Left… Left… Left, right, left… Left…” The sounds of the boots hitting concrete and the call of the cadence resonate in our ears as we try to fall asleep… “Left… Left…”

Every day we march to the galley, to class, to everywhere and nowhere. We march, standing tall leaning back and ever forward, forward to the goal of becoming Guardians.

One foot in front of the other together we learn the necessary skills to work in the fleet. We tried on and tested the Mustang suit in the water, learning how to survive until rescue. We all jumped in, feet first, arms crossed into the blue we all survived.

We also began our seamanship classes. Seamanship has been the most hands on and exciting course. We learn the essentials-how to identify ships and aircraft, how to tie knots, and nautical terminology. In seamanship we are learning how to be part of the big team, the Fleet. Now it begins to feel like a job, not just random rules and training.

Although, nothing, is done without reason. As arbitrary as it may seem the smallest things can mean life or death. For example, all shoe strings and draw strings must be tucked in. In the melee of getting ready someone forgets. We do Incentive Training accordingly-however, now we are also given explanations. If a cord gets stuck in a machine-it can suck you in and tear you into a million pieces. Not only have you and your family suffered so has the Coast Guard, because without you the mission cannot be fulfilled.

Thus, mistakes for little things are no longer forgivable and our CC’s bring forth “The Hurricane winds.” We do range prep, sitting, legs crossed and piece held in our shoulders, for our lack of self discipline. Our piece is an honor and a tool. We know its nomenclature, its purpose, and its weight. We train for close order drill. One of the many exams we must pass as a company. We want to be the best India ever and we train everyday to make it so.

We have also begun to put our 11 General Orders into action: we stand watch. Following our 11 General Orders, three recruits stand watch over Healy Hall and make security rounds.  As a watch stander we are the first line of defense and first person on scene in an emergency. For one hour a night three recruits assume the responsibility for the entire company’s safety. It’s a huge and important responsibility that directly relates to our chosen career. Safety-our own and others-is pivotal in such a dangerous occupation. Yes, we lose sleep and are also growing to be more responsible and accountable.

Through all of this we grew closer as a team. Some faces change, some new recruits come in and some old recruits go home, but the core remains. We are India. Our leaders have slowly come into their own and are learning how to be effective leaders. They are examples to the company of how we should be-it is not an easy position to be in; we respect them for it.

Another week has passed and five more weeks stand before us, and so, we march-standing tall, leaning back, one foot in front of the other. “Left… Left… Left, right left… Left…”

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