ALCOAST 135/26 - MAY 2026 CHIEF'S CUTLASS UNIFORM POLICY

R 181700Z MAY 26   MID120041254017U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 135/26
SSIC 1020
SUBJ: CHIEF'S CUTLASS UNIFORM POLICY
A. COMCOGARD PSC WASHINGTON DC 111515Z AUG 23/ALCGPSC 094/23
B. COMCOGARD PSC WASHINGTON DC 011255Z JUL 25/ALCGPSC 088/25
C. Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST 1020.6K
1. This ALCOAST provides policy for the wear of the Chief's Cutlass
and accessories which were announced by REF (A) and extended by
REF (B).
2. The Chief's cutlass has a 26-inch stainless steel blade with
optional engraved initials "USCG". The hilt of the cutlass includes
an anodized brass handguard with black leather handle wrapped in
gold wire. The pommel contains the design of the 1897 CPO cap
insignia. Scabbard, belt, and harness shall be made of plain black
grain leather or synthetic material presenting the same appearance.
3. The following changes are effective immediately:
    a. Chief's Cutlass and Accessories
        (1) The cutlass and accessories are optional for paygrades
E-7 - E-9 for wear with Full Dress Uniforms.
        (2) Service members are not required to purchase the cutlass.
        (3) The senior officer officiating may prescribe the wearing
of the Full Dress uniform without the cutlass for certain
individuals, or on specific occasions when the wearing of a cutlass
is considered inappropriate or undesirable. All chiefs of the
official party shall wear the cutlass, or the cutlass shall be
omitted from the ceremony.
    b. Manner of Wear for Chief's Cutlass and Accessories
        (1) The scabbard is black leather with anodized brass throat
fitting and toe plate. The belt is black leather with an adjustable
shoulder strap. The buckle is anodized brass with two interlocking
fasteners. The CPO shall wear the interchangeable buckle insignia
corresponding with his/her current paygrade (CPO, SCPO, MCPO and
MCPOCG).
        (2) The frog is made of black leather and is custom made to
fit the Chief's cutlass scabbard.
        (3) The Chief's cutlass is inserted into the scabbard and worn
with the pommel facing up and hand guard facing outward. When worn
during ceremonies, the Chief's cutlass will not to be drawn, with
exception of a wedding arch. When military courtesy requires a
salute, the hand salute is rendered.
        (4) The Chief's Cutlass belt and shoulder harness assembly
are worn under the dress coat. When properly worn, the belt and
strap will not be visible. The shoulder harness is worn across the
right shoulder diagonally and attaches to the harness rings on the
left side of the harness belt. Questions regarding this ALCOAST
may be directed to CG PSC-PSD-mu via email to
HQS-SMB-PSC-PSD-MU@uscg.mil.
4. These changes will be made to the next revision of REF (C).
Directives System Program is working with COMDT (CG-WM) and
tracking interim policies issued for internal controls purposes
5. CAPT Christopher J. Hulser, Assistant Commandant for Workforce
Management (CG-WM), sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.