Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) is the normal work uniform of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The Coast Guard introduced the new "Operational Dress Uniform" (ODU) uniform in 2004 to replace the winter and summer "Undress Duty" uniform. Resembling law enforcement SWAT fatigues, the ODU uniforms resemble the old-style Battle Dress Uniforms, but with the lower pockets on the blouse being eliminated and the uniform being worn tucked into the trousers, similar in nature to the old-style Cold War-era fatigues. The sleeves can be worn folded up and the trousers bloused above the boots, with the ODU black belt and blackened buckle being worn with the metal tip 2 to 4 inches from the buckle. The dark blue Coast Guard unit ballcap is worn with this uniform. The ODU also has all of its insignia sewn on, eliminating the chance of puncture wounds created by the pins if the individual suffers a blow to the chest while wearing a PFD.
In 2008, a new version of the ODU which featured an untucked blouse was approved, and is gradually being fielded.
Coast Guard Units which engage in combat operations do not wear ODUs but instead wear BDUs.
A 2006 issue of the Reservist magazine was devoted to a detailed and easy to understand graphical description of all the authorized uniforms.
In 2008 the ODU's were authorized for wear by the Commissioned Officer Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The uniform replaces the US Navy working khakis NOAA Officers formerly wore. Sewn on insignia is worn in a fashion similar to the Coast Guard
See also
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