Pugil Stick Training? By Capt. Cari Thomas

Why add pugil sticks to recruit training?

The Coast Guards external environment is always changing; accordingly, updates to recruit training are needed.

The course of instruction includes equipment familiarization, fitness screening, cardiovascular preconditioning, safety briefings, and bouts. Our instructors are trained and certified by the U.S. Marine Corps.

The pugil stick course teaches a number of objectives necessary for Coast Guard operations. There are seven principles of operation defined in our Publication 1; these are:

· Clear Objectives
· Effective Presence
· Unity/Effort
· On-scene Initiative
· Flexibility
· Managed Risk
· Restraint

Often operations take us into unfamiliar locations, unknown conditions during security operations and dangerous situations during safety situations. By developing the courage to face similar challenges through a pugil stick bout, Coast Guard men and women will be better prepared for the future. It teaches confidence, balance, situational awareness, and adaptability, all necessary traits for dealing with the maritime public. Conversely, it also teaches the ability to take a risk when told to go into harms way. Managing stress, fear and adrenaline are all done on a daily basis in the Coast Guard, all in a fashion that uses only the necessary force to compel compliance - a fundamental requirement in our federal enforcement authorities. Developing the ability to deal with stress in a controlled training environment is part of the overall purpose of the instruction.

* Video courtesy of Recruit Company Yankee 180.

v/r

USCG