NEW LONDON, Conn. — The U.S. Coast Guard Academy has instituted significant changes to its demanding basic training for new cadets, known as swab summer, following a major sexual abuse scandal that has impacted the institution.
The traditional intense welcome on Day 1 of the seven-week boot camp, where upperclassmen known as cadre shouted at approximately 300 incoming freshmen, has been replaced. This year, cadre are instructed to follow a prepared script, focusing on mentorship rather than confrontation.
This transition aims to foster a respectful environment during training, moving away from intimidation to empower positive leadership within the Coast Guard.
“Unscripted interactions often resulted in yelling,” stated a senior academy official involved in overseeing the changes, emphasizing the shift from a climate of fear to one of support and guidance for cadets.
The overhaul of the swab summer program is one of several measures initiated after a report revealed that the Coast Guard had concealed serious allegations of sexual assault from 1990 to 2006, including mishandling numerous cases and failing to prosecute offenders.
This finding has led to heightened scrutiny and demands for accountability within the academy, with multiple government and congressional investigations underway into the institution’s handling of misconduct.
A recent Senate report identified ongoing “systemic failures” at the academy, with testimony from current and former personnel detailing a prevalent culture of abuse and cover-up within the institution.
A whistleblower and former sexual assault response coordinator at the academy raised concerns about the maturity and readiness of older cadets supervising new recruits, highlighting cases of misconduct that reflect poorly on the training environment.
Reinforcement of oversight measures has been implemented this summer, with experienced drill instructors mentoring the cadre and outside experts brought in to discuss power dynamics and ethical leadership.
Additionally, a new educational program emphasizing the Coast Guard’s core values encourages cadets to reflect on personal experiences and foster open dialogue about daily challenges during their training.
Cadet Oliva Spada expressed initial concerns about the environment at the academy but stated that she now feels secure and supported, noting the positive impact of recent changes.
Despite these advancements, some critics remain skeptical about the sincerity of the reforms, arguing they do not address deeper institutional issues.
Academy officials acknowledge the need to rebuild trust among cadets and the public, reiterating their commitment to fostering a respectful and safe training atmosphere.
The Coast Guard is undertaking 33 actions based on findings from the recent investigations, with plans to enhance the cadet conduct system and improve dormitory security measures.
Cadet 2nd Class Gabriella Kraus-Rivera emphasized the importance of confronting past wrongdoing to establish a culture of honor and integrity within the academy.
