09223) at least six months before the
expected dedication date. Commandant (CG-09223) can help research names if
asked far enough in advance (6-12 months).
Buildings are named for deceased individuals with historical significance to
the Coast Guard. They include Coast Guardsmen who are: firsts/lasts, died in
action or line of duty, heroes, famous lifesavers, or known for some heroic
deed. The board also will consider Coast Guard-related heroes; Life-Saving,
Lighthouse and Revenue Cutter Service personnel; lifesaving medal winners
and people having a significant impact on Coast Guard history.
Outdoor facilities (athletic fields, port facilities, air fields, hangars,
etc.) are named for cutters, historically significant people, famous
battles, nautical terms, noteworthy rescues, or former lighthouses, light
stations or lifesaving stations.
The board has delegated to unit and/or installation commanders the authority
to name roads, streets, avenues and drives.
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How should units handle
requests from outside organizations and commercial entities to use the words
"
Federal law
(14 USC, Section 639) protects the words " United States Coast Guard,"
or any variation thereof, including but not limited to "USCG" and
Commandant (CG-09223) approves all commercial use of the Coast Guard names
or official symbols. District Public Affairs officers are not authorized to
approve use of Coast Guard protected symbols. Districts should refer
requests regarding clearance to Commandant (CG-09223).
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Coast
Guard Official Symbols
U.S. Coast
Guard Heraldry, COMDTINST M5200.14 (series) defines the official Seal and
Emblem and prescribes their use. Coast Guard Regulations and 14 USC, Section
638, prescribe use of the Coast Guard Emblem, Ensign and other identifying
insignia, which includes the Coast Guard Mark.
The Coast Guard Seal is a pair of crossed
anchors superimposed by a life ring with shield and surrounded by a line
grommet. The Seal must not be reproduced outside the Coast Guard. The wall
plaque reproduction of the Seal may be loaned on license agreements to
service-related organizations by Commandant (CG-09223). Temporary use of the
plaque by Service-related organizations is approved. Exceptions include
allowing use of the Seal in most instances where all other service seals
will be displayed.
The Coast Guard Mark ("racing stripe") and/or Emblem (similar to seal
but without line grommet) must not be reproduced outside the Coast Guard
without approval. Vendors or others wishing to reproduce these identifying
symbols must submit an outline of the intended use and a copy of the
proposed design to Commandant (CG-09223).
The Coast Guard has both an Ensign (vertical red stripes) and a Standard
(white field with blue eagle). The
Ensign is a symbol of United States Coast Guard law enforcement authority
and is, by law, restricted to official use only.
The Coast Guard Standard is used during parades and ceremonies and is
adorned by our 34 battle streamers. Service-related organizations may use
the Standard on temporary loan with approval from Commandant (CG-09223).
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May the
Coast Guard provide flags to other organizations?
The Coast
Guard cannot donate or sell flags to individuals or organizations. Flags of
historical interest or value should be sent to the Coast Guard Exhibit
Center.
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May units
provide photos for promotional material?
Upon
request, the Coast Guard may supply official photographs for use in
promotional material only if approved by Commandant (CG-09223). Official
photographs are available on the Coast Guard Imagery database, accessible
through the World Wide Web at http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php.
Commandant (CG-09223) will coordinate with units to provide appropriate
photos to commercial entities.
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How can my command recognize and
honor community members who strongly the support the Coast Guard?
Public Service Awards recognize private citizens, groups or organizations
for helping the Coast Guard carry out its missions. Awards can serve to both
recognize those who have helped us and to encourage others in a position to
contribute. Each award signed by the Commandant must be sent to the
Commandant via the Office of Public Affairs (CG-0922) for processing. Any
Coast Guard member can nominate an individual or organization for a public
service award through his or her chain of command. The level of award should
be determined by the extent of the contribution, not necessarily by the
stature of the awardee. For concerns about what level is appropriate,
contact your district public affairs office. For details on eligibility
criteria and the various types of Public Service Awards, consult Chapter 7
of the Public Affairs Manual.
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What does it mean for a
city to be designated "A
The Commandant takes great pride in the
many services provided by the men and women of the Coast Guard to American
citizens in general and, in particular, to the residents of the communities
in which they are assigned. It is the intent of the "A Coast Guard City"
designation program, in accordance with federal law, to provide for the
recognition of those cities that, in return, have made special efforts to
acknowledge the professional work of the Coast Guard men and women assigned
to their area by regularly reaching out to them and their families and
making them feel "at home at their home away from home." Such efforts
should be indicative of a longstanding and enduring relationship with an
emphasis on considerations the community has made for the members of the
Coast Guard family and their dependents.
To be designated "A Coast Guard City," a city or municipality must make
a formal request by letter, signed by the mayor or city manager, addressed
to Commandant (CG-092),
A board comprised of Commandant (CG-092), (CG-00B), (CG-0922), (CG-0921),
(CG-11), and (CG-0944) will review the request, consider recommendations
from the appropriate field commands and, should the request meet the
requirements detailed below, provide a recommendation to the Commandant.
Upon approval by the Commandant, the appropriate congressional committees
will be notified and a required 90-day waiting period will begin. With no
dissent from either committee, the requesting city will be proclaimed to be
"A Coast Guard City."
The proclamation will have a five-year term after which the city will be
required to apply for recertification. Recertification is an abbreviated
form of the procedures required for the original request in that the city
need only provide a letter six months prior to the end of the five-year term
describing its on-going relationship with the Coast Guard with examples of
their recent programs and projects. As with the original request, letters
requesting recertification should be addressed to Commandant (CG-092), and
go before the Board.
Additional information about designation criteria and requirements, as well
as background information on the designation, are found in Chapter 7 of the
Public Affairs Manual. Questions
regarding this program should be directed to the Community Relations Branch
of the Office of Public Affairs in Coast Guard Headquarters (CG-09223).
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| USCG Internal Resources | External Community Organizations |
|---|---|
| Authority and Guidance | America's Waterway Watch |
| Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) | Boating Safety |
| Naming Board Requests | Military Service Organizations |
| Public Service Awards | Youth Organizations |
| Partnership in Education (PIE) |
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