Training on the Eagle

Arthur Dent · 05-23-2006, 10:43 AM

Hi Coasties! (I've borrowed my son's i.d for the moment until i can get my own.) I'd really like to find out more about what the cadets (?) do on their training aboard the Eagle. We're thinking of trying to watch it dock when we're in Newport this summer. Is that even possible? We're one of those families that likes to do non-touristy stuff. If anyone (or anyone's kid) has trained on the Eagle could you describe what it's like?

Bossf51 · 05-23-2006, 11:26 AM

My son was on the Eagle last summer as a 4/c for a week and will be on for six weeks later this summer including the stop in Newport. You will be able to visit the boat and get a tour if you'd like.

The training on the Eagle involves just about anything you can think of in the maritime vein. They learn celestial navigation, firefighting, marlinspike seamanship(ropes), trimming sails, climbing masts(147 feet!), even mess detail. The swabs(4/c) are on for just a week so their training is more limited than the 3/c's who go on for longer periods. The latter have a large number of quals(qualifications) they must get signed off, from damage control to diagramming the ship's electrical system. There are "man overboard" drills. They learn to love the sea and its lore(or move on to something else!)

The CGA is a great place for cadets(yes that's what they call them). A visit to the boat in Newport will give you some idea of the training and conditions aboard. It's worth a visit.

Arthur Dent · 05-24-2006, 08:07 AM

Hey Boss do you know if Coast Guard cadets are offended if they are called Coasties? I was talking to someone recently who pointed out that the proper term is cadet but I like the sound of Coastie much better. What does your son say?

Bossf51 · 05-24-2006, 08:12 AM

"Coastie" is fine. He uses that term and so do most Coastie families

Cadet is the more formal term.

Do you have somebody interested in the Academy as well?

Arthur Dent · 05-24-2006, 11:24 PM

My older son (not Arthur Dent - which is a name from "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" I think) is interested in USNA, USCGA and USAF. He is attending NASS this summer and AFSS as well but couldn't fit the Coast Guard program in because of the tight schedule. He wants to be a pilot. We are definitely going to try to tour the Eagle when it docks in Newport. I did look at the USCGA website for Eagle and CG Acad info.

I'm just trying to get a sense of how these three schools differ and what are their respective strengths and the career options in the service after graduation.

Arthur Dent · 05-24-2006, 11:29 PM

I was talking to a friend today who's husband graduated from USCGA in the early nineties. She said that CG is the hardest SA to get into but I didn't really understand her reasoning. That was the second time that someone told me that about CG. What are they talking about do you know? Also what is an MOC?

afa81 · 05-25-2006, 12:16 AM

MOC --member of congress

Your son is a Douglas Adams fan, you are correct about "Hitchhiker"

Bossf51 · 05-25-2006, 10:36 AM

The CGA has traditionally accepted the lowest percentage of applicants of all the service academies. This may be because it is the smallest of the academies. Also, you don't go through your MOC for an appointment. All are picked directly.