31JAN10

Two of the main objectives for a Coast Guard company to strive towards are strength and solidarity. Strength is gained through discipline and solidarity through a collective identity. Victor-182 is currently going through a discipline and identity crisis in mid week two.

Victor-182 has been consistently failing many objectives. Our identity is perceived as being sloppy, careless and boneheaded. Some would say it smells like a frat house. However, this does not mean we don’t have strong individuals, intelligent people and a well rounded, diverse company. We are beginning to march well, comradery is starting to surface and we are adapting to the military lifestyle. We will see if it is more than just a storm.

It is snowing today. The company spent most of the time cleaning up squad bays and the quarterdeck. There were three people who had never seen snow before and they got to do the shoveling. I believe we, as a company, are finding more assurance, more hope and more strength as the days progress. We make mistakes quite often, but there is a key detail to this that is refining us individually. That is appreciation. For those of us who have never had to count change to full up the gas tank or cut down on meals to save money, etc., we are being awakened. The small pleasure in life are wondrous to us, as they should be to all who go not have to go without and even those who do. Simply because when we assume we have little, we are rich with teamwork, friendship and joy.

Here in boot camp where stress is the main factor, we can be thankful for our opportunities. We will endure the temporary burdens because we appreciate the chance to choose.

This is Victor-182.