ALAUX 013/26 Subj:  GUIDANCE FOR COAST GUARD AUXILIARY ACTIVITIES DURING LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS

1.  Due to the current absence of an enacted appropriation or continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard must suspend certain activities. Guidance has been issued to all Coast Guard elements regarding activities during this period including continuation of legally authorized operational activities necessary for:

a. Safety of human life.
b. Protection of property.
c. National security.
d. Emerging contingency operations.

2.  This notice provides guidance for Coast Guard Auxiliary activities during the current lapse in appropriations resulting from the partial federal government shutdown.

3.  Auxiliary operational activities, including training missions to maintain crew readiness, may only be performed if:

a. Specifically ordered by a Coast Guard Order Issuing Authority (OIA), and
b. In direct support of an excepted function. Excepted functions include:

(1) Urgent search and rescue (SAR).
(2) Aids to navigation (ATON) outages.
(3) Security threats.

4. Other volunteer activities (e.g., flotilla/division meetings, boating safety outreach, public education) may proceed if they:

a. Are conducted in accordance with the Auxiliary Manual, and
b. Do not require obligation of Coast Guard funds.

5. Liability coverage for Auxiliary activities remains in effect during the shutdown, including:

a. Meetings and all-hands gatherings.
b. Vessel exams.
c. Public affairs.
d. Culinary, chaplain, and administrative support functions.

6. Auxiliary augmentation of Coast Guard units is authorized for non-operational missions, activities, and functions, provided they do not require obligation of Coast Guard funds.

a. Funded orders cannot be issued.
b. No-cost orders may be issued.

7.  Auxiliarists are not authorized to attend “C” school training on funded orders during this lapse. However, Auxiliarists may attend “C” school training on no-cost orders if the school is held as scheduled.

8.  For any questions, please refer to the Chain of Leadership and Management.

9.  Internet release is authorized.