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   Congratulations on your decision to join the USCG Auxiliary and embody the volunteer spirit of the United States.  For many new members, being a member of the Auxiliary satisfies that innate desire to be part of “something bigger than yourself”.  For that, Team Coast Guard is grateful you decided that WE were an organization worthy of your desire to help promote the Recreational Boating Safety message in your local community.

YOU COMPLETED YOUR ENROLLMENT PAPERWORK, WHAT’S NEXT?

   At this point, you have made a commitment to be part of a local flotilla.  The Member Training Officer (FSO-MT) will help guide you for your first few months.  This period in the Auxiliary can seem daunting with the unfamiliar whirlwind of nautical language, office positions, insignia, and acronyms.  REMEMBER: all members of the Auxiliary, from the National Commodore to your own Flotilla mates started out just like you!!!

    During the first few months of membership, your primary responsibility and goal is to complete the required training that was discussed during your enrollment process.  We encourage you to get this training completed within the first 90 days.  Doing so will allow you to proceed with training in programs that most attracted you to the organization.  

   As you progress through your initial training requirements, you will move through three (3) different levels or statuses. 

   AP Status: (Approval Pending) - This is where all new applicants start off. When a person joins the Coast Guard Auxiliary they fill out an application, complete a short open book quiz, and undergo an initial security check called a Personal Security Investigation or PSI. This process could potentially take a couple months.  If the PSI comes back approved then the member moves into IQ status. 

   IQ Status: (Initially Qualified) - Once a member's PSI has been approved, they move into the IQ status.  They will remain in this status until all required training is completed as outlined below.  During this status, a member will have some limitations as to what benefits they can access and what roles or missions they can undertake.  However, they can vote and participate in flotilla meetings and will have full access to all training materials and courses.

   BQ Status: (Basically Qualified) - To reach BQ status, an Auxiliarist must have received a favorable PSI determination, completed the Basic Qualification (BQII) course, the CORE Training courses and successfully completed a Safety Boating Course.  This is the primary status that all active Auxiliarists obtain.  Once a member has reached BQ status, they can now participate in all missions, activities and hold office.