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The Trident Program
Getting started in the Trident Program
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Most Auxiliary Programs simply require you to study, and pass a test, with maybe the proviso of notifying your Flotilla Member Training Staff Officer of your interest, say to obtain your AUXOP device. This is not the case with the Trident program. Why? Trident requires you to work closely with USCG Active Duty and Reserve in fulfilling their missions, just getting into the program requires an application and acceptance in many Districts. Check with your MS staff chain to find out the requirements in your area. As you progress through the program, you will be assigned Training Officers to assist you in your qualifications. These Training Officers may be other Auxiliarists, or Gold Side Active Duty or Reserve team members. After initial acceptance into the program you will be assigned a Primary Training Officer whose job it is to track your progress, keep appropriate records of accomplishments, audit the accomplishments against program requirements, and make application for the awards upon completion of requirements. The auxiliary member assigned as your Primary Training Officer is YOU! The Trident program is too complex and varied to expect anyone else to monitor your progress, and know when you have completed the requirements for each phase. Additionally, staff personnel change over the four year time period for completion, only you are in a position to monitor your progress. You are not in this alone, your Flotilla Member Training officer and your District, Division, and Flotilla Marine Safety Staff Officers are there to answer questions, and assist you on this journey, as are your fellow trainees, and Trident Award Recipents who have gone before you. The concept of Trident is to qualify you to perform a specialty to the same competence and expertise as is expected from Regular Coast Guard Personnel. The basic educational requirements will give you the some starting knowledge to bring you close to the level that a new "Coastie" would have after completing Basic Training and their marine safety specialty course (A-School). These basic requirements are outlined in the Marine Safety Training Ribbon (MSTR) Page. When new active duty members fresh out of A-School get to their duty assignment they begin the On the Job Training (OJT) to learn the skills required of them to perform their jobs. These skills are tracked in a workbook where their progress is tracked toward completion of their specialty qualification. It is signed off by the Training Officer(s) assigned to your training. This workbook is called a PQS, for Performance Qualification Standard. By meeting the educational requirements for the program you will have the approximate knowledge as the new recruit fresh out of A-School, and somewhat prepared to start your first day with an Active Coast Guard Unit as a trainee. Even though you complete the educational requirements and you have some of this knowledge, your first year with the unit will likely be a major learning experience. Those with prior service will probably learn to fit in faster, but with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn any Auxiliarist should accomplish this easily. As a group, "Coasties" are pretty accepting, and genuinely appreciative of Auxiliarists efforts. Before you complete a PQS, many precious staff hours will be spent with you personally to train you to your qualification. Certification in most specialties is by the Coast Guard Regulars, to the standards used by the unit you are assisting. Your qualification must be signed off by the Unit Commanding Officer. You will receive a letter from your Unit Commander qualifying you for that specialty. A copy of this letter is forwarded by you to your DIRAUX for entry of the qualification into AUXDATA. When AUXDATA has recorded all educational requirements, 4 qualifications and you have logged 96 hours per year for 4 years, you are eligible to be awarded your Auxiliary Trident Device. You must submit the application through your DSO-MS. Award of the Trident device is not automatic. Being awarded the Auxiliary Trident Device is something in which you can be justly proud. It symbolizes your dedication and perseverance to serving your country, the United States Coast Guard, the USCG Auxiliary, and the Marine Safety field.
As was mentioned there may be certain requirements you must meet before you can be accepted into the program. For many specialties or PQSs you may need a favorable Direct Operations Personal Security Investigation, depending upon the needs of the local unit you are supporting. This is an extensive and expensive process, so it may not be necessary. Whether or not a DO is required depend upon the needs of the local unit you are augmenting. Since the investigation may take 6 months or more to complete, you should check with your local MS Staff Officer to determine if you need to apply for the DO clearance. If you are serious about pursuing, or as the "Coasties" say, striking for, Trident and it is required, start the DO application process early, as you may not be able to complete or even start your chosen PQS without it. You can find out more about the DO Clearance by clicking on the button below.
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Last Updated: 31 Dec 2009 |