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Commentary | July 23, 2025

Best Places to Work: Training Center Cape May

By Senior Chief Petty Officer Eric Perez, Training Center (TRACEN) Cape May

My unit is the best place to work because: 
The future of the Coast Guard begins here! TRACEN Cape May is the birthplace of the Coast Guard and our only boot camp!  
 
What we do: 
Lead by example. We demonstrate the highest standards of personal conduct, morality, and professional skill to transform the civilians of today into the Coast Guard men and women of tomorrow. 
 
When not in an eight-week company, we are building resiliency, preparing, and training for the next company. We also support the prospective company commanders (CCs) by running a simulation of the training environment, which we call Live Day. On Live Day, qualified CCs fill in as recruits and the students fill in as the qualified CC. The students lead incentive training and remedial instruction drills and receive feedback at the end of the exercise. This is a way for our CCs to support the next generation of CCs that will, in turn, train the next generation of the Coast Guard.  
 

Why it's fulfilling: 
We shape and witness the transformation of all recruits from civilians into confident, motivated non-rates who embody our Core Values. It doesn’t get any better than that. 
 

Recruits with Lima-205 earn their colors on the beach on June 8, 2024 at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, New Jersey. A company earning their colors is a significant milestone in recruit training and marks camaraderie and seniority on the regiment. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Schell)


When not on watch, we: 
Explore Cape May Point State Park, where you can hike the nature trails, climb the historic lighthouse, enjoy a bike ride, or kayak around the Cape May Nature Center. 

 
Why it’s great to live here: 
Cape May, Nj. is considered the oldest resort town in America. You’ll find Cape May on various “Top 10” lists. Training Center Cape May housing is in prime real estate and is surrounded by beautiful beaches and historic charm. There’s always something to do with friends or family. 
 
What we do for fun: 

When you’re off duty, Cape May and the beach towns south of Atlantic City offer relaxation, culture, and fun. There are many popular breweries, wineries, and the historic Washington Street Mall within the vicinity of Training Center Cape May housing. 
 
Best-kept secret: 
The best kept secret are the waterparks on the pier and the restaurants which overlook the beach. The community is Coast Guard friendly and the cuisine can stand next to the most prestigious restaurants anywhere. 
 
Our mission: 
Get the next generation of Coasties disciplined, physically fit, and well-prepared for their service. 
 
Benefits of working here: 
Even though there are perks like assignment pay, high assignment priority, and points on the Service-Wide Exam (SWE), the reward is the job itself. By the end of your tour, you will shape the lives of our most junior members, be a better Coastie, and, most importantly, a better person. 
 
How to join the team: 
Review ALGENL 025/25 and apply to be a Recruit Company Commander. Applications are due August 22, 2025. If you have any questions, please visit the CC Recruiting Teams page

 

-USCG- 

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