ALCOAST 180/26 - JUN 2026 CHAPLAIN UNIFORM RANK INSIGNIA; OCCASION FOR WEAR WHEN ASSIGNED TO THE COAST GUARD

R 181954Z JUN 26  MID180038793669U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 180/26
SSIC: 10122
SUBJ: CHAPLAIN UNIFORM RANK INSIGNIA; OCCASION FOR WEAR WHEN
ASSIGNED TO THE COAST GUARD
A. Religious Ministry within the Coast Guard, COMDTINST 1730.4D
B. Implementation Guidance for Chaplain Uniform Reform,
Under Secretary of War Memo dtd 04MAY26
C. NAVADMIN 139/26
D. Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST 1020.6K
1. This ALCOAST announces a change to the authorized manner of wear
for operational uniforms worn by U.S. Navy Chaplains assigned to
and serving with the Coast Guard.
2. Per REF (A), Chaplains provide essential religious ministry,
spiritual guidance and confidential counseling for all Coast
Guard members.
    a. The changes announced in this ALCOAST are aimed at removing any
potential rank-based barriers between Chaplains and the Coast
Guard members they serve. These changes are further designed to
encourage open communication between Chaplains and Coast Guard
members seeking immediate support or crisis intervention,
including junior members in operational environments where
Chaplain services are often needed most.
    b. These changes also align with those recently announced
regarding the manner of wear for Navy Uniforms for the
Chaplain Corps in REFs (B) and (C).
3. This ALCOAST details a modification only to the manner
of wear for rank insignia on Chaplain operational uniforms and
does not reflect a change of a Chaplain's authority or position.
Chaplains will retain their rank and status as commissioned
officers, and all customs and courtesies associated with their
grade remain in effect. Chaplains are commissioned officers in
grade O-2 or higher and all officers and enlisted members of a
lesser pay grade will continue to render a salute and greeting
to all Chaplains.
4. No later than 30JUN26, Navy Chaplains assigned to
the Coast Guard will remove all rank insignia from the
Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) and flight suit. Chaplains
will replace rank insignia with the religious device on the
ODU and flight suit.
5. Chaplains shall also remove rank insignia from all outer
garments and covers and replace them with a metal religious
device when worn with ODUs or flight suits. However, when
outer garments and covers are worn with other uniforms, such
as Tropical Blue Short Sleeve or Tropical Blue Long Sleeve,
rank insignia shall still be worn.
6. The manner of wear for Chaplain rank insignia on Service,
Dress, Formal, and Tropical Blue uniforms remains unchanged.
7. Cloth tabs for outer garments are currently in the design
process and will be ordered once complete. The Office of the
Chaplain of the Coast Guard will provide additional information
to all Chaplains when cloth tabs become available. Until receipt
of the cloth tab, Chaplains will wear the metal religious device
or sew an embroidered religious device on the tab of the parka.
8. This ALCOAST does not change the manner of wear for
uniforms worn by Chaplains in the Coast Guard Auxiliary
Chaplain Support Program.
9. REF (D) will be updated per internal controls requirements.
10. Questions regarding this ALCOAST should be addressed via
e-mail to the Office of the Chaplain of the Coast Guard at
HQS-SMBL-CG-00A-CHAPLAINOFFICE@uscg.mil
11. ADM Tom Allan Jr., Vice Commandant (VCG), sends.
12. Internet release is authorized.