August 17, 2009

Bravo started the morning with a run around the quad and a physical fitness session. This was not fun in comparison to what came next however, pugil sticks.  The company was really excited to begin fighting because it would be a time to cheer on their shipmates and let out a little aggression.  Bravo company came out with a bang, cheering and fighting their hearts out.  For our efforts, we were able to put our colors on our guidon for the regiment to see.  This was an encouraging moment for Bravo because it showed our hard work had paid off.  Afterwards, we attended a class about flags and pennants in which we learned about all the different flags and their meanings. Bravo also went to seamanship today to learn about communicating properly on the watch station radios.  We learned the proper way to identify ourselves, request vessel position, and signal alerts.  The day ended on a fun note when Bravo attended a country music concert.  Following the National Anthem, sung by a Bravo recruit, three country music acts performed.  Recruits were able to sing along and kick back a little.  This was a fun way to end an already great day.

August 18, 2009

Today was an exciting day for Bravo because we headed down to the uniform distribution center to get fitted for our dress uniforms.  It felt good to be wearing the uniform of both a lifesaving service and an armed service of the United States.  After getting our uniforms, we headed to seamanship where we learned about signaling devices.  Since every recruit passed their signaling devices test, we were able to go outside and fire off some pyrotechnics, a good time for recruits.  Bravo had another uniform inspection by Chief Hampton today as well.  Overall, we did well, but he reminded us it’s the little things that count.  After the inspection, we had some piece IT in which we used teamwork to help each other support the weight of our pieces.  The night was ended with some manual of arms because our manual of arms test will be here before we know it.  Lastly, recruits are getting really anxious to get their orders, and Chief Pena isn’t helping the matter much by reminding recruits that he has received their orders.  We will not find out our orders until Chief Pena has gotten everyone’s orders however.  Until then, Bravo will have to wait patiently and anxiously both.

August 19, 2009

What a day for Bravo 182.  In the morning, we had an intense Lifecycle and core workout.  This workout left many recruits the sweatiest they had been all throughout boot camp and pushed them to their limits.  The afternoon was spent in Goff Hall where recruits learned about personal floatation devices, or PFDs. After learning how to properly wear the PFD, recruits underwent a challenge to see who could don the PFD the fastest.  After this challenge, our instructor encouraged us to come together and create a Coast Guard related item using the PFDs. Of course, Bravo created their company flag.  In order to get our long awaited orders, Bravo was required to change in and out of different uniforms while trying to meet time objectives.  As a group, Bravo did well and earned the privilege of hearing their orders.  All recruits were relieved to finally find out their futures as Guardians of the Sea.  Recruits are heading to places ranging from Hawaii to Alaska, Florida, California, Puerto Rico and all points in between.  Now that the company has their orders, they must focus on the remaining tasks of boot camp.

August 20, 2009

Following our morning Lifecycle workout, we had a class about operational risk management. This class showed us measures to take to determine if we should go out on a case or not.  We used different scales to weigh the risks and rewards of the case, and how to make a safe, intelligent decision.  The ultimate goal in al SAR cases is to get both the victims and Coast Guard members back safely and effectively.  The second class we had focused on financial management.  Since many recruits have never had to manage money and credit before, this class proved to be very valuable.  The instructor gave good advice on investing and helped recruits learn how to do things such as balance checkbooks.

August 21, 2009

After a morning run and chow, we took time to prepare our uniforms for graduation ceremonies.  Marching in graduation is always encouraging for Bravo because it means we are moving closer towards being the senior company, and ultimately graduation.  Bravo Company received their smallpox shots today as well.  Many recruits are nervous about the effects of the shot because they usually last around three weeks, and aren’t fun.  Recruits stationed on cutters also received their yellow fever shot since they will likely be traveling to many different foreign countries.  Recruits began calling their units also to get travel plans and other things worked situated before departing Cape May.  Our class today was about the different types of housing available in the Coast Guard.  There are many factors determining what type of housing recruits will receive and this class addressed the many options.  Some recruits will live in barracks, others onboard their ship and those married will be provided with basic housing allowance to live on the economy. 

August 22, 2009

Today was a pretty slow day for Bravo.  In the morning we spoke with our company sponsor LT. Sharp and his wife LT. Soriano.  Recruits were able to ask anything about Coast Guard life, their stations, or anything else Coast Guard related.  After this Bravo company had a “field day.” During the field day, we were responsible for cleaning our building, organizing our racks, and maintaining our uniforms.  We also practiced manual of arms and close order drill for our upcoming tests, which will be here before we know it.  The night was ended when Bravo Company was able to watch their colors team retire the National ensign and other colors flying on the mast.