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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a COMPANY?

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A company is the group of members assigned to a particular unit or group. Your spouse has been assigned to a company while in boot camp, and their company is given a letter of the alphabet. This letter is shown by a nautical flag, and your graduate will remember this letter for their entirety of their career. Therefore, this flag will hold special meaning. 

Company Flags.png

Important acronyms you should learn:

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  • BAH - Basic Allowance for Housing: This is the amount your spouse receives on their paycheck when they are living out on the economy. It is based on rank and zip code of the assigned duty station.  

  • CGMA - Coast Guard Mutual Assistance: This is a non-profit, charitable organization established to provide financial aid to the entire Coast Guard family. 

  • DEERS - Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System: The system you're enrolled in that lets the Coast Guard know you are eligible for benefits. 

  • HHG - Household Goods: This is everything in your house that gets moved with you from station to station. 

  • LES - Leave and Earning Statements: Also known as "Payslip". Your spouse's paycheck stub (now mostly electronic), and usually provided to home owners when you are looking to rent their house, or when you are taking out a loan. 

  • MTF - Military Treatment Facility: These are on base medical facilities, that are not widely available. 

  • MWR - Morale, Welfare, Recreation: Base facility that provides opportunities for fun through leisure services!

  • PCS - Permanent Change of Station: Moving to your next duty station.

  • PPM -  Personal Procured Move (Do It Yourself move): The ways the Coast Guard moves you to the next duty station (or the way you move yourself!)

  • TDY - Temporary Duty: The Coast Guard member is assigned to a temporary service situation, for example schools or training.  

What is my recruit going through at boot camp?​

  • Each week, your recruit's training is becoming more detailed and intense!

  • They are doing physical and mental conditioning, and learning how to be part of the Coast Guard team. 

  • In addition to physical training, they are attending classes on seamanship and learning about the same information you are now (Tricare, Work Life, etc...)!

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Can I have a health insurance in addition to Tricare? Which one is "Primary", and which is "Secondary"?

  • Yes! You can have a health insurance in addition to Tricare!

  • Your other insurance will be considered your "Primary" insurance, and Tricare will be your "Secondary" insurance. 

  • This only applies to you, and not your active duty member. 

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When will I be able to see my spouse?

  • Your first glimpse will be from the stands on Graduation day!

  • You will not be able to find them on base before the graduation. Please DO NOT go searching for them anywhere on base. They are preparing for graduation and need their full focus.   

  • You can take photos of them during the graduation and after graduation!

  • Please DO NOT take photos of any other company on base. 

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Can I take pictures on the base at Graduation?

  • You can take photos of the base and your active duty member, but you MAY NOT take photos of companies or any recruits in training. 

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Where do I get my military ID on Graduation day?

  • The Mission Support building, located directly across from the Parade Field. Look for the circular driveway and flag pole!

  • It's a very short walk from where you are parked (typically the Ida Lewis building). 

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Can I bring kids to Graduation events?

  • Yes! Kids are welcome!

  • Be sure to keep a hand on your minor at all times on base. This is an active military base, and there is critical training happening at all times. 

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What can I get at the Coast Guard exchange?

  • You can get all the Coast Guard SWAG (Stuff We All Get), snack, and electronics you want!

  • The only items you cannot purchase at the Exchange are: 

    • Alcohol​

    • Tobacco ​

  • The exchange opens before the graduation, so there is time to get items and stow them in your car, prior to graduation. ​

    • Do not bring purchased items to the graduation. ​

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What can I bring on base? What can I NOT bring on base?

  • YOU CAN bring:

    • Your family 

    • Your valid photo ID

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  • YOU CANNOT bring:

    • Firearms ​

    • Drugs (or Marijuana) of any kind

    • Pets 

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  • Your vehicle will be subject to search upon entry to the base.

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Can you please get a message to my loved one, or take a picture for me of my spouse?

  • We are unable to reach out to your spouse, and we have no ability to take photos for you. We are a group of volunteers who are here for your growth as a new Coast Guard spouse, and do not have direct access to anyone here on base. This website is for informational purposes only. 

This is a non-federal entity. This non-federal entity is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Homeland Security or the United States Coast Guard and it has no governmental status.

This entity exists for informational purposes only

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Funding for this website was provided by the Coast Guard Foundation. The Coast Guard Foundation partners with the Coast Guard to provide resources to members and families that build resilience and strengthen the entire community. Learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation and its continued efforts to support CG families by clicking HERE.

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