Project Description
Health Services
As the missions and responsibilities of the Coast Guard have expanded, so has the need for Coast Guard health care personnel to not only perform their usual clinical activities, but to also be available for emergency mobilization and/or deployment. During surge operations, Auxiliarist participation may further augment the health care capabilities of existing Coast Guard clinics and potentially release active duty health care personnel for operational response or deployment. Therefore, in accordance with Coast Guard Auxiliarist Support to Coast Guard Health Care Facilities, COMDTINST 6010.2 (series), Auxiliarists who are health care professionals (i.e., Physicians (MD, DO), Dentists (DDS, DMD), Physician Assistants (PA), and Nurse Practitioners (NP)) are authorized to be utilized in the performance of Coast Guard health care activities for which they are already trained, found qualified, and licensed, registered, or certified as determined by the Director of Health and Safety (CG-11). These primary care medical and dental professionals are eligible to volunteer in Coast Guard clinics or sickbays where the Coast Guard is already providing a similar level of health care and within established guidelines and restrictions. Auxiliarists who possess other allied health care skills (e.g., Registered Nurses (RN), emergency medical services providers like EMTs, Paramedics, and First Responders) may volunteer to work in Coast Guard health care facilities in accordance with provisions of the Coast Guard Medical Manual.
Food Services
Qualified Auxiliarists are authorized assignment to duty to support and augment food service programs at Coast Guard units. Auxiliarists who perform such duties at Coast Guard units or special events shall complete the AUXFS training program to qualify and demonstrate proficiency in Coast Guard food service procedures and practices. Under the general direction and supervision of the unit Food Services Officer (FSO) and the unit Executive Officer/Executive Petty Officer (XO/XPO), and with guidance from the senior AUXFS, a qualified AUXFS may plan meals and shopping lists (AUXFS may not perform any direct purchasing with any form or type of unit funds). An AUXFS may also prepare, serve, and clean-up meals.
Clergy Support
The Auxiliary Clergy Support program supplements and supports Navy Chaplains serving with the Coast Guard by expanding Religious Ministry within the Coast Guard to better meet the needs of Coast Guard members and their families.
Coast Guard Chaplains (officers of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps assigned to the Coast Guard) provide Religious Ministry to Coast Guard members. They play a vital role in support of overall mission execution of the Coast Guard. Due to the limited number of Coast Guard Chaplains, they may be prevented or delayed in the timely response to Religious Ministry requirements.
The Coast Guard (CG) recognizes that the CG Auxiliary is composed of many skilled volunteers, some of whom have clergy credentials. The Auxiliary Clergy Support Program expands the Religious Ministry capacity within the Coast Guard to better meet the needs of Coast Guard members.
Auxiliarists with clergy credentials must meet many of the same qualifications as members of the Navy Chaplain Corps, which are described in COMDINST 1730.5. The Chaplain of the Coast Guard (CG-00A) administers the Clergy Support Program and its associated qualification and training requirements.
Auxiliary Interpreter Corps
The Auxiliary interpreter corps program is a component of the Auxiliary International Affairs Directorate. The Auxiliary Interpreter Corps was established in 1997 to provide interpreter support to Coast Guard operational, administrative, and public affairs missions.
Ombudsman
The Coast Guard Ombudsman Program is intended to improve communication between the Coast Guard command and the Coast Guard family members. Coast Guard ombudsmen are communication links, provide information and referral resources, and act as advocates for family members.
It has been reported there are 767 United States Coast Guard commands, and that 269 of these units do not have a designated ombudsman. There are a variety of factors, not the least of which, is that many of these are very small units. It is perhaps the very nature of these smaller units that will ultimately provide the best opportunity for Auxiliary augmentation in ombudsman assignments.
An ombudsman is appointed by the commanding officer. Command ombudsmen are volunteers and spouses of services members within the command, and may be filled by a Coast Guard Auxiliarist.