This year’s summer training at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, had the highest retention rate in the past few years.
New protocols for the new cadets, called swabs, included shortened weeks and no shouting orders from upperclassmen. Only nine out of 265 cadets did not finish the training this summer, compared to a usual 15.
The Day of New London reports academy officials say the toned down start has helped the new cadets adjust to military life.
The Superintendent Rear Admiral Bill Kelly says he has directed academy officials to make some of the changes permanent.
