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Membership Completion. When you first join the Auxiliary you enter Application Pending (AP) status. Focus on the Basic Qualification Course II (BQII), Core Training classes, and an approved Boating Safety Education course to fulfill the initial membership requirements. Think of these as the training needed to complete the “onboarding” process for a new corporate job. Speak with your Flotilla Staff Officer for Member Training (FSO-MT) to find the training resources to complete these initial tasks. Once these steps are completed, you’ll be a full member of the Auxiliary either in Initially Qualified (IQ) or Basically Qualified (BQ) status, and ready to pursue any specific interests for which you are eligible.

Auxiliary Structure. The USCG Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the US Coast Guard, and as such, the Auxiliary’s structure is organized along the lines of the active duty’s military structure. However, since we are not a military organization, there is no command, so there is no Chain of Command. The proper term for the communication and responsibility system throughout the Auxiliary levels is the Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM). Refer to the New Member Handbook for your initial introduction to the structure, protocols, and activities available to Auxiliary members. Consult your Flotilla Commander (FC), Flotilla Vice Commander (VFC) or Flotilla Staff Officer for Member Training (FSO-MT) for additional guidance. 

Uniforms. We wear the US Coast Guard uniform, with a few minor differences, such as silver versus gold colored insignia, which distinguish the Auxiliary from the Active Duty or Reserve. When in uniform, we are nonetheless seen by the public as the US Coast Guard, so it is vital that the uniform be worn properly, only during authorized activities, and with dignity. The New Member Handbook and the Auxiliary Human Resources Directorate Uniforms Division can provide guidance on uniform options and protocols. 

Available Competencies. Once you have completed the tasks required for full membership and you’ve familiarized yourself with the Auxiliary’s structure, you’ll be ready to investigate the many specialty activities (competencies) available to Members. Some activities, such as Boat Crew or Culinary Assistant (CA) require additional specialized training and certification. Each competency will have an associated Study Guide or Handbook, plus a Personal Qualification Standard (PQS) to guide the member through the task preparation, review, and testing process. 

Mentoring. Your Flotilla Commander (FC) may assign you a more experienced member of your flotilla whose experience you respect to be your Mentor. Typically, a New Member Mentor will work with you closely for at least about three (3) months. At the end of that time, you should know which function(s) in the Auxiliary you want to perform, and mentoring will then shift from a new member mentor to a qualification mentor or the Flotilla Staff Officer (FSO) responsible for that activity. 

Leadership & Staff Offices. Our elected and appointed Unit leaders are at the heart of the Auxiliary’s structure, fueling our productivity and fellowship. Once you’ve spent some time in the Auxiliary, you may wish to pursue an appointed office, for which you would be the FSO, in one of a number of disciplines. Once you have FSO experience as a foundation, you might consider running for an elected leadership position, such as a Flotilla Vice Commander (VFC). In addition to discussing these options with the officers of your own unit, you can also utilize the mentoring system to secure other views on the training and level of involvement needed to hold a specific office.