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Age in the Aux
Last Post 20 Mar 2010 09:05 PM by jkribell. 8 Replies. |
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uscg4life29
New Member
Posts:3
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| 15 Jun 2009 06:44 PM |
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This is by means no disrespect to any Aux members, but I just had a question. Why is it that most of the Aux is comprised of older people? I have not seen anyone for a long time under the age of 45 in the Aux. Why is that? And also on another note why is it that older members wear their uniforms so poorly. It is a privilege to wear the uniform of the Coast Guard Aux. Just asking, and once again I mean no disrespect. |
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Old Guard2
Trusted Member
Moderator
Posts:8538
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| 15 Jun 2009 07:26 PM |
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I figure the big reason is the older generation has the time to volunteer for the auxiliary. Middle aged people either don't want to or have so many irons in the fire it is just something they can't take on. As for teh younger generation they either don't realize it is available to them or they just can't be bothered... it isn't as much fun as WOW or Halo or sitting behind a computer chatting, is it?? It isn't so much they are worn poorly as they don't have inspections and they aren't military. They are part of the auxiliary that helps with the community aspect of things that active duty don't always ahve the time for. Not that active duty wouldn't do it, they just have other priorities so the auxiliary picks up for them.
SN Robertson, Colin
USCGC Seneca |
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| USCGC Seneca #1 :-) |
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Bamaabiff
New Member
Posts:22
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| 16 Jun 2009 02:46 AM |
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Another reason is because the young people who reach out to join get nothing. I have made multiple attempts over the last month to join my local flotilla, and nobody will respond to my attempts. Sad. |
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noregrets
Basic Member
Posts:270
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| 20 Jun 2009 09:48 PM |
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I just completed the boating safety class required to join the auxiliary. I noticed throughout that members were very friendly! However, the boating course was comprised of younger people who didn't necessarily respect the auxiliary members. It does sadden me to think that younger people, who are perfectly able-bodied, are refraining such activities because it's "not cool." They're very disconnected from their own communities these days. A 17 year-old asked me on my way out why I was talking with the instructor & I had mentioned that I was wanting to join the auxiliary. He laughed and said, "You have fun with that." I'll eventually get to join my local flotilla, but I've noticed I'll be the youngest member by at least 35-40 years. Maybe others should take notice ... these volunteers aren't going to be around forever. While it's a volunteer organization, it's an important one. Who's going to step up once these people leave us? Bamaabiff, good luck contacting your local flotilla. Did you send the email through the website? Mine contacted me less that 24 hours later. Maybe there's a phone number you could use?
Sara
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
-- Gandhi |
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Bamaabiff
New Member
Posts:22
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| 20 Jun 2009 11:28 PM |
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noregrets said...I just completed the boating safety class required to join the auxiliary. I noticed throughout that members were very friendly! However, the boating course was comprised of younger people who didn't necessarily respect the auxiliary members. It does sadden me to think that younger people, who are perfectly able-bodied, are refraining such activities because it's "not cool." They're very disconnected from their own communities these days. A 17 year-old asked me on my way out why I was talking with the instructor & I had mentioned that I was wanting to join the auxiliary. He laughed and said, "You have fun with that." I'll eventually get to join my local flotilla, but I've noticed I'll be the youngest member by at least 35-40 years. Maybe others should take notice ... these volunteers aren't going to be around forever. While it's a volunteer organization, it's an important one. Who's going to step up once these people leave us? Bamaabiff, good luck contacting your local flotilla. Did you send the email through the website? Mine contacted me less that 24 hours later. Maybe there's a phone number you could use?
Yeah, I went through the website. And, I've tried calling. It's definitely disappointing. |
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noregrets
Basic Member
Posts:270
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| 21 Jun 2009 02:51 AM |
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Yeah, that would definitely be discouraging! I hope that something works out for you. Good luck!
Sara
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
-- Gandhi |
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AET2b
Basic Member
Posts:262
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| 08 Mar 2010 05:12 AM |
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I have no background what so ever about the CG Aux... As I have no experience. All I have to offer for advice, is that I have been apart of Civil Air Patrol as a senior member for a while and they have a VERY strong cadet program comprised of young individuals who are very professional. The Aux may be better or worse, but this is what I have observed from the Air force AUX side of things. I am enlisting CG so I am not by any means swaying anyone, just check it out!
look at all your options. |
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auxcx
New Member
Posts:3
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| 09 Mar 2010 07:39 PM |
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All good points... I am an Aux member, former CG reserve(Enlisted even when having a degree). I currently do mostly patrols(As a Coxswain) and have my boat serve as a Aux Facility, also do vessel inspections, teach boating safety, and public affairs-including dealer visits. There are many older members, most are retired and have the time, one of the main reasons why you see a lot of older people. I am almost 40, but capable of doing any active duty job, and I actually dont look it-many are surprised when they find out I am an Auxiliarist. I do take pride in wearing the uniform as the rest of my Flotilla mates, we wear it proud and properly. As for the kids laughing, I would have not allowed that to happen, well, it would not have gotten that far... I do demand respect from the public as a member of the Coast Guard(I do wear the same uniform, right?) even if as volunteers. You not only have to respect the age, knowledge, work, and dedication, but also the uniform. The Station and area where I work really make an emphazis of instilling in us the fact that we are members of the Coast guard, and in return I act, behave in a manner reflective of the CG. Although all are valid and true points, I sometimes struggle with the fact that many dont act or look the same way, but I have to ignore it and just do what I do, hopefully like that I could reverse the damage done by those few. |
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jkribell
Veteran Member
Posts:1302
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| 20 Mar 2010 09:05 PM |
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I am also in the Aux and it depends on your location. There are many of the Flotillas that are really active and them some that aren't. I am also in my 40's and it is tough to juggle a full time job and the duties of the Aux. I almost feel like I have 2 full time jobs! It's like any volunteer organization, 10% of the people do 90% of the work!! Most of our Aux are retired and they seem to be the only ones that have the time to do alot of the volunteering. Here in HI - the aux is pretty active but could be better.
Proud Mom to FS3Kribell-USCGC Hamilton, San Diego USCG Aux Member District 14 Divison 1
DSO-CC/EM/PA; Flotilla FN/SR |
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| Lucky to live in Hawaii - Mom to FS3Kribell, USCGC Hamilton, San Diego |
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