The U.S. Coast Guard Academy has revamped its grueling basic training for cadets, known as swab summer, in response to a sexual abuse scandal that has recently come to light. The changes aim to create a more positive and respectful environment for future Coast Guard officers by focusing on mentorship rather than intimidation. The academy was instructed to take seven actions following the revelation of a probe called Operation Fouled Anchor, which uncovered mishandled sexual assault and harassment cases from 1990 to 2006. This scandal has prompted calls for major reforms and accountability for offenders and those who protected them.
A Senate committee report released Wednesday highlighted “systemic failures” at the academy and within the Coast Guard, leading to ongoing government investigations into the mishandling of serious misconduct. Past and present academy personnel have described a culture of abuse, harassment, and cover-up that allowed perpetrators to escape prosecution. Shannon Norenberg, a former sexual assault response coordinator at the academy, raised concerns about the power dynamics between older cadets and younger swabs, which contributed to instances of abuse and harassment.
In response to these issues, the academy has implemented new measures, including more oversight of the cadre during swab summer and the introduction of shield training to emphasize core values. Swabs now have the opportunity to discuss personal issues, receive mentorship from outside experts, and report incidents through daily diaries. Despite these changes, some Coast Guard members remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the reforms, believing that they are merely a facade to distract from deeper issues within the institution.
While the academy acknowledges the need to earn back trust from the community, some critics argue that the changes do not address the root of the problem. Retired Cmdr. Kimberly McLear views the reforms as mere theater and believes that the academy is not taking sufficient responsibility for past wrongdoing. However, current cadets like Oliva Spada have expressed a sense of safety and respect in the new training environment, indicating that progress is being made. The academy continues to work on additional measures to address the issues raised by Operation Fouled Anchor and foster a culture of accountability and integrity among cadets.
