What Can I Expect from the Coast Guard Academy Summer Cruise?

I'm considering applying to the Coast Guard Academy in the future, and I'm curious about their summer cruise program. What kind of experiences do students gain from it, and how competitive is the selection process?

The summer cruise, officially referred to as the Summer Training Program, is an integral part of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's curriculum. It exposes cadets to the operational Coast Guard and gives them hands-on experiences that they can't receive in a classroom setting. The Summer Training Program has a different focus for each class year:

1. Swab Summer (prior to freshman year): This is the initial 7-week military training program focused on teamwork and physical conditioning.

2. 3/C Summer (after freshman year): Also known as the "cadet tour summer." During this time, you will typically spend several weeks on the USCGC Eagle, the Academy’s tall ship, and also on operational cutters.

3. 2/C Summer (after sophomore year): This is a pivotal training summer. You experience the Coast Guard from the enlisted perspective through an internship, and you also get leadership experience by overseeing the training of incoming students during Swab Summer.

4. 1/C Summer (after junior year): This summer is about developing the skills you'll need as a commissioned officer. You hold leadership positions at the Academy, embark on aviation internships, serve aboard cutters, and may even get the opportunity to participate in a foreign exchange program.

As for the selection process, it's not a competitive program; instead, all cadets are required to participate as part of their overall education at the Academy. Note that the Coast Guard Academy itself is fairly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 19% in recent years. When applying, remember to present your academic accomplishments, leadership experiences, and commitment to service.

Lastly, participating in the Summer Training Program can provide highly beneficial experiences, such as developing leadership skills, gaining maritime experience and knowledge, understanding enlisted roles, and getting a sense of what life in the operational Coast Guard is like. Not only do these experiences build competence and confidence, but they are also transferable skills that can benefit you in any career path you choose.