Week 07

We started off week 07 confidently as Lima company pulled together and were able to pass our squad bay inspection, dress uniform inspection, and close order drill test. The reward of being able to go on off-base liberty compared to no other. It was an amazing feeling of pride, independence, and excitement to be trusted enough to represent the Coast Guard in the real world, and we all had a good time. We ate junk food, some of us were able to see family and friends, some went to nice restaurants for lunch, and others went to the movies.

Lima-182 took the Seamanship final on Wednesday. We averaged a score of 93% and received our seamanship pennant to go on our guidon. Afterwards, we competed against each other for the seamanship award. We had to do a number of tasks involving tying the 05 knots, throwing a lifeline, putting on life jackets, and "mooring up to a pier." We had a lot of fun cheering each other on and trying to guess which shipmate would win.

We spent Thursday working on uniforms, calling sponsors, fighting strong winds and rain, and studying for our final exam, which we took Friday and scored well on.

Things have slowed down drastically since forming week. We aren't sure what we should be doing sometimes because we are not used to having time to do anything at all. We can tell our Company Commanders are starting to trust us a little more and we are working hard to make sure we maintain that trust. We will soon be the senior company on the regiment but we are trying not to let it get to our heads. The most important thing is that we crack down and not let "senioritis" get to us. We are hoping to receive the Battalion Commander's pennant by staying on top of things, keeping things clean and orderly, as well as knowing our required knowledge if we should unexpectedly be asked.

We've spent 07 weeks working our way to the top and trying to be the best, we do not want to fall.

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Week 06

This week was an exciting week for Lima-182. The most exciting and rewarding part was passing our manual of arms test and getting our on base liberty. Even though we thought it was going to be a close call, we pulled through as a team and scored an 8 out of 10. It was a major confidence boost for us. On base liberty was a lot of fun. We talked, hung around and played pool and ate a lot of junk food at the Harborview Club. We also got to call home and watch a movie.

Tuesday through Thursday we had firefighting classes. We actually got to put out a fire with an extinguisher and then put on firefighting gear and fought a simulated fire. We found that it’s harder than it looks when you have to move around in heavy gear and are barely able to see in a smoky room. We all beat the 10 minute time limit to get ready and were very proud of ourselves. After firefighting practices, we had pugil sticks again and were able to blow off a lot of stress and have fun at the same time.

Friday we stood graduation watch and were able to put to use the information we learned about rates and ranks by greeting people from different military branches who were on base. We also started calling our sponsors at our new duty stations.

Our time here at Cape May is shortening. The more we realize it the happier and sadder we become. Happy to be going home and starting a new part of our lives, but sad to be leaving our new family we’ve met and formed a team with over these past few weeks. However, we all plan to stay in touch and are all proud to be forever Lima-182.

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WEEK 05:

Things for Lima Company have slowed down this week. Other than our first Uniform Inspection we had on Monday and took our Seamanship midterm Wednesday and passed both. The stress level has dropped and Lima-182 is coming together as a team, so much, in fact that we received our Colors Friday evening as well as two pennants.

The attitude of the company as a whole has changed. We are more motivated. We stand taller and walk with more pride. We are coming together and getting challenges accomplished as a team. We are proud to be Lima-182 and we are proud to soon become Guardians. We almost have the basics down, and are now working on fine tuning the small details.

We received our orders this week and most of us are happy with where we must report for our first duty station. We were even given the chance to call our family members and tell them the news.

Saturday was spent practicing Manual of Arms and Close Order Drills over and over. We feel that we are prepared for our Manual Arms test we will be taking this Tuesday. We have to make sure that we have all of the moves down perfectly.

On Saturday night, Lima-182 was shocked by a visit from our Commanding Officer, Captain Thomas. She passed out candy to us for Halloween. The company has all agreed that it was the best candy we have ever tasted.

We are counting down the days until graduation and become more excited as our time at basic narrows. We feel that we are much closer to becoming America’s Maritime Guardians.

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Week 04

Lima-182 has survived Week 04. Monday the company divided into two groups. The first half went to the range to shoot and the other half had their colors class. Tuesday we switched it around. We sadly did not receive our marksmanship pennant; however one of our shipmates did qualify as an Expert shooter.  Also, our morning and evening colors detail, Color guard, and Drill Team were chosen this week.

Wednesday, the company took our physical fitness test. We were surprised when we were told that ESPN would be filming us. It put the pressure on, but everyone did great! We also learned how to climb a rope on the confidence course and make it to the top, even when we are tired and feel as though we cannot go on any longer.

The week became even more exciting as we submitted our dream sheets and practiced for our seamanship practical’s.  Friday, we had our company blood drive. Although not everyone qualified to give blood, we had 100% participation from the entire company.

This week we are preparing for our Manual of Arms test as well as our Uniform Inspection.  We also fought with pugil sticks Monday. This was the most exciting thing we’ve done since we’ve been in boot camp. The company cheered each other on and really got into each fight.

The next goal for Lima-182 is earning the right to fly our company colors. We hope we get them soon and are trying to prove to our company commanders we deserve them.

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WEEK 1-2

On the second day of October, company Lima-182 formed. Nerves shook as we met our Company Commanders and began our “Not Week”. We quickly learned that the three words, “Fire, fire fire,” would mean strenuous pushups, crunches, squats and flutter kicks. However, we know it’s for our own good. We also learned the meaning of our company name, “Lima.” It means, “You should stop your vessel instantly.” Our company commanders have drilled marching movements into our heads, which we are starting to understand and perform correctly. During week two, the members of Lima-182 took our first swim test and began lifting weights in the gym. Hopefully weight lifting will turn those grueling fire drills into an “easier” workout. We were also issued our pieces (M1-Garands) and are learning the different parts of the piece and how to hold and carry them correctly. As a newly formed company we are beginning to learn the Coast Guard ways as well as the Core Values. Most importantly, Lima-182 is beginning to understand the meaning and value of teamwork. The days are long and sleep is short, and we have a long road of learning ahead of us. We look forward to each new day of learning, and most importantly, graduating a well rounded Coast Guard member.

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