Recruit Journal

Dear Friends of Training Center Cape May,
The Coast Guard is an organization that performs missions both locally and globally. We could be rescuing distressed mariners in the North Arabian Gulf or protecting the waters off the shores of your own hometown. Therefore, we must commit ourselves to service not only to our country but to also our communities through service projects, volunteer hours and outreach. Each recruit company at Training Center Cape May must complete one community service project while in training and participate in outreach opportunities within our community when they become available.  

As part of our community service and outreach effort, we open our installation to our neighbors in the surrounding community several times a year for Sunset Parades. These Sunset Parades are patriotic displays of military customs and tradition that include almost every company on the Regiment, the Coast Guard Recruit Band, the Coast Guard Recruit Precision Drill Team, the Coast Guard Recruit Color Guard and numerous training center staff members.

We honor the United States of America by parading the National Ensign as a battalion and lowering the colors at sunset. This time honored tradition pays respect to the men and women who have served before us and to our Nation.  

Our latest Sunset Parade was special because we also honored the Coast Guardsmen who went before us who sacrificed greatly in service to our Nation as part of our 222^nd Anniversary. They did this to protect, save, defend and shield the American people from threats both foreign and domestic. Their sacrafice produced a proud heritage that we carry on in America’s longest continuous maritime armed force today. 

Thank you for following one week in the life of a Coast Guard recruit. We tried to give you just a glimpse into Coast Guard basic training; and hopefully, you have a better understanding of what it takes to become a Coast Guardsman. Please rest well this Sunday knowing the best Coast Guardsmen in the world are standing the watch Always Ready to protect, save, defend and shield no matter the threat, no matter the danger. Semper Paratus!

Please continue to follow Training Center Cape May's Flickr feed and Recruit Journal, which are updated regularly, and look for us on Facebook beginning Sept. 12, 2012. Please enjoy the below photos from Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012. You can see more photos from the Sunset Parade on our Flickr feed!

Sincerely,

The staff of Training Center Cape May

CAPE MAY, N.J. - The Coast Guard Recruit Color Guard carries the National Ensign, the U.S. armed service flags and the POW/MIA flag during Sunset Parade at Training Center Cape May Aug. 5, 2012. The Coast Guard took a moment to recognize the founding of its service during the Parade, which was attended by more than 450 people. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Donnie Brzuska.

CAPE MAY, N.J. - Members of the Coast Guard Recruit Precision Drill Team perform during a Sunset Parade at Training Center Cape May Aug. 5, 2012. Training Center Cape May is home to the U.S. military's only recruit precision drill team. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Donnie Brzuska.

CAPE MAY, N.J. – Members of the Coast Guard Recruit Band play the National Anthem during a Sunset Parade at Training Center Cape May Aug. 5, 2012. Sunset Parades are colorful displays of military customs and tradition. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Donnie Brzuska.

CAPE MAY, N.J. – Coast Guard recruits march on Training Center Cape May’s Parade Field during a Sunset Parade Aug. 5, 2012. Sunset Parades are colorful displays of military customs and tradition. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Donnie Brzuska.