ALCOAST 166/23 - APR 2023 AUTHORIZATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONAL CLOTHING (LEOC)

R 261105Z APR 23 MID120000007188U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 166/23
SSIC 16247
SUBJ: AUTHORIZATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONAL CLOTHING (LEOC)
A. U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Manual (MLEM),
COMDTINST M16247.1H
B. Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6K
C. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Development and Use of
Strategic Sourcing Contract Vehicles, Directive Number: 060-01
D. Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) Tactical Operations Manual,
COMDTINST M16600.7B
1. This ALCOAST authorizes the use of the law enforcement
operational clothing (LEOC) for non-tactical operations by law
enforcement (LE) designated units. The LEOC is an alternate
option for Commanding Officers/Officers-in-Charge (CO/OIC) to
consider for their boarding teams when conducting maritime law
enforcement (MLE) operations in accordance with REF (A).
2. Background. In the fall of 2022, the Deputy Commandant for
Operations and Capabilities directed the Assistant Commandant of
Response Policy (CG-5R) to lead a mission analysis report on the
increased MLE threat environment following growing incidents of
non-compliance and use of force while conducting MLE operations.
Areas, Districts, and Coast Guard Headquarters staff facilitated
175 listening sessions with crews from Sectors, stations,
Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF), and cutters for their
feedback and concerns related to the increased MLE threat
environment, policy, training and equipment. After considerable
feedback, a reoccurring theme of these discussions noted concerns
in the fit, form, and function of both the Operational Dress
Uniform (ODU) and optional dark blue boarding coveralls while
conducting MLE operations; specifically, the climate resilience
of the ODU material and officer safety/weapons retention concerns
while wearing the boarding coverall. In light of field input,
another alternative to the ODU and boarding coveralls, is the LEOC
to conduct MLE operations, including DSF units in accordance with
REFs (A) and (D).
3. Policy. Chapter 6, Paragraph A.1. of REF (A) will be deleted
and replaced with:
    a. A.1. Boarding Team Clothing. Unit boarding team members must
wear the same Coast Guard apparel. Except as authorized below,
the standard boarding apprel is the Coast Guard operational dress
uniform (ODU). However, to provide boarding teams alternatives
to conduct maritime law enforcement operations with appropriate
functionality, the CO/OIC may authorize boarding teams to wear one
of the described options below, in accordance with this manual.
    b. Chapter 6, Paragraph A.1.a. of REF (A) will be replaced with
- Law Enforcement Operational Clothing (LEOC): This option must
be worn with the external body armor carrier. The use of
concealable body armor with this option is not permitted. Units
must review procurement and contract requirements for the LEOC
outlined on the COMDT (CG-MLE-2) SharePoint:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cgmle/cgmle2/SitePages/
Home.aspx

Service members are not authorized to personally purchase this
optional clothing. This clothing is a unit-funded item.
    c. Chapter 6, Paragraph A.1.b. of REF (A) will be replaced with
- Dark Blue Coverall: A dark blue coverall may be worn. This may
be worn with the external body armor carrier or the concealable
body armor. However, commands may only purchase coveralls that
have a minimum of 4 belt-loops around the waist to permit the ODU
belt to be worn, and keepers to secure the weapons belt to the
waistline. A recommended procurement source can be found on the
COMDT (CG-MLE-2) SharePoint:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cgmle/cgmle2/SitePages
/Home.aspx

    d. Chapter 6, Paragraph A.1.c. will be added to REF (A) -
Tactical Uniforms: DSF units are authorized to wear tactical gear
approved by COMDT (CG-1221), COMDT (CG-721), and COMDT (CG-731),
when operationally necessary. This guidance must not be interpreted
as an authorization for any unit member to use tactical uniforms
exclusively. For example, MSST members conducting local operations
in support of other units must wear standard boarding uniforms to
match the local unit.
4. Members permanently assigned to an operational unit and
certified as law enforcement personnel are authorized to wear the
LEOC while conducting MLE training and operations.
5. Patches on the LEOC are not authorized.
6. Funding. In accordance with REFs (A) and (B), the LEOC may be
purchased with unit operating funds; members are not authorized
to purchase the LEOC with personal funds. The LEOC will be
unfunded. Units may request Asset Forfeiture funds to replace
damaged uniforms in accordance with policy, but should contact the
POC in Paragraph 9 prior to making a request. The procurement
process for the LEOC is located on the COMDT (CG-MLE-2) SharePoint
linked in Paragraph 7. In accordance with REF (C), the only
authorized procurement source for the LEOC is through the DHS
Strategic Sourcing Vehicle. Alternate clothing that is not the
dark blue coverall or the LEOC outlined in this message are not
authorized for MLE operations and must be removed from service
immediately.
7. Link: COMDT (CG-MLE-2) SharePoint
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cgmle/cgmle2/SitePages
/Home.aspx

8. POC: Policy - COMDT (CG-MLE-2), CWO4 Lee Conroy,
(202) 372-2171, Lee.J.Conroy@uscg.mil.
9. POC: Asset Forfeiture - COMDT (CG-MLE-1), Ms. Cristina Wallace,
(202) 372-2170, Cristina.Y.Wallace@uscg.mil.
10. RDML Jo-Ann F. Burdian, Assistant Commandant for Response
Policy (CG-5R), sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.