Limited-time savings - Take 10% OFF with code: 10OFF

Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools | Magnetic Ribbon Rack Builder

Your Cart is empty

Coast Guard Auxiliary Ribbon Device Placement Guide

Posted by Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools on Mar 05, 2026

pinit Coast Guard Auxiliary Ribbon Device Placement Guide

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 Guide

Build Your Coast Guard Auxiliary Ribbon Rack

Slide-On Ribbon Rack Builder

Create accurate Coast Guard ribbon racks with slide-on ribbons.

Build Rack

Thin Ribbon Rack Builder

Design low-profile thin ribbon racks commonly used on modern uniforms.

Build Rack

Magnetic Thin Ribbon Builder

Magnetic ribbon racks eliminate the need for traditional pins and protect uniform fabrics.

Build Rack

People Also Ask About Auxiliary Ribbons

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.

Design 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 Rack