Public Affairs | USCG Auxiliary | Public Affairs Training
AUX-12 C School
Course Description
Public Affairs C-School is basic training in how to tell the Coast Guard and Auxiliary story. Students learn essentials of news writing, copy editing, marketing, branding and digital photography. A key focus is on how to prepare and distribute a press release and how to respond during a media interview.
The course is an introduction to unit public affairs programs and policy, mass communications, media relations and community relations. This Auxiliary class is equivalent to the Coast Guard Public Affairs Officers Course (CGPAC) at the Defense Information School, Ft. George Meade, MD so active duty and reserve personnel may apply. Course Code is 501562.
Auxiliary enrollment is open to DSO, SO and FSO-PA and PB, any elected leadership, members of the Auxiliary Interpreter Corps, and members of the AUXPA National Staff.
Every Auxiliary public affairs officer is expected to enroll and thus develop the high level of skill necessary to perform their duties. Selected students are sent on Reimbursable Orders for this three-day Public Affairs "boot camp."
Auxiliarists must complete the online course, Introduction to Auxiliary Public Affairs (AUX-20) prior to class and everyone must submit a brief bio and picture for the class wiki site.
Class schedule for 2012
| ATC Mobile, Feb 10-12 |
| MSC Alameda, Mar 23-25 |
| BSU Seattle, Apr 27-29 |
| BSU Boston, June 1-3 |
Enrollment: How to Apply for AUX-12
You should have solid computer skills to complement a good command of the written word. Good photo ability is preferred but not required. Most communication is done electronically, so make sure your e-mail address is current in the Auxiliary eDirectory https://auxofficer.cgaux.org/
One significant advantage of AUX-12 is the strong relationships students develop with their classmates. Long after everyone goes home, these contacts remain invaluable as you help one another and share experiences.
Here's the application process for Auxiliary (active duty submit Electronic Training Request via Direct Access):
- Download and fill out an STTR form (ANSC-7059) at http://forms.cgaux.org/ Click on "PDF Forms" on the left column to open a new page. Scroll down the list to 7059 (CG-5223), Short Term Resident Training Request.
- Print form and give to your Flotilla Commander for signature. Your FC should then forward the form to your District DIRAUX.
Selections for all C-Schools are made by CGHQ, not by course instructors. The Chief Director's staff (G-OCX) reviews applications, makes selections and requests orders from the Training Quota Management Center (TQC). - Selected students will receive signed orders (via snail mail) from their DIRAUX.
When your orders arrive: (a) Enroll in AUX-20 and get started on the pre-class projects outlined in the section below; (b) Make hotel reservations and contact the government travel agency SATO to book your flight. We will contact you with specific details via e-mail.
Preparing for Class
- Complete the online course, Introduction to Auxiliary Public Affairs (AUX-20) prior to class start date.
- Review the document, Coast Guard Policy on C-School Training
- Prepare a brief biography of your professional and Auxiliary background in 150-200 words. You’ll be given instructions on how to upload to class wiki site.
- Download the Publication Officer's Guide
Items to Bring
- Printouts of all materials sent to you prior to class and documents from the "Course Documents" section, class wiki site.
- The Associated Press Stylebook, available at local or college bookstores, www.amazon.com or direct from the AP at www.apstylebook.com
- Three writing samples and three Auxiliary or Coast Guard journalistic images.
- Laptop computer and digital camera (if available).
- Uniform for class is ODU.
Course Details
As a public affairs officer, you are at the center of what is happening in the Coast Guard and Auxiliary because it's your job to maintain and enhance our image (public perception) and build our brand equity. Here's a look at what we cover in three days:
As you can see from this outline, you’ll be assigned exercises Friday and Saturday evening after class. We’ll also give you several homework projects. To get course credit, you must complete all homework assignments and send these electronically to the AUX-12 Coordinator. Details in class.
Look Into Advanced Training
We hope you'll continue to develop your public affairs skills after you complete AUX-12, and we encourage you to pursue the Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist designation. PA Specialist candidates take public affairs and ICS courses on line, then complete a series of tasks using the Performance Qualification System (PQS).
Here's a summary:
Completion of AUX-12 counts for all PA I requirements except ICS 100 and AUX-20. You can find detailed information and the PQS notebooks for all three Specialist levels on the national public affairs website www.auxpa.org
Click on "PA Training" then "Public Affairs Specialist." Download the PA I Study Guide and PQS notebook.