Mission Statement
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
POLICY STATEMENT
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is our steadfast volunteer corps. Our Auxiliary Shipmates assist the Coast Guard with performing our many challenging maritime missions, with boating safety remaining as their core function. Proudly serving alongside our total workforce, Auxiliarists make it possible to more ably accomplish our missions -they are a true force multiplier.
Originally formed as the Coast Guard volunteer Reserve on June 23, 1939, the volunteer Reserve was renamed the Auxiliary two years later The Auxiliary rapidly expanded as the United States entered WWII, and Auxiliarists assisted in many of the Coast Guard's domestic missions, freeing up active duty Coast Guardsmen for wartime operations.
Today's Auxiliary is defined by this same spirit of patriotism and volunteerism. Auxiliarists continue to lend their unique talents to assist with performing a broad range of Coast Guard missions. Their mission support efforts expand the reach and impact of Coast Guard operations, particularly boating safety initiatives.
The Auxiliary Service priorities include:
• Promoting and Improving Recreational Boating Safety;
• Providing trained crews and facilities to augment the Coast Guard and enhance safety and security of our ports, waterways and coastal regions;
• Supporting Coast Guard operational, administrative and logistical requirements.
We must always remember that it is through public spirit, patriotism and an uncommon sense of civic duty that the members of the Auxiliary give their time, facilities and services - they receive no compensation. Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers-in-Charge and program managers shall continually strive to enhance Silver and Gold partnerships to further the work of the Coast Guard.
I am personally committed to ensuring we maintain an Auxiliary that is robust, well trained,
and always ready.
R.J. Papp, JR.
Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard
Description
Be Part of the Action, and Help Save Lives
Auxiliary History
When the Coast Guard "Reserve" was authorized by act of Congress on June 23,1939, the Coast Guard was given a legislative mandate to use civilian to promote safety on and over the high seas and the nation's navigable waters.
Two years later, on Feb. 19, Congress amended the 1939 act with passage of the Auxiliary and Reserve Act of 1941. Passage of this act designated the Reserve as a military branch of the active service, while the civilian section, formerly referred to as the Coast Guard Reserve, became the Auxiliary under title 14, chapter 23 of the USC.
When we entered World War II, 50,000 Auxiliary members joined the war effort as military teams. Many of their private vessels were placed into service in an effort to protect the U.S.
Since the recreational boating population in the United States is growing rapidly, the Coast Guard Auxiliary needs a few good men and women like you. As an Auxiliarist, you will have the opportunity to select and participate in one or more of the Auxiliary's major programs. If you feel strongly about the rewards you can get from serving your community, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is the right place for you!
Enjoy Fellowship and Fun!
Whether at meetings or training sessions, on patrols or other missions, and at ceremonies and social events, enjoy the fellowship and good company of other Auxiliarists. That fact that we come from many walks of life, with many interests, span a wide range of ages, but share a common goal of boating safety and the spirit of community, gives us an unusual camaraderie and richness that is hard to beat. And we're hospitable. Our meetings and many other events are open to the general public.
Knowing that you belong to a special group of people and directly participate in helping save lives gives your Auxiliary membership a special meaning.
Consider on-water operations as coxswain or crew, an instructor in our public education program, a vessel safety check examiner, a radio watchstander, an ambassador to marine dealers, a recruiter for the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Academy, an assistant inspector in numerous port and marine safety areas, a public affairs specialist, a computer programmer, a writer, a photographer, and dozens of other specialties matched to your interests!
Increase Your Skills
The Auxiliary and the Coast Guard provide specialized training on all aspects of boating, as well as in leadership and administration. Auxiliarists receive valuable training in seamanship and related skills, and enjoy the sense of confidence of knowing that they are better and safer boaters.
Support the Coast Guard
Auxiliarists provide direct operational and administrative support to many local Coast Guard units. You wear the Coast Guard uniform with Auxiliary markings, and become part of Team Coast Guard. When you qualify through training, you may take part in Search and Rescue operations, stand radio watch at a Coast Guard Station, work with the Marine Safety Office on pollution matters or work in the Recruiting Office. As a trained crew member or coxswain, you may even participate in direct support of helicopter and boat training of active duty members.
Service to Your Community
Auxiliarists aren't paid with money, but with satisfaction. We furnish and maintain our own equipment and can choose to participate at a level tailored to our individual capabilities. As volunteer instructors of boating safety classes for youth, and adults, volunteer boating safety examiners, ambassadors to marine dealers, or many other selfless tasks, we ensure that our neighbors will be safe on the waterways.
Enjoy Fellowship and Fun!
Whether at meetings or training sessions, on patrols or other missions, and at ceremonies and social events, enjoy the fellowship and good company of other Auxiliarists. That fact that we come from many walks of life, with many interests, span a wide range of ages, but share a common goal of boating safety and the spirit of community, gives us an unusual camaraderie and richness that is hard to beat. And we're hospitable. Our meetings and many other events are open to the general public.
Knowing that you belong to a special group of people and directly participate in helping save lives gives your Auxiliary membership a special meaning.
