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New Member Tools

For New Members and Mentees

  1. Auxiliary Core Training.

    This is a set of mandatory courses that is designed to ensure all Coast Guard Auxiliary members understand essential policies, safety standards, and organizational responsibilities. It covers topics such as security, ethics, privacy, civil rights, and sexual harassment prevention, aligning Auxiliary practices with Coast Guard requirements. It builds a foundation of professionalism and accountability, ensuring members are prepared to serve effectively and uphold the Coast Guard’s core values.

  2. Basic Qualification Course II (BQ II).

    This is a required training program for all Coast Guard Auxiliary members who joined after February 1, 2018. The course consists of seven modules that introduce the Auxiliary’s missions, structure, and role within Team Coast Guard, while also preparing members for leadership and management responsibilities. By completing BQC II, members gain the knowledge and foundation needed to advance beyond “Approval Pending” status and fully participate in Auxiliary activities.

  3. Chain of Leadership and Management.

    This document outlines the flow of authority, responsibility, and communication within the Coast Guard Auxiliary. It distinguishes between the Chain of Leadership, which focuses on guiding, motivating, and supporting members, and the Chain of Management, which ensures tasks, policies, and administrative duties are carried out. By clarifying these dual roles, the guide enables leaders to balance people-focused mentorship with mission-focused execution, thereby ensuring both member development and organizational effectiveness.

  4. Individual Development Plan.

    The Individual Development Plan (IDP) helps members map out their personal goals and chart a path for growth within the Auxiliary. Mentors should encourage their mentees to complete an IDP as soon as practicable and offer guidance throughout the process—helping them think through their aspirations, priorities, and the steps to get there.

  5. Interactive Uniform Guide.

    This is a digital tool that helps Coast Guard Auxiliary members correctly identify,assemble, and wear authorized uniforms for different missions and occasions. It provides step‑by‑step visuals and references, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and compliance with official uniform standards.

  6. New Member Handbook .

    This is your go-to short reference for new members. For more detailed information, consult the New Member Reference Guide . Your mentor or Flotilla Staff Officer for Member Training (FSO-MT) can help you access and understand the comprehensive Auxiliary Manual (AUXMAN) when the authoritative reference is required.

  7. Mentee Handbook.

    This general guide provides suggestions on getting acquainted and means of communication, tips on setting goals and summarizing sessions, suggested activities, networking, providing feedback, and transitioning from the perspective of being a mentee.

  8. Member Involvement Plan.

    A document to help you, as a new member, become familiar with the opportunities available in the Auxiliary, to see some of the steps involved leading to your interests, and to help you in planning. May be used in conjunction with the longer-term Individual Development Plan (see below).

  9. New Member Acronym Glossary.

    A selected list of commonly used Auxiliary abbreviations and acronyms is helpful for a new member.This list can be found in Appendix L - List of Acronyms within the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual - COMDTINST M16798.3E. “

  10. New Member Reference Guide.

    This is a comprehensive reference for new members. It serves as a practical companion for Coast Guard Auxiliary recruits, outlining essential policies, procedures, and resources to help them succeed. It covers topics such as organizational structure, training requirements, uniforms, and member responsibilities, ensuring that newcomers understand both expectations and opportunities. By consolidating key information in one place, the guide supports confidence, readiness, and smooth integration into Auxiliary service.

  11. New Member Student Study Guide.

    This companion text is designed for recruits taking the Coast Guard Auxiliary New Member Course, preparing them for the enrollment exam and early service. It introduces the Auxiliary’s history, missions, organizational structure, policies, training opportunities, uniforms, and recognition programs, with study questions tied directly to the Auxiliary Manual. By guiding new members through essential knowledge and expectations, it ensures they are ready to integrate smoothly into their flotilla and contribute effectively.

  12. Passport to Success.

    A short planner to help you navigate during your first year in the Auxiliary.

For Mentors and Flotilla Leaders


  1. Auxiliarists in Approval Pending Status FAQ.

    The FAQ explains what it means when a new member’s application is still under review and not yet fully approved. It clarifies what activities can and cannot be performed during this period, such as limited participation in flotilla meetings but no operational duties. The guide helps manage expectations by outlining next steps, timelines, and resources available until full membership is granted

  2. Auxiliary Flotilla Procedures Guide.

    The Auxiliary Flotilla Procedures Guide provides detailed instructions on how flotillas—the basic organizational units of the Coast Guard Auxiliary—are structured, governed, and operated. It covers leadership roles, elections, meetings, reporting requirements, and administrative processes to ensure consistency and compliance across all flotillas. By standardizing procedures, the guide enables leaders and members to work efficiently, maintain accountability, and support the Auxiliary’s overall mission.

  3. Auxiliary Leadership Coaching Guide.

    The Auxiliary Leadership Coaching Guide provides a structured framework for peer coaching within the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, emphasizing self-directed growth through four key steps: establishing a foundation, promoting dialogue, planning for action, and following through. It distinguishes coaching from mentoring and counseling, grounding its approach in motivational and learning theories like intrinsic motivation and positive reinforcement. Coaches guide leaders to set measurable commitments, reflect on progress, and transfer skills to real-world challenges while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

  4. Auxiliary Mentoring Guide .

    The Auxiliary Mentoring Guide offers a comprehensive framework and practical information for both new and experienced members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to foster successful, mutually beneficial learning relationships. The document details the distinct roles and responsibilities of mentors and mentees, explaining that the process is crucial for helping new members attain Basically Qualified (BQ) status and supporting experienced members as they pursue advanced qualifications or leadership roles. Successful partnerships are built on a foundation of shared purpose, mutual commitment, and trust, and they often utilize tools like a Mentoring Development Plan and a Mentoring Agreement to ensure continuous member growth and enhance organizational retention.

  5. Auxiliary New Member Course Instructor Guide.

    This is a step‑by‑step resource for flotilla leaders, FSO-HR, and FSO-MT personnel to onboard and help mentor new Coast Guard Auxiliary members. It provides lesson outlines, discussion points, and exam guidance aligned with the New Member Course Student Study Guide and Auxiliary Manual. By combining structured instruction with informal fellowship, it ensures that recruits understand the organizational history, missions, policies, and procedures while feeling welcomed into the Auxiliary community.

  6. Individual Development Plan .

    The Individual Development Plan (IDP) helps members map out their personal goals and chart a path for growth within the Auxiliary. Mentors should encourage their mentees to complete an IDP as soon as practicable and offer guidance throughout the process—helping them think through their aspirations, priorities, and the steps to get there.

  7. Mentor Appointment .

    This memorandum template sent from the Flotilla Commander assigns the role of mentor to the mentor and describes the role and responsibilities of being the Primary Mentor for a new member.

  8. Mentor Assignment.

    This memorandum sent from the Flotilla Commander welcomes the mentee to a Flotilla’s mentorship program and assigns a Primary Mentor to help the mentee get started over about a 3-month period. You can also request to work with a more experienced flotilla member of your choice by mutual agreement. 

  9. Mentor Handbook.

    This guide suggests approaches of getting acquainted and means to communicate, tips on setting goals and summarizing sessions, suggested activities, networking, providing feedback, and transitioning from the perspective of being a mentor.

  10. New Member Integration.

    A guide that introduces a six‑month integration model using an advisor team, planned activities, and leadership involvement to build trust, confidence, and engagement of new members during their first 6 months.

  11. Primary Mentor Appointment Policy. (Very helpful for FCs)

    This is an example document that describes new member mentor qualification requirements and responsibilities, the appointment process, and some initial recommended actions.

(Many thanks to Outer Banks Flotilla 054-16-07 for sharing their best practices, including their example mentoring policy and appointment and assignment letters.)