Confidence Course 
“Firearms Training”

Week six brings a welcome change of pace for your Recruit. Along with valuable hands-on tactical training that will be crucial in the field, they’ll also enjoy their first block of free time—a milestone they’ve likely been anticipating. This week is packed with exciting activities, including firearms training, tackling the Confidence Course, and receiving their company colors—a symbol of their unity and progress. It’s an exhilarating time, marking both personal growth and key achievements in their journey toward becoming a Coast Guardsman.

Firearms Training: Safety First

Week six begins with firearms training, where recruits will learn and practice essential safety protocols for handling and operating a firearm. Key rules include treating every firearm as if it is loaded, maintaining proper muzzle control, keeping fingers off the trigger until the target is in sight and ready to engage, and identifying the target along with what lies beyond it. These principles are critical for ensuring the safety of Recruits and those around them, forming the foundation for responsible firearms use throughout their Coast Guard careers.

Preparing for the First Unit Assignment and Travel Planning

Next, your Recruit will complete their first unit reporting guide, which outlines what to do upon arriving at their first duty station after graduation. They’ll also begin planning their travel arrangements for post-graduation. Recruits can choose to use their five days of earned leave to travel home or head directly to their new duty station.

To assist with logistics, Recruits will meet with a travel staffer who will help coordinate their flights and other travel details, ensuring a smooth transition to the next chapter of their Coast Guard career.

Tackling the Confidence Course: Building Strength and Team Spirit

Your Recruit will take on the Confidence Course, an intense obstacle course designed to challenge them physically and mentally. From climbing rope structures to hopping over logs and navigating various obstacles, they’ll face tasks unlike anything they’ve encountered before. This course not only tests individual ability but also builds confidence and camaraderie within the team.

Company Commanders allow some freedom and encouragement during the course, giving Recruits a chance to cheer on their shipmates and boost each other’s morale. By the end, they’ll emerge not only as more confident individuals but also as a stronger, more unified team.

Final Preparations and Earning Company Colors

Along with everything else this week, your Recruit will spend significant administrative time. This includes getting their ID cards, medical shots, dental care, and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) information to ensure they are fully prepared for life after graduation.

Most companies also receive their company colors around this time, although some may receive them in week five or seven. At the start of training, each company is assigned a letter and number and carries a guidon—a simple white flag with their company letter. When the company demonstrates a solid understanding of the Coast Guard’s core values and shows that they’ve matured as a unit, the Company Commanders present them with their official company colors.

Instead of the plain white guidon, they’ll now carry the international maritime signal flag corresponding to their company letter—a significant and symbolic moment in their journey. This achievement not only strengthens their bonds but also marks a shift in their identity as a unified team. From this point forward, they’ll march to cadence with their Company Commanders, embracing their teamwork and pride.

A Well-Deserved Break: On-Base Liberty

At long last, your recruit will get their first taste of on-base liberty with a well-earned six hours of free time! During this time, they can visit the Exchange, a mini shopping mall, to pick up any supplies they need.

In addition to shopping, Recruits can work out, write letters, or relax however they choose. If you’re hoping for a reply, now is the perfect time to send a letter—with their schedule finally easing, they’ll have time to respond. Up until this point, every moment has been tightly scheduled, so don’t worry if you haven’t heard back yet—it’s not personal!

See you next week for more updates, where I’ll dive into your recruit’s progress as graduation draws near—there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel!

Semper Paratus,
SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret.)