WEEK 08

19 OCT 09

Today, in a very moving ceremony, Recruits were lead out to the parade field to receive the pins for their hats during the capping ceremony. During this ceremony, Recruits again restated and reaffirmed their oath of enlistment. This symbolic act reflects the final transition from Recruits to enlisted member of the coast guard that will take place this Friday at graduation. After the capping ceremony, Recruits also received the section Commander purple pennant for all their efforts at becoming a cohesive, strong, and well disciplined Company.

In the evening, we also had our last de-brief—this time from our lead Company Commander. It was a relief to learn that we were not the worst Company that any of our Commanders have taught. It has been a privilege to be afforded these de-briefs—a time when we as Recruits can catch a glimpse into who our Company Commanders are outside of their jobs here with us.

20 OCT 09

Today’s activities moved somewhat slower than yesterday. Recruits went to class to discuss health and wellness. This involved receiving results of a health questionnaire Recruits filled out weeks ago. These results give an overview of each Recruit’s wellbeing and should be used as a tool to help improve certain areas of overall health.

One of the more exciting things that took place was going to sexton hall to retrieve our personal bags that we arrived with here at the Cape May training center. We are still not allowed to open them and access our personal civilian items, but it seems symbolic—as if we hold within our hands a link between our lives now as Recruits and the new lives we will enter into as Guardians in the world outside the training center.

The evening promised another interesting event. HOTEL was allowed to march over to sexton hall, stand in formation at parade rest, and watch the forming Company arrive and fallout from the bus. It was a difficult experience, which brought back some of the nerves and butterflies we all felt upon our arrival at cape may, but it also created a sense of pride in HOTEL that we have come so far and completed so much, having started out just as this new Company did tonight.

21 OCT 09

The days just keep getting better and more eventful for HOTEL-182. We had such a full day today; it’s hard to know where to begin. Probably the most out-of-the-ordinary news involves ESPN’s coverage of our day. Yes, ESPN2 came to shoot footage of HOTEL Company’s activities today. These activities included another round of pugil stick fighting as well as HOTEL’s first attempt at the training center’s “confidence course.” Footage of HOTEL Company should be available for viewing on ESPN2 on the ninth, tenth, and eleventh of November, so remember to set your TiVo’s for these days.

The confidence course itself was long and difficult for some, but all Recruits were able to finish the course. Obstacles placed on the course included hurdles, rope climbs, wall climbs, and pole obstacles to which Recruits latched on and swung their bodies over in complicated positions. All-in-all it was a challenging but fun course that many Recruits wished to have another chance to complete again.

ESPN also filmed Recruits marching by the parade field and on the beach, eating during their afternoon chow time, and during an incentive training session, which should give viewer’s somewhat of an idea of what Recruits experience here at cape may. While marching at the beach, our lead Company Commander gave HOTEL-182 a motivational speech recounting the effort we have put forth to reach the fruition of our training. As he was speaking, a large group of dolphins began surfacing near the shore as if they were cheering HOTEL Company on to graduation and bigger and better things. It was a beautiful day on the beach, and all of these things combined to make for an unforgettable day.

Another very important incident occurred for Recruits as they were awarded the coveted silver Battalion Commander pennant. This pennant is only awarded to companies that show overall teamwork, have clean and organized squadbays, and are current and fluent in all their required knowledge. To test for this pennant, Recruits were lined up and asked specific questions about required knowledge, squadbays were inspected, and the overall progress of the Company was taken into account. Out of the last ten companies to graduate from Cape May, HOTEL is only the second to be awarded the Battalion Commander pennant. We are so proud to be in a Company that cares and whose individuals submit to the greater needs of the team.

22 OCT 09

All of us were dreading today because we thought it would creep by. This, however, was far from the truth. Last minute classes, administrative work, lunch with the executive officer and master chief here at Cape May, packing, and the Company pizza party made the day fly.

Recruits who will receive special recognition at graduation were allowed to have lunch with the executive officer and master chief here at Cape May. It was an excellent time for Recruits to ask questions about their new life in the coast guard, and conversation was lively. It was definitely a nice break from the normal conventions of chow time. Recruits asked questions ranging from what rating to choose to whether or not they should become officers or stay enlisted.

The pizza party was definitely the highlight of the day and involved all-you-can-eat pizza, soft drinks (Recruits were all starved for soda), and cake. During the pizza party, Recruits were allowed to talk with one another as well as the Company Commanders, their families who attended, and the Company mentor. This was certainly a treat for Recruits who always have enjoyed talking to one another, but have never had much time to do so and get to know all of their fellow shipmates.

Two other aspects of the Company party really showed HOTEL’s spirit. They were a showing and explanation session of the art club’s Company ditty bag banners and a round of skits acted out by several Recruits. The ditty bags (Recruits laundry sacks which had been emptied and painted) have been on display in the galley for the entire week leading up to HOTEL’s graduation. All of the bags were expertly painted to capture moments in

After the pizza party, Recruits returned to the barracks to organize for departure tomorrow. We also gathered in the main muster squad bay for our last evening muster and an awards ceremony. Recruits who won awards for honor graduate, seamanship, most physically fit, best shipmate, best leader, manual of arms, and best improvement of physical fitness received tokens marking their achievements as well as a round of applause and congratulations from their shipmates. After the awards each of our Company Commanders gave us words of advice—words which echo each aspect of our training. Put simply we are to always keep in our minds and hearts the core values behind what it is to be a truly dedicated, highly motivated coast guardsman—honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

Recruits are in great spirits as we head into our last hours here at training center Cape May. We all have butterflies in our stomachs at the thought of graduation and returning to the world outside the training center. It is hard to believe our training has brought us so far in what has been the longest eight weeks that ever occurred in the blink of an eye. But we are not leaving the training center alone. The voices of our Company Commanders will ever ring true in our minds and hearts, driving us to always stay the course of moral courage, fortitude of spirit, and to keep moving forward with all our endeavors to reach the height of our potential. Only then will we count ourselves in the ranks of the Guardians. We have been given all the tools and shown the way by the most competent, honorable, and disciplined of Company Commanders. It is now up to us, the shipmates of the only HOTEL-182 that will ever exist, to usher in the new generation of Guardians of the Sea.

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WEEK 06

05OCT09 - Monday

HOTEL-182 started a very important section of their training today as they began to learn about fire fighting and fire prevention. Recruits learned about the four different classifications of fires—a, b, c, and d class fires, their characteristics, and how to combat each. Recruits were introduced to some of the firefighting equipment used in the fleet. Later this week HOTEL company will actually don this equipment and run through several training simulations of how to combat fire.

What a way to kick off week 06—stress levels are at their peak as recruits desperately try to assemble together in order to demonstrate accurate accounts of teamwork. All of the little mistakes we continue to make are getting us more attention than we want; and the pressure is only mounting as more and more expectations are weighed upon us. Accountability: that’s the word we hear more often than not now. The standards are set and now we are expected to be “squared away” with minimal to no error whatsoever. Tomorrow we will have our manual of arms test which will be given to us by our section commander. Once again, the purpose of manual arms is to build teamwork within a company and promote confidence with a firearm. Teamwork-- probably the most valuable ingredient that dictates our performance here at boot camp. It has been said that the military is the ultimate teamwork sport.

06OCT09 - Tuesday

A rude awakening was revealed today shortly after our manual of arms test. The result was less than consoling, especially to recruits who had wished to earn their colors. After scoring a dampening six out of ten, it was quite apparent that HOTEL-182 really needs to take some initiative in weeding out whatever issues are holding us back from achieving perfection. Some believe the problem lies in our own motivation, while others think we’re just not meeting the standards of a 06 week company in terms of our teamwork. Although many of us are ending the day discouraged and dejected to some degree, we mustn’t forget that tomorrow is another day to learn from our mistakes, try harder than before, and move forward on the left foot.

07OCT09 - Wednesday

We got our military identification cards today which made us feel very official. We also attended our career counseling class which tied up any loose ends we had concerning reporting to our unit and what career path we should take in the Coast Guard. We all left pretty satisfied with the answers we were given and now we feel confident in our new endeavor.

We went to the uniform distribution center to receive a fitting for our tropical blue dress uniform which will be worn on liberty and graduation. We received our uniforms early in order to practice correct maintenance as well as practicing how to wear them correctly. Our company commander pulled us aside this evening and shared some of his own personal techniques in efficiently maintaining uniforms.

HOTEL-182 watched a brief film about one of our most celebrated Guardian heroes, Douglas Munro, who sacrificed his own life in order to save US. Marines during WWII. Munro selflessly volunteered for many dangerous rescue missions, including his last in which he used his own boat as a shield, providing protective cover fire so that marines could safely evacuate off an island. If it had not been for Munro’s valor, many more lives would have been lost that day. As the last marine was evacuated off the island, Munro turned his boat to leave and was fatally wounded by the last shot fired. Munro’s devotion to duty is best summarized in his last words, “did they get off?” To this day, Munro is the only Coast Guard Medal of Honor recipient, embodying all of the Coast Guard core values: honor, respect, and devotion to duty. The qualities found inside Douglas Munro is something we all wish to see reflected in ourselves.

08OCT09 - Thursday

Today we participated in yet another round of the glorious pugil sticks. Once again, recruits were paired off to compete against one another in giant q-tip combat.

We also were counseled on how we can go about shipping our belongings to our new units and also for those of us who are going overseas, shipping our vehicles as well.

Later in the evening we practiced for our close order drill test coming up in the following week. This test will either make us or break us as far as the perception of our teamwork is concerned. Also, on a side note, we are to be standing watch around the regiment during foxtrot’s graduation tomorrow. It is imperative that we know how to properly greet our higher ups. Pretty much, our on-base liberty and the well-being of our company is on the line. Fortune favors the bold.

09OCT09 - Friday

Great news for HOTEL-182!!! It was just announced that we will in fact be having our on-base liberty tomorrow. It would be nothing short of an understatement to say recruits are looking very forward to the day off. As for today, recruits spent a good majority of the day performing uniform maintenance on their tropical blues that we will be wearing around the regiment tomorrow. Although we were given this liberty, it is still unknown if we truly deserve it or not. One of our company commanders pulled us aside tonight and lectured on how tomorrow will be a true test for us. In that, he meant our on-base liberty is a test in how we will conduct ourselves without a company commander telling us what to do and how to do it. It is a test to see how well we will represent the united states Coast Guard. “it only takes one person to screw it up. You have one person who does something stupid, something he shouldn’t have done, and now the whole core suffers for it. Remember, when you wear that uniform, you are not only representing your name, you are representing the armed forces. Civilians trust us to do the right thing. When they see you in that uniform, they want to thank you. Have some pride in how you present yourself.” He went on to discuss the concept of pride and patriotism once again with us. He told us that we are no longer those individuals who stepped off the bus some odd six weeks ago, but part of a family. Not just HOTEL-182, and not just the Coast Guard, but all military branches. We are linked together and we share that understanding, that sacred bond between all selfless, respectful, and devoted sons and daughters of the united states of America. “you joined to become something bigger than yourself; and you did—a lot bigger.” This evening we did something a little unconventional for the bootcamp environment, we watched an HBO film called “Taking Chance” –for those of you who have not seen the film, it is highly recommended. That film illustrated not only the purpose of our family, but the impact it has on others, military personnel and civilians alike.

10OCT09 - Saturday

As the big hand of the clock struck minute 0430, it was assumed by all that today was going to suck for HOTEL-182. We awoke to intense shouting coming from the fire exit ladder well. We were rushed from our racks and ordered to report outside of the building. Schools of confusion and dread swam through our minds as we quickly slipped on our go-fasters (sneakers) and high-tailed it outside. Did we do something wrong? --we initially thought. Just then, our company commanders assembled us together in formation and marched us down the regiment. We then took a turn down a road we had never been on before. As we continued to march, the sound of waves crashing nearby seemed to grow more and more. Not before long, we reached a trail of sand. Next, we were instructed to single file it down the trail and assemble into formation on the beach! Once everyone was in line, our company commanders had us begin one of our famous incentive training sessions. Squeezing the sand through our fingers while performing a round of push-ups, we had no idea what was in store for us. Just then, after we finished, we heard the voice of our lead company commander behind us. “you finally did it. You finally are working as a team.” He then gave out the “about-face” command; we simultaneously slipped our foot behind the other and turned around only to see our guideon standing erect in the sand with our colors proudly flying in the early morning breeze. We did it, we suddenly realized. We have earned our colors. What an extraordinary moment. The entire company hastily ran and gathered around the guideon. We hoisted it in the air and began chanting as loud as we could, “HOTEL-182!” It was then announced that we will be going on our on-base liberty this afternoon. As many of you already know… we made phone calls home, gorged ourselves with junk food, and enjoy a film at our movie plex on base. What am epical day for HOTEL-182.

11OCT09 - Sunday

At morning muster today it was announced that we will be taking our company down to the galley for morning chow without our company commanders. Apparently, companies are allowed to march themselves around the regiment without company commanders once they have received their colors. At 0800 we had our divine hours. While some recruits wrote letters home, other recruits spent the morning hours performing uniform maintenance; it was instructed by our company commanders that we arrive to afternoon chow in our tropical blue dress uniform. Once divine hours were over, we met up with our company commanders along with the top senior company who will be graduating this week, GOLF-182. Both HOTEL and golf company joined together to for yet another off base run. The run today consisted of 3 miles. Despite having corrupted our bodies the day before with junk food, recruits did a decent job conquering the 3 mile stretch. We were given an opportunity this evening to utilize the learning resource center in order to contact our sponsors to our units via email and also for those of us who will be living on the economy, to go house hunting as well.

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21Sep09 - Monday

Hotel-182 began the week with some very exciting training at the gun range. Recruits were taught how to shoot a standard issued handgun of the Coast Guard- the P229 Sig Personal Defense Weapon (pdw), which is a semi-automatic, magazine fed, recoil-operated, double-action pistol. The Sig shoots a .40 caliber round and is used to “qualify” Coast Guard recruits and permanent party members to carry this weapon.

In Hotel-182 Monday and Tuesday were also days to learn about commitment and ceremonial colors, which symbolizes the commitment all military personnel have made. Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty are the Coast Guard core values – values that each recruit has sworn to uphold. Hotel-182 is learning commitment must be evident in everything we do, say, and feel because as Guardians of the Sea, we are responsible for people’s lives and the quality of their freedom. Our military bearing must always be intact because we may never know when a crisis may strike. This mentality brought on by our commitment, is evident in many of the ceremonial functions we perform but is perhaps best symbolized by the ceremony of colors. Colors here at cape may is a semi-elaborate ceremony, consisting of seven people, each who take part by raising the national ensign, the preparatory pennant, the prisoner of war flag, and the coast guard ensign. The national ensign is our nation’s symbol and as such it represents all the people who have died to keep the values and freedoms that have made our country the best in the world. To those who have lost family in service, the flag is all they have left—it represents their child, their brother or sister, their wife or husband, their mother or father. When we perform the ceremony of colors, we remind ourselves of all the lives that were given and are give each day so that flag can be raised.

Ragged Old Flag

By: Johnny Cash

I walked through a country courthouse square; on a park bench an old man was sitting there.

I said, “Your old courthouse is kinda run down.”

He said, “Naw, it’ll do for our little town.”

I said, “Your flagpole has leaned a little bit, and that’s a ragged old flag you got hangin on it.”

He said, “Have a seat,” and I sat down.

“Is this the first time you’ve been to our little town?”

I said, “I think it is.” He said, “I don’t like to brag, but we’re kinda proud of that ragged old flag.”

“You see, we got a little hole in that flag there when Washington took it across the Delaware.

And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott key sat watching it writing _oh say can you see_.

And it got a bad rip in New Orleans

With Packingham and Jackson tuggin’ at its seams.”

“And it almost fell at the Alamo

Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on through.

She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville and she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.

There was Robert e. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg, and the south wind blew hard on that ragged old flag.”

“On Flanders Field in World War I

She got a big hole from a bertha gun.

She turned blood red in World War II

She hung limp and low by the time it was through.

She was in Korea and Vietnam.

She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam.”

“She waved from our ships upon the briny foam, and now they’ve about quit waving her back here at home.

In her own good land she’s been abused—

She’s been burned, dishonored, denied and refused.”

“And the government for which she stands is scandalized throughout the land.

And she’s getting threadbare and wearing thin, but she’s in good shape for the shape she’s in.

‘Cause she’s been through the fire before and I believe she can take a whole lot more.”

“So we raise her up every morning,

Take her down every night.

We don’t let her touch the ground

And we fold her up right.

On second thought I do like to brag

‘Cause I’m mighty proud of that ragged old flag.”

22Sep09 - Tuesday

More from the range with Hotel-182. After their basic introduction to the sig and its components, the recruits were instructed on the correct procedure as to how to shoot the weapon. Recruits quickly learned shooting involves slow, focused breathing and trigger squeeze. Correct stance and good sight alignment are also key to shooting correctly. Recruits first practiced “dry firing” during which the unloaded weapon is used to teach correct posture, sight alignment, and timing of breaths. Next, target practiced occurred and recruits were finally given a chance to “qualify” with their pistols as either a marksman, sharpshooter, or expert. The entire attending class, those on sick call excluded, was able to meet the requirements for participating in the class. Less than half the class qualified as either marksman or sharpshooter.

23Sep09 - Wednesday

Today we face yet another fitness requirement mandatory for graduation: we were tested on our push-ups, sit-ups, and our running time for a length of 1.5 miles. As we began our morning, many recruits expressed his/her own anxiety on how well he/she will perform on today’s assessments. As it turns out, several recruits found themselves undoubtedly relieved, knowing they had successfully passed all of the fitness requirements. On a bright note, 99% of the recruits passed his/her run; however, about 20 or so recruits will have to take up sit-ups/push-ups remedial in the mornings, starting at 0530 of next Monday. Also, on a more exciting note- tomorrow marks a significant day indeed for the recruits of Hotel-182. Tomorrow the recruits will be filling out their assignment data cards; in other words, we’re filling out our “wish list” on the geographical location of where we would prefer to be stationed. While the good number of us have come in with a guaranteed a-school or promised hometown recruiting contingent upon graduation, our company commander pulled us aside today and gave us some strong words of advice. “When it comes time for you to create your list, I hope most of you will pick a district in the complete opposite direction of where you came from.” What our company commander meant was that based on his experience the best thing we can do for ourselves is not to go back home. We each came to Cape May to in order to make better of our lives and to become part of something great. If we return home, we could basically subject ourselves to a stupid mistake that could ruin our highly respected careers. And besides, “some opportunities only come once.”

24Sep09 - Thursday

Recruits started out the day by heading off to seamanship class. Hotel-182 was tested on their knowledge of knots by tying five different knots before the instructor. These knots were: the square knot, the bowline, the clove hitch, the slip-clove hitch, and the round turn and two half hitches.

Along with knot tying, recruits were tested again on their helm commands.

25Sep09 - Friday

Today we took our midterm over all the material we have been learning since our first day at Cape May. Everyone successfully passed. Recruits also rallied together to donate blood, which is yet another way the coast guard is saving lives. Recruits spent a good majority of the afternoon perfecting their manual of arms march. The purpose of manual of arms is to build teamwork and promote confidence with firearms.

26Sep09 - Saturday

Recruits are starting to begin their confidence training, which involves pugil stick combat. For those of you at home who do not know what pugil sticks are- just imagine American gladiators and that giant q-tip shaped baton. Recruits went over both defensive and offensive techniques.

Recruits also began an “abandon ship” drill and were lectured on the importance of looking out for your shipmates. During one of the drills, the recruits quickly discovered the effects of what can occur when you choose not to communicate effectively.

27Sep09 - Sunday

Sunday brought forth a day of review for recruits. Recruits had an intense workout at the gym on the cycling bikes. For 50 minutes recruits pelted out, using every ounce of their maximum endurance. Everyone left the gym and in a soaked t-shirt. Later on, recruits once again spent time perfecting and going over their manual of arms. The objective now is to get everyone in sync with executing the commands given; obviously, this is where teamwork comes into play.

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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.

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.

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September 01 through September 06 week 01

The recruits of Hotel-182 arrived in Cape May, New Jersey as individuals. The recruits came from different backgrounds, hailing from places all across America, each one with their own hopes to become a guardian of the sea.

As each individual poured out from the transporting bus into the United States Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, they were met by their forming company commanders and their new lifestyle as seamen recruits for the duration of their training.

During the first few days, the recruits quickly began to learn that their individuality must be combined through teamwork and followership in order to complete the rigors of intense training. Some of the challenges that tested the recruit’s teamwork consisted of finite time management; marching as one large unit; and thinking, working, and depending on each other’s actions. Recruits learned how imperative attention to detail is for everyday military life—it is what enables the Coast Guardsman to save lives, to protect the environment, and keep our nation’s boarders secure.

Recruits went through a medical screening and then were handed over to their lead company commander: Marine Science Technician First Class Leathers, and their company commanders: Yeomen Second Class Garcia and Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Thor.

Discipline was no longer an abstract concept for the recruits; it was an actuality to be confronted and mastered. Discipline was taught through many methods including incentive training—push-ups, crunches, squats, and flutter kicks. The recruits learned that trying physical situations can also be very mentally exhausting, and mental activities can be difficult when physically tired. This began the process of preparing the recruits for the stressful aspects of their jobs.

Above all, the recruits became familiar with the coast guard’s attributes of a model Guardian—honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

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