New Members and Prospects Start Here
Thank you for your interest in Flotilla 18-11 of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. We want you to join us and to enjoy your experience with us. We are an active Flotilla and look forward to your participation.
As a new or prospective member, it is expected that you have a great many questions and some confusion about how things work. If you don't find the answer to your questions here, we are happy to answer them in person, by phone, or email. When you decide to join us, our Human Resources Flotilla Staff Officer will see that you have a Mentor that will be available to assist and guide you through the process.
We expect you to have many of the same questions that we all once had. These links will help provide further information:
Why should I join 18-11?
What's in it for me?
What can I do in the Flotilla and in the Auxiliary?
How Do I Start?
Costs of Membership
What About Uniforms?
I don't like being on the water, what else can I do?
Other Opportunities
We pride ourselves in our dedication to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary missions. We have some truly gifted and dedicated leaders, and a talented membership with a good mix of old hands and new members. We try to focus on aspects that energize our membership.
This means you will have the opportunity to learn about many aspects of our programs from people who have expertise and a devotion to developing our new members. We are very active in Surface and Air Operations, Public Education, and Member Training. Flotilla 18-11’s geographical Area of Operational Responsibility (AOR) is along the Detroit River and we have a special relationship with the community of Belleville, MI to promote improvements in recreational boating safety (RBS) on both Belleville Lake and Ford Lake.
What's in it for me?
What you get out is proportional to what you put in. We will guide you to find your place in our organization, but you will have to apply yourself.
If you have particular interests, we'll help you to find your place in the program that best meets your needs. We will also introduce you to programs with which you may not be familiar. You will have the chance to expand your interests.
What can I do in the Flotilla and in the Auxiliary?
One place to start is to once again look at the Directorates pull down menu above. You will see information on many aspects of what it takes to run this organization. We have needs from the local to the national levels. When you attend a Flotilla Meeting, you will hear what 18-11 is working on and where our needs lie. Your mentor will ask you what you like to do, what you wish to learn, and what skills you may have.
Contact our Flotilla Commander or our Human Resources officer. Come to a meeting to meet us, we'll make you feel welcome. During the pandemic we are meeting virtually. Just contact us for entry to this meeting.
To start your membership, go to the "Join Us Now!" section on our Home Page at www.cgaux.org. Enter your zip code to find the flotillas nearest you.
Costs of Membership
Membership dues run $45.00 annually.
Uniforms are also one of the expenses a new Auxiliarist must bear.
Our flotilla leadership can help you understand the uniform requirements, where to purchase, what you will need, etc. The two most common uniforms are the Tropical Blue Uniform (TBU or “Trops”) and the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU).
There are a variety of ways to acquire these uniforms, the most popular however is to go online to the USCG Uniform Distribution Center. Also remember outerwear! If you wear the uniform in public, you'll need to consider the appropriate cold weather outerwear! To get a proper fit, it is very important to follow the size directions. Beware of buying from other sources! They may not meet the current requirements.
I don't like being on the water, what else can I do?
One of our big programs includes Public Education in matters of boating safety and seamanship skills. We are always in need of experts in the topic and gifted teachers. If you have teaching experience we can help you develop as a subject matter expert. If you are experienced on the water we can help you develop as teacher and classroom leader. Outreach to the public is another area we are hoping to grow.
Other Opportunities
Our Public Affairs team carries our message to the area community. We have Program Visitors who identify community partners to share our message. We have Vessel Examiners who provide “one on one” assistance to boaters to review the safety features of their watercraft and to be proactive in assuring they are ready to safely go to sea. If you have energy, good people skills and are also willing to put on the uniform to help the public; then we could use your help!
If you prefer to be a: “Behind the scenes type”. We have all sorts of administrative needs to keep the unit running smoothly. We need people with skills in writing, IT, photography, and materials management as well as a host of other areas. We provide training and guidance as you learn these critical missions for our unit.
Your mentor will help you learn about all the US Coast Guard Auxiliary has to offer and help you identify places and programs that fit you, help us and serve your country and community too! Like we said: It starts right here!