Member Training Opportunities
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
— William Butler Yeats, 1865-1939
For more information about the training opportunities described below, please contact our flotilla's Member Training Officer
OVERVIEW
Members have a variety of training courses available to prepare them for participation in the various activities of their choosing in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. This training is conducted, for the most part, at the Flotilla level, but, depending upon local arrangements, and the nature of the course, may also be presented at the Division, District, and even National level, as "C" Schools. The first training available to our members is the New Member Course, which provides a foundation of basic knowledge of our organization.
Courses supporting the operations activities include the AUXOP (Operational Auxiliarist) Specialty courses: AUXCOM (Communications), AUXACN (Navigation), AUXPAT (Patrols), AUXSAR (Search and Rescue), AUXSEA (Seamanship), and AUXWEA (Weather). Other training in support of operations activities includes training for Auxiliary aviation, and Boat Crew/Coxswain.
Our Instructor Force is supported by the Instructor Qualification Course. To support our Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program, we have the new VSC training available to both our members and to the members of those organizations (such as the USPS) which are also participating in this valuable program promoting safety to the boating public. Also, in the same venue, is our training for our Marine Dealer Visitors.
For leadership and management, we offer the new Administrative Procedures Course (AUXAPC), the older Auxiliary Leadership Course (AUXLEA), a completely new leadership training experience -- the new Auxiliary LAMS course, and two "C" Schools, the Elected Officers Course (a.k.a. Flotilla Commanders' Course), and for District Rear and Vice Commodores, the Vice Commodore Training (a.k.a., Auxiliary Senior Officers' Course - ASOC), for future District Commodores.
There are also special "C" schools for Distance Learning Training. Members are encouraged to avail themselves of this training program to enhance their Auxiliary careers in support activities, and leadership/service activities: elected or staff positions. A brief description of these training opportunities is provided below.
DETAILS
"New Member" Training:
This training provides a firm basis for our members to understand the Coast Guard Auxiliary sufficient to make choices in their future participation. The training includes the history, purpose and administration of the Auxiliary, Auxiliary missions, membership requirements and privileges, Auxiliary organizational structure, regulations and policies, Coast Guard and Auxiliary support and basic materials (supplies), human resources, member training and qualifications, reimbursement, uniforms, and member recognition. [5 hours, open book examination]
AUXOP Training:
The AUXOP, or Operational Auxiliarist, program is an advanced training program available only to members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. An AUXOP member has completed the six advanced specialty courses and is entitled to wear the special AUXOP device on the uniform. The AUXOP Specialty courses also provide an excellent foundation for the Boat Crew and Coxswain program. The six advanced specialty courses, which have closed book examinations, are described below in terms of results:
AUXCOM, Communications Specialty:
The Communications Specialty is one of the few specialties cited as a requirement for other Auxiliary activities: ownership of an Auxiliary Fixed Land, Land Mobile, or Direction Finding Radio Facility. It is also required by Communications Officers who conduct radio facility inspections. AUXCOM is also the entry-level requirement for communications watchstander training at Coast Guard units. [14 hours]
AUXACN, Navigation Specialty: (click on link for more information)
An Auxiliarist who is qualified as a Navigation Specialist is a genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. This individual knows where their vessel is at any given time and keeps it from danger. The Navigation Specialist is also well prepared to participate in our Public Education program, teaching the piloting portion of our basic courses and participating in the Basic Coastal Navigation (BCN) and Advanced Coastal Navigation (ACN) courses. [32 hours]
AUXPAT, Patrols Specialty:
The Patrols Specialist is another genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. This individual fully understands the complete spectrum of operational patrol activities, both on the water and in the air, such as: Safety Patrol, Search and Rescue (SAR), Regattas spectator safety control, Chart Updating/Aids to Navigation Patrols, to name a few. Practical knowledge achieved by the Patrol Specialist engenders a keen awareness of, and response to, emergency situations, without jeopardizing the crew and facility. [10 hours]
AUXSAR, Search and Rescue Specialist: (click on link for more information)
The Search and Rescue Specialist is well qualified in search and rescue and a genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. The AUXSAR training is designed to present a thorough understanding of the policy, organization, and procedures involved in the search and rescue process as generally practiced by the U. S. Coast Guard. The Search and Rescue Specialist is aware of the overall structure of the search and rescue organization, is able to plan search operations, and has an understanding of towing principles, towline properties, and recognition of the effects of sea state, to ensure a safe and successful search and rescue. [12 hours]
AUXSEA, Seamanship Specialist:
The Seamanship Specialist is a particularly valuable asset in Auxiliary operations as knowledge of vessels and proficiency in their operation is a major Auxiliary interest. A Seamanship Specialist has extensive knowledge of vessels and their propulsion systems as well as detailed information on how vessels are constructed, founded, and operated.
The Seamanship Specialist understands marine engines, knows how to perform minor repairs, is knowledgeable on vessel handling in normal and heavy weather, and how to approach distress situations. These attributes, when combined with the studies and practical training of the Boat Crew/Coxswain program, will make the member a competent and reliable crewmember of an Auxiliary vessel. [10 hours]
The Weather Specialist is a genuine asset to Auxiliary operations activities. This individual understands the weather, its importance in the marine environment, and to the conduct of safe and effective operations. The Weather Specialist is able to make accurate and valuable short range (several hours) weather forecasts to enable crewmates to avoid dangerous weather conditions while performing their patrol activities. Long range (two or more days) forecasts are also developed to assist in planning operations activities. The Weather Specialist develops a keen sense of weather processes, including those which have an element of danger: thunderstorms, squall lines, fog, tornadoes, and other severe phenomena. A comprehensive knowledge of weather processes and effects is essential to the competent mariner, whether on the high seas, the coastal areas, lakes and rivers, or local reservoirs. [12 hours]
Other Operations Training:
Auxiliary Aviation Training:
The training cadre in Auxiliary Air units provides this highly specialized training to candidates for Auxiliary Aviator, Auxiliary Air Observer, and Auxiliary Air Crew. Based upon the Auxiliary Air Crew Training Syllabus and Coast Guard aviation procedures, members are provided with hands on training, check rides, and other experience prior to receiving their qualification in this program.
Boat Crew/Coxswain Qualification Training:
This hands-on, practical factors demonstration training is based upon the Boat Crew Manual and the interaction of candidates with Mentors and Qualification Examiners. The Boat Crew and Coxswain Qualification Training Guides provide a road map for operational oriented Auxiliarists to learn the intricacies of boat handling, patrols, search and rescue, navigation, emergency actions, communications, and other knowledge and skills necessary to directly support the Coast Guard in a safe and competent manner. Boat Crew and the member training and operations team provide Coxswain training at the local level.
Qualifications Training:
Auxiliary Instructor Qualification Course:
IT, Auxiliary Instructor, and MI, Master Instructor, training includes a foundation in student characteristics, instructor skills, methods of instruction, lesson planning, training aids, classroom management and course presentation. The Instructor Qualification course is in two parts, A and B. For Instructor (IT) qualification, the candidate completes Part A of the course, passes the open book examination, and teaches two classes under a qualified instructor's supervision. To become a Master Instructor (MI), the qualified IT is required to complete Part B of the course under the supervision of a qualified MI. [12 hours, open book examination]
Vessel Examiner Training:
The Auxiliary Vessel Examiner program has just been completely overhauled, with the new Vessel Safety Check being initiated. The program and training are open to Auxiliarists and members of other organizations (e.g., U.S. Power Squadrons) who are participating in the program. [10 hours, open book examination]
Marine Dealer Visitor Training:
The Marine Dealer Visitor (MDV) program has been developed to promote safe boating for the recreational boating public through the aid of the marine dealer, a primary contact with the novice boater. The training includes information on the scope of the program, its objectives, benefits to the dealer, the public, the Coast Guard, and the Auxiliary; planning and scheduling of visits; procedures, logistics and reports. [6 hours, open book examination]
Leadership and Management Training:
The Auxiliary's leadership and management (L&M) training is a constantly improving situation. There is training at the basic level, for members in general; for potential and newly elected and appointed staff officers; at the intermediate level for all Auxiliarists; and at the senior officer level (District Rear and Vice Commodores, new Department Chiefs, and new National Directorate Commodores). This training is described, below:
AUXMIN, Administration Specialty:
The AUXMIN Specialty course is focused upon Auxiliary administration. It provides essential knowledge to advance in the Coast Guard Auxiliary as an elected and appointed officer. The AUXMIN course material is based upon the Auxiliary Manual (AUXMAN). [12 hours]
Auxiliary Leadership (AUXLEA) Course:
An old standby since 1993, and updated in 1996, this leadership training, focused at all levels of the Auxiliary, covers topics such as power perception profile, quality management, leadership vs. management, power, communication, the innerside of greatness, group dynamics, empowering change, goals, total quality management, and managing Workforce 2000. [10 hours]
Administrative Procedures Course (AUXAPC):
A new course, focused on the Auxiliary Manual (AUXMAN), which is the text, provides a thorough basis in Auxiliary administration. Previously a self-study of the AUXMAN and an open book examination, a formal course has now been developed to provide a more consistent treatment of administration of Auxiliarists and Auxiliary units.
Auxiliary Leadership and Management (Auxiliary LAMS) Course:
This is a completely new training experience, an "Auxiliarized" Leadership and Management (LAMS) course adapted from that presented by the Coast Guard's Leadership Development Center in New London. The course uses exercises, videotapes, lectures and discussions to demonstrate and explore various leadership approaches to instill a working knowledge of leadership and management for any Auxiliarist. The course is modularized and can be presented in selected segments depending on the needs of the Auxiliary unit.
Elected Officers "C" School (Flotilla Commanders' School):
This "C" School is a 40 hour immersion leadership experience for flotilla and division level elected and appointed officers, presented as short-term resident training at a Coast Guard Training Center. The principle focus is on leadership training, with some basic Auxiliary management ideal for potential and new Flotilla Commanders.
Rear and Vice Commodore "C" School (Auxiliary Senior Officers Course):
This executive level training is for Auxiliary senior officers in preparation for the elected position of District Commodore, or the appointed positions of Department Chief (DC), or National Directorate Commodore (NADCO). The three-phase course includes intensive pre-classroom activities (homework) which start in January and continue until the 40_hour immersion leadership and management experience classroom activities at a Coast Guard Training Center. Post-classroom activities complete the cycle resulting in a well bonded, networking class of future Commodores. The training is open to District Rear and Vice Commodores and new DCs and NADCOs.
Special Training Opportunities:
Offered at the National level as "C" Schools from time to time is special training. Such training includes the Distance Learning and Advanced Distance Learning Schools. Other schools may be offered as funding and needs indicate. The current special training opportunities are described below:
Distance Learning School:
This "C" School, offered at Oklahoma State University, provides participants a basis for making electronic projection presentations and web pages and other elements necessary to exploit distance learning technology and its applications in Auxiliary training and public education activities.
Advanced Distance Learning School:
This "C" School, also offered at Oklahoma State University, builds on the knowledge and skills developed at the Distance Learning School (prerequisite), and introduces students to the "software" involved in providing distance learning applications for our members.
For more information please contact the Flotilla 12-8 Member Training Staff Officer and/or visit the following websites:
Coast Guard "C" Schools: http://www.uscg.mil/HQ/TQC/15bp.htm
Training Flyers: http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/news/news_t.htm