ALCOAST 450/20 - DEC 2020 MILITARY UNIFORM PROGRAM UPDATE

R 140923 DEC 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//PSC/CG-4//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01020//
ALCOAST 450/20
COMDTNOTE 1020
SUBJ:  MILITARY UNIFORM PROGRAM UPDATE
A. Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6 (series)
1. This message updates several key issues affecting our Uniform Distribution
Center and the Military Uniform Program. This update will be followed by more
regular uniform notices primarily using the MyCG medium.
2. Uniform Distribution Center (UDC) Operations: Textile production nationwide
has returned to full capacity enabling the UDC to resume complete seabag issues
to recruits. Ensuring sufficient uniform inventory at all accession points
(Recruit Training Center, Coast Guard Academy and Leadership Development Center)
remains the UDC’s first priority. 
3. ODU: As of 04 November 2020, all ODU sizes are available for fleet sales
(except for small regular) through SHOPCGX.com or CGX outlets. The UDC remains
committed to providing ODUs to all USCG members and other fleet partners, however
some sizes may still periodically be limited to accessions. These difficult
decisions are forced by limited domestic manufacturing capacity and external
production interruptions such as the pandemic. Patrons are requested to limit
purchases to only necessary uniform items as normal production rates and inventory
remain tenuous.
4. Coast Guard Utility (CG-U): The new CG-U is on course for availability to the
fleet in mid-FY22. The Coast Guard Design Technical Office (CDTO) is diligently
working with Navy research labs to ensure CG-U specification alignment and
suitability for both services’ new uniforms. PSC PSD-MU is also coordinating
with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for CG-U contracting and sustainment.
In conjunction with these efforts, PSC PSD-MU and a team of evaluators recently
concluded a 120-day limited trial of the new light weight utility uniform in
the CG-U pattern. Favorable feedback was received on the weight reduction,
breathability, and durability in harsh work environments. CDTO will analyze
test data and feedback before acceptance. Once accepted, the CG-U Light (CG-U-L)
will be produced as an optional uniform. The CG-U-L will not be issued at
accession points. CG-U updates will be disseminated as more information becomes
available. 
5. Other Notes: PSC PSD-MU is coordinating with the design team, Uniform Board
advisors, and senior leaders to determine CG-U shoulder patch specifications,
colors, and size. Two shoulder patch specifications under consideration include
the Coast Guard blue and white and a more subdued variant of blue and graphite.
6. Commands are encouraged to ensure widest dissemination of this ALCOAST.
7. For questions, please contact the COMDT (CG-44) Logistics Program Manager,
Mr. Lee Plowden, at (202)475-5696 or lee.plowden@uscg.mil; Uniform Program Office,
Mr. Hayes Davis at (202) 795-6656 or hayes.c.davis@uscg.mil.  
8. RDML Shannon N. Gilreath, Personnel Service Center (PSC); and
RDML Nathan A. Moore, Assistant Commandant for Engineering and Logistics (CG-4), send.
9. Internet release is authorized.