REPORTING-IN DAY, US Coast Guard Photo

NEW LONDON, Conn. (June 30, 2003) --- Coast Guard appointees are given the last opportunity to meet with their loved ones before starting their 6-week training program as Swabs at the Coast Guard Academy. Emotions are high during these moments after the swearing in ceremony as families take photos, hug, kiss and cry their cadets goodbye to another lifestyle. Coast Guard appointee Chung poses for photos with his family. Coast Guard cadet appointees or "swabs" are inducted into military life on their first or"reporting-in" day. R-day is a demanding one, as the new swabs, class of 2007, endure intense culture shock and make the transition from civilians to cadets. After being forme dinto 9 platoons, they will undergo administrative in-processing, receivehaircuts, uniforms, physical exams, take a class photo and swear-in. The swabs are expected to complete 6 weeks of basic training, learning the skills, discipline, and history of the Coast Guard. They will participate in rigorous training, foot marches,rappellomg and tactical maneuvers. At the end of the training, they will be formally accepted into the Corps of Cadets in a separate ceremony. USCG photo by LT. Michael Madyda