28 Aug 09

On Friday at 1500 we were picked up by our company commanders. We all gathered our personal belongings, rucksacks, and seabags, and moved into our new home, Healy Hall. We were introduced to our new barracks and quarterdeck. After a clumsy march, we were lead to the galley for a filling meal to sustain us for the long night.

29 Aug 09

We started the day bright and early with a fire drill, our company commanders introduced us to the Coast Guard Core Values. Which is the basis of our training. Today we also made a trip to the base exchange, where we bought personal items and postcards to send home to our loved ones. We were also taught how to wear and take care of our operational dress uniforms.

30 Aug 09

For the first time since arriving at cape may we were given divine hours. With this time we organized our racks, wrote post cards and some went to services at the chapel. After divine hours we made our way to the gym for an introduction to core strengthening, which was the start of the physical aspect of our training. That evening we learned to stencil our gear.

31 Aug 09

We started our day with a workout on the cybex machines in the gym. After that we went to the chapel to discuss stress management with the chaplains. Even though the days are stressful, with the chaplain's advice, it's easier to manage everything that was thrown our way so quickly.

01 Sep 09

Today was our first swim in the pool, to test our swimming capabilities. For most of us it was a challenge that will have to be overcome in the following weeks. Those that were poor swimmers were in good hands though; trained lifeguards were in the water with them. The rest of the day was filled with classes that were hard to stay awake in, because of the draining morning and afternoon filled with training drills that the company commanders throw at us.

02 Sep 09

We look forward to going to the galley most! We get so hungry with all the drills, physical fitness classes, and constant marching. Once we hurry into the galley we have to follow strict rules; lining up, picking up and sliding our trays , and even standing in the position of attention while waiting for the meal awaiting us! Today in class we learned about ranks and ranks, and how to identify the military personnel in the Coast Guard, from enlisted to officers. Throughout the class we were asked many review questions, but every raised hand couldn't get the answer right.  It was frustrating but with practice we will master it. Today also brought us gifts just like Christmas. First we received our pieces (decommissioned M-1 Rifles.) We carried them back to our barracks and stowed them away safely in our racks. The recruits that wear glasses or contacts go an extra present, stylish, thick framed glasses that included a strap that ensure s that the glasses stay on during our rigorous activities.

03 Sep 09

After our wake up routine and gym for core strengthening, we had an insightful class on how we will get paid, and how to read our earnings statement when it comes in the mail. We were surprised on how much information is packed on one pay slip. The next class was about hazing and inappropriate relationships; it was intriguing to read case studies on different scenarios we never knew existed. After taking in so much information for the day, as soon as as soon as the showers went on and our tiresome bodies laid in the rack, we could finally catch our breath because the day was finally over.

04 Sep 09

Today we found ourselves on the track in our physical fitness uniform early in the morning. We were instructed to stretch and run two laps. Our company has an array of strong and weak runners, but to begin the run was difficult for all of us because it was our second run since arriving in cape may. After getting sweaty on the track we made our way to the cybex machines in the gym for a workout. Later in the day we had a class on Anti Terrorism. We all heard about terrorism but now that we are a part of the military, we are the ones that protect the rest of the United States, which is a huge role.

05 Sep 09

Today we met the mentor of our company. He let us ask questions we were dying to ask, such as the best way to advance in the Coast Guard, and what was a better route "A" school or striking. Also the best place to get stationed, whether it be a small boat station, air station, or cutter. The information we grasped from him relaxed our uneasy minds for an hour. We knew that when he left, our next set of team building exercises would begin. Even though they are tough, self discipline was what we needed and were reminded every day.

06 Sep 09