Coast Guard Credential and Badges

Commandant

2100 Second Street, S.W.

United States Coast Guard

Washington, DC 20593-0001

Staff Symbol: CG-861

Phone: (202) 372-3700

Fax: (202) 372-3950

COMDTINST 5512.2

NOV 09, 2006

COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 5512.2

Subj: COAST GUARD CREDENTIALS AND BADGES

1. PURPOSE. This Instruction outlines United States Coast Guard (USCG) policy for the

procurement, issue, control, and disposition of USCG Credentials and Badges.

2. ACTION. Area and district commanders, commanders of maintenance and logistics commands,

commanding officers of headquarters units, assistant commandants for directorates, Judge Advocate

General, and special staff offices at Headquarters shall ensure compliance with the provisions of this

Instruction. Internet release authorized.

3. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. Intelligence Officer Credentials and Badges, COMDTINST 5512.11,

and Marine Investigator Badges and Credentials, COMDTINST 16700.8 are cancelled and

superseded by this Instruction. The Physical Security and Force Protection Program, COMDTINST

M5530.1C (Chapter 10), is limited by the provisions of this Instruction. All policies regarding

credentials outlined in this Instruction supersede any relevant provisions in that Manual.

4. BACKGROUND. Certain Coast Guard operations are facilitated by the use of special identification

documents hereafter referred to as Credentials. These Credentials are issued to selected and

appropriately qualified USCG members. They are used to interact with the public; conduct

inquiries, investigations and other legal activities; conduct inspections; and to coordinate or conduct

liaison with federal, state, and local agencies. Currently, the Coast Guard employs several different

types of Credentials to support a variety of operational and investigative purposes. On 31 March

2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued specific guidance that mandates

standardization of credentials used by DHS organizational elements. This Instruction, therefore, is

designed to bring the USCG into full compliance with, and to amplify, that new guidance.

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