COMDTINST 5527.4 — Special Agent Insignia

COMDTINST 5527.4 governs the policies and procedures for earning and wearing the Coast Guard Special Agent Insignia.

Search COMDTINST 5527.4

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 5527.4
  • Title: SPECIAL AGENT INSIGNIA
  • Date: 8/7/2024
  • Proponent: CGIS

View COMDTINST 5527.4 on armypubs.army.mil


It identifies eligible Coast Guard, Reserve, civilian, and prior Special Agents and describes permanent, temporary, and retroactive entitlement. It sets training, service, certification, issuing authority, documentation, and insignia-design requirements.

Applies to: All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and chief of headquarter directorates must comply with the policies contained.

Topics covered

  • Special Agent Insignia
  • Insignia entitlement criteria
  • Temporary insignia entitlement
  • Retroactive insignia awards
  • Insignia issuing authority
  • Insignia documentation
  • Insignia design

Questions and answers

Who may be awarded the Special Agent Insignia?

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

What training is required for an active-duty or civilian Special Agent to wear the insignia permanently?

Active Duty and Civilian Special Agent must graduate from the Criminal Investigator Training Program or an accredited equivalent and graduate from Special Agent Basic Training or a combination of other accredited basic or advanced law enforcement training programs.

What training is required for Reserve Special Agents?

Reserve Special Agents must graduate from an accredited federal, state, or local law enforcement academy and attend the CGIS Reserve Indoctrination Training Program or a combination of other accredited basic or advanced law enforcement training programs.

How long must a Coast Guard Special Agent serve for permanent entitlement?

Completed five (5) years of satisfactory service as a Coast Guard Special Agent.

When can a Special Agent wear the insignia temporarily?

Special Agents who have met all the aforementioned requirements but have not yet completed five consecutive years are eligible to wear the insignia after completing one (1) year of satisfactory service as a Coast Guard Special Agent while currently serving in a CGIS billet.

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