U.S. Coast Guard Academy Trivia Quiz

Answer: Swab Summer

Swab Summer is a seven week course that prepares new students physically, mentally, and militarily for Academy life. New Coast Guard Academy recruits are officially known as Swabs. Plebe Summer describes similar programs at the Naval and Military Academies. Basic Cadet Training is the same process at the Air Force Academy. Academy Indoctrination Mission (AIM) is a Coast Guard Auxillary program that sends high school students to the CGA for a week to give them a taste of military life. Despite its shorter duration, I found AIM week to be more physically demanding than Swab Summer.

Answer: Chase Hall

It was named for Salmon P. Chase who served as Treasury Secretary during the Civil War. It is also named after the cutter that was the immediate predecessor to the current Academy. For a Swab, it is not a pleasant place. In the corridors and wardroom you will constantly be "at attention".

In Chase Hall, you will be subject to the most scrutiny and discipline by upperclassmen. The building also lacks air conditioning, and eastern Connecticut summers can get hot. Bancroft Hall is the dormitory at the Naval Academy, and Munroe Hall is the CGA's enlisted barracks.

Answer: Captain Hopley Yeaton

Captain Hopley Yeaton, the Revenue Cutter Service's first commissioned officer, was interred at the Academy in 1975. Legend has it that cadets in academic trouble can sleep on Yeaton's grave and be blessed with the knowledge to improve their grades. The chapel is a great place to be, regardless of your faith. Decorum is somewhat relaxed and there are donuts on Sundays. If you are struggling, the chaplains can be your best friends and give you the extra push to make it another week.

Answer: Hamilton Hall

It is named after Alexander Hamilton, the father of the U.S. Coast Guard. He proposed the creation of the Revenue Cutter Service to collect tariffs and restrict smuggling. Hamilton Hall houses some of the Academy's administrative offices.

Answer: False

As a Fourth Class cadet, decorum requires you to wait three minutes after "leave at will" has been granted before you can leave the table. During Swab Summer, you will be required to recite "180 Second", an otherwise meaningless ditty, in order to ask to be excused.

Answer: Running Light

A smart Swab will carry his "Running Light" with him at all times and bury his nose in it at every chance. As a Coast Guard officer, the ability to memorize vast quantities of data is imperative, and the "Running Light" helps you develop that ability. In addition to "180 Seconds", the Academy's mission, organization, and other important information is listed for you to memorize.

Answer: A shield only with no stripes

A shield with one diagonal stripe is a third class cadet's insignia, your new immediate goal. A shield with one thin horizontal stripe is First Class cadet's insignia. A shield with a thick horizontal stripe is what an ensign wears and is what you will be dreaming of for the next four years.

Answer: 1946

She was taken as a war prize from the German navy. Although a training and cargo vessel, she claims to have shot down three aircraft while in German service. You will return to her for your Third Class Summer Cruise.

Answer: A wedding

Weddings are typical held at the Academy Chapel. Several times a year, formal dances are held which cadets are required to attend. Civilian guests are allowed, and it's not uncommon for students from the next door Conneticut College to attend. Leamy Hall has a television cadets can watch on liberty and central air conditioning!

Answer: Bear

A bear cub named Objee, for his "objectionable" behavior, was once kept at the academy. A statue of Objee can be found outside Chase Hall.

Answer: Waesche Hall

It is also home to the Coast Guard Museum. A Fresnel lens and the Eagle's original figurehead can be found there. Fourth Class cadets on academic probation are called "Waesche Hall warriors" because of the amount of time they spend in the library studying.

It was named in honor of Admiral Russell R. Waesche who was the Coast Guard Commandant during World War Two. He worked to establish the Defense Department and was instrumental in keeping the Coast Guard from being permenantly absorbed by the Navy.

Answer: General Dynamics Electric Boat

They are located on the Groton side of the Thames River. Newport News Shipbuilding is located on the James River in Newport News, Virginia. They are both teamed to work on the new class of aircraft carriers and Virginia Class attack submarines. When I attended the CGA, I saw a pair of 'boomers' in drydock at Electric Boat.

Answer: Fouled anchor with a single star

An eagle with an anchor is worn on comissioned officers's headgear, and crossed anchors with a lifesaver is worn by enlisted. An anchor with a shield is the insignia for chief petty officers.

Answer: Good morning, Cadet Smith

Army and Air Force cadets are addressed by rank. Navy and Coast Guard officers and cadets, up to the rank of lieutenant commander, are addressed as "mister" or "sir". Commanders and above are addressed by rank. Only commissioned officers are to be saluted normally. You are still a Fourth Class and, as a transfer cadet, he is a Second Class, so in the barracks you do not address him by first name.

Answer: Coast Guard Auxillary

Members of the Coast Guard Auxillary are civilians that aid the regular Coast Guard with non-law enforcement duties such as maritime safety and search and rescue. Originally they were called the Coast Guard Reserves, but the name was changed to reflect the organization of the other military branches. Auxillary members are civilians and do not have to be saluted.

Answer: Submarines

It is the home of the Navy's first submarine base. Although named Naval Submarine Base New London, it is physically located in Groton, Connecticut. It houses most of the Navy's submarine training programs, and many attack submarines are stationed there.

It is also home to the now retired USS Nautilus which was the world's first nuclear submarine. Academy personnel use the facilities at the sub base, including its hospital.

Answer: M1 Garand

Drill rifles are filled with lead and have their firing pins removed. Rules require the straps to be loosened when not in use, otherwise an upperclassman will disassemble the rifle. "Order arms" requires the user to stick their thumb inside the rifle to close the bolt. If you don't pull your thumb out quick enough, it gets bruised resulting in a condition affectionately called "M1 thumb".

Answer: Thames

The Naval Academy is on the Severn, and Military Academy is on the Hudson River. The Merrimac River is in New England.

Answer: All of the these

More a celebration for upperclassman, the Fourth Class get mocked, and the Second Class get to vent off the steam they have incurred during their hard work training the Swabs. In years past, Fourth Class could "earn" the shoulder boards of the Second Classman they most admired.

Answer: False

If you have a college degree, Officer Candidate School and Reserve Officer Candidate Indoctrination are availible. Both are located at the Academy. I hope you have enjoyed tour and good luck!