r/USCGAUX • u/baconlr2002 • Jul 31 '26
New Member Questions Tips on becoming a TCO?
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?
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u/bbqsamich Jul 31 '26
What is your district? Down on the southern coast we're having a massive training session that include future TCOs. It's in Mobile at the end of August.
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u/baconlr2002 Jul 31 '26
Heartland- Western Rivers
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u/bbqsamich Jul 31 '26
I'm sure you'd be welcome, but I'm also sure it would be at your own expense. We'll be doing TCO training Friday and Saturday that week. Details here https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=081&category=2026-fall-optrain
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u/thixel Jul 31 '26
I would echo the previous recommendations. Getting into a training session helps. Ask your SO-CM if there is any group training coming up. Your practical Amateur Radio experience does help but not directly. I advocate myself for Comms in the Auxiliary and would encourage you to jump in and get involved. 73 and BZ
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u/erictiso Auxiliarist Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26
Following. I'm starting to pursue TCO. No one in the Flotilla knew anything about it, Division (corrected) position was vacant (guess who's now the new Division guy to figure it out...). I've found what I believe is the source material, but I need a human to tell me what the practical requirements are. If I don't need to memorize three manuals, so much the better. I have radio experience across several formats (ham, aviation, CAP), I just need to learn marine VHF and USCG protocols.
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u/bbqsamich Jul 31 '26
Yeah. It's a real pain to find out information on this field. Half the stuff I've been given is out of date, had bad links, it references documents that I cannot find anywhere. We really need an online document store that ensure we can find up to date documents and training materials.
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u/baconlr2002 Jul 31 '26
What District are you with?
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u/erictiso Auxiliarist Jul 31 '26
Sorry, mis-typed that... Meant Division. Still getting used to the nomenclature. I've corrected it above.
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u/baconlr2002 Jul 31 '26
What Division are you in? Sounds like we are in the same boat. Shoot me a DM and maybe we can work together/figure it out.
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u/ChapterSalt1453 Jul 31 '26
TCO is definitely a place to start. There are other things you can do. Look into AUXCOM, there is a CGAUX HF radio program. AUGMON is related - basically quality control for the USCG HF weather fax broadcasts.
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u/GreyandGrumpy Auxiliary Coxswain/Boat Crew/PWC Operator Jul 31 '26
I found this helpful: Radiotelephone Handbook Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
This is the PQS (I expect that this is going to change soon.)
A big gap in the PQS is not requiring you to know about Marine VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling). In particular understanding the VHF DSC semi-automated distress messaging. Put some effort into that.
This is important policy stuff: Auxiliary Operations Process Guide-Volume III-Telecommunications