02/27/2015
A Message from the National Commodore
Regarding a Potential Department of Homeland Security Shutdown
26 FEB 2015
We are facing the imminent possibility of a Department of Homeland Security lapse in appropriations and Departmental shutdown. This will cause another funding hiatus. Unless funding is secured by midnight, February 27, guidance received from the Coast Guard mandates that most Auxiliary activities must come to full stop.
We will not be “assigned to duty” for any of our normal activities, and in the absence of a specific order from a Coast Guard Order Issuing Authority, we may not wear the Auxiliary uniform or perform any Auxiliary activity, regardless of how mundane or simple it may be. Without a specific order, we are also not authorized to travel on Coast Guard Auxiliary business for any reason, including attending Auxiliary meetings, or to travel for any Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary mission. We may not incur any expense that is reimbursable by the Coast Guard or the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, (CGauxA).
The reason for this instruction to stand down is to protect Auxiliarists from economic harm. When we are performing an authorized Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary mission we are considered employees of the United States and entitled to federal benefits such as federal worker’s compensation and immunity from liability under the Federal Tort Claims Act. However, both of those benefits and several others must be funded in order to be available. During the funding hiatus those benefits are not funded, so they are no longer available.
Though they may be limited, there are still activities in which we may engage when necessary to the conduct of the business of the Auxiliary. For example, we may take advantage of all of the electronic devices at our disposal to communicate in furtherance of the business of the Auxiliary. We are also allowed to conduct meetings and elections by electronic means following the guidance set forth in the Auxiliary Manual and the Appendix to the unit’s Standing Rules if the unit has adopted an Appendix similar to the template found on the Auxiliary Chief Counsel’s website. We may do those things as long as no cost to the Coast Guard or Auxiliary is involved.
Please keep in mind that while an electronic unit meeting from a member's home is perfectly okay if the required Appendix is in place, if travel to another location, such as a conference facility or CG station is required, that’s not allowed.
This message modifies previous guidance regarding activities during the period of operations during a lapse in appropriations only as it relates to electronic communication. All other guidance received through the office of the Chief Director stands. Should there be any questions relating to this guidance, please refer them through the Chain of Leadership to me. Thank you for your cooperation.
Very respectfully,
Mark Simoni
National Commodore
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
