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COMPASS
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the COMPASS program?
A: COMPASS strives to increase public awareness of the Coast Guard, with a particular focus on communities that have not traditionally heard about the Coast Guard. We try to go places where recruiters have not yet been; places where people have not yet heard the Coast Guard story.
Q: What do I have to do to become a member of COMPASS?
A: There is a short application form that you need to fill out and return to the COMPASS Manager. The application can be found on the right-hand side of our home page.
Q: Is there a particular time of year I need to apply?
A: No. We accept new members on a rolling admissions basis. You may apply for membership at any time.
Q: What is the time commitment required?
A. In order to be a member in good standing, you must be active in your outreach events. The program is not designed to be a burden. If you're looking at this website, chances are you are already conducting outreach activities. COMPASS seeks to be your central support point in your efforts.
Q: What kinds of things do members do?
A: There is great flexibility in what you can do. Many Compass members go to schools in their local areas (elementary through high school) and talk about the Coast Guard. Colleges, universities, and trade schools are other great venues. Community events such as Pow Wows or cultural festivals provide other opportunities to interact with the public. Scout troops and other youth groups are often open to guest speakers as well. The YMCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America are great places to know your local staff. Truly, you are limited only by your imagination.
Q: How do I find events or activities to do?
A: There are many ways to find outreach activities. The COMPASS program uses the members' local knowledge of their communities. Talk to local schools and find out if they are having a career day. Discuss the possibility of presenting CG missions to a local Girl Scout or Boy Scout Troup. Coach a Little League Team. Watch the newspaper for community fairs. The only limit is your creativity!
Q: Who decides what events I attend? How am I scheduled for events?
A: You decide what events you would like to attend. Then, obtain approval from your command (unless you are an auxiliarist or retired) and apply for approval for the event through the COMPASS manager. Generally, you should be finding and planning your own events. After all, no-one knows your community and the opportunities in your town better than you. Occasionally the COMPASS manager or a local recruiter will request your assistance at an event. You are not obligated to assist – we understand that your schedule, or operational commitments, may preclude you from participating sometimes.
Q: How can I get materials to hand out at events?
A: The COMPASS manager can assist you with getting materials to hand out at events. Your local recruiter may also have materials to share.
Q: What should I present?
A: Tell YOUR Coast Guard story. Talk about the wide variety of Coast Guard missions, and the multitude of opportunities through active duty, the reserve force, civilian employment, and Auxiliary service. People enjoy hearing first hand accounts of life in the Coast Guard. Your presence and the example you set communicate volumes about our organization. What you should not talk about are the specific requirements for joining our service. We are not trained to be recruiters and recruitment criteria changes frequently. Specific questions about eligibility to join should be directed to a local recruiter. It is a good idea to bring along a few business cards from your local recruiter to hand out when audience members have more specific recruitment questions.
Q: I found a really neat opportunity but there is a registration fee. Can COMPASS fund me?
A: COMPASS has limited funding for fees associated with various conferences.
Q: What should I wear?
A: The most important thing is that you look sharp. Remember that you may be the first Coast Guard person these members of the public have ever seen. You are representing our entire service – and they will judge the Coast Guard by how you look and what you say. So, be at your best. When choosing which uniform to wear, pick the one that seems most appropriate to the event. If in doubt, discuss your uniform or clothing choice (civilians) with the COMPASS manager.