I was officially sworn in to the United States Coast Guard on 31st of October, 2011 at 1245 hours. The following is a blog posted by our Yankee Company, so I hope there is more to follow in the coming weeks :-)
Yankee 185 Weekly Journal
Graduation 12/22/2011
WEEK 03 18 Nov 11 - 20 NOV 11
Yankee-185 began its day groggy eyed and beat; long days giving each task every ounce of effort can do that, but none the less, Yankee woke ready to tackle the day. As per usual, morning chow was uplifting, not only because it is the most important meal of the day, but more to the fact that it reminds us of eating with family. Following the much needed reminiscent chow, Yankee headed to Seamanship class. The differences in Coast Guard Cutters and Boats was explained; there are 03 classes of cutters: High Endurance, Medium Endurance and Patrol Boats. We also learned Marlinspike, which is line handling and knot tying. All in all, Yankee won today's battle decisively. However, we did not go unscathed. Some of our shipmates lost their Military Bearing and paid dearly for it, sweating for the right to wake tomorrow and fight on as a proud recruit of Yankee 185. May the battle continue...
The blaze of cannon fire (FIRE, FIRE, FIRE) woke Yankee company this fateful day. Moving fast and without thought, Yankee was out of their squadbays. This was just the beginning of today's battle. After yesterday's victory, Yankee tasted the cold bitter pavement early and was hard pressed to answer the opposition. Surging ahead we pushed back the powers that be to a stand-still, at least until morning chow. After chow, we headed out to Sea (Seamanship Class). This day's naval battle was more important than the last we actually learned the basics of having a lookout. Having someone scan our horizons for the opposition will be a much needed skill for Yankee. During today's naval battle there was a much stronger sense of family felt in the air about Yankee that is to be expected after 03 long weeks of fighting to be Coastguardsmen! Slowly but surely its sinking in that we all have problems and those problems are pieces of Yankee's Mast. Like a puzzle, we are slowly bringing it together, pulling our Mast erect to sail true north over the horizon.
"Without struggle there is no progress." - Fredrick Douglas
Yankee is struggling but Fredrick Douglas hit it spot on, we need these daily battle's to push ourselves as individuals to form this company. Whether it's a naval battle at sea or cannon fire early in the morning, we will struggle but we will move the opposition back and slowly creep forward. With thoughts of knots and pulling our Mast of Teamwork upright, Yankee lays down to rest, licking fresh wounds but inspired and ready for tomorrows challenges. We cannot say that we won today, but a draw can be called. Yankee knows it's better than this, so let the battle continue...
There is peace in Yankee Company this day. As with every war, each side needs a day of rest. During Divine Hours, Yankee grew closer helping each other with uniform maintenance and words of encouragement. A good day, we just need to be wary, the opposition will soon strike again! Yankee Company will be ready for this days fight as we ready our weapons (minds) we reply bold, "BRING IT ON"! So thus let the battle continue...
Yankee 185 Weekly Journal
Graduation 12/22/2011
Monday, November 21st
Everything has a rise and fall from the crash of waves to the pattern in our breaths. This day's battle proved this point ever more clearly. Yankee Company was cut in half by the opposition (Company Commanders). Many of us were pushed into the fields and out in the open (classrooms) struggling to fight ruthless scrutiny. However some of us were pushed back into the town and camps (Firing range) fighting guerilla warfare never knowing where the enemy might be. Somehow we pulled through and reports indicate those fighting in town had a much harder time, we mourn the loss of a fallen comrade (he was sent back a week in training). But all seems well in Yankee.
What is an army without weapons? A dead lot of sons and daughters, today Yankee immersed itself into armory proficiently (close order drill and manual of arms) pushing each other to be faster on the draw and more precise in our aim. It can be felt in undertones the pride the opposition holds in doing battle with as it is felt throughout Yankee the pride we have in being able to go toe to toe with them. Knowing we can do better and excited to do battle yet again. We lay our heads and hearts filled with pride, bodies sore and souls ready for more we whisper tonight "we are Yankee-185".
Tuesday, November 22nd
Should we fall off the face of the earth and never be heard from again. The only ones to remember us would be the trees, the cries of Yankee would be simply lost in the wind. Guerilla warfare has put a strain on the company, its forced errors and in some cases improvements. What I see makes me hurt for Yankee. We fight hard and give it life threatening effort everyday but in the process we forget each other along the way. Yankee has failed not as individuals but as a team. Everyone craves leadership because with it comes respect and power. As the eyes and heart of this company I say this humbly and proudly, I am not a leader. However a true leader needs not tile or rank they simply need to be the best example they know how. This fighting must cease or Yankee will only be remembered by the trees.
Is Yankee failing in all its goals? Not by a long shot! We have grown but there is lots of room for improvement. We've learned more about the opposition and that in truth we make every day s battle a success or complete failure based on our own actions not them. They are simply the mirror we reflect in., if our day sucks it is due to our own lack of the core values. Yankee must come to realize "only you can stop you". We are a good company proud, caring and determined. However one must be consistent to build a reputation. I need not write more I only need to say if you wouldn't leave an infant to fend for itself don't leave Yankee out to dry, continue to nurture and grow Yankee. Because the fight begins tomorrow whether we want it to or not it continues.
Wednesday, November 23rd
Mother nature wasn't very happy on this day chronicling the epic of Yankee company its one thing to deal with the opposition day in and day out, but to be pelted by rain that numbs you to your very bones. The battle becomes more petrifying. So much harder to hear and see the enemy, that you try to pull your comrades out of harm's way it's too late. The opposition has them by the throat slowly squeezing. Aye but there is happiness in the camp because just like Pavlov's dogs we are anticipating something. One of if not the greatest holiday of all time, thanksgiving. Tomorrow is a break from war to celebrate peace and break bread with comrades. Just maybe contact long lost family on the way to feast of unknown proportions. Yes tomorrow will be a glorious day. To say anything of today's events would be almost blasphemous and under mining any progress Yankee has made. So in short it should be said there is always room for growth. We've expanded out horizons now we simply need to fill it with stars and remember the oppositions is only a mirror. We rest tonight knowing we wake again to more and happily so. So for tonight the battles on hold.
Thursday, November 24th
Its here a day of freedom, a day away from the regiment and Company Commanders. I can't speak for all of Yankee seeing we split up and were allowed to experience civilian hospitality again. Today we feasted and enjoyed the break from boot camp and the constant fight to be better. All records indicate that Yankee company lost time. However that took its toll, most everyone was able to speak with their family. Yeas a happy day for Yankee.
Friday, November 25th
Half way there, the end of the boot camp tunnel can be seen and the memories of family are thrusting Yankee forward. Having yesterdays freedom has boosted morale and made Yankee ready for more. Today we were tested on our knowledge gained in the past 04 weeks. All the classes we've taken and lessons learned were pushed back into our laps. No worries though Yankee pulled it out we passed our midterms with flying colors. Slowly we can see our futures in our grasp now we simply need to "grab fate by the throat." And make the rest of this fight to be Coast Guardsmen ours. Now we will be ready and happily call for the battle to continue.
Saturday, November 26th
Every day Yankee grows a bit closer sometimes it's in the rough patches that we see a blossom bloom. Today the opposition nearly gave up on us, we weren't worth the effort early today. The skills we should know by now we still struggle with, like our war cry or our charge (being loud and marching) should me second nature by now but it takes time as with all things.
After a small stress relief and morale builder of pugil stick fighting Yankee Company had a heart to heart with our Lead Company Commander. We stood and heard the anger and passion from out Lead Company Commander. Her concerns mirror my own fear that Yankee will be forgotten. After learning more about our national flag and the men and women of the Coast Guard who have died defending us. Its infuriating that we can't pass expectations.
If no other lesson was learned today that is the one Yankee must remember when we get out into the fleet, it is required that you better yourself or you will be discarded. Seeing that Coast Guardsmen are evaluated based on their drive to continuously improve we must start in the habit of it now. So that its second nature out on the real battle field defending this country. As it has been written before everything has its rise and fall and today Yankee rest with a full dose of motivation. Tomorrow we wake ready to fight off complacency and strive for Excellency. So we rise for battle.
Sunday, November 27th
T
oday was a great day as Yankee finally became one entity. We trekked outside the walls of the regiment and let the rest of the world know Yankee is alive and well. All this has made us realize we have a goal outside these walls. We are being trained to defend more than our own necks but also the lives of the civilians who cheered us on as we double timed through the streets. We sang old battle hymns and grew closer, all this on our day of rest. I think we are finally getting it.
Yankee 185 Weekly Journal
Graduation 12/22/2011
27 NOV 11
Today was a great day Yankee became one entity. We trekked outside the walls of the regiment and let the rest of the world know Yankee is alive and well. All this has made us realize we have a goal. Outside these walls. We are being trained to defend more than out own necks but the lives of the civilians who cheer us on as we double time these streets. We sang old battles hymns and grew closer all this on our day of rest. I think we're getting it.
28 NOV 11
Glorious relief! Yankee has made it to week 05 with minor losses. The walls to the camp don't seem so high anymore and the days are starting to move so much faster than expected. The infighting is becoming nothing more than a slightly annoying buzz which is better than the roar it once was. Speaking on that we attend another seamanship class learning the rules of proper radio communications for the high seas. Slowly we are learning how to communicate with each other, finding those buttons and quirks that make Yankee company amazing. Interesting how complete strangers can become a small bickering family in a few weeks. The opposition (Company Commanders) may say otherwise but truth is Yankee is starting to grow into its name finally as a company. Once that happens this will no longer be a fight, it will be more a mentorship. I believed that is the companies new goal make the opposition proud and end this fight once and for all.
29 NOV 11
Sometimes you start your days a bit tense as nearly all humans do and last time I checked all of Yankee is human. However the lessons are sinking in and we are dictating whether we win or lose. After this morning's rough start Yankee Company raised its mast high and worked together to correct its path. And we sailed a bit closer to being true Coast Guardsmen. Because today we received our dress uniforms and were inspected by the battalion commander. We showed our Yankee pride today because not even the Battalion Commander (Senior Company Commander) could say anything but praise. That made each and every one of us swell with pride even the opposition walked a bit taller proud to call us their recruits. However there is one thing Yankee need be aware of "Don't let it go to your head." We have a tendency to do so and in this our profession, is not of glory seeking but of service. Our ethos even states "I serve the citizens of the united states/" part of that service is the pride we take in teamwork, responsibility and effort without these things we wouldn't be getting praise from the Battalion Commander or the opposition we are slowly understanding our creed.
30 NOV 11
The end of the month has come faster than expected, looking at the new companies Yankee is starting to own its creed. Just as this month has ended so has the useless arguing of Yankee, instead we are encouraging each other and growing closer. We held a friendly company competition after a midterm which we blew out of the water. We raced to see who could put on a lifejacket the fastest cheering each other on enjoying simply being a company. If Yankee remembers nothing else about our times behind these walls we will not forget days like today. We know what is expected of us and we understand were going to be rough around the edges. But the more we push forward the smoother we will be. We can't do it alone and today we experienced it to the fullest. Yes we had one minor setback but compared to where we were. We've come along way. So as this month ends and December begins so does a new chapter in the tale of Yankee. Bring the heat were ready Semper Paratus were always ready for the next challenge. Is this fight ready for us.
01 DEC 11
The call has finally come we have our orders and we know exactly where each of us will be headed after these long 08 weeks. Many of us are simply happy to know we have a more singular purpose than just stepping foot out into the real world. We are also fighting to make it to our next unit and leave the trials of Yankee behind us. Not to say our time here will be forgotten, one of our own is even staying behind, the excitement is so thick not even the opposition can down Yankee. We will be spread across the globe but we will always be Yankee. I as the keeper must be the one to clip our wings. Yes we have our orders and know where we go from here. We still must earn our right to be here and leave here. As is human nature when the end is in sight we become complacent we must never r become complacent because complacency leads to mediocrity and mediocrity to failure. Yankee Company is not full of failures because we will not be mediocre or complacent. To make it to the finish line you must run through it! One milestone covered we fight to gain our colors, the flag that states to all behind these walls we are Yankee company. We are not trying to become Yankee Company anymore we simply are. No complaints or losses in battle because we all have one goal. Colors, graduation, fleet. With this in our hearts we rest soundly. Eyes on the prize and without fear. The battles end is near.
02 DEC 11
Stand Tall! Yankee Company has received its colors and fly's them proudly today. We have finally grown into our own and become own finally become Yankee. And with that pride we trained harder than we have in a long time. With all this pride we had to stifle it in the face of the medical doctors. Like our first week here we were vaccinated and again some of the strongest of Yankee trembled at the sight of a needle. That can't stop Yankee with sore arms we lay down our heads knowing exactly what to do.
03 DEC 11
In less than 24 hours we have lost our colors to the opposition (Company Commanders) simple task direction has been the bane of Yankee. In the midst of battle when your hands are sweaty and your mind is muddled listening is tough. Even with our confidence built we still have been struck hard. Our colors have been covered and our eyes cast down. No one can strip us of our pride we are Yankee. That is what our mentor had to remind us of; no matter what we go through we must keep our pride. So with that we trained our bodies and practiced our Manual of Arms. We are saddened by our mistakes and know we must work harder. So we lay down worn but ready, ready to tackle the next battle.
Yankee 185 Weekly Journal
Graduation 12/22/2011
Monday, 05 DEC 11
FIRE, FIRE, FIRE. Fire school was today. We learned all the ways to protect ourselves from flames and danger. Of all the dangers on the battle field the company takes these the most serious. All things are engrained into us now and safety at the top of the list. Yankee Company has been able to check itself internally. All small skirmishes have ceased and we are truly earning the right to fly our colors. If only our families could see us now in all our glory. That's right we are YANKEE!
Tuesday, 06 DEC 11
During every dangerous time we must first protect ourselves. Today we donned our fire fighting gear, learning the proper way to supply ourselves with fresh air. Essentials like this are what have made every days battle with the opposition (Company Commanders) so much more bearable. It won't ever be easy because life isn't and we are trained to preserve life. We have trained our bodies to be tough and our minds to be selfless, neither of which is easy. However just as we fight fires in teams we learn and train in teams.
WITHOUT THOUGHT FOR SELF
YANKEE LAYS DOWN TO REST.
FOR IF NOTHING HAS BEEN GAINED
SAVE ONE THING,
IT IS WE ARE NO LONGER INDIVIDUALS
WE ARE THE COAST GUARD!
Wednesday, 07 DEC 11
Everything has a time and place complacency is not one of them. Attention to detail is paramount to Yankee's efforts to achieve this goal have not been done in vain. My shipmates reminded me of such an achievement. Yankee scored a perfect 10 on its manual of arms test (Performing movement with our M-1 rifles). To say we have arrived would be counterproductive so as the keeper of the tale of Yankee I will say we have been identified as Yankee. Figuratively and literally speaking seeing that we received our military ID cards and the majority of us made travel arrangements to our next units. Excitement fills Yankee but as we are always told we are not finished yet. So we must keep fighting.
Thursday, 08 DEC 11
Locked, cocked, and ready to rock. Yankee awoke and threw the opposition for a loop. Yankee was on point and all maneuvers were performed flawlessly today. Even the execution of our morale builder was great. Pugil Sticks was filled with great technique and skill. Amongst my shipmates there are many who simply are not fighters, but it's not about that. It was really about controlling our fears in the heat of the moment. What will you do….run or stand your ground? Will you hesitate to jump in to save someone or will you simple react? All men fear yet as Coast Guardsman everyone looks to us during the flood, we must control our fear. Interesting how all things on the regiment have a purpose whether fun or seemingly irrelevant. It's not basic training without cause knowing that makes it so much more bearable. We can't stop fighting to be a Coastie yet. The preverbal pugil stick whistle hasn't been blown so keep swinging.
Friday, 09 DEC 11
Everything whether big or small is made of its parts, bad parts will entail lead to a bad whole. As Yankee called their new units and settled down from the fight to take care of future plans some parts started to squeak. Sometimes a bit of lubricant can fix an issue, talking to a shipmate has its benefits. Other times one or two small parts can cause a whole machine to need renovation and repair. In Yankee's case tonight a full repair was in order, rather a full inspection was done and it was found that there was sludge in our engine. This sludge is the sludge we all as humans face, runners call it the wall. The moment when you see the finish line yet instead of pushing harder you slow down. Is Yankee all bad, no of course not, to say that would mean I have no pride in my Company. It has been written before there is always room for growth. Yes the opposition beat us, yes we need to do better but Yankee need not hold its head in defeat. The war may not be over but looking at our track record our number of wins is starting to stack up with small steps we have gotten better and with those same small steps Yankee will achieve greatness. First we must earn back our liberty though so we will awake tomorrow with our target in our sights.
Saturday, 10 DEC 11
It's almost surprising looking back how much time we are given to decompress from basic. On-base liberty was a blast the Coast Guard truly takes care of its own. Recruits had time to contact family, taste those civilian foods they have missed and even splurge a bit of our hard earned paychecks. Before decompressing with food and television with shipmates Yankee took a tour of operational units near here on base, a peak into our futures so to speak. All in all a great day to decompress, learn a bit more from non-rates, which we will soon be, and become more acquainted with our employer. The Coast Guard truly is the best.
Sunday, 11 DEC 11
Week 07 for the battle starts tomorrow. Just like every Sunday Yankee prepared itself mentally for the week to come. After some liberty Yankee is more than ready to prove we are Coastie's. We may not be able to explain it in words but something pushed each of us to be life savers even before the struggles of basic training. Inside every member of Yankee was a Coastie laying dormant, and this coming week we will show the opposition just who we are.
I AM A COAST GUARDSMAN
I AM PROUD TO BE A COAST GUARDSMAN!
Yankee 185 Weekly Journal The True Countdown Has Begun
Graduation 12/22/2011
Tuesday, December 13th
To prove one has learned you must be tested and today Yankee was tested both mentally and physically. We had our Seamanship final, our Close Order Drill test, and our Dress Uniform inspection. Already taxed by fatigue and the thought of going home, all these tests led to stress in the company. No worries, as it has been said before, Yankee has grown tremendously stronger and closer. The stress now seems more like a routine thing, and without it, our day wouldn't be a proper training day. We made it through it test.
Pleased with our progress
We rest knowing that tomorrow
We fight to surpass today
Wednesday, December 14th
The true countdown has begun. Tomorrow marks the seven days until we can leave the battle field. In preparation, Yankee continued to plan and gather up all the information needed to go home and report to their first unit. Paperwork is more tedious than any physical strain the opposition can put us through. We crave to leave knowing that the opposition is mentoring us. They allow us time not only to prepare for our trips, but our final battle as well. We fear not our final or unknown units, the opposition has taught us to push aside our fears and surge forward to our goals. With the week countdown starting tomorrow, we smile in the face of struggle.
Thursday, December 15th
There are days that can't be truly vocalized or explained, not because it was good or bad, but simply, there is nothing to express. Today in the camp of Yankee it was much like that. Most of our time was spent counting the hours until the end. Dreams of home and loved ones fill our thoughts continuously; we are more than ready to go. We must first cross the final hurdle tomorrow, our final exam before we graduate. No worries here; though, it's all working in our favor.
Friday, December 16th
The verdict is in, and the juror says it is a no contest. Our finals were taken, and we stand tall not worried because we all passed without hassle. Now that the final hurdle has been cleared, the hardest part of training begins. Week 08 approaches fast, and this is when the little details matter the most. There is an example that needs to be set for those companies coming behind us, and that is harder than any other test we've gone through. But, we have our goal in site, and we don't think it is impossible anymore. We must simply do what we have been taught and go beyond, and we will show that we are Coast Guardsman.
Saturday, December 17th
No words can describe what it feels to be human again. No stress or need to be so amped all the time. Yankee took a true breath of fresh air. Although we took time to get away from each other, it was nice for us to decompress as a whole. Hopefully, this break will mentally reset us for week 08. We must now lead the regiment.
Sunday, December 18th
As with every Sunday, Yankee was allowed to rest; however, after all our other preparations were done, we did something new. We got to sit down and speak with the opposition. They gave us some insight into the fleet and training that lies behind these walls. The opposition will soon be our shipmates in a few more days, which is an exciting thought.
