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Forgot to add regarding the Coast Guard :

Basic training is tough. You’ll be challenged every day, both mentally and physically. You’ll be pushed and tested. You’ll work harder than you ever thought possible. But when you graduate, you’ll do so with the knowledge that you’ve accomplished something of which both you and your family can be proud.

I have two nephews in the Coast Guard. One actually was deployed near Banda Aceh ( Indonesia ) when the Asian Tsunami struck. The other was involved in Logistics rescue when Katrina struck New Orleans.

After graduation, you’ll understand the true meaning of teamwork as well as the importance of attention to detail, hard work and a positive attitude.

* FIRST FEW DAYS : You arrive at Sexton Hall in Cape May, N.J. Most of the next few days will be spent getting oriented, learning your way around, receiving uniforms, getting haircuts (females may pin their hair up within regulation standards), and yes, filling out forms.

You’ll meet your company commander. He or she will be your mentor, instructor, leader, coach and guide. Your company commander will break you down. Your CC will teach you self-discipline and how to obey orders. His or her job is to motivate you, and to teach you about commitment and how to serve as a productive team member of the Coast Guard.

You’re about to get in the best physical shape of your life, for one good reason: your ability to perform at your best may be the difference between life and death.

They will want to know that you will be able to carry out your job in the Coast Guard to no matter what the circumstance. The training center’s expert staff will help prepare you to meet the physical fitness qualifications. So, in order to graduate from basic training, you’ll need to accomplish these physical tasks:

* Men will be expected to perform:

29 push-ups in 60 seconds

38 sit-ups in 60 seconds

Run 1.5 miles in under 12:51

Sit and Reach 16.50”

Complete a swim circuit

Tread water for 5 minutes

Jump off a 5-foot platform and swim 100 meters

* Women will be expected to perform:

15 push-ups in 60 seconds

32 sit-ups in 60 seconds

Run 1.5 miles in under 15:26

Sit and Reach 19.29”

Complete a swim circuit

Tread water for 5 minutes

Jump off a 5-foot platform and swim 100 meters

Next question -— WHAT WILL THEY LEARN ACADEMICALLY ?

Well, for one — you won’t major in fluff courses like Gender studies or black history and the like....

While in recruit training, you will learn many things taught in formal classrooms. The academic program is designed to provide you with a basic orientation to the skills and knowledge that you’ll need to succeed as a seaman apprentice in the field. You’ll receive training in everything from the Uniform Code of Military Justice to Coast Guard history, from addressing military personnel to fire extinguishing methods. You’ll learn to handle heavy lines, survival equipment and small arms.

Also, for the academically oriented, you have the chance to study engineering, industrial management, logistics, operations and the like.

During the latter weeks of your training, you’ll participate in a variety of practical instruction including small arms training, seamanship, fire fighting and damage control. You’ll attend classes on small arms safety and nomenclature, and you’ll fire the basic pistol course.

You’ll participate in seamanship training and learn how to handle lines, practice helm commands, learn about safety procedures and much more.

If that kind of life appeals to you -— JOIN THE COAST GUARD.

If not, go someplace else.