A few words from the lead company commander of India 181

It’s hard to believe what you can accomplish in a matter of 20 days. For INDIA Company, the transformation from civilian life to military life is starting to take shape. All of the normal day to day challenges that INDIA faces are becoming less difficult, realizing that if you work together as a team you can accomplish the mission faster and more proficiently.

From the first day, I have stressed to INDIA that they set the tone for each and every training day. If they do what they are told the day will go by nice and easy, but one slip up can put them into a downward spiral. INDIA has definitely come a long way but still has a lot to work on before graduation day.

INDIA is now in week 4 of their journey and the hands on phase of training has begun. Week 04 will include line handling, fire fighting, and weapons training. They also face their physical fitness test and mid-term exam. As you can imagine, they are under a great deal of stress this week and to top it all, they will be submitting their dream sheets in hopes to be stationed in a place of their choice.

With the stress of the recruit training schedule and Company Commanders in their face all day, this will be the most difficult week INDIA Company will face throughout their 8 weeks of training.

With week 05 approaching, INDIA will push forward, trying to perfect all that we, as Company Commanders, have taught them. Nearing the end of week 5, the recruits of INDIA will receive their orders and have a better idea of what the next 4 years of their lives will intel. Families of INDIA-181 recruits can plan to hear from them on the afternoon of Saturday, APRIL 18TH . They will be able to make a five minute phone call home in order to share with loved ones there new destination upon graduation .

As the lead Company Commander, I ask each and every one of you to offer words of encouragement to these fine young men and women when you have the chance to finally speak with them. As you probably know, from previous letters home, this will be one of the most difficult challenges they will ever face.

I am proud of each and every one of them for having the courage to stand up and serve this great country in the finest sea going service the world has to offer.

Thank you to all the families for providing the U.S. Coast Guard with such outstanding recruits. I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you at their graduation on May 8, 2009.
Very Respectfully AMT1 M.S.Quiggle

U.S. Coast Guard

Lead Company Commander

INDIA-181