My thoughts on AIM

[almondqqq]

I didn't know where to speak my mind about AIM, so I thought this was the best place. Hopefully, this can give some advice for some younger students on if to attend AIM or not.

So I was accepted into the AIM program for the 2nd In-person session. At this time I was thinking of the United States Coast Guard in the back of my mind where it was somewhere I was going to apply to, but not a big concern if I get into the school or not. For the AIM, I knew it was going to be hard from all the previous posts all about it. Things about yelling, screaming, trashing the bunks, etc, etc. However, when I first arrived at the campus, they were very good at hiding it since there were many warm welcomes and they even had snacks and a movie. I thought, "Hey maybe it wasn't actually that bad." However, when everyone was in Dimick and the staff were introduced, the "switch" was turned on. For the next 7-8 hours, it was pure chaos of yelling, marching, greeting, hydrating, and even more. When I finally went to sleep, I thought to myself "what the heck did I get myself into," and "What did I even do for the last 7 hours I forgot everything." I didn't sleep for the next 3 hours thinking about the life choices I made. My bunkmates were sleep-talking the greetings and commands. When I had the rude awaking of the cadres screaming outside, It was day two of something of the same I thought. It was much less of the same things, except now we had classes/trainings about many things such as engineering, athletics, etc. Day one was a shock of the experiences of being yelled at since you hear about it but it's very different to actually experience it. Day Two was much better since now I know how to do things and didn't mess up as much. However, Day Two had a challenge of the PFE. I have never done the entire PFE before so I was nervous, but I managed to do not as bad as I thought, scoring a 225, which I am very happy with. After that, days 3-4 were not only a blur of yelling, screaming, and so much running everywhere, but also times of fun with the fellow Aimsters with jokes, activities, and getting to see the best of the best of the Coast Guard talking to us about their field of study. On Day Five, I went to Vespers, and right after the Aimsters could talk to the swabs who were there as well. I thought they were these stone-faced people who wouldn't even smile, but I was wrong. They were like us, but older. They gave us good advice about AIM and Swab Summer if we do ever go. It was a nice experience. It was also time to talk to the cadres without having their "switch" on. They were actually very cool and funny people once you get to know them. However, if you don't switch it back on within the training environment, you will pay dearly as my platoon did. On the last day, it was the most fun. We did, many competitions, and after it was cleaning, and just socializing. You learn that you know so much more about your fellow platoon members than you ever realized. Last was the graduation. It was such as good feeling to see your parents again as well. Seeing the superintendent speak was such a nice feeling, and winning honor platoon ( Alfa is the best Platoon!) was the best feeling ever. After, going to pick up all your stuff, thinking of all the memories you made makes you feel a certain way.

Overall, I have zero regrets about this program at all. Even though it was one of the most difficult challenges I faced, the people and friends I met along the way was so worth it. It also changed the way I feel the United States Coast Guard a=Academy. Now I am eager to go back, not as an Aimster, but as a swab. I have so much more profound appreciation of the coast guard and the people in it. Again, this was me giving my food for thought. Hopefully, this can help someone if they are unsure if they can do it. If I could do it, anyone can do it.

 

[JenPen78]

@almondqqq
Thank you for sharing your experience. We just dropped off our DD today for AIM and I shared with her your thoughts which she found very helpful and encouraging! Good luck to you in your application process!

 

[almondqqq]

@almondqqq
Thank you for sharing your experience. We just dropped off our DD today for AIM and I shared with her your thoughts which she found very helpful and encouraging! Good luck to you in your application process!

Thank you, and good luck to your DD about her application process as well!

 

[hopefull2022]

I didn't know where to speak my mind about AIM, so I thought this was the best place. Hopefully, this can give some advice for some younger students on if to attend AIM or not.

So I was accepted into the AIM program for the 2nd In-person session. At this time I was thinking of the United States Coast Guard in the back of my mind where it was somewhere I was going to apply to, but not a big concern if I get into the school or not. For the AIM, I knew it was going to be hard from all the previous posts all about it. Things about yelling, screaming, trashing the bunks, etc, etc. However, when I first arrived at the campus, they were very good at hiding it since there were many warm welcomes and they even had snacks and a movie. I thought, "Hey maybe it wasn't actually that bad." However, when everyone was in Dimick and the staff were introduced, the "switch" was turned on. For the next 7-8 hours, it was pure chaos of yelling, marching, greeting, hydrating, and even more. When I finally went to sleep, I thought to myself "what the heck did I get myself into," and "What did I even do for the last 7 hours I forgot everything." I didn't sleep for the next 3 hours thinking about the life choices I made. My bunkmates were sleep-talking the greetings and commands. When I had the rude awaking of the cadres screaming outside, It was day two of something of the same I thought. It was much less of the same things, except now we had classes/trainings about many things such as engineering, athletics, etc. Day one was a shock of the experiences of being yelled at since you hear about it but it's very different to actually experience it. Day Two was much better since now I know how to do things and didn't mess up as much. However, Day Two had a challenge of the PFE. I have never done the entire PFE before so I was nervous, but I managed to do not as bad as I thought, scoring a 225, which I am very happy with. After that, days 3-4 were not only a blur of yelling, screaming, and so much running everywhere, but also times of fun with the fellow Aimsters with jokes, activities, and getting to see the best of the best of the Coast Guard talking to us about their field of study. On Day Five, I went to Vespers, and right after the Aimsters could talk to the swabs who were there as well. I thought they were these stone-faced people who wouldn't even smile, but I was wrong. They were like us, but older. They gave us good advice about AIM and Swab Summer if we do ever go. It was a nice experience. It was also time to talk to the cadres without having their "switch" on. They were actually very cool and funny people once you get to know them. However, if you don't switch it back on within the training environment, you will pay dearly as my platoon did. On the last day, it was the most fun. We did, many competitions, and after it was cleaning, and just socializing. You learn that you know so much more about your fellow platoon members than you ever realized. Last was the graduation. It was such as good feeling to see your parents again as well. Seeing the superintendent speak was such a nice feeling, and winning honor platoon ( Alfa is the best Platoon!) was the best feeling ever. After, going to pick up all your stuff, thinking of all the memories you made makes you feel a certain way.

Overall, I have zero regrets about this program at all. Even though it was one of the most difficult challenges I faced, the people and friends I met along the way was so worth it. It also changed the way I feel the United States Coast Guard a=Academy. Now I am eager to go back, not as an Aimster, but as a swab. I have so much more profound appreciation of the coast guard and the people in it. Again, this was me giving my food for thought. Hopefully, this can help someone if they are unsure if they can do it. If I could do it, anyone can do it.

Did the pfe consist of sit-ups or planks at aim

 

[almondqqq]

Did the pfe consist of sit-ups or planks at aim

The whole PFE was Pushups with cadence (can find the audio on the website), sit-ups at your own pace, and a 1.5 mile run. There wasn't any planks and I think it was planks last year since covid and how you needed to hold someone's feet for sit-ups and they didn't want that.

 

[Alreadymade]

I just graduated from AIM today July 23, 2021,3rd in-person session (for future reference). I am writing now so I do not forget later. I was in the Honor Platoon otherwise known as the Bravo Platoon. On Sunday, the cadre were nice at first. There was a guy who literally did not know what we were doing this week. I have no idea how they signed up without knowing what they got into.
Anyways, we were in the auditorium and the AIM Commander 1/c comes in with a sword and everything all serious. Then the Cadre walk in and start tell us to go and once we get outside they start screaming. Sunday felt long even if we got there at 4pm. They wake us up at 5:30am everyday and screaming which is annoying, but I survived. I recommend a watch with a alarm. We do drills during the week which are fun if you pay attention. Monday afternoon we did the PFE. I failed the run but they can't PT anyone until after you do the PFE so after the PFE we ran almost all the time on Tuesday. There is no room to shower and hygiene is atrocious was one of the worst parts of my experience.
The days go by so slow. You have to keep your eyes in the boat (focused in front of you) all the time. You can not look around. That is my least favorite part because CGA could be your future campus and you can not even take it in. Plus you see the swabs in your peripheral vision but you can not interact or watch them.

You have to remember 180 seconds and shout it at all meals and square all of your meals. You remember the Coast Guard Academy mission and the Coast Guard Ethos and Motto(Semper Paratus). Long story short you have to memorize alot of terns and sayings. The food was great though even though some of the Cadre say it sucks. On Wednesday, we went sailing. Super chill. You appreciate those moments, but dread running after. We did a drone competition and Bravo won. Then Wednesday is Vespers (church). You can talk to Swabs. The key is to go to the bathroom. They talk there freely. Last week they said swabs could not talk to Aimsters. And all the Swabs are sick. They said Pink Eye and the Stomach virus were being spread. On that note you can not say (I) or (me) or any personal pronouns. You say Aimester [Last Name].

Thursday was chill. Morning are not for me. Neither is running. I recommend running a lot beforehand to train yourself. We did not get barbecued(smoked) a lot because we are the best Platoon- of course Bravo. We do engineering courses that are so boring, but at least you get to relax instead of standing at attention all day (you have to remember that too). We played kickball and toured a Cutter which is awesome then looked at a helicopter. You are taught how to fold just one night so look at tutorials and try them. Shorts are hard. Throw it at the wall to see if it stays put. We had a coaches lunch on Thursday. We had an indoct test Thursday night. It was supposed to be Wednesday, but the ambulance was there or something. You write down everything you have to remember and those points go into Honor Platoon.

This week I learned a lot about the Coast Guard. I never wanted to go to any academy so I am not applying, but OCS interested me. I just want a career at sea. I love boats. Anyways if you did not notice, you garner a ton of pride in your squad which makes the whole experience worthwhile. Wednesday afternoon they calm down and I swear it's like a tactic to get you back. Because you forget about the sucky moments when you chill.

I do not understand how people do 4 years of it even though you are not in a training environment all of the time. The Cadre is only 3 or 2 years older and they have so much riding on them. I'd rather go to civilian college and apply for OCS for 17 weeks. I hated my life most of the time earlier in the week. I wanted to quit, but I hate quitting. The Cadre Yelling is not bad. You, on the other hand will lose your voice. You have to remember names of Cadre and other Cadre from other squads. If you walk by those Cadre and do not say their name they get mad. It did not make sense because you can not look at them directly, but you have to know who is around you all the time. The last few days were so funny. I laughed so much but I had to remind myself not to.

Yeah, so let me stop. Sorry it was so long and for any Grammer mistakes. I wanting a detailed account of Aim but this week has tired me out. I scoured the internet for a detailed experience but I couldn't find anything. The Youtube videos do not share anything and neither does the website. I felt it was appropriate if I did it myself. If you have any questions feel free to Private message me or reply back!

 

[GirlGeek]

Did you do your research before you applied to AIM? You took issue with things that were clearly articulated as activities and interactions during AIM.

If you do choose to apply to OCS, expect that to be AIM on steroids. Being an officer in any service is really hard. Accept that and expect the work that goes with building the character required.

Also, my Aimster said that they're not allowed to have a morming alarm.

Good luck in college.

 

[Alreadymade]

You can definitely have a morning alarm. Just use a wrist watch. I did do research. I love researching. I just did not know the eyes in the boat was all day thing. It sucked and I know OCS is harder and longer. I did not say I took issue with AIM activities. People say they loved it, but I would be lying. I just said it sucked, but I did graduate so I could not have that much of an issue with it. If anything I am more prepared for OCS or another commissioning source than I was last week.
And thank you!

 

[josieallred]

For anybody that wants to go to a service academy: APPLY FOR AIM. I was dead set on USNA, had been for 3 years and am suddenly making pro cons lists about USCGA and Navy. It gave me a newfound respect for the CG and the community is absolutely amazing. AIM is hard, the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but worth it. Even if you decide not to apply to USCGA and choose ROTC or another service academy, it gives you a week in the life and takes the shock away for the future. My entire outlook has changed in a week. Words can’t really describe it.

 

[Alreadymade]

For anybody that wants to go to a service academy: APPLY FOR AIM. I was dead set on USNA, had been for 3 years and am suddenly making pro cons lists about USCGA and Navy. It gave me a newfound respect for the CG and the community is absolutely amazing. AIM is hard, the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but worth it. Even if you decide not to apply to USCGA and choose ROTC or another service academy, it gives you a week in the life and takes the shock away for the future. My entire outlook has changed in a week. Words can’t really describe it.

Exactly, I am applying to Navy ROTC and I went to AIM and I know the Navy does not have that many career options. You're on a boat for 6-8months. You would be managing a lot of people If you become an officer in the Navy. I think I underestimated the Coast Guard because everyone else does. So now I am thinking of recinding the ROTC application I literally submitted 3 weeks ago. I guess it just complicates everything because all I want is to be happy with my career. I highly recommend AIM or touring the Academy or a Coast Guard base.

 

[HCopter]

My DD's first choice for a long time was USCGA. She thoroughly enjoyed AIM, and she still says it was the hardest of all SA summer programs and harder than USAFA BCT. Eyes in the boat and squaring meals had very funny stories. She learned to tell the (cadre?) apart by looking at their ears but still got in trouble and yelled at for that. There is no reason not to apply to AIM, keep and open mind, and you don't know which - all or any -summer programs you will be accepted. It does not conflict with other SA summer programs and double check with your Girls/Boys State week. In past years, the PFE counted towards the official PFE. A big bonus was DD had to do a report on a military person and picked Nathanial Greene. It must have been providence (no pun intended, driving from PVD) since there is a modest tourist attraction of his home on the way to USCGA! DH picked up DD after AIM, and attended a luncheon and ceremony. He was surprised how many of the students were named Aimster, both male and female! Must be a New England thing, he thought.

 

[millitaryfan]

He was surprised how many of the students were named Aimster, both male and female! Must be a New England thing, he thought.

This made my day!

 

[Limerick]

DD attended AIM. It was extremely well organized and they did a fantastic job portraying what 4 years at the academy would look like as well as life post graduating. DD is an athlete (so accustomed to running, etc) and involved in Civil Air Patrol, so was not surprised by the yelling, the running, and some of the tedium. Would not say "loved" the experience but is planning to apply. I really appreciate the honest assessments from both those who appreciated the experience and plan to apply and those who learned that is not the right fit for them. Kuddos to USCGA for being the sole service academy to offer live sessions and giving these students a chance to see if this is something they want to do or deciding there is a better path to achieve their goals elsewhere.

 

[tommytictoc]

You can definitely have a morning alarm. Just use a wrist watch. I did do research. I love researching. I just did not know the eyes in the boat was all day thing. It sucked and I know OCS is harder and longer. I did not say I took issue with AIM activities. People say they loved it, but I would be lying. I just said it sucked, but I did graduate so I could not have that much of an issue with it. If anything I am more prepared for OCS or another commissioning source than I was last week.
And thank you!

OCS is no cake walk. None of the programs are easy. As a parent of a CGA graduate and Aimster for same session you attended, EVERYTHING is done for a reason. Those eyes on the boat save lives in the fleet. My son enjoyed it and the experience cemented his desire to serve in the Coast Guard. The cadre work is also harder than being an Aimster by far. Kudos to the cadre and Batt. Staff for doing an awesome job. Regarding the watch, alarms were discouraged for us. Swabs most definitely cannot use.