History of Military Auxiliaries and Their Role in Shaping American History
The Coast Guard Auxiliary and Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, have served the United States for several years. These auxiliaries fill in where the regular military would need more people. Since military auxiliaries are composed of unpaid volunteers, the military can use auxiliarists in various noncombat roles. Both auxiliaries have a rich history in the service to America.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary came about due to a very interesting circumstance. The Coast Guard Auxiliary was brought about by Malcolm Stuart, a yachtsman. He had a Coast Guard officer inspect the club's boats before departure. They started discussing a Coast Guard Reserve, and Malcolm Stuart wrote a letter to LT F.C. Pollard, stating the need for a reserve component of the Coast Guard. He explained that the reserve could extend the Coast Guard's force in boating emergencies. His letter eventually made it to Washington and to the Commandant of the Coast Guard. It was thought to be a good idea, but it was not seriously considered by military leaders until five years later. The Coast Guard Reserve Act of 1939 was passed. Congress declared that the reserve was to have four purposes:
"(a) safety to life at sea and upon the navigable waters, (b) the promotion of efficiency in the operation of motorboats and yachts, and (c) a wider knowledge of, and better compliance with, the laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation and navigation of motorboats and yachts, and (d) facilitating certain operations of the Coast Guard, there is hereby established a United States Coast Guard Reserve...which shall be composed of citizens of the United States and its Territories and possessions...who are owners (sole or in part) or motorboats or yachts."
USCG CG-5421 Web Site - History of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary http://www.uscg.mil/auxiliary/administration/aux-history.asp
There was a big difference in the Coast Guard reserve and the Navy and Army reserves. The Coast Guard Reserve was made up of civilian members. They were not allowed to wear uniforms, hold rank, receive military training, nor have any other rights given to the regular Coast Guard. Auxiliarists were not even considered government employees. The basic unit of the Coast Guard Reserve was the flotilla, and the unit had a Civilian commander and vice commander. There were no membership benefits at the time.
People were extremely skeptical about this new reserve at first. In 1940 however, Coast Guard stations began offering training for reservists. When World War II began, the Coast Guard separated the reserve into two components. The original civilian reserve was renamed the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1941. In 1942, some auxiliarists even though Civilian went on wartime patrol, and in 1942, the Navy authorized uniforms for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The auxiliary continued aiding in the war effort. The most important role was the port security force. They conducted customs inspections and small arms handling. During the war, the auxiliarists were considered part of the temporary reserve until the war ended.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary played a major role in World War II when Japanese fighters and torpedo bombers attacked Pearl Harbor.
"Members of the Honolulu Coast Guard Auxiliary rushed to the Coast Guard Station and conducted patrols of the harbor until the afternoon when they were relieved by regulars. San Francisco flotillas began night and day patrols on 7 December. Flotilla27 of Seattle assisted the Navy by providing picket boats for its minesweepers doing checks of Puget Sound shipping lanes for enemy-laid mines. Nation-wide during the first six weeks of the war, the Auxiliary largely took over harbor patrols."
Bravo Zero: The Coast Guard Auxiliary in World War II by C. Kay Larson
http://www.cgauxinternational.org/AuxHx.pdf
After the war, the Coast Guard Auxiliary was then permanently established as a peacetime service. The new purposes were:
"(a) To provide orderly and efficient means for bringing to the attention of the Coast Guard recommendations for improvement in matters of maritime safety for which the Coast Guard is responsible. (b) To provide continuous liaison between the Coast Guard and small craft interests. (c) To provide means for the prompt and efficient mobilization of volunteer resources in case of local casualties. (d) To provide nucleus for assistance in mobilization of personnel and small craft resources in case of National Emergency. (e) To encourage universal safe and courteous operation of vessels by precept and example of members of the Auxiliary and to assist in dissemination of safe marine practices."
USCG CG-5421 Web Site - History of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary http://www.uscg.mil/auxiliary/administration/aux-history.asp
The Coast Guard Auxiliary continues its strong commitment to serve the nation still today. Auxiliarists provide public education classes, vessel examinations, life saving aid to boaters, and search and rescue patrols on lakes, rivers, and oceans. Auxiliarists can still be called into the temporary reserve if needed. Auxiliarists also augment the Active Duty Coast Guard as watch standers at Coast Guard stations and aboard ship.
The Air Force Auxiliary, also called the Civil Air Patrol, is another extremely vital military auxiliary. Today, The Civil Air Patrol conducts ninety -five percent of the Air Force's search and rescue missions. CAP is a pioneer in Aerospace education and has one of the most outstanding Cadet programs in the nation.
Before today, CAP played an extremely important role in war as well as peace. In the 1930's, concern grew from the war in Europe. Americans wanted to serve their country and help preserve their country's freedoms. Those who could not serve in the military were looking for a way to serve.
In 1938, Gill Robb Wilson thought of having a Civilian Pilot force. His idea was backed by the Chief of the Army and other aeronautical organizations. It took until December 1, 1941, when the order was signed by the Director of Civilian Defense, Mr. Fiorello H. LaGuardia, that created the organization known as the Civil Air Patrol. Civil Air Patrol had one of the most important missions during World War II. CAP pilots flew submarine patrols along the east and southeast coasts of the United States. The members of CAP were very good at spotting subs off the coasts, but they had to wait until military personnel could get there to sink the enemy craft, because CAP was unarmed. One day during the war, a German sub mistook CAP planes for military aircraft and attacked. CAP was then permitted to use demolition bombs and depth charges. CAP was credited with defeating two enemies. Seven CAP members gave their lives during the war. Even as the war continued, CAP trained pilots and began the Cadet program for America's youth. Several of these cadets joined the Air Force and flew for World War II.
"Another significant wartime mission of CAP was the coastal patrol conducted along the east coast from 5 March 1942 to 31 August 1943. During these 18 months, the CAP coastal patrol spotted 173 German submarines, dropped 83 bombs on 57 of these submarines, damaging several, and sunk at least two. During 86,685 sorties, the patrol summoned help for 91 ships in distress, and 363 survivors of submarine attack, sighted 17 floating mines, and flew 5,684 special convoy missions for the US Navy. This service was not without its cost -- 27 Civil Air Patrol pilots and observers were killed and 7 seriously injured. By the end of the war, CAPs record of 500,000 flying hours and numerous selfless contributions to the war effort had cemented its reputation as an outstanding organization."
Civil Air Patrol History
http://www.armedforceshistory.org/Civil_Air_Patrol_History.html
"On 26 May 1948 legislation became law that made the Civil Air Patrol the official auxiliary of the newly created United States Air Force."
CAP History, Michigan Civil Air Patrol
http://miwg.cap.gov/CAPHistory.html
1. Today the Civil Air Patrol remains a strong component of the Air Force. CAP is still made up of unpaid volunteers who conduct search and rescue missions, teach America's young people about the military, and educate everyone on the magic of aerospace, and just in recent months, CAP plays a major role in Homeland Security by aiding in Reconnaissance, search and rescue, and disaster relief.
2. As an auxiliary member, I am so thankful that both auxiliaries exist to allow those who are unable to serve in the military to be able to serve in some way. I have always wanted to be in the military like my father, who is a Sergeant in the Army. Since I am visually impaired, these auxiliaries allow me to still wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces and serve in noncombat roles. I believe that both auxiliaries will continue to grow and benefit the military even more each year as programs expand and roles increase.
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3. Bibliography:
4. USCG CG-5421 Web Site - History of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
5. http://www.uscg.mil/auxiliary/administration/aux-history.asp
6. CAP History, Michigan Civil Air Patrol
7. http://miwg.cap.gov/CAPHistory.html
Civil Air Patrol History
http://www.armedforceshistory.org/Civil_Air_Patrol_History.html
