Hello!

I have been in the Auxiliary for about a year and a half now and was wondering what everyone thought about the future of the Auxiliary.

I hear a lot of discussion about "wannabees" and "oldsters". That the Auxiliary is nothing more than a stopping off point for people that have retired from the military or people that just want to "look good in uniform".

I have to tell you- I am confused. I have spent a lot of time on VSC's and MDV's and have probably read more, studied more, and passed more exams than at any othet time other than I was in college. (I almost have my AUXOP) I have volunteered at Yerba Buena at the Cosco Busan incident and I have worked with some fine people in the regular Coast Guard.

My question and or concern centers around the apparant "camps" that I see in the Auxiliary. On one side there seeems to be a group of professional type people, good volunteers that take pride in their affiliation with the Coast Guard and really believe they are part of the team. On the other side there seem to be some that run down members for any number of percieved deficiencies - especially if those members "dare" to believe that they are in any way close to being associated with the "military."

My concern is that with such fractured and bitter infighting that maybe I made a mistake in joining.

I would really like to recieve feedback - if what I am doing by being affiliated with this group is percieved to be a "joke" by many of its members then perhaps I should join another group where the petty infighting is not so severe.

Please let me know.

if what I am doing by being affiliated with this group is percieved to be a "joke" by many of its members then perhaps I should join another group where the petty infighting is not so severe.

As they say:

quote:

You can't run and you can't hide.

Just about every organization like the Aux has this problem. The exact issue you raise in the Aux is currently running full bore on CAPTalk in the CAP-Agency vs CAP-Club - the real issue in Iowa

For Auxie purposes, you can ignore the Iowa issue in that thread. All you need to know is that a leadership change provoked the argurement. And the thread was started by a CAP-Agency advocate so he gives short shift to the CAP-Club group. The term CAP-Club is obviously meant to be derogatory but the Clubbers more then hold their own in the thread.

A few posters in that thread try to make clear is that while the CAP-Agency vs CAP-Club distinction might be useful for analysis or discussion, most members of CAP (and the Aux) are not one of the other but a varying mix of both.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: FL51D7,

Since I already brought up the "C organization that shouldn't be named" there is another thread on CAPTalk that could point the way toward a new augmentation uniform for the Aux.

From what I can gather CAP has never had a big role with the USAF for augmenting. Apparently there is an experimental program being started up.

Anyway, maybe the USAF and CAP learned something about Wannabees, trolling for salutes and other what-not from the USCG/Aux augmenting experience, since the USAF/CAP augmenters will wear a special uniform. As decribed in the news release in the thread: VSAF Annoucement the new CAP augmenting uniform is:

quote:

CAP members will wear a distinctive polo and khaki uniform while performing VSAF duties. Those who join CAP in order to perform VSAF services will be considered full-fledged CAP members, with the same rights and responsibilities that membership entails.

VSAF = Volunteer Support to the Air Force

The Aux already has the VE polo Shirt and the Ops Polo Shirt. It wouldn't take much to either mandate the Ops Polo Shirt for augmenting or come up with a special (and different colored) shirt for augmenting.

Depending on CAP's success with its new program and augmenting uni, the Aux may have a new uni in its future as well.

You have:

1. The people who joined the Auxiliary because they want to continue to contribute to society and the boating public.

2. The people, so I am repeatedly told, that joined the Auxiliary because they want to wear a uniform.

3. The people who have nothing better to do than hang around here and disparage everything everyone else does and says.

You just gotta decide which one you want to be & ignore the rest. Personally, I love the camaraderie and friendships I've made. I am continuously amazed by how much knowledge my fellow flotilla members have in every aspect of boating.

The only fractured & bitter infighting I've seen in the Auxiliary is on this board.

Run with it & screw the "dont-wanna-be's".

Hey numbers, bet I know who you are. I'm in your Division. Don't take all the carping here, or anywhere else, too seriously. This is where we come to blather, whine and b**ch. You are more than holding your end up and are highly appreciated. If you think we howl here, visit some of the other "houses".
Probably see you Sat. at Vallejo
axl

quote:

My question and or concern centers around the apparant "camps" that I see in the Auxiliary. On one side there seeems to be a group of professional type people, good volunteers that take pride in their affiliation with the Coast Guard and really believe they are part of the team. On the other side there seem to be some that run down members for any number of percieved deficiencies - especially if those members "dare" to believe that they are in any way close to being associated with the "military."

My concern is that with such fractured and bitter infighting that maybe I made a mistake in joining.

Here's my 2 cents. First, healthy and passionate discussion within an organization is good for all. Criticism and dissent is how we make our programs and processes better.

Second, the real "fractuired and bitter infighting" that hurts our organization is that which you cannot see. It exists within the struggle for political power at various levels of our leadership. There is a possibility you have not encountered that yet, but you will. We all eventually do and when it is exposed, it is quite a shock. How we handle that is a personal decision as we are a volunteer group. Many just leave. Some just stop actively particpating. Some come here to express their concerns and offer suggestions for improvement.

If you are of a mind that we are essentialy a closet military organization and our individual purpose is to just shut-up and do the mission, then I would suggest such members just perpetuate our difficulties. Because, when you peel back the curtains, there is no wiser, higher knowledge and understanding than "us", the membership. Our leaders are just us, doing what they can and we hope, as best they can.

It's not only some members that perceive the Auxiliary as a joke. Last year our Sector had four on-shore SAR cases and not one time was the Auxiliary called on to participate. What does that tell you?

quote:

It's not only some members that perceive the Auxiliary as a joke. Last year our Sector had four on-shore SAR cases and not one time was the Auxiliary called on to participate. What does that tell you?

I do not think we are a "joke". I do not think the USCG perceives us as a joke. We have several very large, very important key missions that are well defined in our manual and have been seconded to us by the USCG. Active SAR is not one of those.

Where we keep stumbling is where we keep sticking our nose under the USCG operational tent. And we do so at the complete neglect of our real, true missions. The Auxiliary is not the a clone of the active USCG. We have other things to do. If we did these well, we would be admired by all including the USCG.

Having traveled all over the country and met a lot of Aux members and active duty USCG, I've found that there is no way to paint this with one broad brush stroke. It's different everywhere and between individuals. There ARE some active duty that think the Aux is a joke but that, at least in my experience, is the exception. Is the Aux lacking or is the active duty Coast Guardsmen just too full of him/herself?

There's derision in any organization. Emergency room doctors that disrespect paramedics, sales people disrespecting marketing people, technical people disrespecting sales people, it goes on and on. The people on the front line in any organization or situation NEED those that make the organization work even if they don't recognize it. We all have a job to do and need each other to do it.

The Aux is a critical component of the big picture.

Just one person's opinion.

Tam
The Coast Guard Channel

quote:

Originally posted by Ancora:
It's not only some members that perceive the Auxiliary as a joke. Last year our Sector had four on-shore SAR cases and not one time was the Auxiliary called on to participate. What does that tell you?

That tells me that we in the auxiliay need to do a better job of educating the AD who we are and what we can do. I have noticed that we get a lot more call outs in this area when there is an auxiliary watch stander at the station. Why? My guess is because it is that the auxiliary watch stander knows who we are, where we are, and what we can do.

If the situation were half as bad as we sometimes make it seem, none of us would stay around. Sure being "dissed" by active duty CG is bothersome. Many Auxiliarists, I would say practically all of us, have achieved respect for our competence in our careers in the "real world". When a 20 year-old BM3 ignores a 50 year-old engineer in regards solving a problem that the Auxiliarist deals with on a daily basis, that is the loss of the Coast Guard. To the Auxie, it's stupid and inefficient. To the BM3, however, it's "playing by the rules".
Their loss, not ours; when you say it like that it merely points out why many members choose to stay away from AD and within the Aux programs.
To be sarcastic ( something I rarely do ) I might say that we should consider ourselves fortunate, being the only organization in the United States that has been cleared by the FBI as being sufficiently committed to our nation to hand out coloring books at boat ramps.

Thank for the good feedback!

I have heard of CAPS troubles before and the large amount of infighting that it has had with its membership. I guess the one major difference that I see if that with CAP is that they are more of a private corporation that provide assistance to the Air Force and they serve primarily as a recruiting tool for the Air Force. Now, I could be wrong so don't crucify me for it!

The Auxiliary, as close as I can figure, is admimnistrated by the Coast Guard. You can be disenrolled for a a number of violations and or issues on the reccomendation of Coast Guard personnel. I also believe, and could be wrong, that the Auxiliary directly supports many of the Coast Guards mandates in a non law enforcement and military capacity.

Yet after 911 they had a number of Auxiliarists patrolling the Port of Stockton at night on the lookout for any problems and or issues. Let me reiterate. Patrolling at night in a port security role - unarmed - looking for problems to report back. I spoke to others that are spotters on Coast Guard planes and they told me they were sometimes issued flack jackets? in case they were fired upon while observing drug related incidents. Hmmm. Non Military. Patrolling at night in a harbor on port security. Wearing flack jackets in an airplane while observing drug runners. Hmmm. Non law enforcement. The Coast Guard is a Military organization. The Coast Guard Auxiliary services many of the mandated programs that the Coast Guard is responsible for. So, minus the guns, I guess that makes the Coast Guard Auxiliary a paramilitary organization? Confusing?

So the Auxiliary has an identity crisis within its ranks. It is called to do many things that could be considered non-civilian yet at the same time the identity cards say non-military. Fine. I din't join the military but I do find it odd that many people within the Auxiliary get upset that Auxiliarts wear uniforms and observe some forms of military courtesy.

As far as I can see there are three types of members in the Auxiliary:

1. The old guard - members that have been around for 20 plus years and honorable served their country within the Auxiliary. They are tired and would like to have some new members come in and help shoulder the load.

2. The new guard - primarily retirees that are looking for something to do to help their country and are actively interested in helping with pretty much any program out there. They are quick to volunteer and want to be a part of the team.

3. The 40 and under crowd. Joined the organization after 911. Want to help the Coast Guard in their missions but may want to take a more active role in operational duties.

We are currently having problems recruiting all groups. Our division had a grand total of one new member for a two month period. One. One of our flotillas is going to be closed down as there is not enough new blood to keep it going.

Recruiting is tough when you do not have support and you are going it alone.

quote:

Recruiting is tough when you do not have support and you are going it alone.

Can I have an "AMEN". Recruiting is also tough when you have many conflicting messages about mission and purpose, even within your local units <G>.

But I think it's safe to say, based upon your experience within your local area, that whatever message you are sending there, it is not appealing to your potential member pool.

Examining that challenge may open some realizations as to vision, mission and purpose.

If you are finding it frustrating to fit in at your local unit level, try going up a level or switch to another flotilla. See if you can seek out mentors and peers at the division or district level.

There are many good people in your district doing many good missions. You will find a good fit somewhere in the Auxiliary if you persist and are patient.

quote:

Yet after 911 they had a number of Auxiliarists patrolling the Port of Stockton at night on the lookout for any problems and or issues.

Really? I know there were CGAUX drivers ferrying Sea Marshals around. Never heard about any Auxies doing patrols - were these land or water based?

Since a majority of posters on this board actually aren't CG Aux members, take most of what is said with a grain of salt.

The "camps" don't really exist in real life Aux to the extent you might think based on what is discussed here. Stuff like "Auxies trolling for salutes" has most definetely happened, but probably isn't actually done by more than 1% of the people around.

Believe it or not, I've had an active duty Coast Guardsman tell me that he would rather work with Auxies than Reservists and that in his experience the Auxies tend to takes things much more seriously and are much more adaptable to change.

Aside from occasional ADCG who the hell other than an Auxie would bother visiting our house? Maybe somebody from CAP looking for tips. Let's get real, we're pretty obscure...
I agree, most of what we blather about is rare, on the whole I've always been welcomed at CG Stations whether working there or just "hangin' with the kids.

"Since a majority of posters on this board actually aren't CG Aux members, take most of what is said with a grain of salt."

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"The only fractured & bitter infighting I've seen in the Auxiliary is on this board."

RIVER & JACK SMITH-

Come on, gimme a break.

Do both of you HONESTLY think that the only reason a few of us come on here and post is because we wanna just "throw rocks" at the AUX???

Most of us "former" members that still come on here and post are "former" members for a reason, I don't think any of us just said "screw you AUX" and quit, or more correctly were thrown out. If that had happened why we would bother still posting here???

And just because maybe you didn't see "fractured and bitter infighting", or maybe you saw it and didn't or couldn't acknowledge it for what it was, doesn't mean it didn't or doesn't exsist.

One of the last "official" AUX events I attended was a div wide "all hands" classroom training session. Fairly well attended.

The tension between some fellow div members was palpable and on more than one occasion the event denigrated to a verbal "fist 'o cuffs" of more senior members based (apparently) on the giuse of "I've been in the Auxiliary longer than you and therefore; BY RIGHT, I can talk down, over, around, or thru you, and what you say is of no consequence or value".

This; mind you, occuring during an all hands division wide classroom training event.

It happened more than once, and what caught me most by surprise was the fact that NO ONE attempted to stop or defuse the situation. It would start, the classroom would go quiet, and the two self-opined "experts" would have at it.

And of course each side had a "GOB" camp following which would further denigrate the "arguement". And; if I remember correctly, one of the most common abusers at this event of the "I've been in the AUX longer than you, so no matter what, I'm right and your not" Aux school of leadership was a former DIST Commodore.

And the Instructor; the DIV Captain, just stood up the front of the classroom between each back and forth silently watching. And when the "dick fight" between the two "Senior Superiors" was over, the class carried on like nothing had happened. Each and every time it happened.

I was embarasssed, I was ashamed, and I'm pretty sure it was the last time I donned the uniform of the USCGAUX.

Oh, and where this training evolution took place- The training room at USCGSTA Point Allerton, Hull Ma. DOUBLE embarassment, DOUBLE shame. On a saturday, during the day. We were neither home, nor home alone.

Although it was(and still is) home for my
"old" flotilla, meets there the 1st friday of every month, 1900L.

So Yep, ONLY bitterness and infighting in the AUX is on this board, and us "ex-members" don't know nothing cause we "quit".

"De-Nial" is NOT a river in Egypt, its the fifth cornerstone of the USCGAUX-JRC

Obviously, I have not had your bad experiences with the AUX. Hope I never do. Guess thats why the negativity blows me away.

Now look.

When I said that I was concerned about the infighting and the petty squabbling I was primarily focusing my attention to this forum!

In other words I pretty much enjoy my affiliation with the Auxilliary. I only have a couple of complaints and they center more towards our lack of resources in recruiting and the fact that I wish we would be treated more like a reserve component and better integrated on some of their other missions.

I hope that I haven't made anyone mad or turned anyone of from the Auxiliary - I think it's a great organization and I hope we can all make it better!