About the Coast Guard Auxiliary

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian, uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the lead volunteer force in the Department of Homeland Security. The 31,000 volunteer members (men and women) donate time in support of the Coast Guard and Maritime Domain Awareness missions.

Our members come from all walks of life and all ages over 17 (there is no upper age limit).

Special training is provided free of charge so that we may serve as functional members of Team Coast Guard. Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as public education, vessel safety checks, safety patrols, search and rescue, marine environmental protection and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth, and now we also help with Homeland Security. Auxiliarists volunteer more than 2 million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families.

Vision

The Coast Guard Auxiliary - rising to meet America's changing maritime safety and security challenges, while concurrently bringing to the American public an array of homeland security, recreational boating and marine safety programs.

Mission Statement

The overarching mission of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is to contribute to the safety and security of our citizens, ports, waterways and coastal regions. We will balance our missions of Recreational Boating Safety and Coast Guard Support with Maritime Homeland Security and other challenges that emerge as a result of our growing understanding of changes required in the post-9/11 era.

Diversity Statement

As a volunteer organization, the Auxiliary has its own uniqueness. Our members serve in communities throughout the country; come from different social, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds, yet join together to contribute their time and talents toward the common cause of recreational boating safety. We will recognize our diversity and remove all barriers, real or perceived, so that our current and potential members will feel an increased pride and honor in their membership. The Coast Guard Auxiliary will:

• HONOR the members' desire for training and meaningful involvement, so that we can enhance the Coast Guard's capabilities and promote safety in the boating community.
• RESPECT the volunteer nature of our organization and its unique attributes, which enable us to fulfill our role as an integral part of Team Coast Guard.
• Recognize and encourage DEVOTION TO DUTY, while understanding the diversity of our volunteers and their varying abilities to give of their time.
• PROVIDE our current and potential members with a positive environment that will promote membership in all segments of our population, enhance their opportunities to serve and increase their desire to remain as long term contributing members.
• FULFILL our missions, provide adequate resources to our membership and inspire pride in the Auxiliary.  This will enable JOB ONE to expand our membership diversity and strengthen our ability to be Semper Paratus.

Uniforms

Auxiliarists are authorized to wear uniforms similar to those of Coast Guard officers, but with distinctive insignia and devices.

Customs and Courtesies

The Auxiliary is nonmilitary, and Auxiliarists hold office instead of rank. However, courtesy and goodwill need to be observed. Certain military customs and courtesies of the Coast Guard do apply to Auxiliarists as follows:

1. Respect toward our Nation.
2. Courtesy aboard United States military vessels.
3. Respect and courtesy toward the flags, vessels, officials and other personnel of friendly nations.
4. Mutual respect and courtesy toward other Auxiliarists.

Saluting

Saluting is not usual, and not required between Auxiliarist members. It is, however, proper for Auxiliarists to salute when greeting members of the Armed Forces (including officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Public Health Service (USPS), who are serving with the Armed Forces). Auxiliarists when out of doors, in uniform and covered, should:

1. Give a hand salute to officers of the Armed Forces more "senior" or equal (based on the number of stripes or metal rank insignia) to them.
2. Give a hand salute to the National Ensign:
   1. When the flag is raised or lowered of the flag at morning and evening colors.
   2. When the flag passes them in a parade.
   3. When the National Anthem or Taps is played.