What is a YN in the US Coast Guard? Exploring the Yeoman Role

Within the United States Coast Guard, the term YN refers to a Yeoman. But What Is A Yn, and what crucial role do they play? Yeomen are the administrative specialists of the Coast Guard, essential personnel who ensure the smooth operation of units and commands. They are the experts in communication, organization, and the intricate details of personnel administration, pay, and travel. Becoming a Yeoman requires dedication and specialized training, offered at the prestigious Yeoman “A” School at Training Center Petaluma, California. This intensive eight-week course equips individuals with the foundational skills to excel as a Yeoman Third Class (YN3).

Decoding the Yeoman (YN) Role: More Than Just Paperwork

The Yeoman rating in the Coast Guard is far from simply handling paperwork. They are the information hubs and problem-solvers for their units. A YN is responsible for a wide array of tasks that directly impact the lives and careers of Coast Guard members. These responsibilities include:

• Personnel Administration: Managing records, processing evaluations, and handling advancements.
• Pay and Compensation: Ensuring accurate and timely pay, managing allowances, and resolving pay-related issues.
• Travel and Transportation: Arranging official travel, processing travel claims, and understanding transportation entitlements.
• Human Resources Management: Assisting with benefits administration, leave requests, and other personnel support services.
• Communication and Correspondence: Drafting official documents, managing communications, and acting as a point of contact for information.

In essence, what a YN does is provide critical administrative support, allowing operational units to focus on their core missions. They are the organizational backbone, ensuring that the administrative needs of the Coast Guard are met with efficiency and accuracy.

Training to Become a Coast Guard Yeoman: “A” School at Petaluma

For those aspiring to become a YN, the journey begins at the Yeoman “A” School, located at Training Center Petaluma, California. This is the sole resident training facility for Yeomen in the Coast Guard, signifying its importance in shaping future YNs. The eight-week curriculum is designed to transform recruits into proficient YN3s, ready to serve in various Coast Guard units.

To be eligible for “A” School, certain prerequisites must be met, highlighting the Coast Guard’s commitment to selecting qualified individuals for this vital role:

• ASVAB Score: A minimum combined score of 105 on the Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) and Verbal Expression (VE) sections of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
• Waiting Period: A four-month wait at their first unit before attending “A” School.
• Obligated Service: A 24-month obligated service commitment.

The “A” School curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive training, progressing through key areas of Yeoman responsibilities:

• Weeks 1 & 2: Yeoman Facilitated Online Training/Restriction of Movement: Initial phase involving online training, often conducted during a Restriction of Movement period for new students. This ensures foundational knowledge before in-person training.
• Week 3: TRACEN Petaluma Petty Officer Indoctrination Program: A program focused on developing leadership qualities and reinforcing Coast Guard core values, essential for Petty Officers.
• Weeks 4-8: YN In-School Training: The core of the “A” School experience, with five weeks of intensive in-house training covering:
  1. Administrative Duties
  2. Computations
  3. Pay & Allowances
  4. Leave & Travel
  5. Advancement & End of Enlistment

This structured approach ensures that graduates are well-versed in all critical aspects of the Yeoman role.

Guiding Principles of a Coast Guard Yeoman

The training at “A” School and the daily duties of a YN are guided by a set of principles that emphasize professionalism, integrity, and service:

1. Accountability for actions.
2. Commitment to learning and mentoring for superior customer service.
3. Good stewardship guided by integrity.
4. Treating everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion.
5. Maintaining high personal standards to uphold the credibility of the YN rating.
6. Proactive task performance.
7. Continuous improvement of the YN rating to better serve customers.

These principles underscore the values that define a Coast Guard Yeoman and their dedication to serving their fellow members and the Coast Guard mission.

Your Path to Becoming a YN

Understanding what is a YN reveals a career path that is both challenging and rewarding. Yeomen are integral to the US Coast Guard, providing essential administrative and personnel support. If you are detail-oriented, possess strong organizational and communication skills, and are looking for a way to make a significant contribution to the Coast Guard, the Yeoman rating could be an excellent choice.

For more information about the Yeoman rating and “A” School, explore these resources:

• ACN 135/18 – Obligated Service Requirement
• ALCOAST 180/20 – Restriction of Movement Guidance
• TRACEN Petaluma COVID Information

Embark on a career that matters – become a Yeoman in the US Coast Guard and be the force behind the force.