The United States Coast Guard consists of four main groups: Active Duty, Reserves, Auxiliary, and civilian employees. All four work together as one team.

The Auxiliary is a bona fide uniformed service of volunteers who perform many of the same duties as Active Duty members. Our main purpose is to be a force multiplier that augments the strength of the entire Coast Guard family.

The key differences in what Auxiliarists may and may not do are that we do not carry weapons, do not perform law enforcement activity, and are classified as non-combatants. Other than that, we can do most anything if we are properly trained and requested.

The Auxiliary's main mission has always been recreational boating safety since its inception in 1939. Today, and especially under the Coast Guard's ambitious plan, Force Design 2028, our roles are expanding to make the Coast Guard stronger and more effective than ever.

Auxiliarists fall under the jurisdiction of the Commandant of the Coast Guard as well as Commanders of Sectors and Marine Safety Units/Detachments. We ultimately answer to higher authorities just as all uniformed and civilian members do.

While the Auxiliary has its own hierarchy of command and control, we work in lockstep with all parts of the Coast Guard.

You do not need boating experience or to own a boat to join the Auxiliary. You only need a desire to serve your community and Country. While many missions are water-based, a large portion of our work is land-based, so there is a job for everyone.

The Auxiliary is divided into several operational levels:

• Flotillas – the local level where members begin their journey.
• Divisions – made up of several Flotillas within a region.
• Districts – composed of multiple Divisions; members can serve as District officers.
• National – offices with jurisdiction over all Districts.

Within a District, the District Commodore is the highest office and oversees all Divisions. At the National level there are numerous offices, including the National Commodore. How far someone chooses to go in leadership is a personal choice.

The basic requirements to join the Auxiliary are:

• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Have a clean criminal record; and
• Have a desire to serve.

We value everyone’s skill sets and train you for the jobs you want to do. Mandatory basic training is online, and there are no set physical requirements. While we do offer in-person training, much of it is available virtually as well.

There is no upper age limit in the Auxiliary, and we welcome those whose disabilities might prevent them from serving in Active Duty settings. Veterans are also encouraged to join — we have new missions for you.

All parts of the Coast Guard family are actively recruiting. Under Force Design 2028, Active Duty and Reserves are looking for 15,000 recruits from 2025 through 2028.

The Auxiliary has not set a goal quite that large, but we need good people from all walks of life. How much time you devote is up to you. We never pressure members to do more or be more active; we understand you are volunteers with other obligations.

There is reimbursement for certain activities and duties, but the greatest rewards are the pride of service, camaraderie, and the impact you have on your community and your Country.