Archive for month: February, 2025

1. The following Auxiliary Core Training (AUXCT) courses are currently under review and being updated by Coast Guard subject matter experts: “Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery” (SAPRR) and “Civil Rights Awareness” (CRA). While these two courses have not been removed as AUXCT requirements for all Auxiliarists, they are temporarily unavailable in the Auxiliary Online Classroom / Moodle until the review is complete. Auxiliarists who are certified in AUXCT are advised to wait until further notification before attempting to retake SAPRR and CRA in the Auxiliary Online Classroom / Moodle.

2. Auxiliarists who have a deadline in calendar year 2025 for retaking SAPRR and/or CRA should note the following to avoid being placed in Required Yearly Not Met (REYR) status:

a. SAPRR and/or CRA (as applicable for the Auxiliarist) must be completed by 31 DEC 2025 as long as the updated courses are made available again by 30 Sep 2025.

b. If the updated courses do not become available until after 30 Sep 2025 then a new target completion date in 2026 will be identified.

3. While the review of these courses is ongoing, new members who are seeking to gain AUXCT certification in order to have their member status changed from Approval Pending (AP) to Initially Qualified (IQ) or Basically Qualified (BQ), as well as members who are in REYR status and seeking to regain AUXCT certification, may be granted AUXCT certification without completing SAPRR and CRA as long as they have completed all other AUXCT requirements. To administer this change, SAPRR and CRA have temporarily been removed from the AUXCT competency in AUXDATA II. The remaining AUXCT requirements that must still be completed in order to (re)gain certification are listed below, and all are available on the Auxiliary Online Classroom / Moodle at https://classroom2.cgaux.org/moodle/:

a. To be completed during first full year of enrollment and then once every five years thereafter:

(1) Security Fundamentals

(2) Privacy at DHS: Protecting Personal Information

(3) Sexual Harassment Prevention

(4) Suicide Prevention

b. To be completed only once, during the first full year of enrollment:

(5) Ethics 1 / Personal Gifts

c. In addition to the above AUXCT courses, all members who have enrolled since February 1, 2018, are required to complete:

(6) Basic Qualification II Course

4. Notification will be provided when the SAPRR and CRA courses are available again on the Auxiliary Online Classroom / Moodle. To reiterate from paragraph 2 above, if the courses are made available by 30 SEP 2025, members who have (re)gained AUXCT certification without completing SAPRR and CRA must complete SAPRR and CRA by 31 DEC 2025. If the updated courses do not become available until after 30 Sep 2025 then a new target completion date in 2026 will be identified. Failure to complete these courses within the required timeframe will carry the same consequences as failure to complete any AUXCT requirement.

5. Internet release is authorized.

2025 Spring DTRAIN!

4, 5 & 6 April, 2025
Hilton Wilmington/Christiana,
100 Continental Drive,
Newark, Delaware

 Click Here To REGISTER 
 

Seeking Funding for DTRAIN?
You MUST FILL OUT THE QUESTIONNAIRE…

NOTICE FROM DIRAUX

D5NR Auxiliarists, 

Members attending the 2025 Spring DTRAIN who wish to request travel reimbursement from DIRAUX should complete the following short questionnaire in order to request funding. It will be very helpful to complete your DTRAIN registration prior to completing the survey; at a minimum, you will need to know what classes for which you registered.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have already responded to the questionnaire, thank you! Please do not respond more than once.

 CLICK HERE FOR QUESTIONNAIRE 

The survey will remain open throughout February, and responses will be sent via email after the survey closes (target response date is 07March). 

We cannot yet approve authorizations for any travel that takes place after the current government funding period which ends on 14March (continuing resolution). As such, members funded by DIRAUX will be notified via email when they can submit their ETS authorization.

Thank you for your service!

Sincerely, 

D5NR DIRAUX Staff

FROM THE COMMODORE
Fellow Auxiliarists,

Sign Up Now for THE Auxiliary Event of the Year.
We’re excited to be returning to the same location for Spring 2025 DTRAIN! The District Board Meeting will kick off on Friday, setting the stage for a weekend filled with exciting sessions and events. Join us for the Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, where the U.S. Coast Guard Active Duty team will share new opportunities. Whether you attend the entire weekend or just one day, you’ll experience lots of learning, laughter, and make new friends. We can’t wait to see you there!

Looking forward to seeing you at DTRAIN!
Semper Paratus!




Noreen Schifini,
District Commodore
Fifth District-Northern Region
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Same Location as Fall 2024 DTRAIN!
The Hilton Christiana/Wilmington in Delaware is very nice with staff and management that are most eager to host our event.

Hotel Details
Hotel reservations should be made directly with the Hotel. The hotel can be reached directly at 1-302-454-1500.

When booking your room please be sure to use our group code of USCG25. This will ensure that you receive the preferred room rate. Please note that the offered Hotel Rate includes breakfast. The room rate will be $153 plus applicable taxes.

You may also register for a room using the Hotel Quick Registration site, which is listed below, please be sure to only book the days you will be attending, as the date range is longer than the normal DTRAIN period of time:

HOTEL QUICK REGISTRATION

All hotel bookings must be made by 24 March 2025.

If there are any issues, please contact Jason Flynn via email at jflynn78@icloud.com.

Highlighted Opportunities
at Spring DTRAIN
The following is a quick rundown of what will be happening at DTRAIN. More information is forthcoming including additions to the schedule.

FRIDAY MEETING SCHEDULE

0800 – 1200 TIME SLOT

• District Board Meeting
  This is the normal Semi-Annual Board Meeting.

FRIDAY TRAINING / SESSIONS

1030 – 1700 TIME SLOT

• TCO PQS Training (4 Hour Course)
  This training is for all individuals that wish to be owners/operators of Auxiliary Radio Facilities and not currently holding Telecommunications Operator (TCO) qualification. Prior AUXCOM qualification does not replace TCO qualification or WatchStander. If interested in this class, it is requested to please contact the instructor Rick Taylor (rbtaylorii@comcast.net) ahead for pre-class work.

1330 – 1400 TIME SLOT

• Finance Staff Officers Meeting
  Meeting for SO-FNs and FSO-FNs with the DSO-FN
   
• New Member Training
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  Training to provide new members as well as Flotilla Commanders (FC) and member training (MT) officers an easy to follow, flexible plan that will help integrate new (or reactivating) members into the Auxiliary.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Friday 13:30 – 17:00 and Saturday 09:00 – 11:15. All sessions must be attended.
• How the Sea Scouts can help the Auxiliary
  This class will cover what the Sea Scouts are. How they are organized. What they are allowed to do when working with the Auxiliary. What training the Auxiliary personnel are required to have, and where they can take it. We will also have key persons from the Auxiliary/Sea Scout program to answer any questions.
   
• Flotilla Leadership Course
  (Multi Session, Multiple Day Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  Newly elected Flotilla Leaders or those planning on running for Flotilla office or an Appointed Flotilla Officer? Selected “Nuts and Bolts” subjects will be covered to assist you on starting off on the right foot.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Friday 1330 – 1700, Saturday 0900 – 1415 and Sunday 0900 – 1200. All sessions must be attended.
• National Auxiliary Website Review
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  A live review of the Auxiliary National Website where a member can navigate and obtain a wealth of information including Directorates, Forms, Manuals, Performance Management, Test Centers, Job Aids, the very important search box, Aux A, Leadership Who’s Who in the Organization and so much more.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be Friday from 1330 – 1545.

1445 – 1545 TIME SLOT

• Working with the Active Duty
  Overview of working with the Active Duty and how to bridge the gap.
   
• Communications: The Auxiliary’s Success Factor
  A significant factor for successful organizations is effective communications. We need to examine the types of communications, their various modes, and the importance of understanding the difference between what is sent versus what is received, the role of timeliness. The issue of clarity will be explored with an emphasis on how it can spell the difference between successful missions and those that fail to achieve their goals. This is a discussion-based session that will employ participant exercises to highlight key takeaways.”

1445 – 1545 TIME SLOT

• Roles / Qualifications for Unit Financial Staff Officers
  This workshop is intended for new and current unit finance staff officers, and also newly elected leadership in identifying potential candidates for their unit financial officer staff positions.

SATURDAY TRAINING / SESSIONS

0730 – 1645 TIME SLOT

• Intro to Culinary Assistance
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  A discussion of the requirements of becoming and Auxiliary Culinary Assistant, including the annual requirements for Auxiliarists.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Saturday 0730 – 1645 and Sunday 0900 – 1100.

09:00 – 10:00 TIME SLOT

• Chaplains Workshop (SafeTALK)
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  A SafeTALK certification course for our chaplains. SafeTALK is a nationally recognized half-day, in-person training to train participants steps to identify people with suicidal thoughts and connect them to resources.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Saturday 0900 – 1115.
• Intro to Incident Command System—ICS
  This course will lay the groundwork and provide an understanding of what ICS and the benefits that it plays. There will then be a larger multi hour course offered in the Fall. This will be a great way to see if that will be of more interest to you.
   
• PPE Management, Inspection and AD II Administration
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  Training session will include review of every type of PPE and step by step inspection review utilizing the appropriate MPC’s. Review of the administration of members PPE in AuxData II followed by open question and answer session.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Saturday 0900 – 1115.
• Intro to Communication Services Office
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  The Intro will cover staff officer duties in general, CS staff duties in particular and a basic introduction to managing the flotilla web site.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Saturday 0900 – 1115.

1015 – 1115 TIME SLOT

• Annual Vessel Examiner Workshop
  The mandatory VE workshop is always focused on providing the Vessel Examiners with the latest information to prepare for the boating season.

1315 – 1415 TIME SLOT

• Human Resource Processing
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  Training on revised member application processes; privacy/confidentiality; disenrollments; transfers; mergers; ID cards; AAMS Contact Management Program; Recruitment processesSPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Saturday 1315 – 1530.
• CG AUX ETS Questions & Answers
  An ETS Question & Answer session where the DIRAUX team can answer question in a group setting.
   
• AUXPAD Ashore and Afloat
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  This presentation will include the steps required to become an AUXPAD Operator and the requirements to maintain that qualification. The presentation will also discuss the requirements for AUXPAD facilities and other accessories that may be considered beneficial to the paddling activity.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Saturday 1315 – 1530.
• AUXDATA II Refresher
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  This workshop will be to answer your questions and provide a better understanding of the AUXDATA II System.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Saturday 1315 – 1530.
• Operation Workshop / Discussion
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  The Operations workshop session in preparation for the 2025 Operations season.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Saturday 1315 – 1530.

14:30 – 15:30 TIME SLOT

• Meet the District Executive Committee—EXCOM
  Take this opportunity to come and meet your current and future EXCOM Team. Great opportunity to hear about the past as well as year ahead of us and ask your questions of interest.
   
• Scouts BSA Youth Protection Training
  (Multi Session Course, Session Hours Noted Below)
  This course is designed to teach you what to look out for when working with children. This includes sexual harassment, pedophiles, and bullying. You will be instructed on what to do if you encounter these situations. Who you have to report the incidents to? This is a Scouting BSA course and is used by numerous youth organization in the country. This is a required course to have if you want to work with Sea Scouts or Boy Scouts and must be renewed Every Year. It is also being suggested for those that are preparing to run for both DCDR and VDCR.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a multi-hour course which will be on Saturday 1430 – 1645.

1545 – 1645 TIME SLOT

• Communications: The Auxiliary’s Success Factor
  A significant factor for successful organizations is effective communications. We need to examine the types of communications, their various modes, and the importance of understanding the difference between what is sent versus what is received, the role of timeliness. The issue of clarity will be explored with an emphasis on how it can spell the difference between successful missions and those that fail to achieve their goals. This is a discussion-based session that will employ participant exercises to highlight key takeaways.”
   
• AUXAIR 102 “The Drone Program”
  This class introduces the participation in the Coast Guard Short-Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SR-UAS) program, also called the “The Drone Program.” We are providing a close look into Applicability, Auxiliary Participation, Acceptance in Program and Prerequisites.
   
• Annual TCO Workshop
  This annual workshop is required of those currently holding Telecommunications Operator (TCO), or in training for TCO qualification.
   
• Working with the Active Duty
  Overview of working with the Active Duty and how to bridge the gap.
   
• Meet the Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) Team
  Take this opportunity to come and meet your DIRAUX Team. Great opportunity to hear about the year ahead of us and ask your questions of interest.

Friday Fun Night
Get your Game On! Show your fandom for your favorite Major League Baseball Team… Dress up and show off your best team spirit! Fun, games, prizes for best outfits… dancing! Lively mix of music with a live DJ! More details to follow and on the DTRAIN Registration site.

What to Wear at DTRAIN
Civilian Wear
Members may choose to wear appropriate civilian attire at any time. For class work, meetings and social gatherings at events such as DTRAIN appropriate dress is business casual. A polo or comfortable dress shirt/blouse and nice slacks (not jeans) are very acceptable. Leisure wear, sport team wear and t-shirts are not acceptable. Remember, you are  attending a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary event so be respectful in your dress and your actions.

For formal gatherings such as the Saturday evening Commodore’s Banquet. A suit or sport coat and tie for the gents shows proper respect. For the ladies, a semiformal dress, gown or suit is the norm. Those in uniform at the banquet will be wearing the equivalent of semi-formal to formal wear. For comparison, the White Dinner Dress Jacket uniform is on par with a tuxedo.

For after hours and Friday night, relaxed and comfortable are the key words. You may well see a fair amount of U.S. Coast Guard and Auxiliary ‘affinity’ wear—think sport team clothing. NO political apparel is permitted—ever.

Official Uniforms
Friday and Saturday
(Until the Banquet)
The designated Uniform of the Day for Friday afternoon’s District Board Meeting and all day Saturday is Trops. When outdoors, covers (uniform hats) should be worn—either a combination cap or garrison cap. Ball caps are not authorized to be worn with Trops.

Trops consist of a light blue CG uniform short sleeve shirt (or Women’s short sleeve untucked blouse is an option), CG Service Dress Blue uniform trousers, black socks and plain-toed, well-polished black oxfords. All members should wear a white V-neck undershirt—no crew neck tees. The belt is black web with a polished silver or brushed silver metal with raised Auxiliary Logo closure. Hard shoulder boards, name tag, ribbons, insignia and devices are worn.

NOTE: Trops are NOT authorized for wear at the formal Commodore’s Banquet on Saturday evening.

NOTE: The Winter Dress Blue Uniform (dark blue long sleeve CPO Shirt and Tie with collar devices) is NOT approved for this event.

Commodore’s Banquet
This is a formal event. Your option is to wear appropriate civilian attire as described above or one of the two following formal Auxiliary uniforms.

Dinner Dress Blue
This is a refinement of the Service Dress Blue uniform (SDB).
In place of the light blue shirt a white plain collar dress shirt is worn. For men a plain black bow tie is proper; women wear the black tab tie. In place of ribbons, miniature medals are worn. Miniature devices replace the larger devices worn on Trops. Two miniature devices may be worn—one above and the second below the miniature medals on the pocket flap. The standard size AUXOP and Past Officer pins are worn. Name tags are not worn. 

Dinner Dress White Jacket Uniform
In Fifth District-Northern Region we only wear the Dinner Dress White Jacket uniform, though there is a Dinner Dress Blue Jacket version for winter formal events in other Auxiliary districts. The jacket itself is the standard U.S. Coast Guard/U.S. Navy White Mess Jacket with the addition of loops sewn onto the shoulders to accommodate enhanced shoulder boards. The buttons on the jacket are silver Auxiliary buttons. The men’s jacket is closed with a short silver chain through small button holes. Shirts are white tuxedo shirts pleated for men, frilled or pleated for women. Shirts are closed using brushed silver studs. Black bow tie for gents, black tab tie for the ladies. Black slacks are worn with braces. Women have the option of either black slacks or a black floor-length skirt. A silver cummerbund is worn (pleats up). Miniature devices and medals are worn on the left jacket collar. Standard size AUXOP and Past Officer devices are worn on the right collar. Name tags are not worn. Only the Combination Cap is worn with this uniform.

Sunday—No uniforms for Auxiliary members.

For complete guidance on uniforms and their proper wear check the National U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary website / Human Resources Department.
Click for direct link.

Operational Dress Uniform (ODU)
The ODU is worn for operational duty assignments including missions and work at some U.S. Coast Guard facilities.
NOTE: ODUs are NOT authorized for wear
at any time during DTRAIN.