We embarked on our journey to Cape May, New Jersey full of knowledge and dreams. Aboard planes we came from all over the nation. From as far north as Alaska, other from the heart of Texas, and some from Tampa Bay. We gathered together in the USO office; our numbers growing as the flights arrived. Hours passed as we talked, nervous and excited about what was to come. We all had ideas, but none of us was totally prepared.  The bus arrived around 8pm to take us to Cape May, New Jersey-the home of the US Coast Guard Training Center-our new home for the next eight weeks. The bus ride lasted only a moment and forever. We peered out the windows looking for signs to say how close we were to our new chosen fate and then suddenly- we arrived. The bus rolled in and in front of Sexton Hall, on the stairs stood 06 Chiefs and Company Commanders in full uniform. They stood facing down, the brim of their hats hiding their faces. Uniformly and menacingly they approached the bus. And so our forming week began.

Forming week is just how it sounds-they took us from our civilian clothes and possessions and formed us from 41 unique individuals into India-182.  Our first night we filled paperwork out but the CC’s didn’t make it easy. The pressure was on and we were all taken aback. Suddenly, the question, Male or Female became the hardest question on earth. Wednesday and Thursday passed by like a blur. We went to medical where we received shots, had our teeth x-rayed and examined, saw counselors, and filled out more paper work. In the middle of that medical onslaught we learned how to march as a company, in the galley and try on uniforms. Slowly the transformation became visible. We chose this. This is real. We are training to become guardians. Friday afternoon our forming ceremony was held. Captain Thomas reaffirmed our oath of enlistment and handed us over to our Lead Company Commander. From that point on we are India-182. The CC’s at Sexton Hall taught us all they could and warned us of what was to come. We were scared-with reason.

From Friday afternoon until Sunday morning our Lead Company Commander and our two Company Commanders taught us how to make our bed, fold our clothes, and shine our shoes. Everything we need to know is explained-at least once.

Whenever we make mistakes we are inventively trained. In uniform IT becomes difficult, with boondockers it seems impossible. However, we manage. Failure is not an option.

Our hardest lesson has been discipline. The CC’s see us even if we do not see them. One person’s mistake is the whole companies. Something most of us are not accustomed to.

Sunday truly was our day of rest. We were busy but we were not cleaning or marching. Instead we fixed our racks, ironed our uniforms, studied, and wrote home. Many of us also went to chapel. It does not hurt to say thanks and ask for strength for the week to come.

We miss our friends and families and that is the fuel that keeps our fires burning. We want to succeed for ourselves, for you, and for each other.

We are India-182. Highly motivated, truly dedicated United States Coast Guard Recruits.

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