September 07 through September 13 week 02

Monday-07SEP09

The Recruits transformation into their military lifestyle is still underway. They were issued their operational dress uniforms and taught how to wear and maintain them. Recruits also began attending classes which dealt with stress management, human relations, and coast guard protocol. Recruits learned how to deal with stress in their everyday lives and how to interact respectfully.

Tuesday-08SEP09               

Recruits went through a swim test as a requirement for graduation. The swim test entailed swimming 100 meters and treading water for five minutes. This first physical milestone proved to be mentally demanding as well, as some Recruits did not pass. These Recruits will have an opportunity to improve their swimming capabilities through early morning swim practices.

Wednesday-09SEP09

The Recruits awoke in the early morning to begin their training for the running portion of their physical graduation requirements. The Recruits ran one mile, sprinting the straight stretches and walking the curves of the track near the obstacle course.  They will be fully tested on all their physical requirements, which include push-ups, sit-ups, running, and a sit-and-reach, during their fourth week of training and again during their seventh week. Recruits also went to the gym to cycle for forty minutes. This exercise is also designed to improve Recruits’ cardio endurance.

Later in the afternoon, Recruits reported to the armory to receive their “pieces”— each piece is a demilitarized m1 rifle with a led filled barrel. They cannot be fired, but Recruits have learned other training methods for its use. The “piece” serves more than as a standard tool for military personnel, but also as a test in responsibility and discipline. Recruits spent a good majority of the evening becoming “acquainted” with this new device. This day was a trying time for the Recruits’ fortitude as the found out just how heavy nine and a half pounds can be.

This tool, however, brings promise to HOTEL-182—the promise of its member becoming highly motivated to work as a team. Often times in the coast guard, a guardian’s strength and devotion to the mission are the vital components in completing that mission successfully.

Recruits also received news from the outside world in the form of news updates on the proposed health care bill, sports, and their first mail call from home.

Thursday-10SEP09

Today Recruits began with a rigorous core workout designed to ready them for the physical fitness test they must pass to graduate. This workout includes a long round of stretching followed by a difficult abdominal, leg, and upper-arm strength exercises which use isometric holds to concentrate on problem areas of the body.

Friday-11SEP09

The eleventh of September 2001 is a day all members of the coast guard were called upon to test their mettle. It is a tragic day in American history, but it is also one that cuts to the core of what it is to be an American. Americans on this day truly united to overcome the divesting terrorist attacks on the world trade center and the united states pentagon.

For Recruits of HOTEL-182, this lesson rang true in every effort of the Recruits’ training day which was devoted to a guardian who gave his life in the efforts to save lives and minimize damage in the aftermath of the attacks. Because of this, Recruits were so very proud to be training to protect their country as well.

Recruits could hear a graduation ceremony of senior Recruits while participating in a long Cybex machine weight workout in the gymnasium at the cape may training center. As the national anthem was sung, members of HOTEL-182 became more than a little hopeful at the thought of their own graduation date in the future.

Saturday-12SEP09

HOTEL-182 begins to take a more defined shape as its members step up to specific positions within the company. Shipmates with specific jobs include: ceremonial and chapel worship player, ceremonial detail squad leader, yeoman, laundry captain, and company historian. These are just some of the assigned jobs.

In training Recruits continue to get to know their “pieces,” however; it is not all physical training here in cape may. Recruits have many classes designed to teach them about military customs, courtesies, bearing, rates and ranks, as well how to keep posted watches. Recruits actually began standing watch during the evening and early morning hours with more senior Recruits on Friday.

Sunday-13SEP09

Spirits are still high here in cape may and hearts were gladdened by our first large mail call. Parents, friends, and other loved ones, please send as many letters as you like. It gives great morale to the Recruits.

Blog