18 Aug 09- 23 Aug 09

Week 01

Forming week for Foxtrot Company 182 began with the long bus ride from Philadelphia to Cape May, New Jersey. Eighty individuals from all different backgrounds, walks of life, and geographical locations came together to begin Coast Guard boot camp. We all came prepared as best we could, but found out quickly that boot camp is an experience you have to live through and persevere in to completely understand.

Our first couple days here at Cape May were spent filling out forms and going through medical processing. Our first weekend as Foxtrot 182 was filled with many beneficial challenges, presented to us from our company commanders. We know that the time objectives, incentive training, drills, and other various challenges that our company commanders give us will mold us into the team we need to become. As we found out the first weekend, we have a long ways to go to begin working effectively as a team in order to accomplish the tasks given to us, and we have much to learn; but, that is exactly why we are here in Coast Guard boot camp---to learn, be stretched, and become better people. Our muscles may feel sore, but we are excited to see the finished product of our training.

By the end of Week 01, Foxtrot 182 has begun to see the importance of team work; but we struggle coming together---putting our differences aside. We know though that our company commanders will be aiding us and causing us to gel together as a team.

24 Aug 09-30 Aug 09

Week 02

Beginning Week 02, many of us have begun coming down with the Cape May crud; but spirits are still up as we learn new things each day. We are beginning to look like we are in the Coast Guard as we proudly wear our new uniforms, but we are only just beginning to come together as a team---we have a long ways to go.

We are learning how to make our racks, prepare for our day, and clean our squad bays within the time objectives our company commanders give us. It takes team work, something we are learning about more each new day. The classes we have taken so far are beginning to teach us more and more about Coast Guard customs and the core values. We are learning Coast Guard history and about the proud heritage we have as Coast Guard members.

Week 02 we began working out in the gym; strengthening our bodies and building endurance. We have also been working on learning how to move faster and sound off. Things seem impossible now, but we are encouraged as we see our shipmates in other companies graduating. We know our day will come as we press on with good attitudes, learning to work as a team, and becoming an effective unit, instead of just individuals looking out for ourselves. We must come together if we are going to succeed.

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