I'm thinking about joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and would like to know the differences between CAP and the CG Auxiliary so I know what to expect. I am a former CAP member.
I've heard a lot of good things about the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and am looking for a smooth transition. It sounds like a great way to serve and I can't wait to start.
One very famous person once wrote on the difference between the two organizations:
CAP is much more involved than emergency-related search and rescue and disaster relief in the air and on the ground. In other words, you're more likely to get a call in the middle of the night to go out on a CAP mission than a CG Aux mission.
CG Aux does much more routine patrolling (air and water) in which occassionally they might get to help somebody out. CG Aux has a much wider variety of activities that you can participate in on a planned basis that support the Coast Guard (either directly or indirectly). CG Aux has much, much closer relationship with the CG than CAP does with the Air Force.
CG Aux is much less "military" even though their uniform is closer to the Coast Guard's than CAP's is to the Air Force uniform and even though they spend more time with their parent service.
CAP does have the cadet program for which there is no CG Aux equivalent.
CAP pretty much sticks to itself while CG Aux spends a lot more time out in the community (teaching boating safety, inspecting boats, interacting with boaters, etc.).
CG Aux has much greater capacity to let you go out and set your own schedule to do various activities. If I want to go inspect boats today, I can go do it. With CAP, you're more or less restricted to doing what everyone else is doing and when they're doing it.
However, above that the most important factor that should affect your decision is exactly what your local CAP and local CG Aux units are doing. I'd recommend going to 3 or 4 meetings of each organization before making any decision. There may be some great aspect of each organization that you really want to do but for whatever reason isn't being done by the local unit. When you go, talk to as many people as possible about their experiences in how long it took to get trained, availability of classes, how often they participate in exercises or missions, etc. Don't just talk to the commander or the recruiting officer. Don't let them steamroll you into making a decision right away.
I guess it depends upon your motivations and interests. As the previous poster indicated, it would be wise to attend a few Flotilla meetings to see if anything is appealing.
If your interest is aviation -- the opportunities will be more limited in the Auxiliary. The aviation function is not operated at the Flotilla level, but at the District level. Find out who the DSO-AV (District Staff Officer for Aviation) for your area is -- make contact -- and see what opportunities are available. No matter your previous experience or qualifications in CAP, be prepared to start the process as an Observer-trainee.
If surface operations, public education, watch standing, etc. is of interest -- the opportunities are plentiful and what you make of them.
Also, are auxiliarists allowed to wear their position (rank) insignia after their term of office is up?
What do Surface Operations entail?
How much do uniforms cost?
I'm not that interested in boating or RBS. Can I still find something of interest, or is everything in the Auxiliary centered around those 2 things?
How long does the background check take, and what kind of things are they looking for? Is it just an FBI background check or do they also do a security clearance background check?
Watch Standing can take on many forms. Usually, it is manning the ops/comm desk at a small boat station (frees up active duty personnel for other tasks). I've heard of opportunities at some CG air stations as well as ATC Mobile. There is a training process before being "cut loose" on your own.
Yes, the office insignia is retained following the term of office. Some offices are elected positions and others are appointed. In addition, some people hold multiple offices at the same time.
Surface operations are usually what innvolve underway time on the boats. Boat Crew and Coxswain designations are available. It doesn't sound like this is of interest to you.
Well, boating and RBS are a major focus of the Auxiliary. There are many opportunities to be of service in the Auxiliary -- but everything ties back to boating, marine safety, public education, etc.
The background screening can take quite a while to come back -- and is quite extensive. Direct Operational status (needed for certain levels of participation) takes the longest. The Operational Support status (required of all Auxiliarists) can be complete in a couple of months -- but many times it takes longer. It just depends upon the person, their background, and the workload of the securtiy center.
Posted Sat 25 August 2007 03:03 PM Hide Post What is Watch Standing?
It can range from answering phones to manning radio communications. Aboard a ship, it can alos mean standing lookout (obervation or manning the helm on the bridge.) In the maritime services, it means working a shift.
Also, are auxiliarists allowed to wear their position (rank) insignia after their term of office is up?
Yes, once the earn it, they don't lose it.
What do Surface Operations entail?
Usually patrolling in a boat.
How much do uniforms cost?
Varies, about 200-300 dollars, you can save if you can get used uniforms at some stations "lucky bags" (where departing service members leave their uniforms)
I'm not that interested in boating or RBS. Can I still find something of interest, or is everything in the Auxiliary centered around those 2 things?
I have been active with the aux for 4 years and have never been out on a boat. I help in public affairs, as a Coast Guard Academy admissions volunteer, at the base education center. I have stood radio watches.
How long does the background check take, and what kind of things are they looking for? Is it just an FBI background check or do they also do a security clearance background check?
There are 2 levels of background check. Both require fingerprints. One the Operational Support (OS) Level is adequate for the vast majority of Aux members. It it esentially a FBI background check. The other the direct operations(DO) check requires a longer form, it is a National Agency check (used for secret and confidential level secuity clearances) They check local and national criminal check, credit check, medical history, drug abuse, etc. They may or may not phone or interview you and a few others. It is usually required for aviation ops, some communications watches, and high-level elected offices.
How long does the introductory training take?
You only need to complete a test on the handbook; after that you can qualify in many areas of your choice, such as communications, boat crew, vessel safety examiner, etc. You would be able to take many aux courses in seamanship and navigation. You are also eligible for most Coast Guard correspondence or on-line courses and many Aux or Coast Guard school where they may pay your transportation. Its all volunteer, but for some training, they may pay travel and room/board.
