At the start of my college career as a cadet at The Citadel, joining the Coast Guard was never a thought in my mind. At the end of my knob (freshman) year, I heard about the Auxiliary University Program (AUP) on campus - the "Citadel Detachment". The Citadel Detachment consists primarily of a group of cadets whose ultimate goal is to serve as either active duty or reserve in the U.S. Coast Guard. I joined at the end of my knob year and began to learn about the Coast Guard’s roles and missions. 

During my sophomore year, I was very active with the Citadel Detachment conducting Vessel Safety Checks and Boat Crew training on the Response Boat- Small. It was during this time I began to gain a real passion for the Coast Guard and decided to enlist in the Reserves while still at college. An opening came up for BM billet at Station Charleston in Charleston S.C. and I signed up as quickly as possible. When the recruiter asked why I wanted to join the Coast Guard my answer was simple, “I wanted to serve my country, and I have a passion for what the Coast Guard does.” 

Pictured Left: Mr. Singletary (back row, second from right) serves as cadet leader at AUP Unit at the Citadel during the 2012-2013 academic year.  One of the first AUP units ever established, it has grown into one of the nation's most successful.

After going through boot camp at TRACEN Cape May, I became even more knowledgeable about the subjects that I would be teaching to my fellow Citadel Detachment Cadets. I was in a unique situation that most Coast Guardsmen right out of boot camp are not faced with. I was a Seaman in the Reserves responsible for teaching cadets in college about the Coast Guard. During my junior year I served as the unit's executive officer and operations officer. As a part of these leadership roles, I had to coordinate training with the active duty Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and The Citadel’s schedule in order to make sure that the cadets were properly trained. On top of all of this, I was doing my drills as required each month with the reserves and coming in at least one afternoon per week in order to further my knowledge and get more training. 

Pictured Right: Mr. Singletary (left) and Citadel shipmate Alexandra Lariviere sailed with other Citadel cadets aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Dallas on her final voyage into Charleston, SC before decommissioning as a Coast Guard Cutter in February 2012.

I am currently at BM “A” school in Yorktown, VA. It is important for me to learn everything I can to excel in my rate, and at the same time be able to bring back what I learn to the Citadel Detachment so I can assist and teach cadets on their journey in becoming Coast Guardsmen. 

The Auxiliary University Program allows a member of the reserves to hone their Coast Guard knowledge and skills. The training program that is in effect allows a reservist to gain more experience and knowledge on all the different aspects of Team Coast Guard. After joining, expect to see how much Auxiliarists truly contribute to the Coast Guard. In most cases, reservists fill a billet at the same location for their entire Coast Guard Career. Joining the Auxiliary University Program allows for a reservist to get training with different commands,  observe what other rates do, and experience different Coast Guard Missions. In addition, the AUP allows for a reservist to participate in leadership development studies and practical application of leadership skills.

First and foremost, you are committing to service for the United States of America. The sense of pride you will gain after saying the oath and completing boot camp is phenomenal. The reserve allows an Auxiliary University Programs student to gain even more hands on experience and added responsibility. A reservist/AUP student will be able to bring back to their AUP Program experience, and enthusiasm for the Coast Guard.