Members have a variety of training courses available to prepare them for participation in the various activities of their choosing in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. This training is conducted, for the most part, at the flotilla level, but, depending upon local arrangements, and the nature of the course, may also be presented at the division, district, and even National level, as "C" Schools.

The first training available to our members is the New Member Course, which provides a foundation of basic knowledge of our organization.

Courses supporting the operations activities include the AUXOP (Operational Auxiliarist) Specialty courses: AUXMIN (Administration), AUXCOM (Communications), AUXNAV (Navigation), AUXPAT (Patrols), AUXSAR (Search and Rescue), AUXSEA (Seamanship), and AUXWEA (Weather). Other training in support of operations activities includes training for Auxiliary aviation, and Boat Crew/Coxswain.

Members are encouraged to avail themselves of this training program to enhance their Auxiliary careers in support activities, and leadership/service activities: elected or staff positions. A brief description of these training opportunities is provided below:

This training provides a firm basis for our members to understand the Coast Guard Auxiliary sufficient to make choices in their future participation. The training includes the history, purpose and administration of the Auxiliary, Auxiliary missions, membership requirements and privileges, Auxiliary organizational structure, regulations and policies, Coast Guard and Auxiliary support and basic materials (supplies), human resources, member training and qualifications, reimbursement, uniforms, and member recognition.  

The AUXOP, or Operational Auxiliarist, program is an advanced training program available only to members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. An AUXOP member has completed the seven advanced specialty courses and is entitled to wear the special AUXOP device on the uniform. The AUXOP Specialty courses also provide an excellent foundation for the Boat Crew and Coxswain program. The seven advanced specialty courses, which have closed book examinations, are described below in terms of results:

AUXMIN, Administration Specialty:

The AUXMIN Specialty course is focused upon Auxiliary administration. It provides essential knowledge to advance in the Coast Guard Auxiliary as an elected and appointed officer. The AUXMIN course material is based upon the Auxiliary Manual (AUXMAN).

AUXCOM, Communications Specialty:

The Communications Specialty is one of the few specialties cited as a requirement for other Auxiliary activities: ownership of an Auxiliary Fixed Land, Land Mobile, or Direction Finding Radio Facility. It is also required by Communications Officers who conduct radio facility inspections. AUXCOM is also the entry-level requirement for communications watchstander training at Coast Guard units.

AUXNAV, Navigation Specialty:

An Auxiliarist who is qualified as a Navigation Specialist is a genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. This individual knows where their vessel is at any given time and keeps it from danger. The Navigation Specialist is also well prepared to participate in our Public Education program, teaching the piloting portion of our basic courses and participating in the Basic Coastal Navigation (BCN) and Advanced Coastal Navigation (ACN) courses.  

AUXPAT, Patrols Specialty:

The Patrols Specialist is another genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. This individual fully understands the complete spectrum of operational patrol activities, both on the water and in the air, such as: Safety Patrol, Search and Rescue (SAR), Regattas spectator safety control, Chart Updating/Aids to Navigation Patrols, to name a few. Practical knowledge achieved by the Patrol Specialist engenders a keen awareness of, and response to, emergency situations, without jeopardizing the crew and facility.  

AUXSAR, Search and Rescue Specialist:

The Search and Rescue Specialist is well qualified in search and rescue and a genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. The AUXSAR training is designed to present a thorough understanding of the policy, organization, and procedures involved in the search and rescue process as generally practiced by the U. S. Coast Guard. The Search and Rescue Specialist is aware of the overall structure of the search and rescue organization, is able to plan search operations, and has an understanding of towing principles, towline properties, and recognition of the effects of sea state, to ensure a safe and successful search and rescue.  

AUXSEA, Seamanship Specialist:

The Seamanship Specialist is a particularly valuable asset in Auxiliary operations as knowledge of vessels and proficiency in their operation is a major Auxiliary interest. A Seamanship Specialist has extensive knowledge of vessels and their propulsion systems as well as detailed information on how vessels are constructed, founded, and operated. The Seamanship Specialist understands marine engines, knows how to perform minor repairs, is knowledgeable on vessel handling in normal and heavy weather, and how to approach distress situations. These attributes, when combined with the studies and practical training of the Boat Crew/Coxswain program, will make the member a competent and reliable crewmember of an Auxiliary vessel. 

AUXWEA, Weather Specialist:

The Weather Specialist is a genuine asset to Auxiliary operations activities. This individual understands the weather, its importance in the marine environment, and to the conduct of safe and effective operations. The Weather Specialist is able to make accurate and valuable short range (several hours) weather forecasts to enable crewmates to avoid dangerous weather conditions while performing their patrol activities. Long range (two or more days) forecasts are also developed to assist in planning operations activities. The Weather Specialist develops a keen sense of weather processes, including those which have an element of danger: thunderstorms, squall lines, fog, tornadoes, and other severe phenomena. A comprehensive knowledge of weather processes and effects is essential to the competent mariner, whether on the high seas, the coastal areas, lakes and rivers, or local reservoirs.