First Aid
“Final Assessments”

With graduation fast approaching, Week 7 brings several important tasks for your recruit to complete. Though the workload is still demanding, there’s light at the end of the tunnel as they prepare for the final stretch of training and get one step closer to becoming a Coast Guardsman.

Life-Saving Steps

This week, your recruit has some important tasks to tackle. First on the agenda is mastering first aid and CPR—essential skills for any Coast Guardsman. These lessons will prepare them to respond effectively to medical emergencies, both in everyday situations and while serving in the fleet. With graduation just around the corner, the focus is on refining critical skills to ensure recruits are ready for the responsibilities that lie ahead.

Recruits Receive Orders and Prepare for Graduation

Recruits will typically receive their orders in front of the Douglas Munro statue. From Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Alaska, and everywhere in between, these recruits are excited to graduate and begin their Coast Guard careers at their new units across the fleet. 

Final Exam and Physical Fitness Assessment

Later this week, your Recruit will take their final exam, which they must pass to move forward. This includes a final physical fitness assessment 💪🏼, testing all the skills they’ve developed throughout training. With graduation just a week away, they should already be well-prepared for everything on this exam. If they’ve been keeping up with their studies and training, this test should be smooth sailing!

The Final Stretch: Turning in Rifles and Off-Base Liberty

To culminate the week, your Recruit will turn in their M-16 rifle—a bittersweet moment, as Recruits are always a bit sad to part with it. Afterward, they’ll enjoy eight hours of off-base liberty—their first time off base in nearly two months! It’s a well-deserved break as they approach the final milestone of their journey.

In this week’s letter, consider sending your Recruit some encouraging words to help them power through the final preparations and build excitement for the big day—graduation is just around the corner! You can also add a CGX gift card to your letter, giving them the opportunity to purchase essentials, either now or at any base across the country. It’s a thoughtful pre- or post-graduation gift to help them get what they need. Be sure to send it this week with your Sandboxx Letter, as mail delivery during the final week of training isn’t guaranteed. This ensures your Recruit receives it in time to enjoy their well-earned reward!

Prepare to celebrate!

📌 Reminder: Be aware of all ID requirements for air travel and base access. You can find detailed information on what’s needed [here].

Next week, I’ll be back with all the exciting details surrounding your Sentinel’s graduation ceremony. Until then…

Semper Paratus,
SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret.)