5 December 2006 (USS Intrepid in route to Bayonne) Photo taken by Phil Pelter

COAST GUARD AUXILIARY IS LOOKING TO "WELCOME ABOARD" NEW VOLUNTEERS

Who is the Coast Guard Auxiliary? 

Since its creation by Congress in 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has served as the civilian, non-military component of the Coast Guard. Today, the 35,000 volunteer men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are active on the waterways and classrooms in over 2,000 cities and towns across the nation. Each year, Auxiliarists (people just like you) save almost 500 lives, assist some 15,000 boaters in distress, conduct more than 150,000 courtesy safety examinations of recreational vessels, and teach over 500,000 students in boating and water safety courses. The results of these efforts save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

General Requirements

Membership is open to any citizen of the United States and its territories and possessions, who is 17 years of age or older. Facilities (radio station, boat or aircraft) ownership and special skills are desirable but not mandatory. Auxiliary membership is also open to all current active duty now serving OR to former members of any uniformed services and their reserve components, to include the Coast Guard (CG), discharged under honorable conditions.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, and is actively seeking more volunteers interested in serving their country and their community. 

The Coast Guard's philosophy is "ready for today...preparing for tomorrow" against all threats and all hazards. The role of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is to be a 'force multiplier" for the Coast Guard. 

Admiral Thad Allan, Commandant of the Coast Guard, has frequently stated that the Coast Guard Auxiliary is an integral part of Team Coast Guard. The Auxiliary participates in all Coast Guard missions authorized by Congress, with the exception of direct law enforcement and military action. 

"What would I do as a volunteer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary?" you ask. There are many places where you can make a difference. The Auxiliary conducts missions on on the water, in the air, and on land. They conduct safety patrols and search and rescue missions on our waterways, assist the Coast Guard with homeland security duties, teach boating safety classes, conduct free vessel safety checks for the public, as well as many other activities. They are also seeking those individuals who want to contribute their talents in the areas of web design, information technology, public affairs, and in many other administrative roles. 

Training opportunities (most of which are free) include boat crew and coxswain (small boat operator), vessel examiner, boating safety class instructor, public affairs, and many others. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, at least 17 years old, and pass a basic background check. There are no upper age limits or height/weight standards (although for boat crew, you must be able to perform certain tasks). There are no minimum service hours – you can serve as little or as much as you want.

Contact me at the email link below to find out how to become a member.

Webmaster Phil Pelter FSO-CS 13-12

516-476-2297

Legal Stuff                                              Last updated:  06/15/2008