Links to other Auxiliary Information
US Coast Guard Auxiliary National Web Page
HISTORY AND PURPOSE OF THE U.S.C.G. AUXILIARY
- Congress established a "United States
Coast Guard Reserve" in 1939 to be administered by the Commandant of the
Coast Guard. It was composed of unpaid, volunteer citizens of the United States
who owned motor boats and yachts. They were to aid the Coast Guard in promoting
small boat safety. Congressional action in 1941 created a Military Reserve of
the Coast Guard, and the original volunteer reserve was renamed the Coast Guard
Auxiliary. The Auxiliary assists the Coast Guard in all its missions except
direct law enforcement and military operations.
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- The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is a
volunteer service organization, civilian in nature, open to both men and women
who are citizens of the United States, its territories and possessions, and who
are age seventeen or older. The purpose of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is to
assist the Coast Guard in any of its missions except where prohibited by
statute, such as in direct law enforcement and military actions.
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- Auxiliarists are proud of their membership and
training. When you wear the uniform or fly the Auxiliary Ensign, you are a
member of Team Coast Guard. Your actions as a member of this organization will
reflect directly on the United States Coast Guard. In many areas, you will be
the Coast Guard's only link with the public. This recognition is a PRIVILEGE as
well as a RESPONSIBILITY.
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- As the civilian volunteer arm of the Coast
Guard, we volunteer time, talents, boats, radios, and aircraft. We are given
special training in order to work effectively with the Coast Guard. The
fellowship and satisfaction accompanying our activities are also a benefit from
our service.
- The Auxiliary is a civilian organization of
volunteers. Membership is open to citizens of the United States and its
territories and possessions, who are 17 years of age or older and have not been
convicted of a felony. Facility (radio station, boat, or aircraft) ownership is
desirable; but not mandatory. Those individuals with special training or
experience in any Auxiliary program area also are desirable for Auxiliary
membership. The same is true for any individual who has specific skills helpful
to the organization. Auxiliary membership is also open to all or former members
of any of the uniformed services and their reserve components.
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- Some of the privileges new members may receive
include a current copy of certain Auxiliary publications. They are entitled to
attend all meetings, training sessions, and flotilla social events, plus they
may vote on any flotilla matter. They will also be carried on the District's
membership rolls. In addition, the new member may wear the Coast Guard Auxiliary
uniform and fly the Auxiliary Ensign on a currently inspected vessel facility.
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