Armed Forces Civilian Auxiliaries

Civilian wings of the U.S. military that play a support role to the main forces undertaking a variety of tasks which vary widely depending on the auxiliaries involved and the branch of the armed forces with which they are affiliated. Support missions may include air and sea search and rescue, harbor and coastal patrol, air/ground observation, radio communications and relay, aerial reconnaissance, air-to-ground photography, radiological monitoring, disaster and damage assessment, emergency response services, courier missions, aerospace education for members and the general public and cadet training. Specialized support may involve serving as supply lines for Naval ships at sea delivering everything that may be required including fuel, food, ordnance, spare parts, mail and other supplies; providing towing services for naval warships and other vessels; engaging in rescue and salvage missions; and providing high-quality, efficient and cost-effective ocean transportation for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies during peacetime and war. Included are the Civil Air Patrol (affiliated with the U.S. Air Force), the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Military Sealift Command (affiliated with the U.S. Navy), and the Sealift Command"™s U.S. Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force.