<p>I recently learned that a very nice cadet that I have known for several years has been disenrolled from the Academy. Another who is a 1c decided that he was going to leave on his own accord just months away from graduation.</p>
<p>The reason I bring this up is as a bit of a cautionary tale for all the would-be cadets out there.</p>
<p>The Academy is obviously a very tough place to get into, but it is even tougher to stay there and graduate with your class. There are so many potential pitfalls along the way.</p>
<p>I pray for both of these young men and for all of you that you will make the right choices over the next months and years ahead.</p>
<p>(b) Each cadet shall sign an agreement with respect to the
cadet's length of service in the Coast Guard. The agreement shall
provide that the cadet agrees to the following:</p>
<p>(1) That the cadet will complete the course of instruction at
the Coast Guard Academy.</p>
<p>(2) That upon graduation from the Coast Guard Academy the cadet - </p>
<p>(A) will accept an appointment, if tendered, as a
commissioned officer of the Coast Guard; and</p>
<p>(B) will serve on active duty for at least five years
immediately after such appointment.</p>
<p>(c)(1) The Secretary may transfer to the Coast Guard Reserve, and
may order to active duty for such period of time as the Secretary
prescribes (but not to exceed four years), a cadet who breaches an
agreement under subsection (b). The period of time for which a
cadet is ordered to active duty under this paragraph may be
determined without regard to section 651(a) of title 10.</p>
<p>(2) A cadet who is transferred to the Coast Guard Reserve under
paragraph (1) shall be transferred in an appropriate enlisted grade
or rating, as determined by the Secretary.</p>
<p>g) A cadet or former cadet who does not fulfill the terms of the
obligation to serve as specified under section (b), or the
alternative obligation imposed under subsection (c), shall be
subject to the repayment provisions of section 303a(e) of title 37.</p>