I believe the CG is still a branch of the military, but just not under DOD anymore.
Even such a little thing as this is telling, I think most would say “Did you say Coast Guard” The One, has to insert “I” at every possible opportunity. “Is that what I heard?” I I I
The Coast Guard originally was under the Treasury Dept, later transferred to DOT and presently the DHS. Founded in 1790 as the Revenue Cutter or Revenue Marine. In 1915 it was combined with the Lifesaving Service and became the Coast Guard. It is the nations oldest continuous maritime service. in times of peace it serves under the DHS and during war, at the direction of the President, it serves under the US Navy. The CG, although a military service, operates under a civilian agency due to it’s unique law enforcement duties, among other reasons.
The CG through it’s unique history has traditionally operated without fanfare, so being ‘unknown” or forgotten about is pretty much SOP and not a big deal to most of us.
Carry on.