COMDTINST 1200.4A — Response Operations Ashore Qualification Insignia

COMDTINST 1200.4A governs the policies and standards for earning the Response Operations Ashore Insignia.

Search COMDTINST 1200.4A

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 1200.4A
  • Title: RESPONSE OPERATIONS ASHORE QUALIFICATION INSIGNIA
  • Date: 4/26/2024
  • Proponent: CG-741

View COMDTINST 1200.4A on armypubs.army.mil


It covers eligibility, temporary and permanent entitlement, qualifying competencies, qualifying experience, issuing authority, and documentation. It requires certification and sets competency and experience requirements for permanent wear.

Applies to: Enlisted members (E-4 and above) and officers of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve, and Coast Guard civilian employees who meet the criteria outlined in this Instruction may be awarded the Response Operations Ashore Insignia.

Topics covered

  • Response Operations Ashore Insignia
  • Temporary entitlement
  • Permanent entitlement
  • Qualifying competencies
  • Qualifying experience
  • Issuing authority
  • Insignia documentation

Questions and answers

Who can be awarded the Response Operations Ashore Insignia?

Enlisted members (E-4 and above) and officers of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve, and Coast Guard civilian employees who meet the criteria outlined in this Instruction may be awarded the Response Operations Ashore Insignia.

When can the temporary Insignia be worn?

The temporary Insignia may only be worn while actively serving in a billet of qualifying experience for which the issuing authority approved the Insignia. Upon transfer to a new billet, the Insignia must be removed from the uniform. If the new billet is also a billet of qualifying experience, approval to wear the temporary Insignia must be granted by the issuing authority.

What are the permanent entitlement requirements for commissioned officers?

Commissioned officers: attained a minimum of four qualifying Operations Ashore Response competencies as outlined in Appendix A and completed five years of qualifying experience at units outlined in Appendix C. At least one qualifying competency must be Command Duty Officer (CDO).

What are the permanent entitlement requirements for warrant officers, enlisted members, and civilian employees?

Commissioned warrant officers, enlisted members, and civilian employees: attained a minimum of four qualifying competencies as outlined in Appendix B and completed five years of qualifying experience at units outlined in Appendix C. Of the attained competencies, at least one must be an “Advanced Competency” as denoted in Appendix B.

Who issues the Response Operations Ashore Insignia?

The issuing authorities for the Response Operations Ashore Insignia are unit commanders, commanding officers, and officers in charge of the unit types outlined in Appendix C. District and Area Commanders may delegate issuing authority, but no lower than the O-6 level.

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