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Basic Training
Posted
Is it possible, if one had the time, as an Auxie, to earn a CG rating? I keep eying the Damage Control rating as what I would do if I ever went AD, but active service just doesn't make any sense for my situation at this time.

Is there any way for me to train for it? I know it would ruffle traditionalist feathers but the whole point is to help the CG right?
 
Posts: 3 | Registered: Wed 23 April 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
Basic Training
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Whoops, looks like I used the wrong account. Figured it'd happen eventually.
 
Posts: 107 | Registered: Wed 23 April 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
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You could have someone sign the EPQ's for the rate, but I don't know how much they'd count towards making you a DC if you enlisted.
 
Posts: 605 | Registered: Mon 11 August 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
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Picture of 7555925
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Yes it is possible. It is generally encouraged if you are augmenting. KEEP YOUR PAPERWORK! Generally you'll follow a track that any regular Coastie would take (meaning you can't cherry pick what you want or don't want to do). Talk to your Chief and have fun!

Training done as an AUXIE re:boatcrew, coxswain, etc. also MAY count but your mileage may vary.

--M
 
Posts: 1194 | Registered: Thu 09 November 2006Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
We have met the enemy and he is us. Pogo
Picture of FL51D7
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Sorry to be the rainmaker but looking over the Damage Controlman School I doubt you would be allowed to complete the DC rate.

Reasons:

1. Firefighting - too hazardous for Auxies to even attempt. Probably only taught at Yorktown, which you probably could not get a seat at.

2. Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) Warfare and Defense. Note the word 'warfare' - what do Auxies not do? Also probably only taught at Yorktown.

3. Watertight Closures. First you would have to get on a cutter, which ain't easy.

4. Practical Damage Control. Another hazard the CG probably wouldn't let an Auxie attempt.

That leaves some practical skills that you could probably offer to the CG but you would not achieve any rating for doing so.

Welding and Oxygen/Acetylene Cutting. These are very hazardous. Unless you already had the skill the CG probably wouldn't want to teach you. Welding/cutting supplies are very expensive so I doubt the CG would be willing to spend the money to train you. My local community college teaches a 1 year welding/cutting program and it costs over $1500.

Carpentry and plumbing. The two most likely areas where you could lend a hand. A member in my old flotilla used to do this for the CG. They were glad to have him, he earned a few personal ribbons doing it but no qualification.
 
Posts: 9502 | Registered: Fri 12 October 2001Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
Basic Training
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quote:
Originally posted by FL51D7:
Sorry to be the rainmaker but looking over the Damage Controlman School I doubt you would be allowed to complete the DC rate.

Reasons:

1. Firefighting - too hazardous for Auxies to even attempt. Probably only taught at Yorktown, which you probably could not get a seat at.

That's where I work. But you are right, we can't even carry flare guns I doubt they're going to let me near fire.

2. Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) Warfare and Defense. Note the word 'warfare' - what do Auxies not do? Also probably only taught at Yorktown.

Probably right again.


3. Watertight Closures. First you would have to get on a cutter, which ain't easy.


Already on one. Unless you're talking about a 378 or something, it was pretty easy.

4. Practical Damage Control. Another hazard the CG probably wouldn't let an Auxie attempt.

Don't know.

That leaves some practical skills that you could probably offer to the CG but you would not achieve any rating for doing so.

Welding and Oxygen/Acetylene Cutting. These are very hazardous. Unless you already had the skill the CG probably wouldn't want to teach you. Welding/cutting supplies are very expensive so I doubt the CG would be willing to spend the money to train you. My local community college teaches a 1 year welding/cutting program and it costs over $1500.

Carpentry and plumbing. The two most likely areas where you could lend a hand. A member in my old flotilla used to do this for the CG. They were glad to have him, he earned a few personal ribbons doing it but no qualification.


I've also thought about MK but I'm not 100% sure I can even dedicate enough time to it at this point. Just a thought for now.
 
Posts: 107 | Registered: Wed 23 April 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
Basic Training
Picture of spotweld
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quote:
Is there any way for me to train for it? I know it would ruffle traditionalist feathers but the whole point is to help the CG right?


Ratings are not the same as qualifications. A Coasties rating is the thing that defines their job or purpose within the Guard. The more proficient you get at your rating the higher you can aspire to gain Rank. A Petty Officer's Rank is the thing that shows his/her level of technical expertise in their Rate. Each Rate has specialized schools, volumes of information that must be memorized along with Practical Factors that need to be witnessed and signed for. Than there is an End of Course Test. Once all of that is done you get to take a competitive Service Wide Exam and hope that there is an open slot for you to advance into. Depending on how far you go, the process can take an entire CG career.

I can appreciate the desire to help and be useful but frankly I don't see any practical purpose for an AUX to expend CG time or resources to do something that does not apply to the AUX program, especially when Ranks & Rates are involved.

As a Damage Controlman I’ve had many good AUX help and lend a hand with different projects but I never had an AUX think that because he/she was able to help out that made them an actual DC.

DC1 sends
 
Posts: 234 | Registered: Tue 13 May 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
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Yeah, I went back and re-read the original post.... You can't become a "DC"...Smile

You could do the EPQ's for the rate, but, like I said before, it won't get you anything besides a good feeling unless you enlist (and I don't even know about that really).
 
Posts: 605 | Registered: Mon 11 August 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
Basic Training
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Yeah I know I can't actually become a DC in anything other than the practical sense but I'd like to have the knowledge it would take to step in and help the people I augment for if needed.

That said I'm not sure why there isn't some sort of program for this. The Coast Guard is understaffed, if there were people willing to volunteer to fill these roles I'd welcome it with open arms. But I know there are likely complications with that idea too.


So, the conclusion then is I may be able to do the training but I may not and I would never be considered a proper DC or any other rating.
 
Posts: 107 | Registered: Wed 23 April 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
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quote:
So, the conclusion then is I may be able to do the training but I may not and I would never be considered a proper DC or any other rating.
Depends. I know AUX members that have done all the PQSs for different roles on a cutter/small boat and they have...{censored to protect the innocent}. Wink Your role will largely depend on your OIC. If, in time, you earn the 'rate', it will be honorary and I don't think I'd post it here--better to fly under the radar.

--M
 
Posts: 1194 | Registered: Thu 09 November 2006Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
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quote:
The more proficient you get at your rating the higher you can aspire to gain Rank. A Petty Officer's Rank is the thing that shows his/her level of technical expertise in their Rate.


Spotweld,

Enlisted do not have "rank". Officers have rank, enlisted have rate and rating....
 
Posts: 6663 | Registered: Fri 09 February 2001Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
Basic Training
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If you are wanting it primarily for the information try the USCG Institute. You can take any courses that don't contain classified material. You test out with your local education services officer. The ones I've taken have been all classroom work getting an individual ready to work on PQS sign offs. This might work out for you.
 
Posts: 59 | Registered: Mon 25 February 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message
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