Public Affairs | USCG Auxiliary | Public Affairs Training
Public Affairs Specialist Program
Success in meeting the communication demands of the 21st Century will require a cadre of highly trained public affairs officers. The job calls for brand management, where journalism and marketing techniques combine to enhance the public perception (image) of the Coast Guard and Auxiliary. A clearly defined organizational image will summarize what we stand for and what makes the Coast Guard unique and trustworthy.
To build a powerful brand identity, the public affairs officer (PAO) must deliver consistent, credible messages that present the Auxiliary in the best possible light. It takes a high level of skill to do this.
The PA Specialist Program offers a pathway to skills development by blending formal and on-the-job training. Candidates are certified through PA I, II and III levels using the Performance Qualification System (PQS).
Each candidate completes a series of tasks for print and broadcast media, photography, public appearances, video, static displays, and exhibits.
The two advanced levels require expertise in media relations, radio and TV interviews, the Incident Command System (ICS), and the Joint Information Center (JIC).
Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist I (PA I)
At this level, you should have experience in writing for the media, public appearances, static displays, digital photography, the National Safe Boating campaign and Coast Guard ranks and rates. These are the minimum skills expected of a flotilla public affairs officer.
The following E-Learning courses are required:
AUX-20: Introduction to Auxiliary Public Affairs
AUX-22: Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist 2nd Class
AUX-23: Journalism for Coast Guard Public Affairs
AUX-26: Intro to Digital Photography
ICS 100: Introduction to Incident Command System
NOTE: Satisfactory completion of AUX-12 C-School (including homework assignments) will meet all PA I requirements except AUX-20 and ICS 100.
Download the PA I Sign-Off Workbook
Download the PA I Study Guide
The award ribbon for earning this qualification has red and white vertical stripes:
Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist II (PA II)
Requires a higher level of expertise. You are expected to demonstrate first-rate public relations skills and assist others in developing their skills. This level reflects the expected competencies of a district or division public affairs officer.
For candidates who finished AUX-12:
PA I completion
AUX-21: Coast Guard Public Affairs Policy
AUX-23: Journalism for Coast Guard Public Affairs
ICS 200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
For candidates who earned PA I through eLearning courses (no AUX-12):
PA I completion
AUX-21: Coast Guard Public Affairs Policy
ICS 200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
Download the PA II PQS Workbook
Download the PA II Study Guide
The award for this competency is a 3/16-inch bronze star placed on the PA Specialist ribbon.
Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist III (PA III)
At this advanced level you are qualified to assist a Coast Guard unit with their public affairs program. The competency includes knowledge of Coast Guard public affairs practices and procedures, internal communications, media and community relations, Joint Information Center (JIC) operation and related topics.
PA II completion plus the following E-Learning courses are required:
IS 250: Emergency Support Function 15 (ESF 15), External Affairs
IS 702: National Incident Mgt. System (NIMS) Public Information
ICS 800: Intro to National Response Plan (NRP)
All IS and ICS courses are available at http://training.fema.gov/ (click on "FEMA Independent Study")
Download the PA III PQS Workbook
Download the PA III Study Guide
JIC orientation is covered in AUX-12, the FEMA courses and the PQS Study Guide.
For PA I designation, candidates are verified in 37 tasks; PA II candidates demonstrate skill in 38 tasks; and for PA III, candidates focus on 25 tasks.
The award for earning the PA III competency is a second 3/16-inch bronze star placed on the Public Affairs Specialist ribbon.
Task Verification in PQS Notebook
Both Auxiliary and active-duty Coast Guard public affairs officers can provide mentoring and guidance. Have your mentor (verifying officer) sign and date the notebook adjacent to each task you complete.
Generally, a verifying officer will be a graduate of AUX-12, the public affairs C-School, and will have completed the qualification level you are seeking.
If a particular task is completed on behalf of your unit, an elected or appointed officer may serve as a verifying officer. This could be your flotilla commander, division commander or district captain…or DSO-PA, SO-PA or ADSO-PA.
Documentation Packet
Once all courses and PQS tasks are finished and verified, submit a documentation
packet via e-mail (all files in PDF format) to:
Bill Key, Branch Chief for Professional Standards at bkuscgapa@gmail.com
The packet should consist of a Portable Document File (PDF) of each signed PQS notebook page along with PDFs of all completed course certificates. Scan each document with a flatbed scanner, then save as a PDF.
Oral Board
You will be scheduled for an oral board following review and validation of your documentation packet. The board consists of two or three qualified public affairs officers (generally members of the national PA staff) and is conducted as a conference call via computer using Skype software. Download your free copy at www.skype.com and set up the software with your personalized "Skype name."
Don't develop undue anxiety about the board—it's not an inquisition or criminal interrogation. Questions during an oral board for PA I, for example, generally review your knowledge of these areas:
Purpose and role of public affairs
Elements of journalism and news writing
Use of media
Media relations
Photojournalism
Digital photo techniques.
In addition, you are encouraged to tell the board about your recent PA activities.
When you complete the board, you'll receive (through your DIRAUX) a designation letter from Public Affairs Director Thomas Nunes, along with a PA Specialist certificate. You are then authorized to wear the distinctive PA Specialist ribbon.
Your DIRAUX will make the appropriate AUXDATA entry.
NOTE: An oral board is required for advancement through each level (many candidates request a single board for PA II and PA III by completing requirements concurrently).
To Maintain Currency
A Public Affairs Specialist must serve at least 16 hours per year in public affairs activity, as recorded in AUXDATA.
The Designation Requirements Form (below) illustrates the overall process and is a handy checklist to help you navigate the process.
