COMDTINST M1200.1A — Military Qualifications And Insignia

COMDTINST M1200.1A governs military qualifications, certificates, and insignia, including eligibility, entitlement, wear, and award authority.

Search COMDTINST M1200.1A

  • Publication number: COMDTINST M1200.1A
  • Title: MILITARY QUALIFICATIONS AND INSIGNIA
  • Date: 11/18/2021
  • Proponent: CG-1331

View COMDTINST M1200.1A on armypubs.army.mil


The publication covers command afloat and ashore, boat operations, aviation, medical qualifications, and legal qualifications. It establishes eligibility, certification, temporary and permanent entitlement, presentation, and wearing requirements for insignia.

Applies to: It is intended to provide operational guidance for Coast Guard personnel and is not intended to nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party outside the Coast Guard.

Topics covered

  • Command at sea and ashore
  • Boat operations
  • Coxswain and Surfman insignia
  • Aviation qualifications
  • Astronaut designations
  • Medical insignia
  • Judge Advocate qualifications

Questions and answers

Who can wear the Command at Sea device?

Only officers below Flag rank are authorized to wear the Command at Sea device and the Command Ashore device. (paragraph 2)

How must Coast Guard qualification insignia be worn?

Insignia must be worn as prescribed in Reference (a), Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6 (series). (paragraph 1)

Who may designate Coast Guard astronauts?

Only the Commandant may designate Coast Guard astronauts. (paragraph 2)

When may an officer be suspended from flying status for fear of flying?

A suspending authority will suspend from flying status any officer who has professed in writing a fear of flying or who has been found so disposed by examination by a military flight surgeon. (paragraph 1)

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