What is AUXCA (Culinary Assistance)?

The Auxiliary Culinary Assistance (AUXCA) program promotes and maintains food service in floating and land-based facilities in support of USCG operational, admin, and logistical requirements. 

AUXCA Specialists are trained by certified AUXCA Instructors and/or USCG Active-Duty Culinary Specialists II and above using Coast Guard Approved AUXCA Program guides. Classroom training is followed by hands on training. A Personnel Qualification Standard is completed within one year of training. An Annual Sanitation Course is also required. Additional requirements may be necessary based on the competency desired.

Why become an AUXCA qualified?

• USCG is authorized 1250 Culinary Specialist (CS) positions in 370 galleys, however the service is still short by 300+ cooks
• The need is so great that a $50K bonus is currently being offered to enlist as CS with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts, and a $40K bonus without degree
• Qualified AUX attaining the AUXCA qualification can dramatically and immediately reduce the impact of this shortage by providing a stopgap service to keep Coast Guard Units operational and execute their required Missions.

How can you help?

• Have a willingness to support the USCG in the galley
• Discuss this interest in the AUXCA program with your FC
• Apply for the AUXCA Basic Course program -- details below
• Be interviewed by the Division 6 SO-CA to participate in the course
• MUST COMPLETE the AUXCA Basic Course prerequisites prior to the course -- details below
• Attend the AUXCA Basic Course and complete the AUXCA PQS within 1 year to attain an AUXCA qualification
• Accept AUXCA mission assignments from the Division 6 SO-CA

What is required to be successful with the AUXCA qualification? 

• Need some at-home cooking experience
• Must have time to volunteer at a physical Coast Guard Unit with a functioning galley
• Must be available Monday – Friday.  Often times, the Coast Guard Galley requests arrive with short notice for a midweek mission

Still interested?  Register for the next AUXCA Online Basic Course.

1. Download and print the AUXCA SOP - AUX-SOP-005(A) - published 18 JUN 2021
2. Contact the SO-CA to be interviewed for the AUXCA program prior to registering for the online course 
3. Register online for the AUXCA Online Basic Course