Editing Dave Morrison (section)

=== The Coast Guard ===
Around 1988, both Dave Morrison and Gerwin Cash enlisted in the United States Coast Guard shortly after high school, entering basic training together. They were sent to Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, New Jersey, the service’s sole enlisted boot camp. The training was strict, regimented, and intentionally designed to break civilian habits and instill discipline, obedience, and teamwork.

Dave struggled almost immediately. While physically capable and socially adept, he lacked discipline and patience for authority. He frequently clashed with instructors over minor infractions, improper uniform wear, tardiness, talking out of turn, and a general disregard for protocol. He was not insubordinate enough to be discharged during training, but he quickly earned a reputation as a problem recruit who did the bare minimum to pass. 

Despite his issues, Dave completed basic training. His ability to perform under pressure and his natural charisma made him tolerable in group environments. Upon graduation, both men were assigned back to San Andreas, stationed in Los Santos Harbor, an outcome Dave viewed as a personal victory.

During his time with the Coast Guard, Dave’s duties were largely unremarkable but legitimate. He served primarily in coastal security and harbor patrol operations, assisting with vessel inspections, port security enforcement, and routine maritime law enforcement. He took part in joint operations with local authorities involving drug interdiction near the Port of Los Santos, search-and-rescue standby shifts, and escorting high-value commercial ships through restricted waters. While Dave was competent at the practical aspects of the job, he showed little interest in advancement or specialization.

What Dave lacked in discipline, he made up for in social presence. He became well-known among fellow servicemembers for his charm and nightlife habits, frequently blurring professional boundaries. This behavior ultimately led to his downfall. During his service, Dave entered into a sexual relationship with a female Coast Guard member, an explicit violation of Coast Guard regulations governing fraternization and professional conduct.

The relationship was discovered following an internal investigation. Given Dave’s existing disciplinary record and unwillingness to demonstrate reform, command chose to make an example of him. He was dishonourably discharged from the Coast Guard. While not criminally charged, the dismissal effectively ended his military career.

Gerwin Cash, deeply disappointed but unsurprised, remained in service and later transferred to the Navy. Dave, once again, found himself expelled from a structured path, not because he lacked ability, but because he refused to submit to rules that demanded restraint over indulgence.