U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary University Program

Welcome to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program (AUP), the U.S. Coast Guard’s official program to provide a continuous resource of well-trained, viable officer candidates who can develop into career officers in the United States Coast Guard or similar service agencies without the commitment of an ROTC Program. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy AUP has become the premier source of commissioned officers out of the Academy. The unit has continued to grow since its inception and produces physically fit, professionally developed officer candidates. Those who elect to apply for a commission and excel in the program may be accepted into the Coast Guard’s Commissioned Officer ranks. Upon graduation, members receive a commission or orders to Coast Guard Officer Candidate School in New London, Connecticut. While the AUP does not guarantee a commission into the Coast Guard, it does significantly enhance your chances. Recently, commissioning rates have increased to 93% for the past five years.

Commissioning Opportunities

MARGRAD

If you complete a mission-related degree at a state or federal maritime academy, the Coast Guard offers a unique Officer Training Program known as MARGRAD. All majors are applicable. Maritime Academies offer mission-specific degrees combined with a regimented lifestyle that thrive as officers in the Coast Guard.

Direct Commission

If you have specialized skills or experience, you may be able to join the Coast Guard as an officer without attending Officer Candidate School or the Coast Guard Academy through our Direct Commission Officer programs. Depending on factors like experience, you may even be able to start your officer career at an advanced rank.

Officer Candidate School

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is the Coast Guard's general officer commissioning program, open to civilians, prior service members, and Coast Guard enlisted members. The OCS application process is one of the most competitive of any Coast Guard officer program. Candidates must demonstrate leadership skills, project management experience, and strong academic credentials.

Training

The MMA AUP Unit meets weekly to provide mission-specific training and physical fitness. The Unit meets for training two evenings a week, once in a classroom setting to get qualifications and once for hands-on/field training. During the classroom settings, the Unit is divided to give each cadet class tailored training according to their progress in the AUP curriculum. Each month focuses on one of eleven Coast Guard missions, with the schedule including numerous guest speakers from all mission areas of the Coast Guard. The Academy’s proximity to Sector Southeastern New England, Station Woods Hole, and Air Station Cape Cod allows the unique opportunity for tours and full-day operational training. The Unit conducts Physical Training two mornings weekly to prepare members for the physically demanding life of officers in the Coast Guard.

Links

https://www.gocoastguard.com/
https://www.cgauxedu.us/
https://www.instagram.com/mma_uscg/