Auxiliary Public Affairs Advancement and Recognition Program
A robust public affairs program is essential to Coast Guard Auxiliary success in every mission area. It is imperative that we increase visibility of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Effective public education campaigns concerning boating safety and boater education classes will help build public awareness. This program is designed to guide members through their development into skilled public affairs officers. It combines formal and on-the-job training. Mentors will help develop the professional skills required. Three levels of achievement are described below.
Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist
This is the basic level of competency for an Auxiliary Public
Affairs officer. At this level, an individual should have enough experience in
a wide cross-section of public affairs skills such as Print Media, Broadcast
Media, Public Appearances, Static Displays, Photography, Video and Guidance on
promoting the National Safe Boating campaign. This experience level is
commensurate with that expected of a flotilla public affairs officer. The following
online courses are required:
Introduction to Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs (AUX-20)
Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist 2nd Class (AUX-22)
Journalism Basic (AUX-24)
Introduction to Digital Photography (AUX-26)
ICS 100
Note: Satisfactory completion of AUX-12 (including homework assignments) will satisfy course requirements for this level except for ICS-100.
Review your knowledge using the Study Guide and track your progress using the Performance Qualification System.
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The award for this qualification is a ribbon with red and white vertical stripes that looks like this:
Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist II
This level requires an advanced level of expertise. At this level, an
individual is expected to not only demonstrate public affairs skills, but
assist others in developing and utilizing those skills. This level is that
expected of a division or district public affairs officer. Prerequisites are:
Coast Guard Public Affairs Policy (AUX-21)
Journalism Advanced (AUX-25)
ICS 200
Review your knowledge using the Study Guide and track your progress using the Performance Qualification System.
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The award for this competency is a 3/16" bronze star, placed on the public affairs specialist ribbon.
Coast Guard Public Affairs Support Specialist
At this level of training and experience, an individual is prepared to assist a
Coast Guard unit with their public affairs program. It includes knowledge of
Coast Guard public affairs practices and procedures, internal communications,
community relations, Fleet Home Town News, Joint Information Conference, and
related issues. Prerequisites are:
Joint Information Conference (“JIC”) Training – contact the
Public Information Task Force (PIAT) for information on upcoming classes.
IS-700
IS-800
Track your progress using the Performance Qualification System. There is no study guide for this qualification yet.
The award for this competency is a second 3/16" bronze star, placed on the Public Affairs Specialist Ribbon.
Additional qualifications for special skills such as photography and video production are contemplated. Each additional qualification will authorize another 3/16" bronze star, with a silver star taking the place of 5 bronze stars.
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Verifying officers
As you progress through the program, you will work with public affairs officers
in the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard who will provide guidance and will verify
your tasks accomplishments. Generally, a verifying officer will be a graduate
of AUX-12, the PA C School, and have already completed the qualification level
that you are seeking. If the task involves completion of a task on behalf of
your unit, the unit elected or appointed officer associated with the task area
may be able to act as a verifying officer.
Oral Boards
1. A member who has completed and had certified PQS requirements for a Public Affairs Specialist level will:
A. Send copies of sign off sheets (scanned copies via Email or faxed copies are acceptable) along with a statement that all work has been completed by the applicant and identifying all verifying officers by name with contact phone as well as three preferred dates for the Oral Board to convene to:
B. Send copies of sign off sheets to his/her DSO-PA, SO-PA, and Flotilla Commander.
2. Upon receipt of the completed forms, BC-ANP will convene a Review Board consisting of three members:
A. DSO-PA or ADSO-PA from the member’s district if the DSO-PA or ADSO-PA is an AUX-12 graduate if they are willing to serve on the Board. If the DSO-PA or ADSO-PA is not an AUX-12 graduate and/or declines that opportunity to sit on the Board, BC-ANP will select another AUX-12 graduate to serve on the Board.
B. A member of the National Public Affairs Staff at Branch level or high office.
C. An active duty District/Area/Sector Public Affairs Officer or PA1 or higher or DC-A, DC-Ad, DVC-AN; or BC-ANT
3. BC-ANP will schedule the Oral Board within one week of a request trying to accommodate the applicant’s requested dates. The Board shall convene not later than 4 weeks of the request.
4. Boards may be face to face or via telephone including the use of voice over internet protocol (VOIP) telephone such as SKYPE.
5. The Senior National Staff Member of the Board shall report success or lack thereof to BC-ANP within two days of the Board’s meeting via Email.
6. BC-ANP will issue a letter of designation, a certificate and a ribbon, as appropriate within ten days of receipt of the Board’s report to the Appropriate DIRAUX informing DVC-AN, D-Ad, DC-A, and BC-ANT.
7. The appropriate DIRAUX will make AUXDATA entries and will forward the designation letter to the member via the chain of leadership and management for presentation (with ribbon, as appropriate) at a suitable occasion such as unit meeting.
Currency
To retain the designation, the member will be required to perform at least 16 hours per year of public affairs activity, as measured by AUXDATA.
