The CPOA continues to represent the interests of the entire Coast Guard family and community, including active, reserve, retired, families, and survivors while responding to assaults upon the compensation and benefits earned by members of the Coast Guard through years of dedicated service; and educating the public on the extraordinary demands and sacrifices associated with a career in the Coast Guard, and the need to maintain compensation and benefits to attract and retain the kinds and numbers of high-quality personnel needed to meet the Nation's short- and long-term maritime requirements.