The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of seven uniformed services. It is unique among the military branches in that it has a maritime law enforcement mission (with jurisdiction both domestically and in international waters) and a federal regulatory agency mission as part of its mission set. It operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, and can be transferred to the Department of the Navy by the President or Congress during a time of war.
The overall mission of the Coast Guard is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and United States coasts, ports, and inland waterways.
The Coast Guard motto is "Semper Paratus", Latin for "Always Ready" or "Always Prepared".
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established on June 23, 1939 by an act of Congress as the United States Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary on February 19, 1941. The Auxiliary is an incorporated, civilian volunteer component of the Coast Guard. The Congressional mandates state that the Auxiliary supports all United States Coast Guard (USCG) missions but is not permitted to directly engage in either law enforcement or military activity. The support provided by the Auxiliary in these situations can be administrative and it can be in areas that make available, either Active or Reserve members of the USCG. Once available, the Active or Reserve member is able to function in these two restricted areas. As of July 2009, there were approximately 29,000 active Auxiliarists.[1]
As a volunteer, an Auxiliarist is not paid a salary and participates in activities at her or his own discretion. Auxiliarists maybe reimbursed for expenses incurred when they are under orders from the Commandant. Unlike the active duty and reserve components of the USCG, Auxiliarists are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Auxiliarists who own a boat, aircraft or radio station (amateur or marine band VHF sets) often use their equipment (i.e., "vessels") on behalf of the USCG and are reimbursed for expenses incurred while under mission orders, although membership does not require ownership of a vessel. An Auxiliarist can also serve on a USCG asset once they have obtained proper training. When under orders, the member is recognized as a Federal employee and any approved vessels are recognized as property of the U.S. government. Members use previously-acquired skills and skills obtained via approved training. Examples of previously-acquired skills include carpentry, cooking, radio repair, engine repair, and maintenance, as well as professional skills such as medical, legal and computer skills.
Membership requirements The basic requirements to become a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary are
The overall mission of the Coast Guard is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and United States coasts, ports, and inland waterways.
The Coast Guard motto is "Semper Paratus", Latin for "Always Ready" or "Always Prepared".
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established on June 23, 1939 by an act of Congress as the United States Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary on February 19, 1941. The Auxiliary is an incorporated, civilian volunteer component of the Coast Guard. The Congressional mandates state that the Auxiliary supports all United States Coast Guard (USCG) missions but is not permitted to directly engage in either law enforcement or military activity. The support provided by the Auxiliary in these situations can be administrative and it can be in areas that make available, either Active or Reserve members of the USCG. Once available, the Active or Reserve member is able to function in these two restricted areas. As of July 2009, there were approximately 29,000 active Auxiliarists.[1]
As a volunteer, an Auxiliarist is not paid a salary and participates in activities at her or his own discretion. Auxiliarists maybe reimbursed for expenses incurred when they are under orders from the Commandant. Unlike the active duty and reserve components of the USCG, Auxiliarists are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Auxiliarists who own a boat, aircraft or radio station (amateur or marine band VHF sets) often use their equipment (i.e., "vessels") on behalf of the USCG and are reimbursed for expenses incurred while under mission orders, although membership does not require ownership of a vessel. An Auxiliarist can also serve on a USCG asset once they have obtained proper training. When under orders, the member is recognized as a Federal employee and any approved vessels are recognized as property of the U.S. government. Members use previously-acquired skills and skills obtained via approved training. Examples of previously-acquired skills include carpentry, cooking, radio repair, engine repair, and maintenance, as well as professional skills such as medical, legal and computer skills.
Membership requirements The basic requirements to become a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary are
- United States citizenship
- Minimum 17 years of age
- No criminal background (minor misdemeanors, such as certain traffic violations do not disqualify)
- Willingness to participate in boating, aviation, radio communications, or other areas in support of the Coast Guard
- Interest in supporting the aims of the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary
USCG Barque Eagle under full sail
