14 Sep 09 “The character of a man is judged by his actions when no one is looking.”

Hotel-182 continues to make strides. Today recruits made a definitive move forward in their teamwork. Marching is a strong suit for the recruits, and because of their abilities, they were taught some movements which incorporate their “pieces” as they begin to learn their manual of arms.

Jobs within the company include: Squad bay leaders, watch coordinators, deck wax coordinator, recycling petty officers, religious petty officers, supply petty officers, laundry crews, and ceremonial detail.

15 Sep 09

Recruits took many classes today as their focus broadens past a heavily incentive-based training to incorporate more academics. The classes the recruits attended included two classes taught by Yeoman First Class Isbell on health care benefits while in the Coast guard and safety procedures to keep our guardians injury free.

Perhaps the most exciting class of the day was the survival float course in the Cape May training center gym pool. Recruits donned “mustang” suits, which are full-bodied, hooded garments designed for survival and warmth in and around the water. Recruits zipped a buckled in their “mustangs” which resemble snow suits, were required to jump in the pool and assume two basic survival positions. This floating task seemed impossible at first as the “mustang” suit felt to be anything but buoyant; however, all was fine and every recruit passed this training.

Two positions were assumed in the water. Position one found the recruits flat on their backs, legs and arms crossed, while the suit kept them afloat above water. It was noted to the recruits that you are even able to sleep in this position while awaiting rescue. Position two, for large group survival, involved recruits linking arms in a large circle in the water and bringing their knees in to meet at ninety degree angles. This position was called the huddle. Recruits looked like orange, bundled football players readying for the next play.

17 Sep 09

We moved on to new things in Hotel-182. Today we have our seamanship class that taught basic vessel terminology. We are feeling more like mariners by the day, even those of us who had no nautical experience before coming to Cape May. Something exciting also came up: Hotel-182 has been assigned to participate in the graduating ceremony of Charlie-182.  Recruits will get a chance to show off their marching skills by marching in formation across the parade field. They will also be announced as a company to all attending.

18 Sep 09

Today we at Hotel-182 marched in the graduating ceremony for Charlie-182. The ceremony was the more than a little emotional for all of us as we marched. During the ceremony we heard inspirational speeches by some of Charlie company’s chain of command. This made many recruits in Hotel-182 anxious for their own graduation. Seeing family members, watching Charlie company march with so much pride in their tropical blue dress uniforms, and listening to the national anthem struck a somber chord with recruits materializing the Coast Guard ideals of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

Later in the day we also went to another seamanship class where we studied vessels and aircrafts employed by the Coast Guard, became familiar with types of lines used out in the fleet, and some basic knots tying techniques.

Recruits also attended a lecture on the Coast Guard Honor Guard where they were given a glimpse into the extreme dedication of honor guard members who strive for perfection in every inch of movement. The honor guard is responsible for giving fallen guardians an honorable burial for their families. This is one of the most important jobs for many who serve in the Armed Forces, ensuring that a fallen comrade gets the best of what he/she deserves for sacrificing his/her life for the greater good of the United States. Certain requirements were mentioned for becoming a member of the honor guard: females must be at least 5’10 in height and males must be at least 6’0 in height in order to join. The recruiter from the Honor Guard expressed interest in one of the Hotel-182 recruits.

20 Sep 09

Today marks the beginning of a new set of greater expectations for us. As informed by our company commanders, we are no longer “baby recruits” here at Cape May. In order for us to keep progressing into a more mature company, we need to be held accountable and ensure that we are successfully conforming to a military lifestyle. This is assessed through a constant observation of our military bearing as well as surprise inspections of our uniforms, squad bays, and required knowledge.

The company commanders demand so much from us. They have informed us several times that they have devoted their lives in seeing that we are trained to the best of their abilities. It is only fair that we return at least half the amount of effort the company commanders display on a daily basis. Still though, it seems the recruits have yet to maintain a strict military composure.

Among the mental and physical challenges met the recruits, the recruits have also been challenged in regards to their patriotism. Our company commanders constantly express their devotion and passion when it comes to the protection of the United States. As a part of recruit training, it is imperative that we gain an understanding and appreciation for those who risk their lives, sacrifice time with family and in some cases, sacrifice their own life so that others may live free.

Despite the fact that the recruits carry much diversity within the company, still though, many have just graduated from high school. These young Americans have yet to truly know what it takes in order to secure our freedoms. At night when we are subjected to incentive training, our company commanders have us listen to people enjoying a night out off in the distance at a local traven while we’re straining to our maximum capacity. As Petty Officer Garcia says, “that could easily be you right now. That was you a month ago…” but that’s why we’re here: to protect Americans everywhere so they can continue to live rich, full lives. We were asked about our own personal patriotism. Do we have it? Each of us will definitely answer that question during recruit training.