Insights on the Coast Guard Academy Summer Cruise

Has anyone participated in the Coast Guard Academy summer cruise? I'm interested in what the experience is like. What do you actually do on the cruise, and would you recommend it for someone considering a career in the Coast Guard?

The Coast Guard Academy Summer Cruise is an educational and exploratory experience that's part of the cadet training program. It presents an excellent opportunity to provide hands-on exposure to Coast Guard operations and military life.

During this experience, cadets are usually assigned to a Coast Guard cutter and perform a variety of roles. You may be standing watch, navigating, participating in drills, or even leading a crew. It's a way for cadets to apply the theories they've learned at the academy in a real-world setting.

In addition to tasks related to ship operations, cadets often participate in patrol missions and gain experience in areas like search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement and even environmental protection. Each summer cruise is unique, and the actual experiences can vary based on the specific missions of the Coast Guard cutter you're assigned to.

Many cadets find these cruises to be exciting and rewarding because they provide a tangible connection to the work of the Coast Guard and highlight the relevance of what they're studying at the academy. Plus, it allows cadets to determine which career paths within the Coast Guard they find most interesting and fulfilling.

As for whether I would recommend it to someone considering a career in the Coast Guard, I would give a resounding "yes". It offers a unique perspective into the inner workings of the Coast Guard, plus it offers the chance to interact with people serving in a variety of roles, including those you may be interested in pursuing yourself. This firsthand experience can help you decide if a career in the Coast Guard is right for you.