Coast Guard Port Security Insignia

United States Coast Guard Port Security Insignia

Criteria:

This decoration is presented to service members who have completed initial port security training in harbor defense operations as well as service for a period of twenty-four months with a Port Security Unit (PSU) stationed in the United States, or in a six month deployed status with an overseas PSU. One must also attend one CONUS and one OCONUS exercise or deployment.

The pin is earned by only about 1% of Coast Guard members and is primarily a Coast Guard Reserve decoration. A member not only has to be assigned to one of the eight PSU units, but must also deploy overseas with the unit. He or she must also complete a comprehensive task list known as the personnel qualification standard. A few of the areas to be covered are safety, security, supply, communications, first aid, engineering and electronics support.

The Port Security Badge is issued in two grades, gold for officers and silver for enlisted. The badge itself consists of two seahorses riding on waves facing back-to-back with the Coast Guard shield between them. The seahorses represent mobility and the shield represents Coast Guard authority. The trident extends upward from the Coast Guard shield, symbolizing maritime defense and victory.