31 Aug 09

Week 03

Foxtrot 182 began Week 03 with an early morning run. We ran one mile around the track, preparing for our physical fitness test next week. We also spent time at the gym, working on core strengthening exercises.

Our day was filled with Incentive Training and other team building activities. Our muscles are being tested and stretched, but really our inner resolve and determination is being measured and displayed for all to see. Daily we are learning about discipline and prioritizing as a team.

Today classes went well and we learned a lot; but are constantly reminded of how far we have to go. Those of us who are truly committed will press on no matter what, until we learn to work together as a team.

02 Sep 09

Week 03

Yesterday Foxtrot 182 spent most of our day in class, learning more about Coast Guard History, safety procedures, and other important aspects of the Coast Guard. We had our very first free time at night and were able to receive and read our mail. It was the high light of our day to hear from our loved ones back home.

Today however, we have still not grasped the concept of sounding off, cleaning our squad bays, and moving fast. We have many things to work on as a company, but what would life be without challenges?

As for the high lights of this day: we learned a few more movements with our demilitarized pieces, enjoyed our weekly visit from a chaplain, and worked on upper body strength, using the good old fashioned method---pushups.

At the gym we worked out on the cybex machines. At the present it may feel as though we are taking one step forward and a zillion steps backwards, but slowly and surely we will make progress. Either we will become smart---and start acting like a team---or we will become strong because we do not act as a team; as one of our company commanders tells us. We hope to be smart, but it is taking a while to accomplish.

04 Sep 09

Week 03

The past couple days have been a whirlwind of activity for Foxtrot 182. We began Seamanship Classes yesterday, beginning with the basics---learning nautical terms. Today we went over Coast Guard cutters, small boats, aircrafts, etc. and how to identify them. We also learned about different kinds of lines and how to use them.

This morning was Foxtrot 182’s first time to march in a graduation ceremony for one of the other companies. We all enjoyed the event and eagerly look forward to the day that it is our turn.

We are finally coming to the end of Week 03. We have run into many bumps along the way and are still trying to come together as a team. We cannot expect the road to be easy that leads to becoming a Guardian, and we can be sure that all the challenges we are facing now will make us the guardians we need to be. So we press on through the end of Week 03, anticipating and maybe half dreading-half excited about Week 04 starting soon.