1. Corps of Cadets
  2. Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
  3. U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard

Two people in orange flight suits and helmets pose in front of a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter on a tarmac, with the aircraft door open and crew visible inside.

Serve as an Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard — Norwich Has You Covered

In the United States Coast Guard, you’ll find five main missions: Maritime Security, Maritime Mobility, Maritime Safety, Protection of Natural Resources and National Defense.

Within each mission, the U.S. Coast Guard offers officer commissions in a host of fields including engineering, law, intelligence, and more. Depending on your skills and the needs of the Coast Guard, you can train to become an officer in a wide range of fields—from law to avionics, electronics to intelligence, and computer and information technologies to command, control, and communications.

From the get-go, you'll be in take-charge situations, where your decisions can make the difference between life and death. It's the kind of experience that no entry-level civilian job can match.

The Norwich Path to Commissioning as a U.S. Coast Guard Officer

Military ceremony with two naval officers in dress uniform saluting each other in front of a brick building with American flags.
Ensign Eckardt, a 2023 graduate of Norwich University's Auxiliary University Program (AUP), was commissioned by Rear Admiral Richard Schneider (Ret.), the 23rd President of Norwich. As a plank owner, Eckardt took part in the official chartering ceremony of the Norwich AUP. Photo by Braeden Krzenski '26

Norwich University’s Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program (AUP) prepares both Cadets and civilian students for Coast Guard careers. Membership in the Auxiliary and the AUP program offers a pathway to a Coast Guard commission as upwards of 70% of graduates of the program nationally commission into the Coast Guard.

Cadets can join the AUP unit at Norwich by first joining an Auxiliary unit (Flotilla) in their hometown, or in Burlington, VT which is located in close proximity to Norwich. Once enrolled in the Flotilla, students then join the university’s AUP unit.

Course of Study

The AUP’s course of study provides similar training and requirements of the Coast Guard active duty and reserve. Cadets are involved in online training and testing, classroom workshops, unit meetings, and physical fitness training. You’ll learn from guest speakers and participate in field trips to Coast Guard stations. AUP Cadets can qualify for Coast Guard internships to gain real world experience at small boat stations, safety detachments, air stations, and command centers.

At home AUP Cadets engage with their Flotilla to hone their skills and qualifications across multiple mission areas. You’ll participate in hands on training exercises and engage with the recreational boating public and active-duty Coast Guard units.

At Norwich Cadets lead the Norwich AUP unit, honing their individual leadership skills, with the support of an active-duty Coast Guard officer, a local Auxiliary member, and a Norwich faculty/academic advisor. U.S. Coast Guard Recruiting Office Portland, Maine supports Norwich Cadets interested in applying to Direct Commissioning or Officer Candidate School.

Program Highlights

LEAD Labs are weekly, 90-minute classroom sessions cover all aspects of Coast Guard, assess physical fitness aptitude and learning progress. Enlisted members assist in labs as instructors/assistant instructors to teach and mentor uniformed enlisted and auxiliary members.

Through progressive learning students build their skills through foundational courses in water basics and safe boating with electives in incident management, boat operations, telecommunications, marine safety, vessel examination, public affairs, and aviation. Capstone projects focus on small boat operations, leadership, homeland security, and other topics.

Norwich University’s U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program Auxiliary Training Exercise 2024

Norwich U.S. Coast Guard AUP ATX 2024

In the spring, our U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program (AUP) Cadets head off campus for hands-on experiential learning as a chance to soak up practical field knowledge and sharpen their skills. In March 2024, the AUP Cadets went to Cape Cod, Massachusetts to visit Joint Base Cape Cod which includes the USCG Air Station, USCG Station Cape Cod Canal, USG Station Woods Hole, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and more.

A close-up of a young adult with short, light hair wearing a blue U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary cap and uniform shirt, looking neutrally at the viewer. The background is softly blurred autumn foliage.

Cadet Krzenski '26 Appointed to U.S. Coast Guard AUP National Staff

AUP Cadet Braeden Krzenski holds a position on U.S. Coast Guard AUP National Staff Officer as Branch Assistant AUP Public Affairs/Social Media. He was selected for his exemplary work as a unit level PAO and his remarkable impact on the Norwich University AUP social media. In his position, Cadet Krzenski maintains the AUP National social media sites, mentors other AUP Units, monitors online presence and aiding video production to help promote the AUP. Cadet Krzenski is a senior majoring in Environmental Science and through the Norwich AUP is pursuing a commission in the U.S. Coast Guard or the NOAA Corps.

Why Norwich Coast Guard?

Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinary approach that is guided by current global challenges.

Leadership

Leadership and character development in a military environment.