That really depends on how out of shape you are before arriving to Coast Guard Basic Training! You need to be honest with yourself on this one. I would say that of all my companies only about 10-20% of my Coast Guard recruits were in good enough shape to handle what we CC's call "beatings." (When I refer to "beatings"- I am NOT referring to us hitting or hurting you, but it refers to the Incentive Training that you will receive when you are a disciplinary problem. Their is no physical abuse in the Coast Guard Basic Training system that I am aware of.)
First off, I highly recommend you join a gym prior to leaving for Coast Guard Basic Training if you don't already belong to one. Secondly, I advise you take it seriously and actually work out! Yes- Coast Guard Basic Training is much more "mentally" challenging than it is physically. But, if you think it will be easy, then I have news for you....your mistaken! Work on your pushup and crunches! NO CHEATING! Do not go into Coast Guard Basic Training with the mentality that "Oh, they'll get me into shape!" That is a HUGE mistake! You will not only be miserable but you are so much more prone to injuries in Coast Guard Recruit Training when you are not in good physical shape.
Watch our FREE workout video on our Home page at http://www.prepare4coastguardbootcamp.com/! As I said, it's absolutley FREE for you and it was designed with you in mind. Whether you are a guy or girl- its a great place to start! If you are interested in seeing more of Viktoria's videos, then just click on her Coast Guard Workout Videos and links OR you can visit http://www.areyoux.com for more information. Viktoria is great and I highly recommend her if you want great tips on getting in shape for Coast Guard Boot Camp!
If want to add a "POST," then click "New Post" in the Top right hand corner of our site! Thanks!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
How is the food in Coast Guard Basic Training?
It's actually not that bad! A lot of Coast Guard recruits like it and the Coast Guard Training STAFF is good about ensuring that the food in Coast Guard Basic Training is not only good- but healthy. Recruits tear into the PBJ bar! For years it's been a huge hit and its a great alternative when you may be served something you don't care for. So yes the food is good.
Are you allowed to lift free weights in Coast Guard Boot camp?
No. You will be using machines, stationary bikes, core exercises, swimming, pushups, situps, squats, flutter kicks, running, etc. Things of this nature. FREE weights at the Coast Guard Training Center are only for STAFF and other visitors- NOT for recruits...
How many showers are we allowed to take as a Coast Guard recruit?
You are given time to take one shower in the evening and one after every gym workout. Showers in Coast Guard Basic Training are not optional- they are required! Failure to shower and maintain proper hygiene in Coast Guard Basic Training will result in a possible reversion.
Is there any way to find out who my Coast Guard Company Commanders will be ahead of time?
The only way to find out who your CC's are is if you are within about 3-4 weeks of shipping and if you ask me...I have a lot of connections with current Company Commander's. Ive trained more than a few of them. But it's impossible to do unless you know someone from the current or former Training Staff.
How many Coast Guard recruits typically get reverted within each Company in Coast Guard Basic Training?
This a question I hear a lot about Coast Guard Basic Training and the answer is that it really depends on who you have as a Company Commander! I discuss this in pretty great detail within my book but you have to understand that not all two Basic Training experiences are the same!
Okay so Im assuming you've asked around about who has the hardest Boot Camps and things of that nature right? One person will say that Coast Guard Basic Training is a joke and another will say its hard. Well, the fact is that two things play into these assumptions:
1. Your upbringing as a child/teen/adult will determine how much you have been through in life which results in your mental capacity to toughness. Joe Coastie may have been through some pretty tough times in his life while Jane Doe may have been kind of sheltered through out her life. Neither is wrong but naturally, some can get through things easier then others. Whether it be physically, academically, or emotionally. One can be weak in one area while the other is strong.
2. The second factor is if your Company Commander is what we CC's call a "cupcake" or a "killer!" Anyone that has been through Coast Guard Basic Training can tell you that one CC was nicer than the other. That essentially means that for example, one Company may get 2 "Cupcake" CC's and one "killer" type CC. While the week after the new Company that comes in gets 3 Killer type Company Commanders! CC's are all different- no two styles are the same.
Do you think those two companies will have the same Coast Guard Basic Training experience? Of course they won't! So that is why I tell you that it really depends! If you get a majority of Killer CC's, then the odds are that the reversion rate will be higher than normal (around 30-40%). My reversion rates varied from 15-45%, depending on the lead Company Commander I was stuck with. If you get a Cupcake Lead Company Commander, then the chances are that not many people will be reverted in your Company. If you get a killer than it will higher for sure! Its really the luck of the draw.
Okay so Im assuming you've asked around about who has the hardest Boot Camps and things of that nature right? One person will say that Coast Guard Basic Training is a joke and another will say its hard. Well, the fact is that two things play into these assumptions:
1. Your upbringing as a child/teen/adult will determine how much you have been through in life which results in your mental capacity to toughness. Joe Coastie may have been through some pretty tough times in his life while Jane Doe may have been kind of sheltered through out her life. Neither is wrong but naturally, some can get through things easier then others. Whether it be physically, academically, or emotionally. One can be weak in one area while the other is strong.
2. The second factor is if your Company Commander is what we CC's call a "cupcake" or a "killer!" Anyone that has been through Coast Guard Basic Training can tell you that one CC was nicer than the other. That essentially means that for example, one Company may get 2 "Cupcake" CC's and one "killer" type CC. While the week after the new Company that comes in gets 3 Killer type Company Commanders! CC's are all different- no two styles are the same.
Do you think those two companies will have the same Coast Guard Basic Training experience? Of course they won't! So that is why I tell you that it really depends! If you get a majority of Killer CC's, then the odds are that the reversion rate will be higher than normal (around 30-40%). My reversion rates varied from 15-45%, depending on the lead Company Commander I was stuck with. If you get a Cupcake Lead Company Commander, then the chances are that not many people will be reverted in your Company. If you get a killer than it will higher for sure! Its really the luck of the draw.
What is the difference between a "reversion" and a "rephasal" in Coast Guard Basic Training?
A "reversion" in Coast Guard Basic Training is when a Coast Guard recruit gets sent back in training for DISCIPLINARY problems such as sleeping on watch, cheating, performance trackers, unsanitary habits, etc. But a "rephasal" is when a Coast Guard recruit is held back in training for medical issues, academic failures and non-disciplinary issues.
Question: I am leaving for Coast Guard Basic Training soon and would like to know what items I can bring?
Ask your recruiter for an items packing list. If your Coast Guard recruiter has not given you one yet, then just ask for one. They are pretty good about staying on top of things like prior to sending you to Coast Guard Basic Training. Make sure you bring only what is on the list because once you arrive in Cape May for forming week, they are going to dig through all of your belongings and throw unauthorized items away (i.e. your scooby-doo boxers, pink socks and leg warmers). Now if you bring electronic or high dollar items to Basic Training an iphone, ipod, etc then they will lock it up and you will recieve it back two days before you graduate.
KEEPING A "LOW PROFILE" IN COAST GUARD BASIC TRAINING!
Hey everybody! Here is a FREE "PREVIEW" of Chapter 2 from my book : UNDERCOVER CC: AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO SURVIVING COAST GUARD RECRUIT TRAINING.
Keeping a low profile in Coast Guard Basic Training is certainly not an easy task, but with the proper know how and a few of my tips and secrets, it's a sure thing! From day one as a Coast Guard recruit, you will get off the bus at your new home of Training Center Cape May and be observed for anything and everything you do.
From how you stand, to following orders, sounding off, and marching- will all be critiqued.As I stated, this all starts from the very moment you arrive. Coast Guard Company Commanders are trained experts in behavioral observation, carrying out disciplinary measures, mentoring, coaching, and paying attention to detail. For this reason, every Coast Guard recruit is a direct target for correction. You will be pushed beyond your emotional, mental, and even physical limits. Even to the point where you never thought possible.
But to accomplish this, your Company Commander(s) must transform your every civilian habit that you have acquired over the years and throw it into the trash. Certain skills and attitudes that you bring into the Coast Guard can certainly be positive and maintained within the Coast Guard.
However, for the most part, your every past behavior will be targeted for correction and total beak down. In most cases, as a Coast Guard recruit, this type of attention and constant pressure can sometimes be too overwhelming to bear.That is why it is so important to learn how to keep a low profile! Believe me, you will have plenty of face time with your Company Commanders regardless of the amount of information that I give you. That's just the truth of the matter. However, our objective is to keep your face time to an absolute minimum and to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to get you, my reader, the strong advantage through these particular situations.
"Attention to detail" means exactly what it says. It means paying attention to the little things. Whether it is your uniform, shave, or even how you march. It is the little things within the walls of the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May that will get you into trouble with your Company Commander(s). As an experienced CC, I developed a theory that in the end proved to be true. Coast Guard recruits got themselves into trouble...all on their own. This theory of mine is directly related to recruits that never stood a chance. Some recruits manage to rise to the surface all on their own and naturally draw attention to themselves. We as Company Commanders were always aware of this. We have the training and the experience to know that most Coast Guard recruits will get into trouble all on their own. With that in mind, we place our focus on Coast Guard recruits that tend to be ideal looking on the outside, but are weak and not-so-great candidates within themselves.
These Coast Guard recruits are commonly referred to in the Coast Guard as "sh*t filled twinkies." I didn't make the name up...that's just what they've always been called! These are recruits that may on the outside look great and squared away, but when you take a bite out of them and test their willpower...they taste like sh*t! You may find that either hilarious or even possibly offensive. But if the latter of my statement applies to you then beware. The Coast Guard is a sea-going service and along with that comes a sea-going vocabulary. Despite what any Coast Guard recruiter may tell you, the truth is that foul language is alive and well from STAFF at the Training Center. That is not a blanket statement for all, but again, do not be surprised if you hear some F-Bombs come your way.
This being said, you will have to wait until after you graduate Coast Guard Basic Training to use foul language. I am not by any means condoning foul language. But I do believe that as a military member in the fleet- it's gonna happen! Their is a time and a place where it may be more appropriate than others. Have I ever used foul language as a Company Commander? Of course I did. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. In fact, I can remember few- if any- that didn't within my years as a Company Commander. If it offends you, then just deal with it and move on. You are joining the Coast Guard now and so you might as well prepare yourself for it. Now let's dive into paying "attention to detail" and see how it can get you into some serious trouble if not approached correctly.
This vicious cycle never ends and any experienced Company Commander will know how to effectively capitalize off of this. So it is essential that you protect yourself and study my formula below and live by it if you truly want to keep a low profile and graduate Coast Guard Boot Camp on time! After all, that is the subject we are trying to tackle here right? Okay, let's keep moving forward and enable you with these layers of protection for when you are confronted by your Company Commander(s).
Follow them within their sequential order and you will be amazed at how your Company Commander(s) will never know you were there:The Company Commander will then instinctively seek out another mistake made by the other recruit, and obsessively go after it. The CC will look for a mistake such as possibly waiting for the Coast Guard recruit to render an incorrect response.A primary example that I can use is a general Coast Guard uniform inspection. These are carried out several times while in Coast Guard Basic Training- whether they are scheduled or random. A CC may perhaps notice that you do not have your "thumbs along your trouser seams" while at the Position Of Attention. (Please see the bottom of this page to learn more about the Position of Attention).In my personal opinion, responding to your Company Commander incorrectly is the number one reason that Coast Guard recruits tend to draw unwanted attention to themselves and get into trouble. There are several other reasons that we will cover in later chapters, but it all starts with one mistake on behalf of the recruit. You can clearly see that a visual inspection of the recruit lead to an inspection of his/her "Required Knowledge." Following that, may be an inspection of their rack among other things.
Keeping a low profile in Coast Guard Basic Training is certainly not an easy task, but with the proper know how and a few of my tips and secrets, it's a sure thing! From day one as a Coast Guard recruit, you will get off the bus at your new home of Training Center Cape May and be observed for anything and everything you do.
From how you stand, to following orders, sounding off, and marching- will all be critiqued.As I stated, this all starts from the very moment you arrive. Coast Guard Company Commanders are trained experts in behavioral observation, carrying out disciplinary measures, mentoring, coaching, and paying attention to detail. For this reason, every Coast Guard recruit is a direct target for correction. You will be pushed beyond your emotional, mental, and even physical limits. Even to the point where you never thought possible.
But to accomplish this, your Company Commander(s) must transform your every civilian habit that you have acquired over the years and throw it into the trash. Certain skills and attitudes that you bring into the Coast Guard can certainly be positive and maintained within the Coast Guard.
However, for the most part, your every past behavior will be targeted for correction and total beak down. In most cases, as a Coast Guard recruit, this type of attention and constant pressure can sometimes be too overwhelming to bear.That is why it is so important to learn how to keep a low profile! Believe me, you will have plenty of face time with your Company Commanders regardless of the amount of information that I give you. That's just the truth of the matter. However, our objective is to keep your face time to an absolute minimum and to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to get you, my reader, the strong advantage through these particular situations.
"Attention to detail" means exactly what it says. It means paying attention to the little things. Whether it is your uniform, shave, or even how you march. It is the little things within the walls of the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May that will get you into trouble with your Company Commander(s). As an experienced CC, I developed a theory that in the end proved to be true. Coast Guard recruits got themselves into trouble...all on their own. This theory of mine is directly related to recruits that never stood a chance. Some recruits manage to rise to the surface all on their own and naturally draw attention to themselves. We as Company Commanders were always aware of this. We have the training and the experience to know that most Coast Guard recruits will get into trouble all on their own. With that in mind, we place our focus on Coast Guard recruits that tend to be ideal looking on the outside, but are weak and not-so-great candidates within themselves.
These Coast Guard recruits are commonly referred to in the Coast Guard as "sh*t filled twinkies." I didn't make the name up...that's just what they've always been called! These are recruits that may on the outside look great and squared away, but when you take a bite out of them and test their willpower...they taste like sh*t! You may find that either hilarious or even possibly offensive. But if the latter of my statement applies to you then beware. The Coast Guard is a sea-going service and along with that comes a sea-going vocabulary. Despite what any Coast Guard recruiter may tell you, the truth is that foul language is alive and well from STAFF at the Training Center. That is not a blanket statement for all, but again, do not be surprised if you hear some F-Bombs come your way.
This being said, you will have to wait until after you graduate Coast Guard Basic Training to use foul language. I am not by any means condoning foul language. But I do believe that as a military member in the fleet- it's gonna happen! Their is a time and a place where it may be more appropriate than others. Have I ever used foul language as a Company Commander? Of course I did. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. In fact, I can remember few- if any- that didn't within my years as a Company Commander. If it offends you, then just deal with it and move on. You are joining the Coast Guard now and so you might as well prepare yourself for it. Now let's dive into paying "attention to detail" and see how it can get you into some serious trouble if not approached correctly.
This vicious cycle never ends and any experienced Company Commander will know how to effectively capitalize off of this. So it is essential that you protect yourself and study my formula below and live by it if you truly want to keep a low profile and graduate Coast Guard Boot Camp on time! After all, that is the subject we are trying to tackle here right? Okay, let's keep moving forward and enable you with these layers of protection for when you are confronted by your Company Commander(s).
Follow them within their sequential order and you will be amazed at how your Company Commander(s) will never know you were there:The Company Commander will then instinctively seek out another mistake made by the other recruit, and obsessively go after it. The CC will look for a mistake such as possibly waiting for the Coast Guard recruit to render an incorrect response.A primary example that I can use is a general Coast Guard uniform inspection. These are carried out several times while in Coast Guard Basic Training- whether they are scheduled or random. A CC may perhaps notice that you do not have your "thumbs along your trouser seams" while at the Position Of Attention. (Please see the bottom of this page to learn more about the Position of Attention).In my personal opinion, responding to your Company Commander incorrectly is the number one reason that Coast Guard recruits tend to draw unwanted attention to themselves and get into trouble. There are several other reasons that we will cover in later chapters, but it all starts with one mistake on behalf of the recruit. You can clearly see that a visual inspection of the recruit lead to an inspection of his/her "Required Knowledge." Following that, may be an inspection of their rack among other things.
To finish reading Chapter 2 and download my book UNDERCOVER CC: AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO SURVIVING COAST GUARD RECRUIT TRAINING, please visit http://www.Prepare4CoastGuardBootCamp.com/
5 Things you MUST do to earn respect from your Coast Guard CC's!
5 Things you MUST do to earn respect from your Coast Guard CC's!
In my opinion this is a very interesting topic to learn about before you join the Coast Guard. First off, I don't believe there is an exact "formula" set in stone for gaining your CC's respect in the Coast Guard. But I do know from my Coast Guard experience as a CC, what they love to see and what a Coast Guard recruit must do if they want to stay on their CC's good side. In this article I will briefly discuss some elements and characteristics you may want to work on prior to leaving for Coast Guard Basic Training.
1. Move with a "Sense of Urgency!"
Reigning in at #1 on our list is for you to be moving with a "sense of urgency." In the Coast Guard this means that you should be moving as fast as though your rear is literally on fire and on the other side of that building is a bucket of ice cold water awaiting your splashing arrival!
It means moving fast, fast, fast! How fast? In Coast Guard Basic Training it does not mean running or "double-timing" as we call it in the military. Its basically a speed walk!
But after grad in the fleet, you run! They basically don't want you running in USCG Basic Training because of injury issues.
But Company Commander's absoluetly love it when a Coast Guard recruit consistently moves with a sense of urgency! This is discussed further in my book, but there are certain places within the Training Center where if you move fast...that your CC's will brag about you to other CC's. That is where you want to be!
So just remember, move fast at all times and your Company Commander will surely recognize your efforts to stand out in a positive way. Also, remember that if you have been designated to be on "Light Duty" by the Medical Officer for an injury, that you follow orders and dont hurt yourself. It's not worth it.
Moving with a sense of urgency will also serve you well out in the fleet when someone's life is literally depending on how fast you move! That is why it is called moving with a "sense of urgency!" So let's move to # 2 on our list and find out what you can do to better gain the respect of your Company Commanders in Coast Guard Basic Training!
2. A wise man once said "sound off like ya gotta pair!"
WE WANT OUR RECRUITS TO SOUND OFF!! "Sounding off" means to not yell, but speak very loudly if that makes sense...
NOTE: DO NOT...I say again...DO NOT scream or sound off when your CC is right in your face or when common sense deems it inappropriate (after taps, church, during a test, etc). Use common sense on this one!
Are you whispering? Do you sound like a pansy? Because one thing I am sure of- is that if you want your CC to absolutely hate you- then please whisper to him/her. We hate it. It shows no motivation, no passion, and displays laziness. So please, do yourself a favor during your Coast Guard training and when the opportunity comes...stand tall and sound off! We like it...we love it...we want some more of it!
3. Keep your uniform looking "squared away!"
"Squared away" is basically a catch all term we use in the military for being a top notch performer. Generally its a saying that you got your stuff together in one particular area or in general terms. In this regard we refer to keeping your uniform in tip-top shape!
What does that entail? That entails ironing all of your Coast Guard uniforms whenever given time instead of shooting the breeze with your shipmates when you are suppose to be ironing and polishing your boots, aka "boon-dockers". How much time you receive for uniform maintenance in Coast Guard Basic Training really depends on who your Company Commander's are and how your Company is performing. This rule of thumb has always for the most part applied in Coast Guard Boot Camp:
Company wants to F around = Get in the grass and push in a puddle of your own blood, sweat, and tears!Company behaves, is clean, and doesn't embarass their CC's = Uniform time, letters, and more time being productive...
It's really that simple. I have had MORE THAN MY FAIR SHARE of Coast Guard recruits that looked like they woke up, pulled their uniform out of a Pringles can and put it on. You wanna talk about livid? Ohhh....nooo....you didn't! You will for sure have time to iron your uniforms every Sunday during Divine Hours. Divine Hours is basically FREE time that will receive while in Coast Guard Basic Training to maintain uniforms, read/write letters, etc (NOT shower or sleep!!!) So in closing...iron uniforms, pull loose threads off your ODU's (lots of them will be there), polish your boondockers, shave, brush your nasty breath, and keep a clean rack! (bed).
4. Don't fall asleep in class!
The next best thing you can do to earn and keep the respect of your Coast Guard Company Commander's is to stand in the back of the classroom when you are feeling sleepy!
This is another topic that I cover in further detail within my book. But let me tell you that CC's despise when they are up on the stage teaching a class and a Coast Guard recruit is falling asleep. It is extremely disrespectful to your CC and it will buy you a one way ticket to the back of the classroom (read my book).
To be honest with you...a lot of the academic classes in Coast Guard Basic Training can be pretty dry and boring. So naturally your going to get tired aside from the little sleep you will already be getting. Remember that to us...an extended blink or even "doing the nodd" means your sleeping! Very bad thing for you to do. Simply stand up and your Company Commander will respect that...trust me.
5. Have integrity.
This one may be a bit touchy because we have all failed in this department. Me being the first of all of us. Was I born perfect? Will I ever be perfect? Of course not!!! I have made big mistakes in my life. But that will never stop me from learning from them and moving forward! I think its is absolutely sad when people point fingers and judge others based on misperceptions. God only knows the things they have done and one day it will come to light.
But having integrity is very important! How are you treating your shipmates? Are you talking in class when your CC is not there and then acting as though you are angel when they are? Hey if you are...then just work on it! CC's do not expect you to be perfect...and if they do...then they should not be in the business of making Coasties!
In the Coast Guard it requires evaluating yourself, learning from the past, and trying your best...even if you don't get caught. Do the right thing. Help a shipmate that is struggling to keep his/her rack in order or that needs help with Required Knowledge. That's what it's all about...T-E-A-M-W-O-R-K! Show integrity, always give your all, and learn from your mistakes.
I hope that you can all utilize these 5 tips that I believe will greatly influence your Coast Guard Company Commander in their perception of you as a person. I like to think of it this way..."it's not how you fall in the middle of the race....its how you get up and finish it after you've been kicked to the ground."
1. Move with a "Sense of Urgency!"
Reigning in at #1 on our list is for you to be moving with a "sense of urgency." In the Coast Guard this means that you should be moving as fast as though your rear is literally on fire and on the other side of that building is a bucket of ice cold water awaiting your splashing arrival!
It means moving fast, fast, fast! How fast? In Coast Guard Basic Training it does not mean running or "double-timing" as we call it in the military. Its basically a speed walk!
But after grad in the fleet, you run! They basically don't want you running in USCG Basic Training because of injury issues.
But Company Commander's absoluetly love it when a Coast Guard recruit consistently moves with a sense of urgency! This is discussed further in my book, but there are certain places within the Training Center where if you move fast...that your CC's will brag about you to other CC's. That is where you want to be!
So just remember, move fast at all times and your Company Commander will surely recognize your efforts to stand out in a positive way. Also, remember that if you have been designated to be on "Light Duty" by the Medical Officer for an injury, that you follow orders and dont hurt yourself. It's not worth it.
Moving with a sense of urgency will also serve you well out in the fleet when someone's life is literally depending on how fast you move! That is why it is called moving with a "sense of urgency!" So let's move to # 2 on our list and find out what you can do to better gain the respect of your Company Commanders in Coast Guard Basic Training!
2. A wise man once said "sound off like ya gotta pair!"
WE WANT OUR RECRUITS TO SOUND OFF!! "Sounding off" means to not yell, but speak very loudly if that makes sense...
NOTE: DO NOT...I say again...DO NOT scream or sound off when your CC is right in your face or when common sense deems it inappropriate (after taps, church, during a test, etc). Use common sense on this one!
Are you whispering? Do you sound like a pansy? Because one thing I am sure of- is that if you want your CC to absolutely hate you- then please whisper to him/her. We hate it. It shows no motivation, no passion, and displays laziness. So please, do yourself a favor during your Coast Guard training and when the opportunity comes...stand tall and sound off! We like it...we love it...we want some more of it!
3. Keep your uniform looking "squared away!"
"Squared away" is basically a catch all term we use in the military for being a top notch performer. Generally its a saying that you got your stuff together in one particular area or in general terms. In this regard we refer to keeping your uniform in tip-top shape!
What does that entail? That entails ironing all of your Coast Guard uniforms whenever given time instead of shooting the breeze with your shipmates when you are suppose to be ironing and polishing your boots, aka "boon-dockers". How much time you receive for uniform maintenance in Coast Guard Basic Training really depends on who your Company Commander's are and how your Company is performing. This rule of thumb has always for the most part applied in Coast Guard Boot Camp:
Company wants to F around = Get in the grass and push in a puddle of your own blood, sweat, and tears!Company behaves, is clean, and doesn't embarass their CC's = Uniform time, letters, and more time being productive...
It's really that simple. I have had MORE THAN MY FAIR SHARE of Coast Guard recruits that looked like they woke up, pulled their uniform out of a Pringles can and put it on. You wanna talk about livid? Ohhh....nooo....you didn't! You will for sure have time to iron your uniforms every Sunday during Divine Hours. Divine Hours is basically FREE time that will receive while in Coast Guard Basic Training to maintain uniforms, read/write letters, etc (NOT shower or sleep!!!) So in closing...iron uniforms, pull loose threads off your ODU's (lots of them will be there), polish your boondockers, shave, brush your nasty breath, and keep a clean rack! (bed).
4. Don't fall asleep in class!
The next best thing you can do to earn and keep the respect of your Coast Guard Company Commander's is to stand in the back of the classroom when you are feeling sleepy!
This is another topic that I cover in further detail within my book. But let me tell you that CC's despise when they are up on the stage teaching a class and a Coast Guard recruit is falling asleep. It is extremely disrespectful to your CC and it will buy you a one way ticket to the back of the classroom (read my book).
To be honest with you...a lot of the academic classes in Coast Guard Basic Training can be pretty dry and boring. So naturally your going to get tired aside from the little sleep you will already be getting. Remember that to us...an extended blink or even "doing the nodd" means your sleeping! Very bad thing for you to do. Simply stand up and your Company Commander will respect that...trust me.
5. Have integrity.
This one may be a bit touchy because we have all failed in this department. Me being the first of all of us. Was I born perfect? Will I ever be perfect? Of course not!!! I have made big mistakes in my life. But that will never stop me from learning from them and moving forward! I think its is absolutely sad when people point fingers and judge others based on misperceptions. God only knows the things they have done and one day it will come to light.
But having integrity is very important! How are you treating your shipmates? Are you talking in class when your CC is not there and then acting as though you are angel when they are? Hey if you are...then just work on it! CC's do not expect you to be perfect...and if they do...then they should not be in the business of making Coasties!
In the Coast Guard it requires evaluating yourself, learning from the past, and trying your best...even if you don't get caught. Do the right thing. Help a shipmate that is struggling to keep his/her rack in order or that needs help with Required Knowledge. That's what it's all about...T-E-A-M-W-O-R-K! Show integrity, always give your all, and learn from your mistakes.
I hope that you can all utilize these 5 tips that I believe will greatly influence your Coast Guard Company Commander in their perception of you as a person. I like to think of it this way..."it's not how you fall in the middle of the race....its how you get up and finish it after you've been kicked to the ground."
What do you guys think about the article. Lets talk about this topic and really get to the meat of it...