Approximately 300 women and men will arrive at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., June 27 to start Day One of their training as part of the incoming Class of 2026.
According to current estimates about 43% of the class are women, which will be the most in an incoming class ever, and 38% are from underrepresented minority groups. Also expected to join the class are nine international students from the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, Vietnam, Honduras, Palau, Guyana and Taiwan.
Day One marks the traditional start of Swab Summer, an intense seven-week training program designed to transform civilian students into military members ready to accept the challenges that await them in their pursuit to become Coast Guard officers. During their first day at the Academy, the Swabs (as the new cadets are called) will cycle through haircuts, uniform issue, drill practice and various administrative in-processing.
Day One Schedule:
7 a.m. - 9 a.m. – Swabs arrive and check in. Location: Roland Hall
8 a.m. - 3 p.m. – Uniform issue, haircuts, drill practice, lunch, and administration in-processing. All companies will cycle through these events throughout the day. Location: Chase Hall
3 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. – Swearing-in ceremony and class photo. Following the class photo, Swabs say goodbye to their families before returning to training. Location: Washington Parade Field.
