Summers at the Academy

[Haveaniceday]

I know applications and acceptances are the hot topic on the board, but this is just a little info so you know what to expect in your 4 summers at USCGA:

4/c (freshman): 7 weeks of Swab Summer (basic training) then CAP (administrative week) where you get your new room assignments, classes, etc. Then a regular first semester of college type schedule. Each semester begins with CAP or MAP (the spring version of CAP week) week which is a week of getting class schedules, meeting with your advisor, taking the PFE, buying books, military division work, moving rooms, etc.

Each summer after Swab summer consists of 11 weeks of training and three weeks of paid leave.

3/c (sophomore): 5 or 6 weeks on Tall Ship Eagle and the other half of summer assigned to a small boat station filling a junior enlisted position and learning to follow. You request summer assignment locations and are notified sometime after 1/c billet night of your assignment. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up). The entirety of this summer is spent away from the academy unless you are assigned to summer school. Summer school takes the place of the small boat station in the above plan. Summer school is for academic recovery or for those who get approval to change majors and need a class, usually math.

2/c (junior): 1 week gun range, 1 week ROTR (rules of the road) navigation with a must pass test at the end, 1 week Cadet Aviation where you visit an air station or 1 week of prevention where you visit an inspection assignment or 1 week at the naval yard, 1 week of 100th week (half way through the academy and this is where you re-sign to commit to your contract or DOR (drop on request and become a civilian), 1 week T-Boats (black hulled training boats) practicing seamanship, 1 week Costal Sail where you and 8 cadets sail for a week, 1 week prep week where Cape May Cadre train you to be Cadre, 3 weeks of Cadre Summer (training the new swabs) either as phase I or Phase II of swab summer, waterfront , CGAS, AIM, or Eagle cadre. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up). As you can see, this summer is primarily spent onboard the academy with coastal sail and the aviation/inspection/navy yard weeks as the only two weeks on travel away from the academy. 2/c cadets apply for Cadre and leadership positions for this summer.

1/c (senior): 11 weeks on a cutter or 5 or 6 weeks in an internship with USCG or outside agencies and the remaining 5 or 6 weeks on a cutter. There is also a small group of 1/c cadets that apply for Battalion staff for the summer and supervise the 2/c cadets and the summer programs. They do that for about 6 weeks and spend 5 weeks on a cutter. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up).

Commissioning summer: After finals, Pre-Grad week of paperwork etc, then a few days of events and Graduation in mid-May.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[ekb1398]

Only thing I would add/amend is that traditionally Coastal Sail is two weeks. The last two summers have been different as a result of COVID, but there is hopes to return to the full two week program sooner or later.

 

[VAcadetmom]

For 3/C summer most of the cadets do spend 6 weeks on eagle, but there are a small number that just go to a cutter for the whole 11 weeks. Cadets can request this option, but no guarantees.

 

[GirlGeek]

I know applications and acceptances are the hot topic on the board, but this is just a little info so you know what to expect in your 4 summers at USCGA:

4/c (freshman): 7 weeks of Swab Summer (basic training) then CAP (administrative week) where you get your new room assignments, classes, etc. Then a regular first semester of college type schedule. Each semester begins with CAP or MAP (the spring version of CAP week) week which is a week of getting class schedules, meeting with your advisor, taking the PFE, buying books, military division work, moving rooms, etc.

Each summer after Swab summer consists of 11 weeks of training and three weeks of paid leave.

3/c (sophomore): 5 or 6 weeks on Tall Ship Eagle and the other half of summer assigned to a small boat station filling a junior enlisted position and learning to follow. You request summer assignment locations and are notified sometime after 1/c billet night of your assignment. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up). The entirety of this summer is spent away from the academy unless you are assigned to summer school. Summer school takes the place of the small boat station in the above plan. Summer school is for academic recovery or for those who get approval to change majors and need a class, usually math.

2/c (junior): 1 week gun range, 1 week ROTR (rules of the road) navigation with a must pass test at the end, 1 week Cadet Aviation where you visit an air station or 1 week of prevention where you visit an inspection assignment or 1 week at the naval yard, 1 week of 100th week (half way through the academy and this is where you re-sign to commit to your contract or DOR (drop on request and become a civilian), 1 week T-Boats (black hulled training boats) practicing seamanship, 1 week Costal Sail where you and 8 cadets sail for a week, 1 week prep week where Cape May Cadre train you to be Cadre, 3 weeks of Cadre Summer (training the new swabs) either as phase I or Phase II of swab summer, waterfront , CGAS, AIM, or Eagle cadre. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up). As you can see, this summer is primarily spent onboard the academy with coastal sail and the aviation/inspection/navy yard weeks as the only two weeks on travel away from the academy. 2/c cadets apply for Cadre and leadership positions for this summer.

1/c (senior): 11 weeks on a cutter or 5 or 6 weeks in an internship with USCG or outside agencies and the remaining 5 or 6 weeks on a cutter. There is also a small group of 1/c cadets that apply for Battalion staff for the summer and supervise the 2/c cadets and the summer programs. They do that for about 6 weeks and spend 5 weeks on a cutter. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up).

Commissioning summer: After finals, Pre-Grad week of paperwork etc, then a few days of events and Graduation in mid-May.

Good luck and enjoy!

THANK YOU! Happy New Year!

 

[Limerick]

I know applications and acceptances are the hot topic on the board, but this is just a little info so you know what to expect in your 4 summers at USCGA:

4/c (freshman): 7 weeks of Swab Summer (basic training) then CAP (administrative week) where you get your new room assignments, classes, etc. Then a regular first semester of college type schedule. Each semester begins with CAP or MAP (the spring version of CAP week) week which is a week of getting class schedules, meeting with your advisor, taking the PFE, buying books, military division work, moving rooms, etc.

Each summer after Swab summer consists of 11 weeks of training and three weeks of paid leave.

3/c (sophomore): 5 or 6 weeks on Tall Ship Eagle and the other half of summer assigned to a small boat station filling a junior enlisted position and learning to follow. You request summer assignment locations and are notified sometime after 1/c billet night of your assignment. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up). The entirety of this summer is spent away from the academy unless you are assigned to summer school. Summer school takes the place of the small boat station in the above plan. Summer school is for academic recovery or for those who get approval to change majors and need a class, usually math.

2/c (junior): 1 week gun range, 1 week ROTR (rules of the road) navigation with a must pass test at the end, 1 week Cadet Aviation where you visit an air station or 1 week of prevention where you visit an inspection assignment or 1 week at the naval yard, 1 week of 100th week (half way through the academy and this is where you re-sign to commit to your contract or DOR (drop on request and become a civilian), 1 week T-Boats (black hulled training boats) practicing seamanship, 1 week Costal Sail where you and 8 cadets sail for a week, 1 week prep week where Cape May Cadre train you to be Cadre, 3 weeks of Cadre Summer (training the new swabs) either as phase I or Phase II of swab summer, waterfront , CGAS, AIM, or Eagle cadre. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up). As you can see, this summer is primarily spent onboard the academy with coastal sail and the aviation/inspection/navy yard weeks as the only two weeks on travel away from the academy. 2/c cadets apply for Cadre and leadership positions for this summer.

1/c (senior): 11 weeks on a cutter or 5 or 6 weeks in an internship with USCG or outside agencies and the remaining 5 or 6 weeks on a cutter. There is also a small group of 1/c cadets that apply for Battalion staff for the summer and supervise the 2/c cadets and the summer programs. They do that for about 6 weeks and spend 5 weeks on a cutter. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up).

Commissioning summer: After finals, Pre-Grad week of paperwork etc, then a few days of events and Graduation in mid-May.

Good luck and enjoy!

Great information! Thank you for sharing.

 

[almondqqq]

I know applications and acceptances are the hot topic on the board, but this is just a little info so you know what to expect in your 4 summers at USCGA:

4/c (freshman): 7 weeks of Swab Summer (basic training) then CAP (administrative week) where you get your new room assignments, classes, etc. Then a regular first semester of college type schedule. Each semester begins with CAP or MAP (the spring version of CAP week) week which is a week of getting class schedules, meeting with your advisor, taking the PFE, buying books, military division work, moving rooms, etc.

Each summer after Swab summer consists of 11 weeks of training and three weeks of paid leave.

3/c (sophomore): 5 or 6 weeks on Tall Ship Eagle and the other half of summer assigned to a small boat station filling a junior enlisted position and learning to follow. You request summer assignment locations and are notified sometime after 1/c billet night of your assignment. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up). The entirety of this summer is spent away from the academy unless you are assigned to summer school. Summer school takes the place of the small boat station in the above plan. Summer school is for academic recovery or for those who get approval to change majors and need a class, usually math.

2/c (junior): 1 week gun range, 1 week ROTR (rules of the road) navigation with a must pass test at the end, 1 week Cadet Aviation where you visit an air station or 1 week of prevention where you visit an inspection assignment or 1 week at the naval yard, 1 week of 100th week (half way through the academy and this is where you re-sign to commit to your contract or DOR (drop on request and become a civilian), 1 week T-Boats (black hulled training boats) practicing seamanship, 1 week Costal Sail where you and 8 cadets sail for a week, 1 week prep week where Cape May Cadre train you to be Cadre, 3 weeks of Cadre Summer (training the new swabs) either as phase I or Phase II of swab summer, waterfront , CGAS, AIM, or Eagle cadre. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up). As you can see, this summer is primarily spent onboard the academy with coastal sail and the aviation/inspection/navy yard weeks as the only two weeks on travel away from the academy. 2/c cadets apply for Cadre and leadership positions for this summer.

1/c (senior): 11 weeks on a cutter or 5 or 6 weeks in an internship with USCG or outside agencies and the remaining 5 or 6 weeks on a cutter. There is also a small group of 1/c cadets that apply for Battalion staff for the summer and supervise the 2/c cadets and the summer programs. They do that for about 6 weeks and spend 5 weeks on a cutter. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up).

Commissioning summer: After finals, Pre-Grad week of paperwork etc, then a few days of events and Graduation in mid-May.

Good luck and enjoy!

Thank you for this!

 

[ACB1234]

I know applications and acceptances are the hot topic on the board, but this is just a little info so you know what to expect in your 4 summers at USCGA:

4/c (freshman): 7 weeks of Swab Summer (basic training) then CAP (administrative week) where you get your new room assignments, classes, etc. Then a regular first semester of college type schedule. Each semester begins with CAP or MAP (the spring version of CAP week) week which is a week of getting class schedules, meeting with your advisor, taking the PFE, buying books, military division work, moving rooms, etc.

Each summer after Swab summer consists of 11 weeks of training and three weeks of paid leave.

3/c (sophomore): 5 or 6 weeks on Tall Ship Eagle and the other half of summer assigned to a small boat station filling a junior enlisted position and learning to follow. You request summer assignment locations and are notified sometime after 1/c billet night of your assignment. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up). The entirety of this summer is spent away from the academy unless you are assigned to summer school. Summer school takes the place of the small boat station in the above plan. Summer school is for academic recovery or for those who get approval to change majors and need a class, usually math.

2/c (junior): 1 week gun range, 1 week ROTR (rules of the road) navigation with a must pass test at the end, 1 week Cadet Aviation where you visit an air station or 1 week of prevention where you visit an inspection assignment or 1 week at the naval yard, 1 week of 100th week (half way through the academy and this is where you re-sign to commit to your contract or DOR (drop on request and become a civilian), 1 week T-Boats (black hulled training boats) practicing seamanship, 1 week Costal Sail where you and 8 cadets sail for a week, 1 week prep week where Cape May Cadre train you to be Cadre, 3 weeks of Cadre Summer (training the new swabs) either as phase I or Phase II of swab summer, waterfront , CGAS, AIM, or Eagle cadre. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up). As you can see, this summer is primarily spent onboard the academy with coastal sail and the aviation/inspection/navy yard weeks as the only two weeks on travel away from the academy. 2/c cadets apply for Cadre and leadership positions for this summer.

1/c (senior): 11 weeks on a cutter or 5 or 6 weeks in an internship with USCG or outside agencies and the remaining 5 or 6 weeks on a cutter. There is also a small group of 1/c cadets that apply for Battalion staff for the summer and supervise the 2/c cadets and the summer programs. They do that for about 6 weeks and spend 5 weeks on a cutter. 3 weeks of leave (maybe together or split up).

Commissioning summer: After finals, Pre-Grad week of paperwork etc, then a few days of events and Graduation in mid-May.

Good luck and enjoy!

Thank you so much for this! One question, what do you mean by maybe together or split up for leave? I was under the impression that it was free time for cadets to go home to their families.

 

[Capt MJ]

Thank you so much for this! One question, what do you mean by maybe together or split up for leave? I was under the impression that it was free time for cadets to go home to their families.

That means it can be 3 consecutive weeks or combinations of separate weeks adding up to 3.

 

[VAcadetmom]

Thank you so much for this! One question, what do you mean by maybe together or split up for leave? I was under the impression that it was free time for cadets to go home to their families.

This past summer, most of the 3/C cadets went directly to their first summer assignment from the academy, followed up with their second assignment and then had 3 weeks leave at the end of summer. My cadet did 10 weeks on a cutter, so came home for 10 days, went to the cutter, and then came home at the end for 10 days. You won't know your schedule until summer assignments are out (in the spring), so it makes planning for a summer vacation a challenge. I believe you can request having your assignments accomodate a certain leave period, but no guarantees.

 

[Betelnuts]

Another bit of info., my current 4/C DD just put in her selections for the upcoming summer. Small boat station or cutter in Alaska or Hawaii sound like interesting possibilities for her when you live on the east coast ...

 

[ProudMom7]

Another bit of info., my current 4/C DD just put in her selections for the upcoming summer. Small boat station or cutter in Alaska or Hawaii sound like interesting possibilities for her when you live on the east coast ...

Although they ask the 4/c cadets for input, at least last year it seemed like they totally ignored what everyone put down. Very few females got cutter assignments. We were told that was due to the design of the older ships not accommodating females, but then you would think they would have at least given those handful of female cutter assignments to cadets that had requested them. Nope. A few of the girls who got them didn't want a cutter assignment. Nobody my daughter knows got what they requested as far as small boat stations or cutters. Even the cadets that wanted small boat stations didn't get anything close to what she requested. I'm sure a few cadets may have, but she doesn't know any. My daughter enjoyed her summer assignments, but they weren't what she requested at all. Perhaps some years are better than others as far as matching cadets based on requests.

Also, last year about 50 male cadets had their assignments changed after their initial assignments since some cutters made requests to have cadets help out during the summer. In those cases, then of course the needs of the Coast Guard come first. I would assume this might happen every year.

 

[VAcadetmom]

Another bit of info., my current 4/C DD just put in her selections for the upcoming summer. Small boat station or cutter in Alaska or Hawaii sound like interesting possibilities for her when you live on the east coast ...

Agree that requests don't seem to apply. My cadet asked for Alaska or anywhere on the West Coast and ended up in Florida. In the end he was happy with how it turned out.

 

[Bash On]

Hard to figure out how the assignments are done. My cadet requested and got a west coast cutter assignment. She absolutely loved it and now wants to go cutters at graduation.

 

[ProudMom7]

Hard to figure out how the assignments are done. My cadet requested and got a west coast cutter assignment. She absolutely loved it and now wants to go cutters at graduation.

That's great, but she was lucky. Last year, for the class of 2024, only 6 girls got cutter assignments.

 

[FiveByFive]

That's great, but she was lucky. Last year, for the class of 2024, only 6 girls got cutter assignments.

You are pretty much guaranteed to be on a cutter during summer prior to 1/C, so why is the lack of a cutter assignment such an issue for a rising 3/C?

Small boat stations are still great assignments and a great experience.

 

[ProudMom7]

You are pretty much guaranteed to be on a cutter during summer prior to 1/C, so why is the lack of a cutter assignment such an issue for a rising 3/C?

Small boat stations are still great assignments and a great experience.

It is not necessarily true that everyone will have a chance to be on a cutter given that the summer before 2/c year is taken up with cadre assignments and other specific 1-2 week experiences. If a cadet has several areas of interest and is trying to get experience in multiple areas to help them narrow down and decide what billets they would prefer after graduation, then losing the opportunity to be on a cutter during the summer before 3/c year is actually a big deal. Trying to possibly get experience on a cutter, at an air station (for longer than just a week that some get during the summer before 2/c year), and maybe a specialty internship is no longer possible for anyone who missed out during the summer before 3/c year. My daughter would agree, in general, that a small boat station is a great experience. My daughter loved her small boat station. However, small boat stations are manned by enlisted so working there did not help her narrow down her choices. My daughter also was on Eagle. She had a great time, but she would have given that up to be assigned to a cutter for at least part of the summer. She was not the only one who felt the same way.

As I said before, she made the most of her assignments and had a great time at both of them. But neither one helped her narrow down what she might want to do after graduation.

 

[FiveByFive]

Not sure why you are talking about 2/C summer, as I was specifically referring to 1/C summer.

It does not appear likely that any rising 1/C would miss a cutter assignment for 1/C summer, other than for summer school, illness or injury,

 

[Bash On]

That's great, but she was lucky. Last year, for the class of 2024, only 6 girls got cutter assignments.

They are all fortunate, no matter the summer assignment, to be at the Academy.

 

[ekb1398]

Not sure why you are talking about 2/C summer, as I was specifically referring to 1/C summer.

It does not appear likely that any rising 1/C would miss a cutter assignment for 1/C summer, other than for summer school, illness or injury,

There is no such thing as summer school for 1/c. Summer school is only an option for 3/c summer.

 

[Haveaniceday]

Only thing I would add/amend is that traditionally Coastal Sail is two weeks. The last two summers have been different as a result of COVID, but there is hopes to return to the full two week program sooner or later.

@ekb1398 - You are correct, I think it was one week last year due to Covid. Good news is that I heard from staff they are planning to return Costal Sail to 2 weeks for summer of 2023 and the range week (which never took a entire week) will be fit in another time.

Costal Sail is one of the academy's signature activities. About 8 cadets or so take a 44 foot sailboat (that I believe where purchased by the parents association) out for 14 days with one USCGA officer onboard as the safety officer. They rotate through all positions while underway including navigation, deck hand, cook, watch captain, etc. They usually sail up to Martha's Vineyard and other popular East Coast areas. The cadets handle 100% of the work from ordering provisions prior to sailing to full operation of the sailboat.

It is both a great leadership development opportunity and builds confidence in cadets seamanship skills. This is a unique opportunity that most remember for a lifetime.

Learn about the experience first hand from one of the USCGA Cadet Bloggers:

https://www.uscga.edu/blog.aspx?id=1022