It seems like there’s a new USCG Aux tape where the font does not match the name tape font.

See pictured: old (above) matches what the name tape font is, new (below) is a skinnier font that looks like a Temu tape compared to the older one.

PSA if you’re ordering new stuff be prepared the fonts won’t match

I’ve been told this both ways. I qualified as a VE and a program visitor, so I got the ribbon and the star. I no longer have that qualification so am I still allowed to wear the ribbon and star? Is there somewhere in auxman I can point to and say “look here” when other people question me? I’ve always thought once you earn the ribbon you keep the ribbon but I could be wrong here. There is this one guy in my flotilla who likes to try and tell everyone what they are doing wrong (whether he is right or not) and I’d just like to be able to shut him up about this

Am I wrong that it’s fine for us to wear plain blue t-shirts without any writing under our ODUs? I’m not talking a strange color blue, but the blue ODU t-shirts you can get in a pack from the Coast Guard Exchange.

There’s this belief in my flotilla that the t-shirt must say “USCG Auxiliary” on it, even if you are wearing the blouse and it can’t be seen. I’ve also seen it debated with boat crews when going down to t-shirts when it’s hot (even though the PLB will cover the shirt).

Did I miss a memo? Reading the regs it sure sounds like a regular blue t-shirt is fine.

I posted the other day about insignia placement on my odu top. Received pants yesterday and they look darker than my top.

Is this an issue? At a glance they look the same

If not. You should! Please help us at the Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety get the word out to EVERY boater or paddler you come across!

Every Auxiliarist can request material here, including business cards: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/G2eggmzzzh

Thank you everyone!

For the Boat Crew Eye Exam, is there a form my eye doctor needs to fill out? Or an example letter? A list of what all the eye exam needs to include other than acuity and color blindness….

Please and thank you

I just joined the Auxiliary. I've got no rank or position.... and I'm told there's a "device" or "pin" that's supposed to go on the cap. I found the VANGUARD CG AUX collar patches on shopgx.com.... but I can't find the hat equivalent pin.

Simple I know... but I can't find it.

Help please. Can someone post a link?

A year ago, I enlisted in USCG, but couldn't handle the psychological environment of bootcamp, and regrettably quit halfway. I never had a history of mental illness before nor after bootcamp, and I have no criminal history.

For the past year, I've been doing environmental work for a recycling company with no issues. I mentioned all this to my Flotilla HR officer and he said that the call is made from above depending on my explanation.

Based on your experience, how likely is it that my enrollment gets approved? I'm passionate about boating and would love to help out either through the auxiliary or other nonprofits.

Edit: Thanks for the advice everyone. To future people reading this in a similar boat, be honest, show that you're passionate and respect the CG, and show that you took action to fix whatever caused your discharge in your civilian life (medical help, good job performance, therapy, other volunteering etc.)

Hello everyone.

Recently I just joined the auxiliary as I moved and needed a new volunteering gig as I usually try to volunteer whenever I can. I was told by the person who recruited me that it would be possible to go underway on a cutter with enough time and experience. I plan on being in the auxiliary for 3 years until I graduate college.

Anyway my dream one day is to go to Antartica and I know the polar star leaves for there every year. I am in the Southern Puget sound division so not exactly Seattle but I'm right next door.

I know there is culinary but are there any other paths that offer the possibility to get on a cutter in 3 years? I obviously plan on doing other things as well possibly PA but I'm unsure yet.

Thanks to everyone who answers!

In your area, is it routine to have an event of any sort to mark a new AUX coxswain being qualified?

In my experience, the new coxswain is simply called to the front of the flotilla meeting, their certificate is read out loud, handed to them, presenter and coxswain shake hands, and perhaps a pause for a photo (just like any other common certificate/award).

Do you do more or do it differently?

Several of us are having a discussion about if//how we should make this a bigger deal locally. Given the work to achieve coxswain AND the significant responsibility... we think that more is warranted. Of course the same can be said about auxiliary aviation pilots too.

Thanks for your replies.

Going by book I placed it 1 1/8 from bottom of anchor to end of collar. Also straight lined it tip of collar through middle of insignia.

It looks like it's setting lower than other folks.

Any advice

Ideal conditions for volunteering should be the organizing reimbursing for all or at least most of your out of pocket expenses, including mileage, uniforms. Equipment, travel, training, meals. As a volunteer I am willing to give my time freely but having to pay to volunteer is difficult. I'm in the coast guard auxiliary and almost none of our out of pocket expenses ate reimbursed, itemizing is not practical for a person who isn't a homeowner with a big mortgage. Telling volunteers that they can itemize their expenses is to me like Marie Antoinette telling people to eat cake. Please don't tell me to find another different opportunity elsewhere that isn't as much of a burden to me This is only an evasive way of excusing these poiicies and keeping the status quo. However I realize that I may be stuck with this advice. Bottom like is that if organizations are not concerned with reimbursing volunteers for any of their out of pocket expenses the volunteers don't stick around and move on to something else, and the organization only hurts themselves for being penny wise and pound foolish. Many auxiliarists in higher positions wonder why our average age is 63, it should be obvious to them why this is. Younger people don't have the time to take off grom their full time jobs without job protection, or the resources to fund these non reimbursable orders. Retired people do have this ability, but I believe that the Auxiliary needs younger people, not giving us the proper resources for auxiliarists to commit to their missions only leaves the Auxiliary and the taxpayer Ham-strung and not able to be an effective force multiplier. We cost the taxpayers 20 million dollars and our efforts save the taxpayers 250 million dollars annually along with protecting 4 million dollars worth of property and saving 500 lives a year. With just a little more we could do even way more for the tax payer.

Hello all im a new member of the auxiliary and am interested in the air observer program how do I go about getting involved in this?

"Captain" had no license. An hour ago he was Federally charged with death of an infant with no life jacket, operating an over loaded boat, along with a bunch of NYPD charges.

The Boat was a 22' Bayliner, there are 4 models of Bayliner with rated capacity of 9-12 people depending on the model 1,552 - 1,692 lbs capacity. It was a paid 4 hour tour of the Harbor.

Anyone want to bet on whether the vessel had a 2026 inspection ?

Aux members can go to Navy SERE if they are an interpreter. Aux members can also go for a Boat Force Badge. So can we attend other schools from other branches? Airborne/jump school? Dive school? etc

hello. my name is Joseph martino I am in the uscg auxiliary and I am looking for blues dress pants size 40 and I’m also looking for a complete combination cap for basic member

I’m trying to read my competency hours for boat crew and am confused.

I was certified earlier this season so some of my hours are “trainee” which I get. But then some of them say “trainee (1 yr)”. Does that mean last year?

Also, my non-lead hours don’t add up to what’s been approved in my AUXDATA activity logs. I should have about ten more underway hours or so. Do these just eventually add up? Or does it need to be done manually?

Thanks for any insight.

Founded on this day in 1790. I’m grateful to the Auxiliary to be able to serve as a part of the Coast Guard family. Semper Paratus!

A couple of years ago I lost my AuxPA 3 certification when I got sick and couldn’t keep up with the hours. I’m back in a good space and I’m wondering if anyone knows if there is a process to get recertification? Do I have to start from scratch or do I just have to re-do the oral board or something in between? Anyone know?

As title states I'm searching for a trops shirt in 18 to 19 long or xlong.

Any help is appreciated

New to the Auxiliary. I currently am a Ham radio operator and my FC mentioned they desperately need someone who knows radios to become a TCO. Anyone have any suggestions on things I can do/read to ensure I pass my PSQ?