R-Day question

M

mcboiler

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Nov 21, 2023
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hey everyone! I am trying to take advantage of the advance notice and time we have for R-day this July 1. We have to travel from KY so it is either a long drive or a flight in for the weekend. The question I have for the more experienced people: is it better to come in 2-3 days in advance of R-day? Do they usually have “activities” planned that weekend? Or is is better to just show up sometime on Sunday to check in on Monday morning? How many days after R-day do parents depart? The next day?

Thanks everyone!
 
mcboiler said:
hey everyone! I am trying to take advantage of the advance notice and time we have for R-day this July 1. We have to travel from KY so it is either a long drive or a flight in for the weekend. The question I have for the more experienced people: is it better to come in 2-3 days in advance of R-day? Do they usually have “activities” planned that weekend? Or is is better to just show up sometime on Sunday to check in on Monday morning? How many days after R-day do parents depart? The next day?

Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
Yes, they often have activities for the weekend before. Here is the schedule for day one and the weekend before for the class of 2027: https://uscga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2027-Day_One_Schedule.pdf which will likely be similar to the schedule for the class of 2028. Parents often depart that afternoon or the next day, depending on how far away they live. There is the option to participate in the Respect & Inclusion Summer Experience (RISE), for newly reporting cadets. RISE is a two-day family (incoming swab + 2 guests) orientation to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. More information is here: https://uscga.edu/admissions/rise/ This is often helpful for new cadets who did not have a chance to visit CGA before day one.
 
I would recommend getting there Friday or Saturday,. There are things planned and you can learn more about the area and just spend some time relaxing with your son/daughter. There are meet ups for cadets per company and/or sport or clubs. I feel like if you come in Sunday you are going to feel rushed and that you just didn't spend enough time with you son/daughter.
 
For my current 4/c, we arrived Saturday. We attended on campus activities on Sunday, which I would definitely recommend as it calmed my nerves a lot seeing what a great community he was going into, plus we had a BBQ with his sports team. You definitely could arrive Sunday and be fine, but we got a lot out of the activities and could relax knowing everything was set and ready. We're only 3 hours away, so we drove home Monday night, but I think a lot of parents probably stayed.
 
As others said, coming early helps and USCGA has a full program to make everyone feel better about the summer.

I will add around 3 to 4pm on drop off day, they march the entire Battalion out and swear them in. After that, they are released for 10 min to say goodbye to their parents. They will be in uniform and have their new hair cuts. Prime photo op. Pick a tree before you drop them off and tell them you will be there, as 300 kids look for there parents, it will help if they can find you, or wear a red hat or something.

Some are in high spirits, others after having been yelled at all morning will be crying, some may ask you if they made a mistake picking USCGA. With about 300 new cadets there is a range of emotion. I would stay for this if you could, you will remember it always. So, if you are flying home, and stay for the swearing in, you will not make it out that night so plan on staying over and flying home the next day.

The day is about managing expectations.

If you have a kid who is upset at military induction, it will be hard on you and your spouse, and you will worry after you see them for 10 minuets if they are distraught. People think, "my kid will be fine" but I have seen everyone including football players tear up with their parents. Make sure ahead of drop off, you kid knows if he/she is struggling, they can always ask in their nightly journal to see the chaplain (even if you are not religions, in the military chaplains are like a school counselor). For those having fun, take lots of photos. They will want to hug you and run back so they don't get yelled at for being late. :)

Congratulations, and good luck.
 
Haveaniceday said:
Some are in high spirits, others after having been yelled at all morning will be crying, some may ask you if they made a mistake picking USCGA. With about 300 new cadets there is a range of emotion.
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My son (class of '25) met up with his father at the appointed location for the 10-minute good-bye. They did a Facetime call to me at home. He looked exhausted. I asked him what he thought of the Academy so far and he said, "I hate it so much." He leaned his head on my husband's shoulder and sighed. I'll never forget it. But when time was up, off he went without complaint. My husband flew home the following day. We were SO WORRIED. Was there a chance he'd quit???? We waited anxiously for that first letter which arrived after about 10 days. He was okay, making friends, had nice things to say about cadre, eating well enough, etc. By his second or third letter, he cheerfully reported that he was no longer the one getting yelled at most in the ward room anymore (difficulty with squaring and "eyes in the boat" - which, with the changes that have been made subsequently, is probably less of a concern to the current crop of would-be swabs). Most swabs adjust just fine. And while no one wants their child to be miserable, I believe they should be encouraged to give it time. It's an adjustment for them, and for us as parents (having to cede control).
 
Read the schedule posted above from a previous year. If you think those activities interest your family, then check 'em out. Personally, my cadet didn't want to do those and we didn't push it. We flew in Friday night and then arrived on the campus Saturday morning. But spent leisurely time on our own just checking things out. It was more for us (parents) then our cadet, as we knew they would be spending a huge chunk of their life there over the next 4 years. I really wanted to see inside the buildings and Chase Hall, so I enjoyed the tours. The sports teams usually meet on Sunday, too. But other than that, what worked out best for us was just spending time together at a leisurely pace and eating out at some nice restaurants on the water and exploring Mystic a bit. Sh*t gets real very early on Monday morning, so just relax as much as you can Saturday and Sunday, however your cadet chooses.

Swearing in is 3:00p on Monday, I believe. After you say your good-byes in the 15 minutes that follow, there is no reason to stay. We flew out very early the next morning.
 
The open houses for the different majors vary in terms of day and time. Last year, engineering was very busy on Saturday, very quiet on Sunday, and Monday varied quite a bit based on the engineering major. Note that the swab is busy on Monday (Day 1), so if they want to tour facilities with faculty, they need to attend a weekend event. They can check with the department head of their major for specifics about a week or so before Day 1.
 
In my opinion, it's definitely worth arriving early and taking advantage of the entire weekend. This past summer we arrived with our perspective cadet on Friday. We checked in our hotel and went on base and leisurely looked around base a little in the afternoon, went to the exchange, etc. We had visited twice prior to Day One, so already had a couple favorite spots and took the time to find some more.

In all the hotels and everywhere you look, you'll find fellow new, deer-in-headlights CGA families. In the spring, a Class of 2028 Parents Facebook page will be established. Depending on how actively you get involved with that, you'll meet tons of parents that you already "know" from FB. It's super cool spending that weekend meeting other families. In the last 9 months, many of these folks have become great friends!

All of the activities they hold are really nice. You'll notice that most things are repeated Saturday and Sunday, so you can sort of pick and choose what you want to do and on which day. As others have mentioned, most sports teams have some sort of get together as well, so factor that in.

Not certain what this year will be like, but last year they tried to change the process for fingerprinting. It has typically happened during swab summer, but this year they attempted to have kids get it done prior to swab summer. Long story short, the plan wasn't very well executed and it was difficult for many to get it done. They ended up having an option to get it done on base the weekend before swab summer. Let me tell you, that turned out to be the easiest thing ever! Went to Chase Hall pretty much first thing Saturday morning and it took about 5 minutes. So, if for whatever reason the same thing happens this year, certainly don't stress about it!

Note that Monday is a little different. No parking on base. Parking is at a local mall down the road and there are shuttle busses. It's not too bad, but not really conducive to coming and going as you please throughout the day. If your kid is in an early platoon, it's a pretty long day if you decide to stay for the duration. Our hotel was right across the river in Groton, so we did Charlie 0640 drop off, then went back to the hotel to chill for a bit before going over to catch the shuttle for the rest of the day.

Let me tell you, in our experience, drop off itself in the morning isn't bad. It's a rolling drop off and it happens so fast. They hop out of the car and get in line. You're a little sad/nervous of course, but it's like ripping off a band aid. The 15 minutes in the afternoon is BRUTAL. Wouldn't have missed it, of course, but that's the time when everything has gotten very real!! They're beat down, their feet are already killing them, most shed tears at some point. Then they get formed back up with their company and get yelled at as they march back into chase hall. Then, in our case, we were all of a sudden empty nesters and had a long, emotional journey home.

Good for you taking advantage of the time to prepare! There will be LOTS to do.
 
SA20252828 said:
Is there a limit to how many guests can go to R-Day?
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Usually the swearing in and class picture is outside on the parade field around 3 or 3:30pm. If there is bad weather, that is moved inside. In that case, it is possible there could be a limit on the number of people that would be allowed in for that portion. The class of 2026 ended up moving the swearing-in ceremony indoors, so perhaps a parent of a 2026 cadet would know for sure. But otherwise, I don't believe there is usually a limit.
 
ProudMom7 said:
Usually the swearing in and class picture is outside on the parade field around 3 or 3:30pm. If there is bad weather, that is moved inside. In that case, it is possible there could be a limit on the number of people that would be allowed in for that portion. The class of 2026 ended up moving the swearing-in ceremony indoors, so perhaps a parent of a 2026 cadet would know for sure. But otherwise, I don't believe there is usually a limit.
Click to expand...
They did not limit parents inside for the class of 2026 swearing in. Looking back at the pictures now, the seating was pretty tight, but I believe everybody there had a seat in the bleachers.
 
Look into the RISE program through the Office of Inclusion and Diversity. And, I'd book hotels NOW if I were you...
 
I wrote these notes after dropping our DD for C/O 27 - R-day, because I wished I had found something similar prior to the day.

R-Day (Day 1) Drop off:
IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, THE DAY BEFORE - SET A MEETING PLACE WITH YOUR SWAB NEAR WASHINGTON FIELD. This is so that they know where to find you after the swearing in ceremony, as it truly is chaos. Think of a certain flag post, or next to a statue, whatever you agree on is fine, just make sure you and your swab know where to meet!
A few weeks before R-Day (Day 1) your swab will get their platoon assignment and reporting times. The swabs are divided into 8 platoons A-H. Reporting starts at 6 AM with Platoon Alfa and continues in 20 minute time slots through Hotel. GET YOUR HUGS AND GOODBYES IN PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DRESHAN STREET GATE.
Other things to know:
● Your swab will receive these instructions in their reporting package, but they will need a two pocket folder in their hand when they check-in. It must contain their signed appointment letter and all copies of their enrollment paperwork previously submitted.
○ They will also need their valid passport
○ My swab took a copy of their final HS transcript and a copy of their completed
background screening for extra measure, just in case
○ If you swab required a medical waiver bring a copy of the approved waiver, again
just in case
● Drop off will commence from the Dreshon Street gate
● Arrive about 15 minutes prior to your swabs reporting time
● Be prepared to present your ID for all occupants of the vehicle at the gate house
● You will then proceed down a designated route to Billard Hall, where your swab will exit the vehicle, grab their bag and folder and start following directions about lining up from the Cadre that is present. There will be no time for photo ops or long goodbyes
● You will then be directed to exit the Academy grounds and drive to the designated offsite parking for the day. For us it was the Crystal Mall, behind Olive Garden. Here you will catch a shuttle bus back to the Academy for the day's events.
○ Yes, you have time to go get breakfast, coffee or have a good cry - especially if you swab was in one of the first drop off. Do not feel the need to RUSH back to the Academy. It is not like you can see your swab or “watch” anything they are doing.

● When you do return to the Academy, take full advantage of the activities going on for families. Make a care package for your swab, purchase items from the Exchange, visit the museum, introduce yourself to other families. Enjoy the experience!
● Around 3:15 PM, you will start to see people beginning to gather along the sidewalk and bleacher area facing Washington Parade Field. This is where the swearing in ceremony will occur. The swabs will march out from Chase Hall by platoon (A-H) and cut diagonally across the field to their designated spot. This should give you an idea of where you may want to sit, Alfa was farthest away from Chase Hall, Hotel closest once lined up.
● After the swearing in ceremony the swabs are lined up for their class photo. This took about 20-30 minutes
● Then they release the swabs to say their final good-byes to their families, they only get 15 minutes, which is why having the pre designated meeting place is so important
○ Make sure you have cold drinks - water or gatorade; snacks - protein bars, meat sticks, P/B and J sandwiches. Think to bring extra, as not all swabs will have a family to go to
○ Give your swab a minute to breathe, they have been through a HUGE transition in a few short hours. Don’t crowd them or ask endless questions, let them lead the conversation
○ The Cadre line up along the far wall of the Parade field, every minute they take a step forward as a unit, with each step forward, it gets closer for you to say your final good-bye and for your swab to rejoin their platoon.
 
TriMom64 said:
I wrote these notes after dropping our DD for C/O 27 - R-day, because I wished I had found something similar prior to the day.

R-Day (Day 1) Drop off:
IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, THE DAY BEFORE - SET A MEETING PLACE WITH YOUR SWAB NEAR WASHINGTON FIELD. This is so that they know where to find you after the swearing in ceremony, as it truly is chaos. Think of a certain flag post, or next to a statue, whatever you agree on is fine, just make sure you and your swab know where to meet!
A few weeks before R-Day (Day 1) your swab will get their platoon assignment and reporting times. The swabs are divided into 8 platoons A-H. Reporting starts at 6 AM with Platoon Alfa and continues in 20 minute time slots through Hotel. GET YOUR HUGS AND GOODBYES IN PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DRESHAN STREET GATE.
Other things to know:
● Your swab will receive these instructions in their reporting package, but they will need a two pocket folder in their hand when they check-in. It must contain their signed appointment letter and all copies of their enrollment paperwork previously submitted.
○ They will also need their valid passport
○ My swab took a copy of their final HS transcript and a copy of their completed
background screening for extra measure, just in case
○ If you swab required a medical waiver bring a copy of the approved waiver, again
just in case
● Drop off will commence from the Dreshon Street gate
● Arrive about 15 minutes prior to your swabs reporting time
● Be prepared to present your ID for all occupants of the vehicle at the gate house
● You will then proceed down a designated route to Billard Hall, where your swab will exit the vehicle, grab their bag and folder and start following directions about lining up from the Cadre that is present. There will be no time for photo ops or long goodbyes
● You will then be directed to exit the Academy grounds and drive to the designated offsite parking for the day. For us it was the Crystal Mall, behind Olive Garden. Here you will catch a shuttle bus back to the Academy for the day's events.
○ Yes, you have time to go get breakfast, coffee or have a good cry - especially if you swab was in one of the first drop off. Do not feel the need to RUSH back to the Academy. It is not like you can see your swab or “watch” anything they are doing.

● When you do return to the Academy, take full advantage of the activities going on for families. Make a care package for your swab, purchase items from the Exchange, visit the museum, introduce yourself to other families. Enjoy the experience!
● Around 3:15 PM, you will start to see people beginning to gather along the sidewalk and bleacher area facing Washington Parade Field. This is where the swearing in ceremony will occur. The swabs will march out from Chase Hall by platoon (A-H) and cut diagonally across the field to their designated spot. This should give you an idea of where you may want to sit, Alfa was farthest away from Chase Hall, Hotel closest once lined up.
● After the swearing in ceremony the swabs are lined up for their class photo. This took about 20-30 minutes
● Then they release the swabs to say their final good-byes to their families, they only get 15 minutes, which is why having the pre designated meeting place is so important
○ Make sure you have cold drinks - water or gatorade; snacks - protein bars, meat sticks, P/B and J sandwiches. Think to bring extra, as not all swabs will have a family to go to
○ Give your swab a minute to breathe, they have been through a HUGE transition in a few short hours. Don’t crowd them or ask endless questions, let them lead the conversation
○ The Cadre line up along the far wall of the Parade field, every minute they take a step forward as a unit, with each step forward, it gets closer for you to say your final good-bye and for your swab to rejoin their platoon.
Click to expand...
Excellent write-up, thank you and happy new year!
 
TriMom64 said:
I wrote these notes after dropping our DD for C/O 27 - R-day, because I wished I had found something similar prior to the day.

R-Day (Day 1) Drop off:
IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, THE DAY BEFORE - SET A MEETING PLACE WITH YOUR SWAB NEAR WASHINGTON FIELD. This is so that they know where to find you after the swearing in ceremony, as it truly is chaos. Think of a certain flag post, or next to a statue, whatever you agree on is fine, just make sure you and your swab know where to meet!
A few weeks before R-Day (Day 1) your swab will get their platoon assignment and reporting times. The swabs are divided into 8 platoons A-H. Reporting starts at 6 AM with Platoon Alfa and continues in 20 minute time slots through Hotel. GET YOUR HUGS AND GOODBYES IN PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DRESHAN STREET GATE.
Other things to know:
● Your swab will receive these instructions in their reporting package, but they will need a two pocket folder in their hand when they check-in. It must contain their signed appointment letter and all copies of their enrollment paperwork previously submitted.
○ They will also need their valid passport
○ My swab took a copy of their final HS transcript and a copy of their completed
background screening for extra measure, just in case
○ If you swab required a medical waiver bring a copy of the approved waiver, again
just in case
● Drop off will commence from the Dreshon Street gate
● Arrive about 15 minutes prior to your swabs reporting time
● Be prepared to present your ID for all occupants of the vehicle at the gate house
● You will then proceed down a designated route to Billard Hall, where your swab will exit the vehicle, grab their bag and folder and start following directions about lining up from the Cadre that is present. There will be no time for photo ops or long goodbyes
● You will then be directed to exit the Academy grounds and drive to the designated offsite parking for the day. For us it was the Crystal Mall, behind Olive Garden. Here you will catch a shuttle bus back to the Academy for the day's events.
○ Yes, you have time to go get breakfast, coffee or have a good cry - especially if you swab was in one of the first drop off. Do not feel the need to RUSH back to the Academy. It is not like you can see your swab or “watch” anything they are doing.

● When you do return to the Academy, take full advantage of the activities going on for families. Make a care package for your swab, purchase items from the Exchange, visit the museum, introduce yourself to other families. Enjoy the experience!
● Around 3:15 PM, you will start to see people beginning to gather along the sidewalk and bleacher area facing Washington Parade Field. This is where the swearing in ceremony will occur. The swabs will march out from Chase Hall by platoon (A-H) and cut diagonally across the field to their designated spot. This should give you an idea of where you may want to sit, Alfa was farthest away from Chase Hall, Hotel closest once lined up.
● After the swearing in ceremony the swabs are lined up for their class photo. This took about 20-30 minutes
● Then they release the swabs to say their final good-byes to their families, they only get 15 minutes, which is why having the pre designated meeting place is so important
○ Make sure you have cold drinks - water or gatorade; snacks - protein bars, meat sticks, P/B and J sandwiches. Think to bring extra, as not all swabs will have a family to go to
○ Give your swab a minute to breathe, they have been through a HUGE transition in a few short hours. Don’t crowd them or ask endless questions, let them lead the conversation
○ The Cadre line up along the far wall of the Parade field, every minute they take a step forward as a unit, with each step forward, it gets closer for you to say your final good-bye and for your swab to rejoin their platoon.
Click to expand...
The only things I would add are:

- Tell your swab in advance they can grab “orphans” for some loaner family TLC. Have a phone ready for the orphans to use to call their own family.

- Designate another family member or friend to be the official family photog. You don’t want to miss anything because you have a phone in front of your face. And, you need to be in the photos too, the ones that aren’t selfies, but beautiful family moments.

- Take napkins, wet wipes, etc. Your swab will be paranoid about the uniform already.

And, be mentally prepared for a range of emotions. Your normally sunny, stoic kiddo could be a puddle, oddly silent, or other unusual affect - don’t worry. They are experiencing a massive and intense emotional, mental and physical change. It’s real now. Most will not remember much about this day at all. It’s all a blur.


Great organized advice above.
 
Honestly all the packing stuff is really straightforward and I know it feels like you’re not sending enough if you’ve sent another kid to college but they issue them anything they don’t have on the list. Also, remember they have to move rooms sometimes weekly so less is more during swab summer. Once they have phones they can order what they need from Amazon, or make a target/walmart run.
My DD said extra socks and extra compression shorts and underwear (bras for girls) were the only real extras she recommends for swab summer (We kept extras at home and added a pair of shorts and three pairs of socks to her care packages)


The bigger deal is avoiding injuries and getting in the best shape possible during this next 6 months. Arriving over weight standards or not in good physical condition will cause unnecessary stress.
 
hopefulmominla said:
Honestly all the packing stuff is really straightforward and I know it feels like you’re not sending enough if you’ve sent another kid to college but they issue them anything they don’t have on the list. Also, remember they have to move rooms sometimes weekly so less is more during swab summer. Once they have phones they can order what they need from Amazon, or make a target/walmart run.
My DD said extra socks and extra compression shorts and underwear (bras for girls) were the only real extras she recommends for swab summer (We kept extras at home and added a pair of shorts and three pairs of socks to her care packages)


The bigger deal is avoiding injuries and getting in the best shape possible during this next 6 months. Arriving over weight standards or not in good physical condition will cause unnecessary stress.
Click to expand...
Make sure you can STAND...Most of SSTP is waiting in line studying your indoc, but we don’t remember it that way, unless you see it as an outside staff who’s with the swabs all summer. HYDRATE weeks leading up to it especially if you’re not from New England. Run, run, run. Practice the stuff in the pre-reporting guide, push ups, sit-ups, Mountain climbers, squats, the whole bit. Easier said THAN DONE 😇Cheers.
 
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