As a new member of the Coast Guard, you become part of the Coast Guard “extended family,” and so do your personal family members. New members of the Coast Guard are often following a family tradition. Some new members are starting a new tradition and are the first Coast Guard members in their family. Whether you are new to the Coast Guard or not, it is vital that you pass along important information to your family. How you support your immediate family, and how you continue to fulfill your responsibilities to them are an important part of your military life.
Emergency Contact Telephone Calls
In an emergency, your family should contact their local American Red Cross Office. For questions or concerns of an urgent nature, they can reach the Public Affairs Officer at (609) 898-6969 or after-hours the Officer of the Day at (609) 898-6915.
Dependent ID Cards
If you have dependents, you will fill out the Application for Dependent ID Card after your arrival at Cape May. The application and letter explaining the procedure will be sent via mail to your spouse/dependent. They will take the application to the nearest ID card issuing military installation and get a dependent ID card. If they are unable to get to a military installation prior to your graduation, your dependent may get a card issued either at Cape May or at your first duty station.
Telephone Calls
Upon arrival at Cape May, a letter will be sent to your family to let them know you arrived safely. During recruit training, you may NOT receive personal phone calls, therefore you may want to contact your family when you arrive at the Philadelphia USO. Office phones at Cape May are for conducting official business only. Phone
use can be granted by your Company Commander only in the later weeks of training.
Mail
Mail is delivered to the Training Center Monday through Friday. Due to the volume of mail received, it may take longer than normal for mail to reach you. Company mail orderlies pick up mail at a time set by the Company Commander, and return it to the Company Commander for inspection. Any suspicious looking letters or packages will be opened by you in the presence of your Company Commander. Contraband items are seized. Please see the list on page 6 so you know what may not be sent. Outgoing mail may be sent from the drop box at the Training Center Post Office or dropped in the mailbox located between Munro Hall and the Auditorium. Mail is picked up twice a day.
Your mailing address while at the Training Center is:
SR ________________________________
Recruit Company ____________________
Healy Hall, or James Hall, or Munro Hall
USCG Training Center
1 Munro Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204-5083
