What could be more Patriotic than serving your country in the Armed Forces? I can think of nothing greater. However, there are those who have not served due to a physical problem or maybe they thought Basic Training would be too difficult , maybe service of this kind simply never entered their mind when they were young but now they would love the opportunity to serve but are too old to enlist... I have some good news for you! There are at least 3 organizations you can join to help make a difference in your community, allows you to be a part of a cohesive para-military unit.
The State Guard Association of the United States is an association of State Guard or State Reserve units which allow men (and women) to join, wear a uniform and be part of the State's Military Department. The SGAUS can direct you to the State Defense / Guard in your State. You can join your State's Guard and learn search-and-rescue, participate when natural disaster strikes your community or State, support the National Guard in your State.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is a civilian component of the USCG. You will receive training in boating safety and can help by providing boating safety inspections to the general public and well as participate in search-and-rescue operations on our countries lakes, rivers and streams.
The Air Force Auxiliary or Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the USAF. Again, you can participate in search-and-rescue, disaster relief, and receive training in various aspects of the position you hold.
One major difference between the CAP and the USCGA, is that in the CAP you have a rank such as 2nd Lieutenant etc. whereas in the USCGA:
In the USCG Auxiliary, we do not have "Ranks"... we have "Offices".
Officer positions come in two types:
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"Appointed" officers - Appointed at the leisure of the chain-of-command, and denoted by a RED "A" on their insignia.
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"Elected" officers - Elected by the membership to their office, and denoted by a silver "A" on their insignia
Both organizations operate similarly to each other but the CAP is geared toward the air and the USCGA is geared towards the water.
Personally, I have been a member of the CAP and the USCGA at different times in my life and I enjoyed being part of both but at the present moment my life is too busy for any additional extra-curricular activities.
I have not been a member of the SGAUS or the Texas State Guard but I do hope to join the TSG in the near future.
