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Coast Guard Auxiliary Ribbon Device Placement Guide
Posted by Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools on Mar 05, 2026
Complete Coast Guard Auxiliary ribbon guide explaining ribbon devices, order of precedence, hourglass awards, and how to build an Auxiliary ribbon rack.
Complete Coast Guard Auxiliary Ribbon Guide
This is the most complete guide available explaining Coast Guard Auxiliary ribbons, devices, rack building, and award placement. Auxiliarists use ribbon devices to show additional awards, operational participation, and thousands of volunteer service hours.
Quick Answer: What Devices Go On Coast Guard Auxiliary Ribbons?
Coast Guard Auxiliary ribbons may include several devices depending on the award. The most common attachments are bronze and silver stars, operational devices, qualification examiner devices, and hourglass devices that represent thousands of volunteer service hours.
Auxiliary Ribbon Devices Explained
3/16 Bronze Star
Represents additional awards or qualifications.
3/16 Silver Star
Represents five bronze stars.
5/16 Gold Star
Used on personal decorations like Achievement or Commendation awards.
Operational "O" Device
Indicates the award was earned through operational participation.
"E" Device
Qualification Examiner designation.
Hourglass Device
Represents service hours:
Bronze – 7,500 hours
Gold – 15,000 hours
Silver – 25,000 hours
How Ribbon Devices Are Placed
Device Placement Diagram
Devices are centered horizontally on the ribbon. When multiple stars are present, they are evenly spaced across the ribbon bar.
Example layout:
For more detailed placement instructions see our full guide below.
Full Coast Guard Device Placement GuideBuild Your Coast Guard Auxiliary Ribbon Rack
Slide-On Ribbon Rack Builder
Create accurate Coast Guard ribbon racks with slide-on ribbons.
Build RackThin Ribbon Rack Builder
Design low-profile thin ribbon racks commonly used on modern uniforms.
Build RackMagnetic Thin Ribbon Builder
Magnetic ribbon racks eliminate the need for traditional pins and protect uniform fabrics.
Build RackDesign Your Auxiliary Ribbon Rack in Seconds
Use the Pin-iT ribbon rack builder to design you ribbon rack in order of precedence.
Start Building Your RackFrequently Asked Questions
What stars go on Coast Guard Auxiliary ribbons?
Auxiliary ribbons commonly use 3/16 bronze stars and silver stars to represent additional awards or qualifications.
What does the O device mean on an Auxiliary ribbon?
The Operational O device indicates the award was earned through operational participation rather than administrative service.
How many hours for the Auxiliary hourglass device?
Bronze hourglass – 7,500 hours. Gold hourglass – 15,000 hours. Silver hourglass – 25,000 hours.
How are Coast Guard Auxiliary ribbons arranged?
Auxiliary ribbons are arranged in order of precedence from highest award to lowest, starting from the top left of the rack.