Can Coast Guard Auxilliarist – Any Requirements to Represent the U.S. Coast Guard?
The Nick Khamhou Dethoudom Chaleunphone story we have been following has led to some new questions by our readers. The question is what qualifies a member of the public to become a member of the Coast Guard Auxillary? We have the answer, but does Coasat Guard have the answer?
United States Code TITLE 14 > PART II > CHAPTER 23 > § 823 says
The Auxiliary shall be composed of citizens of the United States and its territories and possessions, who are owners, sole or part, of motorboats, yachts, aircraft, or radio stations or who by reason of their special training or experience are deemed by the Commandant to be qualified for duty in the Auxiliary, and who may be enrolled therein pursuant to applicable regulations.
Categories: Uncategorized
What special training and experience does this guy bring to the Guard other than impersonating active-duty and threatening others on internet talkboards?
Apparently, he has some very basic first aid training, and aspires to enter the nursing profession.
But who knows. It’s difficult to know which bits of information he gives out are true and which bits are pure fantasy. I would guess most is fantasy.
He has tried associating himself with Fire and Rescue services in the same way. Photos on past blogs of himself dressed up in firefighting clothes and so on.
Sian
Finally someone raised this question. As a veteran I have always felt the Aux uniform is way too close to the active-duty uniform. There ought to be an obvious distinction. The CG loves to spend money on studies. Perhaps this would be a good issue to research. And I’ll say it, there ought to be age limits.
How about NO UNIFORM for them? They are civilians anyway, therefore they should dress like civilians. Give ‘em polo shirts and some Dockers and call it a day!
We don’t see an exit strategy for Coast Guard on this one. The Beast has been unleashed. The Aug uniform is symptomatic of the bigger issue. But back to the uniform. Why in the world would Coast Guard ever have allowed the Auxiliary to have uniforms that are identical to USCG Officers except for the silver braid.
Officers in the United States Military of all ranks have and carry statutory authority. Why would Coast Guard want that authority to be confused by the public. Why would congress allow it?
Same question could be asked why the Coast Guard insists on referring to it’s civilian Aux members and GS employees as “Coasties” when many have never served a day in ANY military service?
USMC 74-78: The answer rests with political correctness and inclusiveness.
They should not wear such a similar uniform – take a look around DC during major events and you will see beards and guts (300 pound plus) walking around in a uniform that the general public can not distinguish from a military uniform.
Horrible precedent.
Of course, we need to keep in mind that many fine men and women in the Auxiliary make significant contributions to the Coast Guard and their country.
Speaking of Auxiliarists; has anyone had any issues with inappropriate behavior? Like inappropriate language towards women in the service? Miasppropriation of gov’t funds, etc.?
I hooked up with a hooker on a portcall in Tahiti once. We also drank scorpion bowls together.