The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. Auxiliary shipmates assist the Coast Guard with performing many challenging maritime missions, with boating safety remaining as their core function. Auxiliarists make it possible to more ably accomplish missions.
Originally formed as the Coast Guards volunteer Reserve on June 23, 1939, the volunteer Reserve was remaned the Auxiliary two years later. The Auxiliary rapidly expanded as the United States entered WWII, and the Auxiliarists assisted in many of the Coast Guard’s domestic missions, freeing up active duty Coast Guardsmen for wartime operations.
Today’s Auxiliary is defined by this same spirit of patriotism and volunteerism. Auxiliarists continue to lend their unique talents to assist with performing a broad range of Coast Guard missions. Their mission support efforts expand the reach and impact of Coast Guard operations, particularly boating safety initiatives.
The Auxiliary Service priorities include:
- Promoting and Improving Recreational Boating Safety
- Providing trained crews and facilities to augment the Coast Guard and enhance safety and security of our ports, waterways and coastal regions
- Supporting Coast Guard operational, administrative and logistical requirements
While Auxiliarists are not paid a salary, they may be 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.