The sound of discipline, determination, and duty — echoing through the grounds of the Department of Corrections training facility. 15 recruits — known as B-COT 25-02 — are nearly four months into a grueling journey that’s testing their physical strength, mental fortitude, and commitment to public service. The path to becoming a corrections officer isn’t easy, but for these men and women, it’s a calling.

The key goal for any cycle with the Department of Corrections is to train, equip, and shape a well-rounded officer — one who is ready for the demands behind the walls and beyond them. Currently, there are 15 recruits — 11 men and 4 women — making up the B-COT 25-02 Cycle for DOC. They’re learning what it means to lead with discipline, to move with purpose, and to stand with integrity.

The role of a corrections officer isn’t for everyone. It takes grit, a strong mindset, and the heart to serve. For 24-year-old recruit Jude Leon Guerrero, this is a chance to change his life — and his family’s future.

"I'll be first generation law enforcement in my family. I wanted to make a change," he said.

For 42-year-old Iona Evangelista, the oldest recruit of the cycle, age is just a number. After nearly two decades in the air force, she saw this as her next mission. "As I was making preparations to separate from active duty Air Force back in June, an opportunity presented itself and I kind of capitalized on it when I looked into the mission statement of DOC, its main focus is on control and rehabilitation of inmates, the rehabilitation resonated with me because in the Air Force I worked in mental health and substance use," she said.

Her goal — to use her military and mental health experience to help rehabilitate inmates and contribute to a safer society. 31-year-old Rafata Howard says his reason is both personal and purposeful, saying, "The main thing I wanted to join I wanted to challenge myself, find a stable job to support my family, and help my community at the same time."

And for 23-year-old Tirol Tacusalme, it’s simple: "I wanted to become better and I wanted to excel in life and I thought DOC would be the right place to do that."

From intense physical training to long hours of classroom instruction — these recruits are pushed to their limits. They run drills under the sun, master defensive tactics, learn policy and law, and build teamwork that will define them as officers. 20-year-old Christiana Mondia says the training is relentless — and that’s the point.

"They say complacency is our #1 enemy, so always staying on our toes, is something that is really pushed here - we're always on the move and on the go, so we're ready for anything," she said. "I had a brother that was a former C.O., and I do have a brother in the Guam Police Department and I thought I'd make my way here."

The recruits are guided by their cadre — Including Lieutenant Ron Santos, who says one lesson stands above the rest. "They need to maintain their professionalism both on and off duty. They are taught that integrity is key in this line of work. They may be put in a position where their integrity may be put to the test so they need to stay true to their oath as a corrections officer," he said.

And with many law enforcement agencies facing manpower shortages — these recruits say there’s room for more. Evangelista added, "Be honest with yourself and really ask yourself is this something that I want to do? Is this something that I am passionate about? If you're not, then this is something not for you. Then again, you'll never know until you try."

Leon Guerrero said, "Looking in, on the fence to come in, come in try it out. Because you never know until you do."

As they approach graduation — it’s not just their uniforms that have transformed — it’s their confidence, their discipline, and their purpose. "Knowing that they are confident to go out there and do their job, seeing the pride in each of them, it gives me pride as a cadre. Seeing their growth and seeing their are physically and mentally ready," said Santos.

From the parade grounds to the corridors of corrections — these recruits are learning that strength isn’t just in the body, but in the mind and heart of those who choose to serve.