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Home / AIM / AIM BLOGS / Marinn Peters - PRE-AIM INTERVIEW

Marinn Peters: Pre-AIM Interview

Marinn Peters | September 4, 2024

Marinn Peters

How did you hear of the Coast Guard Academy?

My first encounter with the Coast Guard Academy occurred during my extensive research on various aviation programs. While most aviation programs share similarities, the Coast Guard Academy stood out due to its exceptional diversity and opportunities in the field of aviation. Aspiring to become a pilot, I am convinced that the Coast Guard Academy’s dedication and extensive opportunities can help me accomplish my ambitions.

What is the #1 thing you’ve done to prepare for AIM so far?

In anticipation of AIM, I have been committed to consistent physical training for the past few months. My focus has been preparing for the PFE to align with the standards of my fellow AIM participants. Conversations with previous AIM participants have shed light on the demanding nature of the program, especially when adequate preparation is lacking. As the week of AIM approaches, I am determined to achieve comprehensive readiness, both physically and mentally, to effectively navigate the rigorous demands that await.

What do you expect to have in common with your fellow AIMsters?

I anticipate that I will share many commonalities with my fellow AIMsters. I am confident that we will share the motivation and commitment to working diligently throughout the week. Our shared goal during the week will be to strive for excellence and maximize the opportunities offered by AIM as we are pushed and challenged. 

What are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to the opportunity to familiarize myself with the structure of the Coast Guard Academy during my week at AIM. Engaging with sports coaches, undergoing the PFE, and participating in both stressful and team-building scenarios will greatly contribute to my understanding of the Academy’s opportunities. This experience will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the array of opportunities offered by the Coast Guard Academy. 

Any hesitations about your AIM week?

Due to the anticipated difficulty, I am apprehensive about participating in the Physical Fitness Exam during my time at AIM. Nonetheless, I have diligently prepared for this fitness assessment and am eager to test the effectiveness of my preparation. While my apprehension about the PFE persists, I recognize that the outcome will serve as a valuable benchmark for self-evaluation, facilitating a post-AIM reflection on areas requiring further preparation.

What do your peers think about your service academy aspirations?

Upon sharing my decision to attend the AIM program for the Coast Guard Academy, my peers exhibited unwavering support and encouragement. They expressed genuine enthusiasm for this opportunity and offered their wholehearted support as I embarked on this exciting and challenging endeavor. 

About Marinn

Sponsor Family Application

Thank you for submitting your application to be part of the Sponsor Family Program. Your application will be processed in the upcoming week. Coast Guard Academy’s policy on background screening now requires all adults (everyone 18 and older living in the home) who volunteer to mentor, teach, coach or sponsor cadets, whether on or off Coast Guard Academy grounds, to be screened every 5 years. They are required to provide personal information (name, birth date and social security number) for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check.

The Security Officer at the Coast Guard Academy, CWO2 Gina Polkowski, is overseeing this process. Her email is: Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.

Sponsor Family designations fall into several different categories. Below are the guidelines to help you determine how best to meet the background screening requirement:

  1. If you are Coast Guard active duty you do not need to apply for an additional Background Check. You will be vetted through the Coast Guard system by CWO2 Polkowski.
  2. If you are a Civilian working for the Coast Guard you do not need to apply for an additional Background Check. You will be vetted through the Coast Guard system by CWO2 Polkowski.
  3. If you are non-Coast Guard Active Duty, you are required to provide proof of your current security clearance or National Agency Check that is to be emailed by your Command Security Officer (CSO)/ Security Office to CWO2 Polkowski at  Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.
  4. If you are non-Coast Guard civilian who has a current security clearance or National Agency check, you are required to provide proof of your current security clearance or National Agency Check that is to be emailed by your Command Security Officer (CSO)/ Security Office to CWO2 Polkowski at  Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.
  5. All civilians in the families who are 18 years or older and do not have a security clearance or a National Agency Check are required to be vetted through Mind Your Business, the third party vendor hired by the Coast Guard Academy for the vetting process.

After you complete your application, please e-mail the Sponsor Family Program Coordinator at CadetFamilySponsorProgram@uscga.edu. In your e-mail, you must include the e-mail address and phone number of every adult living in the home. The Sponsor Family Coordinator will then initiate the background check process and you will receive an email with further instructions.

Important things to note:

There is a Sponsor Family Training that is a one-hour training which we ask sponsors to attend once every four years. This training is designed to give you an overview of the program, what is expected of you as a sponsor, and what you can expect from your cadets. This training will also help familiarize you with the cadet regulations onboard CGA. You will be notified via e-mail once the training is scheduled.

The matching process of swabs to families will occur during July and August. Please bear with us and remain flexible through this process. There will be a meet and greet scheduled on Campus, typically in late August. This will give families an opportunity to formally meet their cadet if they have not already done so. Details on this will also be via email.

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