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Help Wanted - Career Counselors
FREE TRAINING!
By Ed Sweeney, BC-AIP, DSO-PA 11NR
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

-Volunteer Positions Open-

Career Counselors - Assist the Coast Guard in building its workforce for the 21st Century! Help young adults find jobs that make a difference! Assist the Coast Guard Academy - one of the most competitive colleges in the country - in screening applicants for admission. (Unlimited availability, locations all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands)

Requirements: 17 years of age; US Citizenship; Strong patriotic desire to volunteer your time to serve both the United States and United States Coast Guard/Coast Guard Auxiliary. Willingness to enter free local, regional and national training program(s) - if selected for regional or national training, travel and meals are either reimbursed or subsidized (subject to limitations). Career Counselor candidates should enjoy working with young people, and enjoy assisting people in choosing a career path that is right for them.

Additionally, what is called the Tropical Blue Uniform may be required. These items are not reimbursed, but may be tax deductible, talk with a qualified tax advisor about your specific tax situation.

Time Frame: Career Counselor training is offered at the local level year round. National training programs are usually offered once or twice per year in different geographical locations in the United States.

Training: Training consists of "on-the-job" training, plus self-study and classroom instruction on the various Coast Guard career paths, recruiting requirements, and other programs, such as the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program. There is usually an 8 hour update seminar required each fall. Training is done by qualified Coast Guard Auxiliary Career Counselors, and active duty Coast Guard recruiting personnel. .

Advancement: Career Counselors can advance from their local area, and can be appointed to their district or national staff. Moreover, Career Counselors can also work side-by-side with active duty and reserve recruiters (at their discretion), and can earn the coveted Coast Guard Recruiting badge.

Please note: Should you decide to enlist in either the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserves, Career Counselor training and other Auxiliary and Coast Guard courses taken while an Auxiliarist, can/may be used to accelerate your qualifications process in both the active duty Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve.

Summary: So if you want an exciting volunteer career, which can not only satisfy your desire to help others make informed career choices, but also satisfy your desire to serve your country, the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary is the place to be.

For more information on the Coast Guard the Coast Guard Reserve, call 1-800-GET-USCG, or visit http://www.uscg.mil or http://www.uscg.mil/jobs/reservejobs2.htm. For information on how to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary, call 1-877-875-6296 or visit http://www.cgaux.org .