"It is important to understand that one does not have to be Scottish to wear the Tartan, but you do have to be Active, Reserve, Auxiliary, Retired or an immediate family member of the foregoing to make up our Coast Guard family. Each individual contributes to the Coast Guard Family and each member represents a thread ... we do not stand alone. This is what makes our Coast Guard family so special.

This young country, being as diverse as it is, learned early that so many nations have much to offer. We adopt ideas and traditions from many countries. The use of a Tartan, recognizing a school, organization or branch of the military in the U.S. has become commonplace. Now, the U.S. Coast Guard has its own; to be used the way it was hundreds of years ago in Scotland as a way to identify one as a member in the Coast Guard 'Clan.'"

I'm not real sure but the above quote from the USCG pipe band site seems to say that the USCG tartan should be worn only by a member of the Coast Guard family. That would make it different than the other US military tartans. Maybe because of its designation as "official"? I'm certainly not being critical....just wondering.