Public Service Articles in the pursuit of
Recreational Boating Safety

Help Wanted - Journalists
FREE TRAINING!
By Wayne Spivak, ADSO-CS 1SR
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

-Volunteer Positions Open-

Journalists/Public Affairs Specialists - Assist the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary in their publications and public affairs programs. (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). Excellent writing skills required. Editorial skills, and/or previous public affairs background and/or media experience helpful, but not essential.

Additionally, what is called the Working Blue (Utility) and Tropical Blue Uniforms 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: Journalists/Public Affairs Specialists are needed on a local, regional and national level year round (in most locations).

Training: Training consists of on the job training, with the possibility of formal training provided by the Coast Guard.

Advancement: Candidates may be appointed as Flotilla, Division, District or National Staff Officers in the Public Affairs or Publications programs. There are a host of Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary publications that require articles, as well as other media venue's requiring new insights into advancing the goals and missions of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary. Advancement is determined by your education, other Coast Guard/Auxiliary qualifications, and experience, and local area needs.

Please note: Should you decide to enlist in either the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserves, skills obtained in serving as a Journalist/Public Affairs Specialist, as well as taking other Auxiliary and Coast Guard courses 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 will not only allow you to put your business inventory management skills to work, while at the same time, giving you the chance to serve your country, the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary may be just right for you!

For more information on the Coast Guard, or 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 .