Training Center Cape May Community, Families, and Guests

Training Center Cape May will shift to indoor graduations Oct. 18. Indoor graduations have a capped attendance that is dictated by the unique circumstances of each graduating company. Graduation invites are through the recruit, who will be allowed a set number of guests. There is NO trading of guest slots between recruits. Recruits will confirm their guests’ attendance on graduation week.

For those unable to attend the indoor graduation, Training Center Cape May will make every effort to stream the ceremony on Facebook live @U.S.CoastGuardTrainingCenterCapeMay. This service is provided as a courtesy and subject to change or cancellation.  

Our main gate will open to authorized graduation guests at 8:15 a.m. 

Upon arriving at the front gate, all guests must present a valid form of state or federal identification in order to gain access to the training center. All drivers must possess a valid driver’s license.

Firearms, weapons, and illicit controlled substances, including marijuana, are not permitted on base. Do not have them in your vehicle when you approach the front gate to enter the base.

Graduation is a formal military ceremony and will begin promptly at 11 a.m. in the gymnasium or on the parade field, as weather permits. The ceremony will last for about an hour. 

After the ceremony is concluded, recruits are free to depart. If you are unable to attend the ceremony, your recruit will be provided travel arrangements to execute their orders for authorized leave and reporting to their first units.

Our Exchange will be open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for authorized guests and graduates to purchase Coast Guard items.

Please continue to check this webpage and our U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May (Official) social media page for updated information, as they are the only official sources of information from the Training Center.

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Base Access

1. The base is currently open to authorized personnel.
2. Visitor Screening:  Visitors will be screened prior to entry. All guests must present a valid form of state or federal identification in order to gain access to the training center. All drivers must possess a valid driver's license. 
3. The ID Card Office is working in an appointment only basis. No walk-ins. Do not bring other guests to your appointment. Feel free to call with any questions: 609-898-6337.
4. The chaplains are available by phone as needed and emergency appointments if necessary. 
5. Galley is open for authorized patrons. 
6. The barber shop is open for all authorized patrons. It is suggested to call and make an appointment (ext 6939). 
7. The tailor shop is open for over-the-counter business for permanent party personnel by appointment only at (ext 6906) on Thursday.
8. The Exchange is open for all authorized patrons.
    Hours: M-F 0900-1730, Saturday 0900-1700, Sunday 0900-1600.
9. All base tours are cancelled until further notice.

Graduations

Recruit training graduations are normally held on Fridays at 11:00 a.m., but can be changed to meet training center needs. To avoid conflict with certain Federal Holidays, graduations are sometimes shifted. DEPOT graduations are typically held in conjunction with the regular recruit company.

The pre-graduation family breakfast will be held at the Harborview on base at 8:30 a.m. at a cost of $10 per person. 

Guests are also invited to the on-base dinner in the Harborview at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The cost of the dinner is $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 5-12, and free if under 5.

The graduation schedule is as follows and reflects an 8-week training program unless otherwise noted. Graduations are held on the Parade Field or the Flores Gymnasium depending on the season and/or weather. All dates are subject to change without notice:

Visitor Announcements

• You are a guest on an active military base. Attendance at events is a privilege. Failure to follow instruction will result in your removal. 
• Graduation will be held either on the parade field or in the gymnasium depending on weather and time of year.
• Do not attempt to enter the base prior to 8:15 a.m. 
• The uniform requirement for Coast Guard personnel is TROPS (Spring/Summer) and Service Dress Blue (Fall/Winter). Service equivalent is expected for other branches of service.
• Speed limits will be enforced. The speed limit through housing on Pennsylvania and Delaware Avenues on the way to the gate is 25 mph. The speed limit on base is 20 mph.
• Seatbelt usage is required, and driver cell phone use is prohibited.
• As you approach the gate, ensure everyone has their ID out and ready to present to the guards. With many visitors and tight timelines, we will be forced to turn you around and have you get back in line if you are not ready.
• Do not stop, get out, and take pictures while in line at the gate. This will slow down admittance and cause delays.
• Park in the designated graduation parking areas and follow security personnel's directions to make sure you arrive safely and on time. You will be walking to most locations, so plan accordingly.
• Firearm possession and illicit controlled substances including marijuana are not authorized on base. Security Forces personnel conduct vehicle searches upon entry.
• For the safety of all visitors, leave bags, purses, suitcases, etc., of any type in your car and do not take them to the ceremony.
• Only smoke in designated smoking areas at the Ida Lewis Auditorium or the Exchange.
• Pets are not permitted on base.
• Photography of your graduate on base in encouraged. However, photography of recruits in more junior weeks of training is prohibited.
• Be courteous. Do not disrupt the graduation ceremony and please silence cell phones while on base.