Auxiliary Cornerstones Flotilla 01S-15-02 Burlington, Vermont

(The following are excerpts from the U.S. Department of Transportation, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Manual: COMDTINST M16790.1C. Refer to the manual for complete information.)

History

In 1939 Congress established "a United States Coast Guard Reserve," administered by the Commandant of the Coast Guard and composed of unpaid, volunteer U.S. Citizens who owned motorboats or yachts. In 1941 Congress created a military reserve of the Coast Guard and the original volunteer reserve was renamed the "Coast Guard Auxiliary."

Purpose

Title 14 United States Code contains the laws of a general and permanent nature relating to the Coast Guard. Section 822 of Title 14 states:

"The purpose of the Auxiliary is to assist the Coast Guard:

(1) to promote safety and to effect rescues on and over the high seas and on navigable waters;

(2) to promote efficiency in the operation of motorboats and yachts;

(3) to foster a wider knowledge of, and better compliance with, the laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of motorboats and yachts; and

(4) to facilitate other operations of the Coast Guard.

The Auxiliary is an element of the U.S. Coast Guard, which also includes the Regular Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Reserve and civilian employees.

In contrast to the Coast Guard Regulars and the Reserve, the Auxiliary is specifically declared by statute to be "nonmilitary," which defines the Auxiliary's role as entirely within the sphere of the Coast Guard's civil functions, not extending to any military or law enforcement responsibilities of the service. In this regard, pursuant to 14 USC, section 95, Auxiliarists may not carry firearms when conducting Auxiliary activities regardless of their civil authorization by permit or occupation.

Primary Programs

The primary programs of the Auxiliary, known as the four cornerstones, are:

a. Courtesy Marine Examinations
b. Public Education
c. Operations
d. Fellowship

Other Programs

a. The Academy Introduction Mission (Project AIM)
b. The Recruiting Assistance Program (RAP)
c. National Safe Boating Week
d. Boat Show Participation
e. Aids to Navigation/Chart Updating
f. Marine Dealer Visitation Program
g. Public Relations Support of the Coast Guard
h. Sea Explorer, Boy and Girl Scout, and Naval Sea Cadet Training
i. Auxiliary State Liaison Program
j. Local Water Safety Council Participation