P a ge 15 t opside V olume 79 , I s s u e 2
Public Affairs
Why Become a Public Affairs Specialist ? Christopher M . Orlando AUXPA 3
Do you seek adventure ? Being in the middle of the action ? Sharing the US Coast Guard and US Coast Guard Auxiliary story to the world ? You may be looking to be a Public Affairs Specialist in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary !
According to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist web page , “ The PA Specialist Program offers a pathway to skills development by blending formal and on-the-job training . Candidates are certified through AUXPA3 [ Entry Level ], AUXPA2 [ Intermediate Level ] and AUXPA1 [ Senior Level ] levels using the Performance Qualification System ( PQS ). Each candidate completes a series of tasks for print and broadcast media , photography , public appearances , video , static displays , and exhibits .”
Christopher M . Orlando AUXPA3 ADSO-PA Social
Throughout the entire US Coast Guard Auxiliary , which is 24,000 members strong , there are 291 qualified Public Affairs Specialists . Within the US Coast Guard Auxiliary 5th District-- Northern Region , there are 1652 members with only 14 members holding this qualification . In the age of COVID-19 where certain operates were halted , public affairs was one that was asked to step up . Throughout the pandemic , public affairs specialists have remained active in photography , publication , social media , and working on press releases or media advisories .
District Commodore Joe Giannattasio is a Public Affairs Specialist 1 , the highest level of the qualification . When asked about his experience as a Public Affairs Specialist he said , “ As an AUXPA Specialist I ’ ve had the opportunity to travel throughout the country on various Public Affairs assignments for both the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard . From writing an article about a flotilla ’ s VE Day at a local marina to photo documenting the shakedown cruise of a Coast Guard Station ’ s new 45-ft . Response Boat ; I go where the story is .”
He continued , “ Once qualified as an AUXPA you have to be proactive in demonstrating your skills yourself , whether it is submitting articles for publication , submitting photographs to various media , composing press releases or interviewing fellow members . Once you ’ ve developed a proven track record of accomplishment , then you may be offered assignments by the Auxiliary and Coast Guard .”
Barbara Sama , Public Affairs Specialist 2 , said her experience in public affairs has been rewarding and highlights her love of photography . “ It has given me the opportunity to meet so many people and have great experiences . I look forward to every moment that I can carry a camera and capture the moments ,” Sama said .
Sama also explained that being in public affairs offers the opportunity to be on the front line of many US Coast Guard events and interact with the active duty . Sama explained that while people may be intimated by the amount of training required , she recommends taking the challenge and tackling it head on . “ The qualifications it requires are very challenging , which made me want to do it even more ... I welcomed the ability to prove I could do it and the rewards of accomplishing them ,” said Sama .
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