U.S. Department of Homeland Security - United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
National Auxiliary Senior Leadership official Seal
Security levels

From Mary Kirkwood, National Commodore

26 May 2026

Call for National Staff Applications for Term 2026-2028

All appointed Auxiliary staff officers serve at the pleasure of the appointing leaders. A staff officer’s appointment starts and expires with the term of the appointing leader unless the appointment is terminated earlier. The officers of the National Executive Committee (NEXCOM), ANACOs, and National Directors shall assume their respective offices on 1 November next after election or appointment. The remaining officers of the National Board shall assume their offices on 1 January next after the election. All officers shall continue in office until relieved by either the National Commodore in consultation with the Chief Director, or their duly elected successors. When so relieved, they shall deliver to their successor all current files relating to their offices and assist in effecting an orderly transfer of the duties of office. All persons desiring appointment or reappointment as an ANACO, Deputy ANACO, or National Director must submit a resume and relevant information no later than 1 August, 2026. Members desiring appointment must specify the office to which appointment is desired and shall submit the requested information to [email protected]. It will be appreciated if applications are submitted before 1 July 2026. Please note that invitations for applications for positions other than ANACO, Deputy ANACO or National Director will be requested at a later time.

Presidential Directives

I have been receiving many emails and calls through the chain of leadership and management regarding recent changes in the way of Presidential Directives. Coast Guard Headquarters has a new group, known as the Presidential Directives Implementation Team or PDIT, who is working to evaluate and ensure appropriate action is taken on these orders. Some of these orders affect the CG Auxiliary and have triggered questions from membership on what and how we are addressing these directives. Our program office representatives at the Chief Director Of Auxiliary office are working closely with National Staff to address these Directives. It is my goal to keep this page updated with questions and answers as we receive them. If you have additional questions that you don't see addressed here, please pass those up through your leadership and I will do my best to get them addressed.

Gender Ideology:

On January 20, 2025 President Trump Executive Order 14168 to Defend Women from Gender Ideology

Question: Does this affect the Auxiliary?

Answer: Yes, we have made some changes and there may be more changes as we identify other locations or policy documents that contain reference to gender rather than sex.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion:

On January 22, 2025 President Trump signed Executive Order 14151 ending Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Programs and Preferencing.

Question: What has been the impact for the CG Auxiliary?

Answer:

For more information about the Executive Order eliminating Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, see ALAUX #06-25 to all members regarding the Executive Order on the Auxiliary at: https://wow.uscgaux.info/Uploads_wowII/BX-GROUP/006_25_CANCEL_DEIA_PROGRAMS_AND_ACTIVITIES.pdf

Question:How has the ending of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion affected Core Training?

Answer: Two Core Training courses have been temporarily suspended for BQ status and for continuing 5-year competencies.

If these courses become available again by 30 September 2025, members due to complete their Core Training in 2025 will need to complete them by the end of the year. If not available by 30 September 2025, members will have until 2026 to complete them. For more information, please see ALAUX #08-25 2/7/25 @ https://wow.uscgaux.info/Uploads_wowII/BX-GROUP/008_25_TEMPORARY_UPDATE_TO_AUXILIARY_CORE_TRAINING.pdf

AUX Travel:

Question: Is the Auxiliary allowed to travel?

Answer: Yes, but travel must be validated to ensure it is mission-critical/mission-essential and there are some new requirements that must be followed.

Question: Who needs to approve travel for an Auxiliarist?

Answer: ALCOAST 068/25 (not internet releasable) specifies approval authority which is dependent on rank. As an Auxiliarist it is important to understand that things have changed, but that your Coast Guard Order Issuing Authority (OIA) or District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) will help assist with travel approvals and mission-critical/mission-essential determinations.

Question: What is the travel situation for D-TRAINs?

Answer: Answer: For now, DTRAINs may continue.

Speaking Engagements:

Question: Can I attend a public engagement if I am asked to be a speaker?

Answer: You may attend if you have approval through your Chain of Leadership and Management via your OIA or DIRAUX.

Question: What is "stakeholder engagement" and how does that affect speaking engagements?

Answer: Anything meeting the definition of stakeholder engagement does not require speaker approval.

Social media:

Question: Are any specific actions needed for Auxiliary social media accounts?

Answer: