Training day begins for Coast Guard Academy recruits

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) — Cadets started their check-in process on Monday for their first day at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London.

What does that mean? A height and weight check, along with being measured for a hat and uniform.

“The first week is really about assessment,” Rear Adm. Michael Johnston said. “They take a bunch of tests, make sure they know what classes they need to be in. They get cleared for medical, for all the exercise.”

The “swabs,” or cadets, will undergo seven weeks of intense training.

This year’s class is made up of about 300 cadets. About 34% are from underrepresented minority groups, eight are from other countries and 34% are women.

“It’s becoming a more welcoming environment and more accepting,” Ella Cambell, a cadet from Massachusetts, said. “I think for a long time, women have wanted to do that, but it was just getting a better environment.”

The students are learning how to properly address a superior officer, march and perform pivots in unison.

“I can already tell it’s going to be pretty touch, especially in such a large group,” said Shaun Chung, a cadet from northern Virginia.

But, Chung said he knows what to expect after going through a prep program.

“I’ve always wanted to try and give back to the community instead of going to places and taking lives,” he said. “Why not save them?”

He’ll train over the next four years, followed by five years of service.

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