The CG Auxiliary is a "force multiplier" backup for the Coast Guard. Aux. members train on a volunteer basis so as to be able to replace regular and reserve "coasties" if needed. (except  in military and law enforcement areas). The main mission for the CGAUX is boating saftey and saving lives. If you are only in your freshman yr. in college you might consider contacting a local Aux. Flotilla and check out joining. You could get training that is relevant to CG missions and "hands-on" operational experience if that group has an "area of responsibility" for water saftey. Aux involvement will enhance your chances and opportuinities also.

With college you should seek a commission. pspaul

Hooligan,

I'll try to give some info. My only disclaimer is that it is somewhat dated. I retired in '01. In the order you asked:

http://www.gocoastguard.com/

1) The link above has several associated pages explaining the various aviation specialties. Check them out at your leisure. In the CG the mechanic is also the hoist operator who dips the rescue swimmer like an overgrown tea bag. Without the hoist operator the rescue swimmer couldn't save himself let alone the distressed.

2) Think fire department. Once qualified you spend either a rotation of 1-in-3, 1-in-4 or 1-in-5 on duty at the air station. This means 1 out of whatever # of rotation days you stay overnight on SAR standby at the unit. If the call comes the helo launches with the ready crew. The remaining duty personnel service the helo upon return to ready it for the next unpredictable mission.

It's hard to say what types of missions you'd be facing since they do them all to some degree. It just depends on tasking. SAR takes precedence over all other missions.

3) Rifles or personal defense weapons. No. You will qualify at boot and every XX months thereafter depending on unit. Weapons on ship are issued for the mission at hand. They are turned in at the end of that particular mission (daily) to be cleaned, stowed and accounted for.

4) Basic is a cake walk. If you can take being yelled at for a few hours a day - you'll make it through with flying colors. March in step, keep your mouth shut unless spoken to and do what you're told when you're told to do it. Done.

5) Combat. No. There are port security units on duty in Iraq and Kuwait. There are ships patrolling the Persian Gulf. Yes, that's technically combat. It's not combat in the traditional sense of running through the streets in squads chasing insurgents or terrorists. Does that mean you won't be in harms way if you deploy to that region? You are considered in the combat zone if you're in the Persian Gulf.

6) Someone else answered the CG Auxiliary question.

7) You have to finish your active duty obligation before you can enlist in another service. That's why I always advise people to ask lots of questions and visit as many units as possible before making the decision.

Good luck in whatever decision you make or path you decide to follow.