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The Trident Program
The Auxiliary Trident Program What is It? |
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The United States Coast Guard is chartered to be the Guardian of the Citizens of the United States of America, its Waterways, and its delicate and precious Marine Environment. This is no small feat for a force of about 80,000 dedicated and hard working individuals with a mission that large. We, as members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, can be a vital part of that mission. This mission has been highlighted by the Commandant of the Coast Guard as Force Multiplication. While there are some parts of the mission we as Auxiliarists cannot perform, specifically direct Law Enforcement and Military Action, we can add our efforts to help the Coast Guard complete its mission and in doing so serve our fellow citizens and country at the same time. An Active Duty or Reserve Coast Guard Member wears the M-Pro device when they have completed the requirements demonstrating competency in at least four areas of the Marine Safety field. To demonstrate this competency in any of their specialization areas, they must complete a program that not only demonstrates their expertise as a subject matter expert, but also documents a level of experience in performing that job over a suitable period of time meeting the US Coast Guard standards. When they achieve this level of performance they are authorized to wear the M-Pro device, it is a recognition, not only of their expertise, but to their service to and dedication to the high standards of the US Coast Guard. In our role, as Auxiliarists as force multipliers to the US Coast Guard in the Marine Safety area, we can be no less dedicated or qualified in our efforts. Most of the time we will work directly with the Coast Guard Active Duty or Reserve in their Marine Safety mission specialties. A very limited number of these specialties can be performed by an Auxiliarist by themselves representing the US Coast Guard, and furthering its mission. In order to carry our load in this mission, we must demonstrate our knowledge and ability by completing a Performance Qualification Standard (PQS) in a specialty. Most Auxiliarists who take the opportunity to work this closely with the Coast Guard find the experience extremely gratifying and personally rewarding. Additionally, the active duty and reservists we work with often value the additional skills and talents we Auxiliarists offer from our own life experiences. When a member has met the qualifications and requirements of the program they are awarded the Trident device shown above. To earn the device, you must meet certain pre-qualifying requirements which will also qualify you for the Marine Safety Training Ribbon (MSTR). See the MSTR Page to learn what these qualifying requirements are. You must complete four (4) specialization qualifications (PQS's), and provide 96 mission (i.e. 7030) hours per year in a marine safety support role to the Active Coast Guard for each of four (4) years. Note: All PQSs have prequalifying requirements, some of which can be extensive qualifications in themselves. For example, the Marine Environmental Education Specialist (AUX-MEES) PQS requires you have achieved prior certification as an instructor by earning for example your Auxiliary Instructors' qualification. Others require completion of additional training like the AuxCom (or equiv) specialty course. Unlike other Auxiliary programs, where you have autonomy in selecting what you wish to pursue, you do not have sole control over which specialties you may pursue. Because each Coast Guard Unit has specific needs for your geographic area, you must select the specialties from among those that your local unit has a need for Auxiliarists to perform. Most of us who have served their country in the past can tell you of the pride and satisfaction we felt when doing so. For those of us who have served in the past, and for those who have never had the opportunity of service to our country, working in the Trident Program will give you the opportunity to know the pride of service to your country. |
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Last Updated: 31 Dec 2009 |