30OCT09

After three days of going through the arrival process, which includes administrative details and long hours at the medical center, we were formally introduced to our company commanders. We look forward to learning the skills that will allow us to emulate these distinguished guardians. We quickly realized though, that we have a long way to go as recruit before we can begin to approach their level.

31OCT09

Today was Halloween and our lead company commander went trick or treating. Unfortunately for PAPA-182, his favorite treat was ordering recruits to do push-ups. We struggled as a company to meet time objectives and got "hooked-up" several times throughout the day. We began to learn close order drills and the many rules and regulations that recruits must abide by in order to transform themselves into honorable and respectable guardians.

01NOV09

Today was our first Sunday; for most of us it was spent squaring away our racks and getting our uniforms inspection ready. For others it meant going to worship services to relieve the stress of recruit training. Due to daylight savings we were afforded an extra hour of sleep. Luckily for PAPA-182, that meant extra rest for our first core training workout. Many of us struggled during this session, working up a gluttonous appetite for shoe. And of course due to our continuous tardiness, we were rewarded with more incentive training. Later in the day our company worked together to clean and sanitize our squad bays concluding our first Sunday at Healy Hall as PAPA-182

02NOV09

Today was a strenuous day for PAPA-182; within it we learned the true meaning of the keys to success. Through physical fitness we experienced the consequences of not applying them to our daily recruit live. The keys to success are : Sound off as loud as humanly possible, do as you're told, when you're told, and how you're told, and to do it quickly. As recruits our lifestyles are squeezed out of our comfort zones and into a whole new way of living. It's a harsh reality that every recruit must adapt to while in training, to adjust to the high standards of the company commanders. It is not impossible; only a different way of living. Today we experienced the reason why the Coast Guard is considered the second hardest boot camp of the military branches. Hopefully we will learn from our mistakes and learn to work as a team and apply these keys to success in order to meet the demands of recruit training.

03NOV09

It's a new day, but more of the same from PAPA-182. We're still having difficulty meeting the standards of our company commanders. Today the company had its first swimming assessment. Unfortunately, some of the recruits had a hard time meeting the qualifications. The test consisted of a 100 meter swim, and five minutes of treading water. After the assessment, our lack of discipline resulted in us receiving remedial instruction to correct our deficiencies. The afternoon brought with it more classroom courses where we were instructed about effective communication and human awareness. Both of these skills are essential for future encounters of the many types of diversity in the field. The end of the day was painful and tomorrow morning will begin with "Fire! Fire! Fire!"

04NOV09

As of yesterday evening PAPA-182 is no longer the newest company on the regiment. With this in mind the company strived to begin the day with a mature and disciplined mindset but yet again failed to sound off as a company, meet our time objectives and generally put our company commanders in a bad mood all day. Early this morning we got the opportunity to watch the sun rise, while running around the track preparing for our 1.5 mile run. Unfortunately for many, it was a difficult run. After morning chow it was on to the gym to have our first lifecycle class. As with the run some of the out of shape recruits found this very challenging. After lifecycles, we attended the very important class of rates and ranks. later PAPA-182 marched to the armory to pick up our pieces. (de-activated WWII M-1's) We learned just how heavy nine pounds can be after marching for a quarter of a mile and doing incentive training with them. Our chaplain visited Healy Hall and relieved an ounce of stress for PAPA-182. After an exhausting day PAP-182 is looking forward to a good night's sleep which is always needed.

05NOV09

PAPA-182 began the day on a bad note. We had continuous attention for our lack of motivation. After morning chow we went off to our core training class. For many it was difficult but for a few it was tolerable because they knew the expectations. After our class on pay and allowances, we went to chow then headed out on a practice march. Our company commander was almost pleased as we came together as a company amd marched in step. We continued the rest of the evening on a somewhat positive note as we accomplished some time objectives and quickly picked up manual of arms drilling with our pieces. We hope to continue coming together as a company so some stress is put at ease.

06NOV09

Today PAPA-182 went for another run, but today it was a full mile. Spirits were high and we went into our cybex workout ready to push ourselves. Then we had a short class on proper dental health. After chow we took a course on Anti-Terrorism and watch standing. We will begin utilizing this knowledge tonight as some of our fellow shipmates must stand watch. Our company will be taking turns standing watch each night in our building.

07NOV09

Today PAPA-182 endured a day full of remedial training. From the time we woke up until we left for chow, we were given time objectives for everything which we could not meet. After chow we had a military courtesies class, covering information on how, when, and where to salute the national ensign, the national anthem, and when it is near your presence. Later in the evening, a few members of the company went to choir practice while the rest of the company remained behind to do more remedial instruction. Today was a very busy Saturday, considering that most of us are used to relaxing on weekends. PAPA-182 is looking forward to a good night's sleep to rest from today's physical training, but we will be sore again tomorrow night, no doubts about it.

08NOV09

Our second Sunday of training and our second set of divine hours. We used this precious time to square our racks, uniforms, and ourselves. It was also the first chance many of us had to respond to letters from home, and for many of the company this was a cathartic process, but to put our minds on something other than the rigors of training for even a small amount of time does wonders for the company. After divine hours our company found itself in hot water as our lead company commander was unpleased with our inspection ready uniforms and our squad bays in general. He promised us a unforgetful evening after chow and we knew we were in for it. Much to the surprise and relief of the company, we were treated to a sit down with our lead company commander where he really made us understand just how important the core values of the Coast Guard are. Talking with us as a knowledgeable guardian, he reinforced the standards that we should be adhering to in recruit training and throughout our Coast Guard careers. It was a different attitude than his norm and its effect had a noticeable impact on many in the company. We are about to enter week three and PAPA-182 needs to start thinking for itself and truly taking on the traits of our service: Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.

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