What to Expect

The Coast Guard Academy is not your typical college experience, and AIM is not your typical summer program. During AIM you will live, learn and compete with those who:

Are looking for more than just a degree
Are physically fit and adventuresome
Enjoy science and math
Want to step out of their comfort zone

A Higher Standard

During AIM, you’ll be held to a higher standard. Coast Guard cadets and officers are called to a life of public service – a spirit of honor and duty that comes from putting the interests of others ahead of their own. While attending AIM, you will experience firsthand this spirit and the close bond shared by those who live it each day.

“During AIM, I saw how the cadre and admissions staff care about you. They want to help you make the right decision as to which university is right for you.” – Aliyah Brown, Williamsburg, VA

Non-Stop

From the moment your AIM battalion forms up, you will move non-stop. Your day starts with reveille and calisthenics at 0600 (6 a.m.) and ends with taps and “lights out” at 2200 (10 p.m.). In between, you will be in the classroom, on the athletic field, on the parade grounds, or on the water. You will experience military discipline, physical training, team building and leadership development. You will encounter safe but stressful situations, where you will learn to respond effectively, as required while performing Coast Guard missions.

0600 – Reveille
0610 – Calisthenics
0700 – Morning meal
0800 – Morning session
1200 – Formation and noon meal
1300 – Physical activity
1545 – Sports
1730 – Formation and evening meal
1815 – Cadre time
1900 – Evening session
2200 – Taps, lights out

“Over the week I learned a lot, not just about the Coast Guard, but about myself. It gave me a taste of what my life would be like over Swab Summer, and it was a good test to see how I would do under pressure.” – Ajia Brown, Groton, CT

A Typical Week

DAY 1: Check in, uniform issue, opening ceremony
DAY 2: Engineering workshops, college planning workshop, drill practice, intercompany athletics, Physical Fitness Exam
DAY 3: Engineering workshops, sailing, campus tour, Admissions Officer introductions, college planning workshop, marching practice
DAY 4: Sailing, engineering workshops, cadre time
DAY 5: Indoctrination test, intercompany athletics, lunch with athletic coaches, asset tours, Admissions Officer time, Hopley Yeaton Ceremony
DAY 6: Family Day, engineering demonstration, group photo, graduation ceremony

“Even though I was not the most athletically inclined, AIMsters and cadre always motivated me to keep pushing. The gratitude I had after accomplishing all that I could was incredible.” – Bethany Tennyson Evansville, IN

Virtual AIM

When held, the virtual program will be hosted on MS Teams and run about six hours per day for two days, including breaks. Cadet-led and content-rich, you’ll explore majors with professors and cadets, meet coaches, and spend time getting to know your Admission Officer. Feel free to invite parents to watch with you!