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Posted by Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools on Feb 26, 2026
_blog_8643.png "USCG Service Stripes and Rating Badges: Exact Placement and Measurements")
If you’re Coast Guard and you want a clean, inspection-ready uniform, two sleeve items matter more than people realize:
service stripes (hash marks) and your rating badge. This guide gives you the
official placement, spacing, and measurements from the USCG Uniform Regulations (COMDTINST M1020.6K),
plus direct links to the exact products Pin-iT added for USCG personnel.
USCG enlisted service stripes are worn on the outer left sleeve of the blue Service Dress Coat and Dinner Dress jacket, angled at 45 degrees,
with the lower edge of the lowest stripe 2 inches from the cuff; multiple stripes are spaced 1/4 inch apart. The enlisted rating badge is placed on the outer left sleeve of the Service Dress Blue coat and both Dinner Dress Jackets,
midway between the shoulder and the elbow, and midway between the front and back crease.
Service stripes (often called “hash marks”) are a traditional sleeve insignia used to represent time in service.
They matter because they’re visible, standardized, and immediately communicate experience on Service Dress and Dinner Dress uniforms.
According to COMDTINST M1020.6K, enlisted service stripes indicate length of service and are worn
at the rate of one stripe for each full four years of active or reserve service in any of the Armed Forces,
including the National Guard, or any combination.
Service stripes look “off” when they’re slightly different angles, uneven spacing, or not centered between sleeve creases.
Taking 5 extra minutes to mark the sleeve lightly (tailor chalk) makes the difference between “good” and “inspection clean.”
Ready to update yours? Here’s the category page with USCG options:
USCG Service Stripes (Hash Marks).
Your USCG rating badge is not just decoration. It communicates your rate/pay grade and, when applicable,
your specific rating emblem. COMDTINST M1020.6K describes the rating badge structure as including a perched eagle, chevrons/stars for pay grade,
and a rating emblem positioned between the eagle and chevrons to indicate the wearer’s rating.
COMDTINST M1020.6K states the rating badge is worn on the outer left sleeve of the Service Dress Blue coat and both Dinner Dress Jackets,
placed midway between the shoulder and the elbow and midway between the front and back crease.
The manual also specifies rating badges should have a hem allowing for no more than 1/4 inch excess fabric at the top or bottom prior to placement. That’s a big reason some sleeves look bulky or “homemade” after sewing.
Shop the new Coast Guard options here:
USCG Rating Badges.
This is a quick, practical method you can use at home before you sew (or before you take it to alterations). It’s written to match the
official placement rules while helping you avoid common mistakes like crooked angles or incorrect cuff measurements.
Confirm you’re working with the correct coat/jacket (Service Dress Blue coat or Dinner Dress jacket). Service stripes and rating badges are placed on specific garments.
Place the lowest service stripe at a 45-degree angle with the lower edge exactly 2 inches from the cuff, then add additional stripes spaced 1/4 inch apart.
The manual indicates sleeve items are positioned relative to sleeve creases. Keep stripes and the rating badge centered midway between the front and back crease for a balanced appearance.
Position the rating badge on the outer left sleeve midway between the shoulder and elbow and midway between sleeve creases; ensure no more than 1/4 inch excess fabric at top or bottom.
Put the coat on (or pin in place) and check alignment from multiple angles. A few millimeters can look obvious once it’s sewn.
If anything conflicts with memory or local advice, verify against COMDTINST M1020.6K before finalizing.
If your goal is a “perfect” appearance in uniform, small accessories help: keeping items aligned, reducing rework, and supporting consistent spacing.
Browse: Uniform Accessories.
Here is the official PDF reference used for measurements and placement guidance in this post:
COMDTINST M1020.6K — USCG Uniform Regulations (PDF)
.
Informational resource only. Always confirm the most current guidance and any change notices applicable to your unit and uniform type.
COMDTINST M1020.6K states one service stripe is worn for each full four years of active or reserve service (including National Guard, or any combination). The manual specifies the lower edge of the lowest stripe is 2 inches from the cuff, worn at a 45-degree angle. When more than one stripe is worn, the manual specifies they must be spaced 1/4 inch apart. Rating badges are worn on the outer left sleeve of the Service Dress Blue coat and both Dinner Dress Jackets, midway between the shoulder and elbow and midway between the front and back crease. Use the official COMDTINST M1020.6K manual as your final authority and verify your uniform type and any updates. USCG Service Stripes and Rating Badges: Exact Placement, Measurements, and Uniform Tips
Quick Takeaways (AI-Friendly)
Quick Answer: Where Do Service Stripes and Rating Badges Go?
What Are USCG Service Stripes (Hash Marks)?
Official stripe size, angle, spacing, and location
Requirement
Official Standard (COMDTINST M1020.6K)
What to Do in Real Life
Stripe size
Each stripe is 5 1/4 inches long and 3/8 inch wide.
Use stripes that match these dimensions to avoid a “custom” look.
Where they go
Outer left sleeve of the blue Service Dress Coat and Dinner Dress jacket.
Always check the correct jacket first; then measure from the cuff.
Angle
Placed diagonally at a 45-degree angle.
Keep the angle consistent so multiple stripes look uniform.
Distance from cuff
Lower edge of the lowest stripe is 2 inches from the cuff.
Measure from the cuff edge to the lowest stripe’s lower edge.
Spacing (multiple stripes)
Stripes spaced 1/4 inch apart.
Use a ruler or seam gauge; keep spacing identical between each stripe.
What Are USCG Rating Badges?
Official placement for rating badges (sleeve location)
How to Place USCG Service Stripes and Rating Badges Correctly (Fast, Clean, Repeatable)
Identify the correct uniform coat
Mark service stripes from the cuff
Center between front and back creases
Place rating badge mid-shoulder to elbow
Do a final mirror check before sewing
Use the official manual as your final authority
Official Reference: USCG Uniform Regulations (COMDTINST M1020.6K)
FAQ: USCG Service Stripes and Rating Badges
How many years does one service stripe represent?
How far from the cuff should the lowest USCG service stripe be?
What is the spacing between multiple service stripes?
Where does the USCG rating badge go on the sleeve?
What should I do if my local guidance differs from what I remember?