Auxiliary "Four Cornerstones"

a. Historically, the Auxiliary's primary missions have been courtesy marine examinations, public education and operations. These three missions, together with Fellowship (the "glue" which held these missions and auxiliary membership together), are known as the "Four Cornerstones." Through the years, these four cornerstones served the Auxiliary and the CG well.

(1) In late 1997, the four cornerstones for the Coast Guard Auxiliary were officially re-established as:

a. Member Services (includes FN, IS, MA, PS, MT, LP, PA, PB, and SR)

b. Recreational Boating Safety (includes MV, PE, and VE)

c. Coast Guard and State Support (includes AN, AV, CC, CM, MS, and OP)

d. Fellowship

b. With the passage of new Auxiliary legislation in October 1996, the Auxiliary's role was greatly expanded to enable Auxiliary participation in any CG mission authorized by the Commandant. In, general, this law opens all CG missions areas to the Auxiliary, with the exception of combat and direct law enforcement.



Program Authorization

1. Academy Introduction Mission (AIM)

Auxiliarists are authorized assignment to duty to assist the U.S.C.G Academy with recruitment of cadet candidates. This assignment includes the orientation and counseling of high school students, attendance at college fairs, and participation in AIM WEEK each summer at the U.S.C.G Academy (USCGA).

2. Administrative Support to the CG.

Auxiliarists are authorized assignment to duty to assist and to augment administrative functions of any CG unit.

3. Aids to Navigation (ATON)

Qualified Auxiliarists and their facilities are authorized assignment to duty to support and to augment the CG'S ATON Program in prescribed phases. This area includes verifying position and characteristics of private aids to navigation (PATON), after qualifying as an aid verifier. Members assist and support ATON units in servicing Federal aids after receiving proper CG training. ATON units also help the National Ocean Service (NOS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in updating nautical and aeronautical charts plus specific publications.

4. Bridge Administration

Qualified Auxiliarists and their facilities are authorized assignment to duty to support and to augment bridge surveys; to investigate and to provide information regarding waterways safety and navigation situations pertaining to the bridge program; and to provide direct assistance and support to bridge program staff and other CG personnel in the Bridge Administration Program.

5. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Support

Under special orders, qualified Auxiliarists and their facilities may be authorized assignment to assist the Civil Air Patrol in the conducting authorized joint CG-CAP missions.

6. Contingency Preparedness

Qualified Auxiliarists and their facilities are authorized to provide platforms and personnel for defense and non-defense exercises. Auxiliarists and their operational facilities may also provide support as unarmed opposition forces and gather information and data for contingency plans.

Qualified Auxiliarists are authorized to develop plans and to support contingency response operations for disasters and lesser incidents.

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