USCGA2013

I have heard that there is a special way you have to eat, where you are not allowed to look at your food or something. Can somebody please explain this to me in greater detail. Also, do Aimsters eat the same way swabs do?

Xiphos55

From what I understand, you must keep your "eyes in the boat" and "square your corners". This involves looking directly ahead (except when using a knife when you are allowed to GLANCE at your food). Also only eating by lifting food directly to mouth level, then bringing it directly to the mouth, making a square angle. Also other things like "bringing food aboard" that aren't directly related to your eating methods.

trackandfield08

Yep, AIMsters eat the same way Swabs do. Dont forget..."BOOM sir/ma'am Ive been hit! Permission to lay low and check for damages?" and then you get to come up with some kind of story

zachogden

there's a lot of "tradition" that goes down at meal time. some of that goes away at the conclusion of swab summer, such as 180 seconds, though 90% of it remains. For those that don't know what 180 seconds is, here's the overview:

at some point the head table will call "leave at will" over the loudspeaker. 180 seconds later, all the swabs will scream as loud as they can "[SIR/MA'AM], ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SECONDS HAVE FLEETINGLY FLIT INTO THE DARK AGES OF THE PAST SINCE THE CADET IN COMMAND GAVE ABANDON AT RANDOM. MAY I PLEASE BE EXCUSED, [SIR/MA'AM]?" The idea is to enforce the concept that you should wait until the most senior people at a meal leave before you do. In reality it's a hilarious screaming match.

Regardless, you will get used to squaring after a bit. It's awkward and hard at first but after doing it for 8 weeks it feels oddly natural so don't worry about it too much. Getting "carry-on" at meals is certainly a treat though!

Bossf51

ZO I think some day you will be the Regimental Commander if not the Commandant of the whole Coast Guard!