TRACEN Cape May is the only U.S. Coast Guard Base used for Basic Military Training or "boot camp".

In 1917, The United States Navy purchased 400,000 acres (160,000 ha) of the Yorktown peninsula to serve as a fuel depot.

The U.S. Coast Guard took possession of the school in 1957 and established the Reserve Training Center or RTC.

Permanently assigned personnel include active duty, reserve, and civilian instructional, curriculum design and support staff.

"C" School students will report to Lafayette or Cain Hall, depending on their paygrade, for room assignments.