I am interested in joining and just had a couple of questions.

1. Will an ELS (entry level separation) from the Marine Corps (for asthma) affect my ability to join?

2. Are there any medical standards that you have to meet? Do you have to go through something like MEPS?

3. Do you have to pay for your uniforms? How much does that usually cost to start off with all of the uniforms that you're required to have?

4. Do you have any sort of "boot camp" or "basic training"

5. Do you do PT at your meetings? Is there a certain standard of physical fitness that you are expected to maintain?

Thanks for your help!

1&2 - Don't worry about it. No standards.
3. Yes, you have to buy. Figure on $50 for the tropical blue long uniform that is worn at meetings. Other uniforms may be necessary depending on what you want to do in the Aux.
4. No.
5. No.

I think you may be drastically overestimating how "military" the CG Aux is. If you manage to wear the uniform properly you'll have met the most "military" requirement we've got (for the most part). Keep in mind the average age of Aux members is about 58.

quote:

Originally posted by futureusmc_at:
I am interested in joining and just had a couple of questions.

1. Will an ELS (entry level separation) from the Marine Corps (for asthma) affect my ability to join?

2. Are there any medical standards that you have to meet? Do you have to go through something like MEPS?

3. Do you have to pay for your uniforms? How much does that usually cost to start off with all of the uniforms that you're required to have?

4. Do you have any sort of "boot camp" or "basic training"

5. Do you do PT at your meetings? Is there a certain standard of physical fitness that you are expected to maintain?

Thanks for your help!

1.) No
2.) No, you are expected to contribute to the level of your ability.
3.) Yes, depends on how dressed up you want to be and where you get your stuff. Uniform expenditures are tax deductible.
4.) No, you are expected to learn some basic stuff.
5.) No; see #2

Sorry River, seems we were posting at the same time.

Excellent. Thank you both for your replies. I think you're right. I may be overestimating how "military" it is. (I'm kind of looking for something that's like the military since I can't be a Marine. I've heard that you are more military than CAP is; don't know if it's true or not, just what I've read on the CAP forums). I'll probably find out at the first meeting I attend though. Then I can decide from there if it's something I am still interested in doing.

quote:

I'm kind of looking for something that's like the military since I can't be a Marine

The most military of the volunteer organizations are the State Guards/State Defense Forces. Many states have these but only on paper. A few have active units. If you tell us what state you are from, then we can tell you if your state has an active unit. Or go to "http://www.allmilitary.com/board/viewforum.php?id=30" and check out the "State Defense Forces - List & Websites" at the top of the discussion list.

quote:

I've heard that you are more military than CAP is

I think the proper way to phrase that is that the USCG Aux is more likely to work alongside the USCG then CAP is likely to work alongside the USAF. However, even that is subject to the cavaet YM&DMV (Your Mileage and District May Vary). Some Aux flotillas are not located anywhere near a CG unit and do not augment. Some are locaated near a USCG unit but for various reasons are not welcome etc. Others have active augmentation programs. You have to figure this out at the local level.

In terms of C&C (customs & courtesy) CAP, at least on paper is much more military then the Aux.

CAP salutes its officers and uses military rank (or is supposed to) when addressing officers. Auxies do not salute each other and only very high level officers may be addressed by their office title, which is not consdiered rank and it is not mandatory to do so.

CAP cadets are subject to much more C&C but I have no idea if CAP senior members are - things like marching in formation and inspections.

Some Districts and Divisions host a "boot camp" for new members covering mlitary courtesy, CG traditions and introducing you to the paperwork necessary to get credit for the time you spend (much of which goes to justify CG appropriations) and the missions you perform.
Which District will you be joining?

Also depending where you are, you may be able to serve in a Color Guard, which you might find enjoyable.

Make sure you attend meetings of several Flotillas in your area before deciding on one. You are not restricted to the Flotillas nearest you, so you can look for one anywhere within what you consider a reasonable commute.

You can get a listing of Flotillas by zip code at this link:

<http://www.cgaux.org/units.html>

The Auxiliary requires members to complete the New Member Course, and pass a relatively simple open book exam. The course is extremely helpful in introducing the New Member to the basics of our organization.

If your Flotilla allows you to "skip" this process, then I highly recommend you self study: the materials can be found online, and utilize two manuals: NEW MEMBER COURSE STUDENT STUDY GUIDE and the NEW MEMBER REFERENCE GUIDE. It is a basic introduction/ overview to our organizational "bible" the AUXILIARY MANUAL. The materials can be found at the National Personnel Department website.

I know our District holds a course, that they named a "boot camp." But it is all classroom work; there is zero physical training involved.

Welcome aboard!

quote:

Originally posted by futureusmc_at:
Excellent. Thank you both for your replies. I think you're right. I may be overestimating how "military" it is. (I'm kind of looking for something that's like the military since I can't be a Marine. I've heard that you are more military than CAP is; don't know if it's true or not, just what I've read on the CAP forums). I'll probably find out at the first meeting I attend though. Then I can decide from there if it's something I am still interested in doing.

One thing that I've enjoyed about the Aux is the wide variety of opportunitites available. This will vary depending on how close you are to Coast Guard stations and other facilities, but I have had many opportuinities to work directly with active duty Coasties.

Thank you everybody for all of your help. There were a couple of questions regarding my location. I live near Ann Arbor, MI. Is what you are talking about like the National Guard or something? I thought that their requirements are just as strict as the other military branches. Am I incorrect in making this assumption?

Thank you everybody for all of your help. There were a couple of questions regarding my location. I live near Ann Arbor, MI. Is what you are talking about like the National Guard or something? I thought that their requirements are just as strict as the other military branches. Am I incorrect in making this assumption?

More like a militia.

The state of Michigan has a military unit called the Michigan Volunteer Defense Force that supports the National Guard in that state. It is an actual military unit, as opposed to the CG Aux or CAP.

I'll be honest with you though, if you want to actually do something, you're probably going to be better off with CAP or CG Aux as the MI VDF is going to only be rarely called upon by the state.

Heck, check them all out. It all depends on what is going on in your area. You might have an incredibly active CAP unit but a do-nothing CG Aux unit or MIVDF unit. Or it could be the other way around.

Go to at least 3 meetings of each before making a decision if you are unsure of what will be the best fit for you. Talk to as many people as possible at each -- don't let the recruiter or commander be your sole source of info on what they are actually doing.

quote:

Originally posted by RiverAux:
The state of Michigan has a military unit called the Michigan Volunteer Defense Force that supports the National Guard in that state. It is an actual military unit, as opposed to the CG Aux or CAP.

I'll be honest with you though, if you want to actually do something, you're probably going to be better off with CAP or CG Aux as the MI VDF is going to only be rarely called upon by the state.

Heck, check them all out. It all depends on what is going on in your area. You might have an incredibly active CAP unit but a do-nothing CG Aux unit or MIVDF unit. Or it could be the other way around.

Go to at least 3 meetings of each before making a decision if you are unsure of what will be the best fit for you. Talk to as many people as possible at each -- don't let the recruiter or commander be your sole source of info on what they are actually doing.

I've just started researching the MIVDF. They look pretty cool, but it won't be so cool if I don't get to do much. I think you're right. I'll be best off looking into all of them before committing to anything. Thank you! And thanks to everyone else who has answered this post also!

There is a flotilla in Ann Arbor. Their website is here: <http://a0911703.uscgaux.info/> They are in the 9th Coast Guard District, Central Region. Here is their website: <http://a091.uscgaux.info/>

The CG Aux is EZ to be a member.
1.Be Honest.
2.Tell the Truth.
3.Care about the Coast Guard and Boating.
4.Have the want to learn more about Boating.
5.Take pride in your uniform.
6.Show up.
7.Pay your dues.
The Best Underpaid Job You Will Ever Have.

quote:

Originally posted by SgtBroomfield:
The Best Underpaid Job You Will Ever Have.

So true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1