New Member Orientation

“What’s a new member to do?”

by Doug Smith, FSO-CS

Been there and done that! As a new member in 2007 most of the trials and tribulations are still fresh in my mind so I thought for all of those coming in the door behind me I would share some of the things I learned about joining and getting started in the Auxiliary.

At this point I am assuming that you have attended at l;east one meeting, you are either completing or have completed the BS&S class.  You may have been in the military prior to joining the Auxiliary, or like me you were in civilian public service, or have no service background at all. I’ll go about this outline as though you have no prior service.

One: The first item of business is to make sure you have introduced yourself to everyone at a flotilla meeting. Once you have done that find a mentor. Our flotilla does not currently assign a mentor to new members. What I did was identify members I was comfortable with and then picked their brains when I had questions.  Our flotilla has many superb mentors so you have many folks from which to choose.

You should also create a log in at the Flotilla website and at eDirectory especially! Your eDirectory login will be used at other on-line spots. Don’t put this off. Make it one of your first official tasks.

Two: Download a current copy of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Manual. I printed mine so I could highlight it and refer to it when necessary. This manual explains the entire service from A to Z and as a new member you will refer to it regularly. Tip: You should refer to it regularly) It is big. You will need a lot of paper and time.

Three: Read chapter ten of the Manual regarding Auxiliary uniforms and then trudge on over to my personal website to read about uniform purchasing and selection. Purchase your uniforms. At your first meeting in uniform we will verify your understanding of how to wear the uniform. Members with no prior military experience may find this a daunting task.  There is a lot to learn about wearing the uniform correctly so I encourage you to do this early on in your membership.

Four: Mull over what you would like to do in the Auxiliary and put together a personal training plan. Set a personal objective and get started. There are many qualifications in the Auxiliary but you must study, complete tests, and in some cases a “dockside” qualification exam. Don’t bite off more than you can chew was the advice I got.  Become familiar with all of the Auxiliary web sites associated with training and test taking. Ask questions!

Five: Take advantage of every basic training opportunity you can, especially those that can lead you to your objective.

Six: Volunteer to do anything you are qualified to do. I got started by marching with the flotilla in the Patuxent Days Parade in Solomons and had a great time.

Seven: Attend the flotilla social events so you can meet others. The Christmas party and change of watch are outstanding.

Eight: Think strongly about self study in the AUXOP program. It is a great adjunct to the Boat Crew and Coxswain Operations programs.  Reevaluate your training progress as you move ahead.

Nine: Volunteer as an assistant at Public Education classes especially if you would like to be an instructor.

Ten: Anytime you get a chance, at whatever point in your orientation, to meet the real Coast Guard do it. These valiant men and woman are the Coast Guard we supplement as part of our boating safety mission. They are truly a special bunch!

Our District has a new members page.