What's it like during the first year at Coast Guard Academy?

I'm curious about what the first year is like at the Coast Guard Academy. How rigorous are the academics and training, and what are some experiences that new cadets can expect? Any insights would be really helpful!

The United States Coast Guard Academy, like any service academy, is not like your traditional college experience, and the first year, also called the "Swab Summer," is particularly challenging. Characterized by physical and emotional strain, the aim of this first phase is to transition you from civilian life into a military environment, instilling discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Swab Summer is the seven-week summer training program before the academic year starts. During this time, you'll be addressed as "swab" and you'll be expected to practice the military lifestyle, participate in rigorous physical training, and take courses on nautical science.

During the academic year, your physical training continues, but you also begin taking classes in a full course load that usually includes classes like Calculus, Chemistry, and English, as well as maritime-related courses. The academic standards are high, and maintaining your GPA while balancing military commitments can be tough.

You will also start training in different areas of service in the Coast Guard. This could be at sea on a Coast Guard cutter, or at a small boat station, or facilities that service aids to navigation. This hands-on experience reinforces what you learn in class and is a rewarding part of your time at the academy.

In summary, the first year at the Coast Guard Academy is physically demanding and academically rigorous. It's a process built on tradition to mold you into a future Coast Guard officer. It is critical to go in prepared for the challenges, but remember that the experiences and skills you gain are invaluable, and the friendships you forge during this challenging time often last a lifetime.