scope:

PURPOSE. This Manual prescribes the pattern of organization for the United States Coast Guard and fixes the areas of responsibility which the Commandant has assigned to subordinate components. The provisions and requirements of this Manual are mandatory. This Manual assigns to various components of the organization those functions which must be performed in order to attain the overall objectives of the Coast Guard. It describes policies and principles of Coast Guard organization, prescribes various levels and standard structures for organizations, and outlines procedures for establishing or modifying existing organizations.