The Coast Guard has just released new rules for wearing the Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Cutlass. This exciting uniform update arrives just in time to help celebrate the 106th birthday of the Chiefs Mess. The CPO cutlass is a ceremonial sword that honors the deep history and leadership of Coast Guard Chiefs.
"The cutlass is more than ceremonial," said the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Phil Waldron. "It connects today's Chiefs to those who enforced maritime law, protected our coasts, and led from the front since the earliest days of our Service. Wearing it honors that legacy and the leadership role Chiefs hold today – striving to make sure folks can succeed, personally and professionally."
The Commandant, AMD Kevin Lunday, also offered his appreciation for the Chiefs Mess, stating, "Happy 106th Birthday to the Chiefs Mess. Coast Guard readiness depends on your leadership, and I'm proud to serve alongside you, and thank you for the conviction, courage and compassion you exhibit every day."
CPO Cutlass Details
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Who can wear it? The cutlass is optional for paygrades E-7 through E-9. Service members are not required to buy one.
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When is it worn? It is authorized for wear with Full Dress Uniforms.
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What does it look like? The sword features a 26-inch stainless steel blade, a brass handguard, and a black leather handle wrapped in gold wire. The bottom of the handle (the pommel) features the classic 1897 CPO cap insignia design.
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How do you wear it? The black leather belt and shoulder harness are worn under the dress coat, so they will not be visible. The scabbard attaches to a custom black leather frog. You will also wear an interchangeable belt buckle that matches your current rank (CPO, SCPO, MCPO, or MCPOCG).
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Ceremony Rules: During ceremonies, keep the cutlass in its scabbard with the handle facing up and outward. You should not draw the sword during a ceremony; simply render a normal hand salute instead. The only exception where you can draw the cutlass is for a wedding arch.
106 Years of Leadership
The rank of Chief Petty Officer was officially established in the Coast Guard on May 18, 1920. For over a century, the "Chiefs Mess" has served as the backbone of the service. Chiefs are the technical experts and the primary mentors for both junior enlisted members and officers. Every year on May 18, we honor the "Mess" for their dedication to mission excellence and their commitment to leadership.
If you have any questions about this updated uniform policy, you can reach out to the uniform team via email at HQS-SMB-PSC-PSD-MU@uscg.mil.