At the end of 2003, The Department of Homeland Security (that oversees the
USCG), made some enormous changes in
policy regarding USCGAUX membership.

The Auxiliary could probably be used by
terrorists, posing as volunteers, (anybody check out Capt. Lou,
lately?...joking),
to get closer to variouis military targets or installations than if they were
simply part of the general population.

You jump through a lot of hoops to join the
AUX today, it's not a simple matter of being willing to work and showing up to
volunteer.

Through the USCG "Operation Patriot", the USCGAUX must now be ready to assume
secondary strategic responsiblities for defending ports and harbors during a
time of war. USCGAUX members have been divided into two broad categories:
"Direct Operations" and "Operational Support".

To join the USCGAUX today, you must leap the following hurdles if you aspire to
be in the "Direct Operations" category.

1. Fingerprint check
2. Complete background investigation on a level sufficient to qualify the
applicant for a "Secret" level security clearance.

(applicants failing the background check will not be given any reason why they
have been rejected, merely told that the check was "unfavorable".)

3. Must sign a statement allowing the USCGAUX to run a credit check.

"Operational Support" category persons are only required to submit to the
fingerprinting and the credit checks.

For additional details:

http://www.cgaux.info/g_ocx/publicat...st-550-03.html