CAP Talk

General Discussion => Membership => Topic started by: CAPed Crusader on July 15, 2018, 01:02:54 AM

Title: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: CAPed Crusader on July 15, 2018, 01:02:54 AM
Hello,

If someone from the USCG Auxiliary is holding a field grade of any sort, can they apply that same field grade to CAP?

V/R

     PS: I'm Joining the USCG Auxiliary Too while staying in CAP.

C/Amn
Francis
DeRosa
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: Eclipse on July 15, 2018, 02:02:10 AM
Quote from: francisderosa16 on July 15, 2018, 01:02:54 AM
If someone from the USCG Auxiliary is holding a field grade of any sort, can they apply that same field grade to CAP?

No.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: Gunsotsu on July 15, 2018, 02:44:58 AM
Quote from: francisderosa16 on July 15, 2018, 01:02:54 AM
     PS: I'm Joining the USCG Auxiliary Too while staying in CAP.

C/Amn
Francis
DeRosa

Does not compute. USCGAux does not have a cadet program.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: MIKE on July 15, 2018, 03:09:42 AM
Quote from: Gunsotsu on July 15, 2018, 02:44:58 AM
Quote from: francisderosa16 on July 15, 2018, 01:02:54 AM
     PS: I'm Joining the USCG Auxiliary Too while staying in CAP.

C/Amn
Francis
DeRosa

Does not compute. USCGAux does not have a cadet program.

If he's a 17 year old C/Amn... Maybe.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: ColonelJack on July 15, 2018, 10:58:08 AM
Mr. DeRosa ...

The first thing to remember is, the USCG Auxiliary does not have grade of any type.  Yes, they wear a modified version of Coast Guard insignia, but they do not hold grade, they hold office.

A person with two silver bars is a Flotilla Commander, not a lieutenant.  A person with eagles is (in one iteration) a vice commodore, not a captain.  And the head honcho of the organization wears three stars, but he is never called "vice admiral" - he's the National Commodore.

And Bob's right ... one's office in USCGAUX does not translate into grade in CAP.

Jack
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: JayT on July 15, 2018, 05:54:34 PM
Quote from: francisderosa16 on July 15, 2018, 01:02:54 AM
Hello,

If someone from the USCG Auxiliary is holding a field grade of any sort, can they apply that same field grade to CAP?

V/R

     PS: I'm Joining the USCG Auxiliary Too while staying in CAP.

C/Amn
Francis
DeRosa

Why?
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: MHC5096 on July 16, 2018, 04:39:06 PM
Just like how grade in CAP or even regular military does not convert to anything in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: Shuman 14 on July 16, 2018, 04:51:52 PM
There is no rank in the USCGAux and other than being currently qualified in an Auxiliary Program, there is no professional development program to hold office or higher office.

Also, they could care less what rank you hold, or held, in the Armed Forces. If you're an Auxiliarist, and you're augmenting the Coast Guard, your rank is lower than an E-1 and you will follow the lowest Boatswain's Mate directives or you can go home.   
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: MHC5096 on July 16, 2018, 04:54:16 PM
What he shuman14 said.  ;D
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: Eclipse on July 16, 2018, 04:59:19 PM
Quote from: shuman14 on July 16, 2018, 04:51:52 PM
There is no rank in the USCGAux and other than being currently qualified in an Auxiliary Program,

(https://s8.postimg.cc/6bpx70vgl/CGAuxiliary_Insignia-v03.png)

As to PD, like CAP unicorns of AWC, SOS, and ACSC it's limited, but it exists.

http://www.cgauxedu.us/about/

The best part?  VG is their insignia supplier too!
https://www.vanguardmil.com/collections/coast-guard-auxiliary
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: RiverAux on July 16, 2018, 06:45:17 PM
Not quite sure why Eclipse linked in the Aux University program (which is for Aux units set up at Universities), but he is correct that there is a basic PD program in the Aux.  Frankly, since Aux leaders have almost no authority at all above the level of the local unit, not much is actually needed.   Small-unit leadership development is really all that is needed and there are several courses that are available that have to be taken before election at the local level.

QuoteThe best part?  VG is their insignia supplier too!
Not really.  They may sell some things, but everyone buys their stuff from the Coast Guard Uniform Distribution center and the Auxiliary Center.  There is another private purveyor, Lighthouse, but I'm not sure how much they are used anymore. 
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: MHC5096 on July 16, 2018, 08:08:07 PM
I have bought most of my CGAUX insignia from either local CG exchanges or the Auxiliary Center. Although many of the insignia are made and distributed by Vanguard, the cost of those items are considerably less when purchased at the Coast Guard Exchange than if ordered directly through Vanguard's website. On the plus side, every single CGAUX insignia made by Vanguard is of the same quality level as regular Coast Guard insignia.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: PHall on July 17, 2018, 02:03:25 AM
Quote from: MHC5096 on July 16, 2018, 08:08:07 PM
I have bought most of my CGAUX insignia from either local CG exchanges or the Auxiliary Center. Although many of the insignia are made and distributed by Vanguard, the cost of those items are considerably less when purchased at the Coast Guard Exchange than if ordered directly through Vanguard's website. On the plus side, every single CGAUX insignia made by Vanguard is of the same quality level as regular Coast Guard insignia.

I can go to an Air Force Military Clothing Sales and pay less for an item then I would if I ordered direct from Vanguard.
And this is for the exact same item right down to the catalog number.
You seem to pay extra if you order direct from Vanguard.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: N6RVT on July 17, 2018, 07:53:49 PM
Quote from: ColonelJack on July 15, 2018, 10:58:08 AMA person with two silver bars is a Flotilla Commander, not a lieutenant.  A person with eagles is (in one iteration) a vice commodore, not a captain.  And the head honcho of the organization wears three stars, but he is never called "vice admiral" - he's the National Commodore. And Bob's right ... one's office in USCGAUX does not translate into grade in CAP.

The only office in the USCGAUX that has a title is Commodore - mainly because the active duty doesn't use the title anymore, so there is no confusion.

USCGAUX insignia is based on what job you hold, and in some cases you can actually skip a level CAP uses the same system after O-5. The current Pacific Region commander was never an LTC, for example.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: MSG Mac on July 17, 2018, 07:58:03 PM
To be awarded the same military grade, it must be "Federally Recognized".
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: Eclipse on July 17, 2018, 08:06:40 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 17, 2018, 07:58:03 PM
To be awarded the same military grade, it must be "Federally Recognized".

...even in low-light conditions...
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: CAPLTC on July 18, 2018, 01:11:13 AM
Yes.
I wonder if there is an IG complaint in there somewhere?

Quote from: PHall on July 17, 2018, 02:03:25 AM
I can go to an Air Force Military Clothing Sales and pay less for an item then I would if I ordered direct from Vanguard.
And this is for the exact same item right down to the catalog number.
You seem to pay extra if you order direct from Vanguard.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: PHall on July 18, 2018, 02:05:49 AM
Quote from: CAPLTC on July 18, 2018, 01:11:13 AM
Yes.
I wonder if there is an IG complaint in there somewhere?

Quote from: PHall on July 17, 2018, 02:03:25 AM
I can go to an Air Force Military Clothing Sales and pay less for an item then I would if I ordered direct from Vanguard.
And this is for the exact same item right down to the catalog number.
You seem to pay extra if you order direct from Vanguard.

I think it's just that AAFES has a good contract with Vanguard. You're not under any kind of contract when you order direct.
And the contract CAP has with Vanguard doesn't say a thing about prices.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: CAP9907 on July 18, 2018, 02:43:57 AM
If more Members understood the CAP IG program, they would know the answer is more than likely "no"

Quote from: CAPLTC on July 18, 2018, 01:11:13 AM
Yes.
I wonder if there is an IG complaint in there somewhere?

Quote from: PHall on July 17, 2018, 02:03:25 AM
I can go to an Air Force Military Clothing Sales and pay less for an item then I would if I ordered direct from Vanguard.
And this is for the exact same item right down to the catalog number.
You seem to pay extra if you order direct from Vanguard.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: ColonelJack on July 18, 2018, 10:19:28 AM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on July 17, 2018, 07:53:49 PM
Quote from: ColonelJack on July 15, 2018, 10:58:08 AMA person with two silver bars is a Flotilla Commander, not a lieutenant.  A person with eagles is (in one iteration) a vice commodore, not a captain.  And the head honcho of the organization wears three stars, but he is never called "vice admiral" - he's the National Commodore. And Bob's right ... one's office in USCGAUX does not translate into grade in CAP.

The only office in the USCGAUX that has a title is Commodore - mainly because the active duty doesn't use the title anymore, so there is no confusion.

USCGAUX insignia is based on what job you hold, and in some cases you can actually skip a level CAP uses the same system after O-5. The current Pacific Region commander was never an LTC, for example.

And there's also the note that one's office in the USCGAUX isn't always properly represented by the insignia.  For instance, if one had been at one time an elected Division Vice Commander (gold oak leaf with blue A) and, after that term was up, went back down to flotilla level to serve as an appointed staff officer (gold bar with red A), you could still wear the gold leaf and two-and-a-half stripes as long as you also wore the Past Officer device.

I think.

Jack
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: N6RVT on July 18, 2018, 08:36:02 PM
Quote from: ColonelJack on July 18, 2018, 10:19:28 AM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on July 17, 2018, 07:53:49 PM
Quote from: ColonelJack on July 15, 2018, 10:58:08 AMA person with two silver bars is a Flotilla Commander, not a lieutenant.  A person with eagles is (in one iteration) a vice commodore, not a captain.  And the head honcho of the organization wears three stars, but he is never called "vice admiral" - he's the National Commodore. And Bob's right ... one's office in USCGAUX does not translate into grade in CAP.

The only office in the USCGAUX that has a title is Commodore - mainly because the active duty doesn't use the title anymore, so there is no confusion.

USCGAUX insignia is based on what job you hold, and in some cases you can actually skip a level CAP uses the same system after O-5. The current Pacific Region commander was never an LTC, for example.

And there's also the note that one's office in the USCGAUX isn't always properly represented by the insignia.  For instance, if one had been at one time an elected Division Vice Commander (gold oak leaf with blue A) and, after that term was up, went back down to flotilla level to serve as an appointed staff officer (gold bar with red A), you could still wear the gold leaf and two-and-a-half stripes as long as you also wore the Past Officer device. I think.

You are correct.  I went from being a flotilla commander to being an ADSO  Same grade, but I technically should either change the "A" from blue to red or wear the past officer device.  Or just keep the service coat on - where there is no difference.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: TarRiverRat on July 19, 2018, 12:49:58 AM
I remember when I was in the Auxiliary, if we were going to be working directly with the Coast Guard we were to take off our Flotilla Office Insignia and wear the basic Member insignia instead.  This was when we worked the radios on base or on served on their boats and aircraft.
Title: Re: CAP and USCG Auxiliary
Post by: N6RVT on July 23, 2018, 04:40:31 PM
Quote from: TarRiverRat on July 19, 2018, 12:49:58 AM
I remember when I was in the Auxiliary, if we were going to be working directly with the Coast Guard we were to take off our Flotilla Office Insignia and wear the basic Member insignia instead.  This was when we worked the radios on base or on served on their boats and aircraft.

We don't get to use pin on insignia anymore.  Some members tried to get by with Velcro and kept losing stuff.  I have nothing but member insignia on all my ODU (equivalent to CAP's blue BDU) at this point.

Which, given my age - make me look like a full Commander from any more than about 8 ft away.  We really should leave the collar insignia off altogether.