UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY

PARENTS AND SUPPORTERS CLUB

OF COLORADO

MAY 1999

CLASS OF 2003

UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY

PARENTS AND SUPPORTERS CLUB OF

COLORADO

1999 –2000

3459 S. España Court

Aurora, CO 80113

Phone: 303-690-2221

Paul & Pat Gray

5839 S. Danube Circle

Aurora, CO 80015

Phone: 303-617-1152

Table of Contents

Dear Parents of the Class of 2003,

Welcome aboard! Whenever anyone enters the Naval Academy, big changes take place in their lives and in the lives of their family members and close friends. There are scores of questions to be answered. Where do I stay? What do I bring? Where do we eat? How do I . . . ? We hope that you will find this edition of the Plebe Parent Survival Handbook helpful in answering your questions about the Academy and resources in the Annapolis area. This Colorado handbook was first printed in 1998 by Dwight and Billie Smith for the plebe parents of the class of 2002, with the intent of it being updated annually. We hope it will help you make it through plebe year with a little more knowledge and experience at your fingertips. The contents of this book have been gleaned from the experiences of midshipmen parents and from USNA Parents’ Clubs nationwide. These parents have experienced many of the same things you will encounter as your child enters the United States Naval Academy. This handbook may be purchased or, preferably, is a gift to you when you pay your Parents’ Club dues.

Our Colorado Club publishes a quarterly newsletter, the Anchor Line, which includes news releases from the Academy, updates on accommodations and services, schedules of Academy events, and timely hints on everything from purchasing football tickets to tricks for finding a house for Commissioning Week when your "mid" is a "firstie" (see glossary for new terms). The cost of the Anchor Line is included in your payment of dues.

The Parents Club sponsors several events throughout the year. The welcome brunch for incoming classes is the first. We schedule a picnic in June where incoming candidates have an opportunity to meet some of the midshipmen who may be home on leave. In October and December we gather for football game fellowship. Just after Christmas, when most of the midshipmen and cadets are generally home on leave, we enjoy the All Service Academy Ball. In February parents get together for a potluck "Dark Days Dinner." All of the activities give us a chance to get to know each other better and support each other in what may seem to the "unacademied" (not in the glossary), an unusual college challenge.

We encourage you to join the Parents Club and help our Club grow stronger and more active. Take advantage of all the Club has to offer you in information, advice, reassurance, support, and growing friendships. Membership information is available at the back of this book.

We look forward to working--and playing--with you this year. Please call if we may answer any questions. Remember, each of us embarked on this journey from the same

port--I Day.

Jane Johnson and Ron Missildine

Presidents, Class of 2000

PLEBE SUMMER

Plebe Summer Primer

Plebe Summer is the first military training evolution for most members of the incoming class. It is a time-intensive training period and is rigorous both physically and mentally. It begins with Induction Day (I-Day) when Plebes take the Oath of Office and begin the transition from civilian or enlisted life to officer candidate status. Plebes receive indoctrination and training in proper military discipline, courtesy, requirements and traits of special trust and confidence, teamwork, and personal accountability. They are also provided basic training in seamanship, marksmanship, military drill, watchstanding, and customs and traditions of the Naval Service. Plebe Summer ends with the reform of the Brigade at the beginning of the academic school year.

The Physical Education Program (PEP) is a progressive six-week exercise regime designed to enhance the fitness level of the newly inducted plebes. PEP is an integral part of the fourth class development process. It is a CONTROLLED, SUPERVISED exercise program, which supports USNA's mission of physical development of midshipmen. Upon completion of PEP, the plebes will have:

• experienced unit/class unity, spirit, and pride as a result of joint participation.

• be able to successfully complete the PRT to Naval Academy standards.

Effecting a lifestyle change is most important because this will significantly reduce the probability of a midshipman failing to meet the Naval Academy's Physical Education (PE) requirements and increase his or her future effectiveness as an officer. Members of the Class of 2002 affectionately refer to PEP as the "Plebe Extermination Program".

Originated to provide simple formations from which various combat formations could readily be assumed and used to teach discipline, responsibility, accountability, and teamwork as well as building unit cohesion, multiple Close Order Drill (COD) sessions provide an opportunity to handle individual weapons, instill discipline through precision and automatic response to orders as well as increasing the leader's confidence through exercising command of drilling troops.

Movements from the USNA drill manual will be learned and demonstrated during formal parades and Platoon Drill Competition.

Each and every Plebe in the Class of 2003 will undergo rigorous military indoctrination training this summer. Some of the most rewarding will be their hands on training and qualifications in the operation and firing of both the Berretta 9mm pistol and the military's M-16A2 combat rifle. The Plebes will learn in depth the safety rules and requirements for the weapons range; memorize and understand the firearms components, safety features, and firing options; and after hands-on, one-on-one training, they will attempt to qualify on both weapons with live fire exercises. Plebes achieving a score of Marksman or Sharpshooter will be awarded the Navy's Pistol and/or Rifle Ribbon while those achieving Expert scores will be awarded the Navy's Expert Pistol and/or Expert Rifle Medal with corresponding ribbon. Self discipline, hand-eye precision and pride in one's self are just a few of the attributes the Plebes will take away from their Plebe Weapons Training experience.

Fourteen hours of training during Plebe Summer sets the foundation for character development as a midshipman. Eight honor lessons are presented on topics such as moral courage, integrity and loyalty, the meaning of honor, and the basic mechanics of the honor system. Six human relations classes address issues such as discrimination, conflict resolution, stress management, alcohol abuse and sexual assault prevention. Plebe Summer culminates with an Honor Affirmation ceremony, during which plebes formally affirm their allegiance to the Honor Concept and Honor Treatise of the Brigade of Midshipmen during Parents' Weekend. During the moving ceremony, the plebes also reaffirm their oath as midshipmen.

0515 Get up and put on running shorts and shirt for PEP (Physical Education Program)
0530 Reveille, fall out into the passageway
0540 Formation for PEP after making rack
0600 PEP for 1 hour
0700 Shower, get dressed, memorize Navy rates, days menus, and several newspaper articles
0745 Morning formation and breakfast
0845 First training evolution of the day - attend various evolutions until
1145 Recite Navy rates for Squad Leader upon demand
1210 Noon meal formation and lunch
1300 Begin afternoon training evolutions
1600 Begin intramural/varsity sports practice
1800 Evening meal formation and dinner
1900 Begin evening training evolution
2110 Personal time

2145 Blue & Gold
2200 TAPS (lights out)

SURVIVAL HINTS FOR PLEBES

Plebe is short for Plebeian, from the Latin meaning "a member of the ancient Roman lower class or common people" and lowly it is. But with determination and self-discipline, and the help of your fellow classmates, you will meet the challenges of being a lowly Plebe one-day at a time.

If you’re not already in excellent physical condition, start getting that way now! Plebe summer will be very demanding and the hot, humid days of running and physical exercise will take its toll. You should now be running at least three mile stretches and probably longer to get prepared for distance running this summer. In addition to getting in shape physically, candidates should begin acclimating their bodies to their new time schedule, 0530 - 2230 hrs. (5:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.) well in advance of I-Day. You will not be allowed to lie down on your bed during the day until taps at night, so you should make sure that you are in great shape so you can survive all that marching, running, and chopping without a nap!

Get a regulation haircut before reporting in on I-Day. It won’t keep you from getting a haircut that day, and every week thereafter during your Plebe year, but at least you won’t be such a shock to your parents on Parents Weekend.

[Take a minimum of "civies".] NOT! We used to say this. Now that the yard has tightened up, you will have no need for your civilian clothes. Kiss them goodbye and tell them you will see them at home for Christmas!

The academy issues most, if not all, necessities, but you will receive a list of what to bring. Anything you bring that has NOT been authorized will go into storage for the summer in the bag with the civilian clothes you came in. Give anything to your parents that may melt and ruin things in that bag over the summer. You may bring some of your favorite snapshots. Plebes do rate pictures, but only under the clear plastic blotter on their desks. Keep your wallet on your body, not in your bag. If it goes into storage and you need it, you will have to ask your 2/C for permission to go searching for it. DON’T let that happen to you!

If you find that there are other things you need, have your parents mail them to you after you have made it through Induction Day.

Calculators are required. You’ll receive suggestions for the specific type in the material that will be provided for you from the Academy. Computers will be issued to each new Plebe before the start of the academic year. Printers are not provided and while it is not necessary, as a master print room is available, a personal printer may be an asset. Sometimes one roommate will buy the printer and "rent" it to the other roommates for a specific fee per semester. Your parents could bring your printer to you as soon as Plebe Parent Weekend.

Consider the summer a survival challenge. You will not be the first one to have undergone the trying time, nor will you be the last. Take whatever harassment may be issued one moment at a time, everything has a purpose. You may not see that purpose during Plebe summer, but by the time you are a Youngster you will appreciate the "hidden motives".

Organize your time. Never allow 15 minutes to go by without doing something constructive. If nothing else is pressing immediately - clean your room. You can never get it clean enough to pass inspection without some hits anyway.

You will be issued you an electric alarm clock. You might want to have your parents mail you one with a louder alarm. Your upperclass will see that you get up, but you will not want to go out into the hall to see what time it is. A reliable, shock-absorbing wristwatch is good to have also.

If you are not an expert at some sport, now may be the time to try something that you may have never had the opportunity to participate in before, i.e. rugby, lacrosse, squash, or crew. You will also get an opportunity to enter the boxing ring in competition, though probably not until your second year.

Thoroughly digest the regulations governing the USNA and pay particular attention to the Plebe Indoctrination System. It is vital that you study and know your rates when asked.

Stamps and writing materials will be issued. Send your address back home to family and friends as soon as possible. Mail can be the highlight of your day and if no one has your address, you can’t get any! Your Plebe address will last only through the summer and will change once the academic year commences.

A small amount of money is always nice to have. Incidentals such as cleaning supplies need to be purchased. A major credit card for the unexpected is good back up. A long distance phone card is a must in order to make call from school. Rooms are NOT equipped with telephones. Make sure that you call your long distance company with their code number before placing a long distance phone call.

(i.e.: 1-800-CALL-ATT, or 1-800-888-8000 for MCI) Some of the pay phones on the Yard and in Annapolis are serviced by small local phone companies. Some of these local long distance service providers charge twice as much as major carriers. E-mail through the computer is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends at other universities. On those address post cards, ask friends to send you their Internet address at school. If you don’t know how to use E-mail now - you will learn! Of course, you can’t Email until you have your computer which won’t happen until the end of the summer, so get your friends to write you via "snail-mail"!

Learn to pay attention to small details and everything else will follow. For example, always look at yourself quickly in the mirror before you leave your room, and glance back at the room to see if it is "shipshape" and "squared away".

You will be learning countless things this summer. Some of it, maybe most of it, will seem trivial and meaningless. You will be memorizing hundreds of names, addresses, sayings, songs, cadences and monuments. Recognize that there is going to be a tremendous amount of mental stress and that you are learning to perform under pressure. They want to see how you think and react quickly under pressure. You’ll have your turn to be the trainer in a couple of years, and that is challenging too. Keep in mind that as a Midshipman, you are in training as a future naval officer. You must learn to think clearly under pressure and react quickly; the lives of many men and women may depend on your ability to do so. You also need to practice proper study and learning habits to survive the first academic semester. Expect stiff competition from everyone. Get accustomed to being "average"! Everyone there is just like you, they were outstanding in their high school, they are every bit as motivated and talented as you are. Be friendly and helpful, you are making the best friends you will have for the rest of your life. You NEED each other to survive this experience! And remember there is no "I" in TEAM.

Keep your sense of humor, but be careful not to let it show at inappropriate times. Your wise remark could end up "frying" your whole squad. Remember that the ultimate purpose for this type of training is to develop leadership skills so that you can become an effective part of the Navy team.

Notable Quatables from the Class of 2002

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"I really don't know what to say about my year as a Plebe. It was difficult, yes, but an awesome learning experience. I have grown so much as a person and I think a lot more of myself now than I did during Plebe Summer. I have learned to respect people more, and have also learned how
to gain the respect of others. That is an important skill in the "real world". I have made friends for life here. I have bonded with people from all over the country and from other countries. It was a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. And I would do it again (as crazy as that may sound!). They told us during Plebe Summer that during our Plebe year, we would be "drowning in one big year of suck", and they were right. But it got better, and it wasn't even really that bad. I wish the class of '03 all the luck in the world. The only advice I can give is to be string, suck it up, and stick it out. It doesn't last forever, and it only gets better. It is all well worth it. And one more thing...if any of you guys ever need anything, let me know. Don't be afraid to talk to me if you need advice or anything like that. Good luck, and see you next year!"
MIDN Elizabeth Jeannette Derricott, USNA 2002

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"My roommates and I used to always say: In whiteworks, an un-capped ballpoint pen is an accident waiting to happen. More of a Plebe proverb actually. Well thanks for your hard work on that manual (USNA Plebe Parent Survival Guide). I remember it being very helpful when I was getting ready to come here."
MIDN David J. Bachta, USNA 2002

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"Above all, always keep your sense of humor."

By John Sharpe

Tho’ you think you’re tough and hard

On the day you hit the yard

You soon find the Navy life’s not what you thought it.

First they shave off all your hair,

Strip your pride, leave you bare,

And there’s a sickness called self-doubt; you just caught it.

So it’s a bulkhead not a wall,

A companionway not a hall,

And a rack is now what used to be your bed,

And "Reef Points" is your bible.

But it’s more’n likely liable

They’ll only ask you ‘bout the parts you haven’t read.

For it’s chop! Chop! Chop!

"Where’s my Brasso? Get the mop!"

Life’s a livin’ hell when you’re a Plebe.

They herd you around like sheep

Yet there’s lots of time for sleep.

If you can figure out how to do it standin’ up.

"No excuse, sir." or "I’ll find out,"

Your confidence is in full rout.

And you feel you’re three ranks lower’n a mongrel pup.

Plebe summer’s bad; but just the start.

You can’t know they saved the part

That’ll make you doubt if you’ve got the guts to face four years.

Tours, demerits, and getting fried

Test your heart, your soul, your hide.

And the closest you get to salt water is your tears.

And it’s regs, regs, regs

You’re a maggot with arms and legs

Life’s a living hell when you’re a Plebe.

"Push it up, suck it in,

Pop that chest, hide that chin!"

And no-one gives a damn when you feel cruddy.

But miss one little rate;

You’ll learn what they mean by hate.

And don’t expect they care there’s no time to study.

Tho’ they did their best to break me,

In the end they couldn’t make me

Pack it in: I stayed tru-blue Navy to the core.

Now every flamin’ Upper Class

Stand aside and let me pass,

‘Cause it’s Herndon and there ain’t no Plebes no more.

Yes, it’s a name to grow to hate

But let me tell you mate,

It takes a hell of a lot of guts to be a Plebe.

A USNA PARENT’S POEM

(Reprinted from THE LOG)

(Revised by P. Gray)

To Be A Good Naval Academy Parent:

is to know FEAR — there is so much that is mystery at USNA

is to know PRIDE — that one so young will aspire to such noble calling

is to know UNCERTAINTY — why hasn’t she called?

is to know GRATITUDE — that a sponsor family will take her in and

trust her so well

is to know JOY — she likes it and is doing well

is to know DESPAIR — she’s on restriction

is to know FRIENDSHIP — other USNA families who share your feelings and see you through

is to know FAITH — there is someone other than you working in your child’s life

is to know AGONY — her friend was separated

is a THRILL — catching a glimpse of her in parade or march on

is to know PERSEVERANCE — the Dark Ages can’t last forever, send another care package

is to know SUPPORT — her roommate’s father, whom you have never met, writes regularly

is to know ANGER — why does she have watch on the day you can visit?

is to know to keep PATRIOTISM — spend an hour in Memorial Hall and

read all the names marked

INDUCTION DAY - SURVIVAL HINTS FOR PARENTS

Go, if you can! Parents are welcomed at the Academy on this occasion and there is plenty for you to learn about and do. In fact, you will be embraced as parents of incoming midshipmen. You will be awed by the vast assortment of USNA merchandise in the Mid Store (which is only open to parents on these "BIG" weekends). Bring your credit card or checkbook, I’ll bet you can’t leave without at least ONE T-shirt. Remember that every item you purchase is helping increase the Midshipman’s Welfare Fund. You can do a "supermarket sweep" without "buyer’s remorse"! Go early to get a T-shirt with the entire Plebe class on the back; the supply runs out quickly. Again, be sure to go early! Popular items and sportswear disappear fast!

You will be guests of Alumni House for a Welcoming Picnic Lunch. You will be "briefed" by the Superintendent and his staff, a meeting that will leave you feeling GOOD about leaving your son or daughter under the command of these impressive role models. If it is at all humanly possible, be there for this day!

Be sure to allow enough time in your travel arrangements to arrive at your assigned time at Alumni Hall. If your candidate must travel alone to Annapolis, he or she may want to share a hotel room with other candidates from Colorado. Candidates will be reimbursed for their travel costs according to regulations, so be sure to obtain receipts. If you are traveling by car, you will be asked to record your mileage on a form and will be reimbursed at a per/mile rate. (Check the odometer before you leave the driveway!)

Candidates will report to Alumni Hall at various assigned times during the morning (beginning at 0600 hrs. and every half-hour until around 0900 hrs.). The line will be horrendously long and will snake around the paths and back up towards T-Court. Enjoy the standing in line with your Mid. These are your last "leisure moments" together before Alumni Hall swallows them up. They have been divided into companies and platoons by the computer before arriving. The candidates are divided into squads led by upperclassmen (first and second class) that take them through dozens of stations. Alumni Hall resembles a mass production factory on I-Day. The first stop in Alumni Hall is for an initial uniform issue; the candidates are issued several hundred dollars worth of uniforms. Other stops include medical and dental areas for shots and examinations, and the barbershop for shaved heads for the guys or a short plebe haircut for the girls. Plebes will get about one haircut a week henceforth.

On Parent’s Weekend in August, many of the female midshipmen make appointments at the nearby malls to repair the more creative academy hairstyles (and they rate a barrette about the same time). Civilians walk in the front door and futures Midshipmen marches out of another where they board buses and are transported to Bancroft Hall. The candidates are dressed in partial uniform, with a bag over their shoulder, a "dixie cup" on their head, and a USNA T-shirt with their uniform trousers. Then the candidates are bused to company areas, assigned rooms, and have their first lunch in King Hall. It is in their company area that they have the pleasure of meeting the first and second class that will lead them through the first half of the summer (upper-class spend the other half of their summer on cruise, halfway through Plebe summer a whole new staff of "trainers" will arrive; sometimes a relief to the Plebes, sometimes a scarier experience). During that first day, a lot of time is devoted to the folding and refolding of clothes, and marching - a lot of marching! By this time, it is late afternoon and the candidates form up for their big swearing-in ceremony.

Don’t rush home after you have dropped your Plebe at Alumni Hall. If you wander the campus you may get a glimpse of them being trained at some task. It is fun to try and spot your Plebe, once they all have the same uniform and that "haircut", they all look alike! You may have thought you spotted your son or daughter several times before you actually see them. During the swearing-in ceremony, don’t be alarmed if your Plebe marches 18 inches in front of your face and doesn’t acknowledge you. And try to ignore the face that looks like they are ready to burst into tears. That is part of the training for marching. Each year that goes by that face will break a little more, until by the time they are Firsties they are grinning ear to ear at you!

Get to T-Court early (45 - 60 minutes) for the ceremony so you can get close enough to recognize your Mid (remember, they all look alike from far away). Following the ceremony, the new plebes have about 20-30 minutes to say goodbye to their families before returning to Mother B. With so much to do, so much to learn, and so many upper-class to please, it is almost overwhelming. Most Plebes collapse into bed at night thinking, "What am I doing here? ". That continues to be a question that arises off and on all the way to graduation, every Midshipman has wondered that at one time or another. One thing that keeps them going is that they ALL think these thoughts. Company mates support each other and often become best friends for life. Surviving the Academy is not an individual accomplishment. Midshipmen work together as a team to overcome their individual weaknesses. What one person cannot deal with alone, a group of roommates or company mates can work out together.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR FIRST TIME PLEBE PARENTS

The most important thing you can do for your Plebe during Plebe Summer — and the rest of their four years at USNA — is send MAIL, MAIL, MAIL! Pictures of the family, including the family pet, are always welcome. Get all your relatives to write to your Mid. Warn them not to expect mail back! Give your Mid a supply of self-addressed, stamped post cards. Plebes are too tired to write at the end of the day and they are not permitted phone calls until a few weeks have passed. Also give your Mid a supply of stamps. They might feel like writing a letter but don’t have the time to purchase required supplies. Go to your neighborhood Hallmark store and buy stacks of funny, encouraging cards. When you get them home, stamp and address all the envelopes. You will probably get busy yourself and not have time to write everyday. Grab one of your preaddressed cards and sent it anyway. There is nothing lonelier than an empty mailbox!

When they finally are able to make phone calls, suggest to them that they find an out of the way phone. Lines are usually long in the bottom of Bancroft Hall, especially on weekends. Have them use a phone in an "outbuilding". Set up a regular time for them to call, e.g. Sunday mornings at 10. You will not have the luxury of calling them; you would like to be home when they call you! Investigate reduced rate telephone plans, such as an 800 number. You will be glad you did! Expect a heavy phone bill. (This is your college tuition bill) Your Mid will need lots of positive support from you, let the upper-class take care of chastising them.

Halfway into the summer your Plebe will have two important changes occur. Plebe Summer Detailers (the upperclass who are in charge of training the Plebes) work in 3 week blocks. (You will read about this later, the summer is divided into 4 blocks of time, your Mid will spend 2 of them in some kind of professional training). At the end of the first three weeks, not only will your Plebe get a whole new training staff, they will also change roommates. This can be traumatic, or the best thing that has happened since they arrived! Plebes are given a chance for a "new start" with these changes.

You may have heard that one of the more important things you must do to support your Plebe during the summer is to send goody packages. This USED to be true. Beginning last summer, the officer in charge of summer detail has asked that we stress the importance of NOT sending junk foods and other items not in keeping with the spartan environment they are trying to create for Plebe Summer Training. Several of the reasons for discouraging care packages are:

• Your midshipman is entering a profession of arms. Being a warrior is about self-sacrifice, self-discipline, self-reliance and independence. Asking them to forego a few luxuries from home is but a small taste of the demands that will be placed on him or her yet it still provides a sense of self-denial that will facilitate their professional, military and moral development.

• One of the aims of plebe summer is for the incoming midshipman to make the transition from civilian/enlisted status to officer candidate status. Doing without some of the niceties they have been used to for much of their lives up to this point will help them focus on the issues at hand.
• An additional reason for not sending snacks is that we want the plebes to eat balanced meals under the training atmosphere provided in King Hall. Having a food waiting for them in their rooms may entice some plebes to forego nutrition in search of a less pressured environment, thereby not being able to adequately maintain their energy reserves. I can assure you, the plebes will be given ample opportunity to consume all the food they need or want.
• Finally, the small sacrifices we are asking for will give the plebes a better appreciation for parents, loved ones and the comforts of home. I believe this will, in a small way, contribute to a better awareness of why we may ask them to go in harm’s way some day in the future.

Once Plebe Summer is over, you can begin your spoiling of your Plebe in earnest. In the first package you could include a can opener, a large plastic glass with cover, spoon and knife, a few plastic containers with lids or zip-lock bags for the leftovers. [You may want to send the first package in some kind of tin with a tight fitting lid (like the kind Christmas popcorn comes in). The Bancroft mice can be VERY aggressive, nibbling their way through Tupperware if your homemade TollHouse cookies look particularly enticing.] It is usually easier to remove goodies from their original packing and put them into zip-lock bags. It makes them easier to pack and easier to store when they arrive at USNA. Pack empty spaces in good boxes with wrapped candy, gum, tootsie rolls, etc.. Include the local newspaper, more news from home.

Some suggestions include: homebaked goodies, nuts, raisins, candy, Pringles (mail better than regular potato chips!), Kudos, sweet cereal, crackers with cheeses that squirt out of a can, canned pudding, water based tuna, deviled ham, Beanie-Weanies, powdered ice tea, Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Tang or cans of fruit. In the winter months you could include hot cocoa, instant oatmeal, cup-of-soup, Oodles of Noodles in the microwaveable container, etc. Check with your Mid to see when they are allowed to use the microwave in the wardroom. Microwave popcorn is always popular! Don’t be surprised when they ask for things they have never eaten or liked when they were home. Roommates, friends and upperclass (especially ones they are trying to win over) share care packages!

When it is time for birthdays you can send unfrosted cakes in shirt boxes, pack them with cans of frosting, paper plates, candles and a knife! My Mid loves angel food cake so I make it in loaf pans and send them in shoeboxes. I seal the cakes in zip loc bags first and send it priority mail. They are definitely edible! Instant birthday party! (Sorry Mids, ice cream does not mail well!)

You may want to consider sending a combination multi-vitamin / mineral supplement. If your Mid has lost weight during Plebe Summer (and many do) you might also want to send a high carbohydrate / high calorie food supplement. Check with your health and fitness store to see what the weightlifters drink! Plebe summer is a real workout.

While UPS mailings are usually cheaper, they are not delivered to the company area and Mids don’t have time to pick them up. All midshipmen now have Post Office Boxes and first class mail is delivered there, including packages.

Spend as many weekends in Annapolis as you can, especially in the fall and winter of Plebe year. You will learn to love it as a second home, and your Mid will appreciate the diversion.

Take care packages and rolls of quarters for the soda machines, tour the Malls and eat at all the all-you-can-eat buffets you can when off Yard liberty allows. Dahlgren Hall is a popular meeting place for Mids and their families. The food is good when you cannot get off the yard and there is always something to do, and a place to sit, in case someone is held up and you (or your Mid) have to wait.

When your Mid calls home — only share the happy news. Tell them how great they are, how much you love them, tell them to hang in there!

By the end of May, your 4/C will be a man/woman of honor and integrity, one who can think fast, move fast, memorize, organize, take orders and accept responsibility with a sense of spirit and pride.

"I was sworn in by the Commandant on Tuesday, July 9;

And I wore this funny hat, as I raised my hand up high.

From that moment on Mother Bancroft kept me moving;

And I’m sure she smiled approving every time I shouted

"Yes, Sir! Yes, Sir! Yes, Sir!"

But my secret thoughts under that cover, were ones

I’d not always reveal to mother,

And I’d even have trouble telling my confessor.

In it, I sweated and I fretted, and I swore, and almost died;

I prayed, felt dismayed, and I laughed, and I cried,

And all the time I wore it, and snapped my hand before it,

Saluting everybody but my peers;

I somehow got the feeling, that the dixie cup was sealing,

A bond that would grow stronger through the years.

That cap was the start of a union, a holy, nautical communion,

And each year I’d move yet higher in its ranks,

And then I’d think back to the days I wore it,

And perhaps be more grateful for it:

And look up and say what I should say today, "God thanks!"

So treasure your dixie cup cover, place it lovingly over hair and brow;

For tomorrow’s Navy Heroes, Are the ones who are wearing it now!"

SPONSOR FAMILIES

Families in the Annapolis area have been volunteering to be a "home away from home" to any Mid who requests one. Prospective sponsors must reside within 22 miles of the Naval Academy and it is recommended that each family sponsor at least two midshipmen. This year, all sponsors will be required to attend a briefing in Alumni Hall during two days in Plebe Summer. A clear definition of the rules and regulations of the Sponsor Program is presented as well as the responsibilities of the sponsor family for the midshipman. Therefore the families know where midshipmen can go, what they can and cannot wear, and what time they must be back at "Mother B". Sponsors will then have the opportunity to meet their respective Midshipmen. It is recommended that you try to plan a get together with your sponsor family during Plebe Parents’ Weekend.

Sponsors offer the Mid the opportunity to experience a home situation with a family on occasional weekends. Although it is officially a "Plebe" sponsor program, many relationships last well beyond the Plebe year. In fact, many continue to maintain a special relationship long after they have graduated. A sponsor’s home provides a place for a Plebe to stop being a Plebe, within certain limits, for awhile. Mids spend time raiding the refrigerator, catching up on laundry, sleep and television. They also look forward to studying with the radio on (Plebes cannot have music in the hall for their first year at the Academy). Being a part of a sponsor’s family gives them something to look forward to, something that can arrive earlier than their Thanksgiving or Christmas vacations.

PLEBE PARENTS’ WEEKEND

Parents’ Weekend in August is a definite "DON’T MISS". If you haven’t already made your reservation, do it NOW! Rooms fill up fast for these big weekends. Hotels in Annapolis charge FULL rates for big USNA weekends, search outside the city limits for better bargains, especially if you need multiple rooms, multiple nights. This will be your last opportunity to see your Mid’s room and enjoy a USNA hosted weekend designed especially for YOU until your Firstie Parents’ Weekend in September 2002! If your Plebe likes to swim, get a hotel with a pool. Annapolis is usually very hot and humid (although past Parents’ Weekends were reported very cold and wet). This is also a good idea if you have other children, they can swim while your Plebe sleeps in your room!

Register in Dahlgren Hall as soon as you arrive. Pick up materials and information off all the tables. Talk to the Athletic Association about football tickets, especially if you want season tickets and parking cards. Take your time collecting flyers off the tables, stick them in a file folder, come October you will be looking for some of that information! Don’t forget the Mid Store – and this is an excellent opportunity to purchase your Mid a printer, calculator, or other "big ticket" items at a reduced cost without sales tax!

If you want a good view of Formation, you must be in Tecumseh Court 45 - 60 minutes early. Try to arrive an hour early for the Dress Parade and sit in the stands under a tree. Shop in the Gift Shop early as it gets extremely busy and they will run out of popular styles as the weekend goes on. It will be crazy and crowded. Some families bring ALL their extended families and they come from all over the world. During one Parents’ Weekend there was a family of 26 who came from New Jersey, those who came from the farthest away were a family from Singapore. Plan to participate in as many activities as possible, especially the dining-in in King Hall with your Mid, but remember, your Mid will want to be OUT of the gates as soon as off-yard liberty is granted. Try to meet your Mid’s Sponsor family so you can get to know each other. Be prepared for a major letdown on Sunday.

Make sure your Mid invites a Mid whose parents could not make it to eat with you at a meal off the Yard or attend some other event. There may be a time when you cannot attend a function at the Academy and some other parent will include your Mid in their family activity. ALL the Mids need some liberty during Parents’ Weekend to celebrate the end of Plebe Summer.

Take as many pictures as you can. Your Mid must "keep his eyes in the boat" and therefore, many times does not have a sense of what the overall activity (parades, march on, noon meal formation, etc..) looks like.

Parting will be very difficult, both for you and your Plebe. You will know all too well why it is called Black Sunday. When your Mid returns to Mother B, upperclassmen will be playing Christmas Carols to remind Plebes that their next extended time with you won’t be until the Thanksgiving holidays! Plebes are kept busy on this Sunday evening to help them overcome their sadness (despite the upper-class teasing).

THE PLEBE YEAR

Some feel that the Plebe year is more demanding than Plebe Summer. Once the Brigade returns following Parents’ Weekend, there are as many as three upperclassmen for each plebe, and the result is very intimidating.

During the Academic Year, a typical day begins with Plebe wake-up (between 0500 and 0530), well over an hour before the upper-class get up. Plebes need to read and be conversant with their newspaper articles, memorize menus, professional topics, and "chow calls". At around 0630 they will probably have their "come around" of the day with a youngster or second class that will go over professional topics. Morning quarters formation is at 0700 for the entire company; breakfast is shortly afterwards, and the first academic class starts at 0755. There are four class periods in the morning, the last one ending at 1145. After this ten minute grilling period, they will probably have a "chow call", which means standing in a prearranged spot in the company area and yelling at the top of their lungs:

"Sir, you now have ten minutes until noon meal formation. Noon meal formation goes outside. The uniform for noon meal formation is winter working blues, stripers carry swords. The menu for noon meal is: (this, of course, changes with every meal)

The officers of the watch are: the Command Duty Officer is Lt. (name) 1st Company Officer, the officer of the watch is Midshipman Lt. (name), Brigade Assistant Operations Officer. The professional topic of the week is Naval Aviation. The major events on the yard are:

As the Plebe is loudly yelling this, he or she s typically surrounded by several second or third-class that are just waiting for him to make an error. Following this five minute "chow call" (which is very similar to the ten minute call), they "chop" to formation in the center of the passageway, eyes straight ahead, squaring all corners, and greeting all upper-class with a loud "GO NAVY, SIR" or "BEAT ARMY, SIR". As a result of all this yelling, don’t be alarmed at your Plebe’s hoarse voice when he calls home. In fact, they sound as if they are catching a cold all summer and for the better part of the year.

All through lunch, the plebe keeps his "eyes in the boat", serves the upper-class, responds to all their questions, sits on the front three inches of this chair, speaks only when spoken to, and eats only one bite at a time. After taking a bite, places the utensil on the plate and the hand goes back into the lap. Each table is set for twelve Mids in the squad. After serving seconds, or the ten-minute bell, the Plebe can request permission to "shove off" and if granted he returns to his room.

After noon meal, there is a half-hour company training period, after, which there are two more classes which end at 1520. Non-varsity athletes march in parades and play intramurals during the fall and spring. Varsity athletes practice every day of the week and are exempt from marching in the parades when their sport is in its season.

Evening meal is served buffet-style between 1700 and 1900. There is open seating during evening meal and Mids can eat at their convenience between the prescribed times. Evening meal is followed by a study hour at 2030. Plebe taps are at 2300, and upper-class taps are at 2400, with a bed check each night. Plebe rooms are usually inspected daily and formal inspections (white glove and black sock) are conducted approximately twice each semester.

On the weekends, Plebes have town liberty from 1015 on Saturday to 0100 on Sunday morning. They have Yard liberty from noon meal to evening meal formation on Sundays. Plebes who make the Superintendent’s List at the end of the first semester rate one weekend liberty during the second semester. Those on the Commandant’s List will get Sunday liberty.

"Youngsters" have town liberty on Saturday until 0100 Sunday morning. They rate three weekends of liberty per semester, meaning that they can leave at 1015 Saturday and they don’t have to return until Sunday at 1900. Second class rate five weekends per semester and first class rate eight weekends, the only exception being when they have military watch. "Firsties" and second class are allowed to wear civilian clothes around the Academy when on weekend liberty. Youngsters cannot keep civilian clothes in the Hall and cannot wear civies unless on authorized leave. Firsties may keep their cars on the Yard, and may drive them on weekday afternoons or if they are not marching or playing a sport at the time.

For the Plebes, the hassles continue all the way through the first and second semesters. If Navy beats Army in football, "carry on" is usually granted until Christmas leave. This means that many restrictions are eliminated; for example, Plebes can sleep when they want to, even during the day! Periodically through the academic year, rumors circulate that maybe they can have stereos or their rates will be changed but the privileges never come until after final exams.

SEA TRIALS

In late April, and after almost a year of academic and professional instruction, plebes endure a 13-hour series of challenges, known as Sea Trials.

This event forces plebes to use the skills they learn during their first year at the academy. The daylong battery of challenges included obstacle courses, physical endurance exercises, basic seamanship, and problem solving exercises and knowledge of the academy. Sea Trials test the plebes' endurance, determination and teamwork. Many exercises are tied to significant events or

people, which reminded the plebes of the legacy of Naval Academy graduates who served their country.

Developed by the Class of 1998, Sea Trials becomes the culminating event of plebe year. It challenges plebes and encourages them to work together as a team under a rigorous regimen. To excel, the fourth class needs to lean on one another, push themselves to unforeseen limits and work together in every phase.

From early January, the upper class dedicates their weekends to training the plebes and getting them prepared for Sea Trials. While plebes learn to work together as a team, the upper class applies and tests leadership skills. During the 4^th class year, plebes learn to put ship and shipmate first. Sea Trials put that training into practice and gave them a chance to win as a team.

HERNDON

"Herndon" is the big event for Plebes during Commissioning Week and possibly the biggest event of the year. Upperclassmen coat the monument with 200 lbs. of lard and cement a "dixie cup" on the top. The plebes must work together to replace the "dixie cup" with a midshipman’s cover. The Plebes gather in Tecumseh Court and, at the cannon fire, race to Herndon Monument. The cannon is fired every fifteen minutes until the hats are switched. At this point the tired, greasy dirty 4/C cease to be Plebes. They are still 4/C but no longer Plebes. They become 3/C when the covers hit the ground at commencement, but don’t become youngsters until they spot the Chapel Dome upon their return from their YP or CSTS Cruise during the summer. Whew! Got that straight?

Recorded times to accomplish this task vary from year to year. The longest time in recorded history now belongs to the Class of ‘98, who heard the cannon fire 14 times and currently hold the record at 4 hours and 17 minutes due to the use of entire roll of fiber packing tape used by the Class of ‘97 to secure the dixie cup to the top of the monument. Their unofficial motto is "Four Hours Together By the Bay". They will probably hold the record forever since there is now a rule stating that only one piece of masking tape may be used to keep the plebe cover from "falling off" before the plebes complete the climb. The shortest time occurred in 1969, 1 minute and 30 seconds (no lard was used that year). The successful Plebe is rewarded with a mounted Superintendent’s shoulder board and tradition holds that the Mid will be the first one in the class to make Admiral — it has yet to come true!

THE BRIGADE

Congress determines the number of midshipmen allowed at the Academy each year. Currently, the Brigade stands at 4000. The Brigade is divided into two regiments, six battalions, and thirty companies. The heart of the Brigade is the company and each Mid remains with his group for the Plebe year. At the end of Plebe year, the 4/C are "shotgunned" (randomly scattered into the rest of the Brigade, where they will remain for the rest of their "four years by the bay").

In years past the rising 2/C were moved as a company group to new company. The company is similar to a fraternity as there are approximately thirty Mids from each of the four classes who all live together in their company’s designated area of Bancroft Hall. The first class leads the company and reports to a company officer. The company officer is usually a lieutenant in the Navy or a captain in the Marine Corps. The "youngsters" (3/C) are also in charge of plebe development. They help the Plebes learn their rates, but they are much more supportive than the second class. The 2/C are not known for their Plebe compassion. At the bottom of the totem pole are the Plebes. They are learning about the Navy, learning how to perform under pressure, and making the transformation from high schoolers into future military officers.

Since the Academy recognizes that most Mids originally aren’t sure of their best career choice, they do not have a service commitment until they start their second class year. Beginning with the Class of ‘96, each Mid will be committing themselves to serving as officers for five years after graduation or five years after earning their wings as naval aviators. It should also be noted that graduating midshipmen will be commissioned as reserve officers and will not be considered in active status for at least a year. If during their last two years as Midshipmen they are separated from the Academy they are usually sent to the fleet as enlisted personnel to serve their commitment.

ACADEMICS

Academics are the key to a Mid’s success, especially since everything is based on merit (80% academic and 20% military performance constitute your CQRP). Studies are very demanding and after getting A’s in high school, getting a D or failing an exam can be quite a shock. Choosing a major that one has a passion for is very important. One that helps the Mids stay motivated even while studying long hours and on weekends.

If you can validate a course during Plebe summer you will be able to move ahead or take more advance courses. All Mids are assigned academic counselors who will help them select the best course offerings. Towards the end of Plebe year, each Mid makes a selection from one of the eighteen majors with the help of his academic and military advisor.

Since the Naval Academy is such a concentrated four year program, if someone falls behind academically it is likely the Mid will be forced to resign. A minimum course load is 15 hours per semester and a 2.0 CQRP is required to graduate. Moreover, the Academy does not waste its time with anyone that fails due to lack of effort. The Academic Board meets every semester and reviews individual records of those who have done poorly during the previous semester. They look at all aspects of the midshipmen’s record and decide whether to separate him from the Academy. Some courses may be available during Summer School for make-up and/or enrichment, but for many, it is too little, too late. Extra instruction (EI) is available to all Mids. It is said that everyone who receives an appointment should be able to conquer the academics if they really try and the professors and officers want to help everyone succeed. Many get "the gouge" from their roommates or upper classmen. Small classes are a definite learning advantage, but if you go to class unprepared, your lack of preparedness will not go unnoticed.

Many plebes are interested in one of the seven designated degrees but are afraid they won’t be able to handle the academics. When making that decision, it is usually best to start out in a more demanding major because it is easier to drop back to a less challenging major than to try and get into a tougher one later on. All Plebes will be taking a similar course load their first year. It should look something like this:

Calculus I Calculus II

Chemistry I Chemistry II

US Government and Constitutional Development American Naval Heritage

Naval Leadership I Fundamentals of Naval Science

Rhetoric and Intro to Literature I Rhetoric and Intro to Literature II

Physical Education Physical Education

(Weight Training and Personal Conditioning) (Swimming)

There are many special academic opportunities that offer an even greater challenge for those students that meet the criteria, such as: Trident Scholars, Honors Program and Voluntary Graduate Education Program (VGEP). The catalog gives a detailed description of each of these programs.

Exams are scheduled and the semester ends before Christmas leave, so the Mids begin the second semester in the new year. Mids may request that their grade reports be mailed to their parents, Senator or Congressman (or the person who gave them the appointment).

Unless they validate, Mids take PE courses every semester that include Boxing, Wrestling, Swimming, Judo, Hand to Hand Combat, tennis and other elective sports. The physical education program at the Academy is very demanding and requires that each Midshipman show a high degree of proficiency.

Voluntary Graduate Education Program - vgep

Between their obligations on the Yard, some Naval Academy midshipmen dash off to graduate school at area colleges and universities and then rush back to take care of professional responsibilities. These midshipmen complete their bachelor's degree requirements at the academy and pursue courses leading to master's degrees as part of the Naval Academy's Voluntary Graduate Education Program (VGEP).

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"We really like the program, because it gives us an opportunity to finish a master's degree in one year and is paid for by the academy," says Midn. 1/C Dan Beck, one of the graduate students. "Getting a master's degree in one year is tough on anyone. Add to this a daily commute of anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour of driving and our academy schedule and it's gets really tough sometimes."

Most of the midshipmen who qualify for the program have validated a lot of courses according to Marjorie Roxburgh, graduate education program manager. "They are ahead of their matrix, and by the second semester of their senior year, they have time open to go to graduate school," she says.

During plebe year, the midshipmen began freeing up the 15 semester hours they needed for graduate school. They validated and overloaded courses and went to summer school. By December of their second class year, they applied for the program.

"The program has two goals," Roxburgh says. "One is for the students to earn a master's degree within seven months after commissioning. The other is for them to qualify for a Navy sub-specialty code, a code that identifies an area of advanced education and experience."

The program benefits both the Navy and the midshipmen. "We get an excellent free education at local area colleges and a chance to interact with civilians and get exposure to a civilian college community," Beck says.

"The Navy and Marine Corps also benefit from having better educated officers right from the start. In most cases, they will use their education on later tours."

Generally, the Naval Postgraduate School pays a portion of the tuition, and the rest comes from endowment and trust funds administered by the Naval Academy Alumni Association. "We have five funding sources with the students paying the difference between the tuition charged by the University of Maryland and the college of their choice," Roxburgh says. In recent years, 27- 40 midshipmen have applied for the program.

"The most important thing is the Mids," Roxburgh says. "The program takes time and a willingness to work hard. They take graduate work while remaining responsible for the academy's professional and physical education requirements."

PHYSICAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Prior to graduation, each mid must jump from the ten-meter tower into the pool in Lejeune Hall, while wearing the khaki uniform. For the very obvious reason, this emergency training is necessary as it stimulates an abandon ship maneuver. If the Mid can’t do it, they won’t graduate and will be separated from the Academy.

The Personnel Readiness Test (PRT) must also be completed within specific limits each semester. The PRT includes a 1 1/2 mile run, pushups, sit-ups, and a flexibility test.

A significant emphasis is directed at all sports. As a result, general physical fitness continues to be important to them throughout their lives.

THE HONOR CONCEPT

"Midshipmen are persons of integrity: They stand for that which is right."

• They tell the truth and ensure that the full truth is known.

• They do not lie.

• They embrace fairness in all actions.

• They ensure that assistance received from any source is authorized and properly documented.

• They do not cheat.

• They respect the property of others and ensure that others are able to benefit from the use of their own property.

• They do not steal.

SPORTS AT THE ACADEMY

Every Midshipman must participate in either a varsity or an intramural sport. There are 26 men’s and 12 women’s varsity teams and 13 intramural sports. Academy teams are very successful which is impressive when you realize that most of the schools with whom the Academy competes are much larger schools. Moreover, the other schools do not maintain the same high academic standards for their varsity athletes. Many parents have made the observation that a Plebe can get involved with a varsity sport even if they have never participated before.

Available club and varsity sports:

*women / ** men and women

The intramural program is equally extensive and also quite competitive. It pits companies against companies and battalions against battalions. It is a great way to stay in shape, vent frustrations and relieve stress.

Available Intramural sports:

In addition to the varsity and intramural athletic programs, Midshipmen can join such club sports as bicycling, boxing, judo, karate, ice hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse, powerlifting, pistol, rugby, women’s softball and women’s tennis.

THE COLOR COMPANY

A Color Company is determined each year and all thirty companies participate in a point system competition that continues throughout the year, until commissioning. Points are accumulated for performance in academics, sports, parades, and military activities. The winner becomes what is call the Color Company. With this honor, there is added responsibility and certain privileges that

are awarded and are recognized during Commissioning Week. At the Color Parade during Commissioning Week, when the results of the years competition are announced, a friend or fiancée of the winning company’s Company Commander — designated Color Girl — transfers the flag from the old Color Company to the new. As yet, no Commander of a Color Company has been a woman. When that happens, she will designate whomever she desires to join her in the transfer of colors.

eMAIL

One of the hardest things parents of Midshipmen have to face is the inability to pick up the phone and call their students at school. Fortunately, with the wonders of modern computer technology, we have the tools to communicate with our Mids on a regular basis through a medium that they use everyday -- eMail. They get all their information via computer, including grades, announcements regarding Events on the Yard, orders for summer cruises, and all their correspondence from the "brass", everyone from the Sup right down to their Company Officer. Why shouldn’t we get in line (or online, as they say)?

Every Midshipman is issued a computer at the beginning of Academic Year. If you have a computer with a communications package and a modem, you can "talk" to your mid, as often as you wish. Every Midshipman has an e-mail Internet address. You can send a message through CompuServe, Prodigy, America-On-Line or some other means for "surfing the ‘net". Your Mid’s computer flashes them a message when your mail has arrived. Your Mid answers your notes through that same medium or simply calls home in response! It takes just seconds (less time than dialing long distance) for your Mid’s message to arrive in your "mailbox".

We strongly recommend this method of communicating with your Mid. We have used it with our daughter, every message I put into a box (it is now overflowing) and someday he can go back and reread them, smiling over how miserable some days were during Plebe Year and how he eventually survived them!

USNA ON-LINE SITES

If you have Internet access on your computer, you can also tap into the USNA home page or read the Annapolis Capital newspaper or the Trident (USNA’ s newspaper) electronically? The USNA web page [http://www.nadn.navy.mil] provides you with the latest information on the Academy. It covers things such as who is the Commanding Officer, academic departments, sports, and the Visitors Center, just to mention a few. You might check out the USNA Museum page. It gives an interesting overview of the Museum and its function "as an educational and inspirational resource for the Brigade of Midshipmen at the US Naval Academy". The USNA Drum and Bugle Corps’ web site has been given the Point award denoting it as being in the top 5% of web sites on the Internet. If your interests lie in the area of sports, you may want to look up the scores for baseball, football, sailing, water polo, soccer, volleyball, basketball, or cross country on the Sports Scores page. The Flying Club, the English Department, the Medical Clinic, Admissions Office and the USNA Alumni Association all have web pages dedicated to their areas of expertise.

The Trident [http://www.dcmilitary.com/trident.htm] is the official newspaper of the Naval Academy and gives you the latest information on what is happening at USNA. It covers your Mid’s activities from standing in line on I-Day to the final hat toss. This web site will keep you up to date on what’s occurring on the Yard.

To keep you abreast of what is happening in the Annapolis area, you can access the Annapolis Capital newspaper [http://www.capitalonline.com]. Along with local news, this web site has a

special page for Navy related stories. The page is a treasure trove of almost 200 articles dating as far back as January 1995.

A wonderful source of all kinds of information, which is not subject to the political censorship needed on official Academy web sites, is the USNA Alumni Club’s page, Homeport. From their home page [http://www.mcs.net/~trygstad/USNA_Alumni.html] you can spin off into all kinds of fun places, including the freshly minted Internet Web Sites for several Parents Clubs. If you don’t have a computer at home, try your local public library to "surf" this group of pages. It gets better every time I look!

You can write to any Midshipman at the Academy on e-mail, whether or not you know their alpha code? USNA has a finder on its mail system that allows you to address e-mail to someone even if you only know his or her name. Address the message to:

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

There are over seventy-five extracurricular activities available to the midshipmen. Every mid should be able to find something of interest. The activities range from scuba diving to photography, and rock bands to chapel choirs. While many activities are geared to academic interest, others are just for fun.

Midshipmen have their own radio station as well as drama clubs, yearbook: "The Lucky Bag", "The Log": the humor magazine, Drum and Bugle Corps, parachuting, karate, and power lifting. The Academy also has its own chapter of NESA, the Boy Scout National Eagle Society. There is also a Flying Club, and an Academy sponsored program called VTNA where Mids can learn to fly, up through their solo flight. If a Mid can’t find something of interest, he can get some people together and start a group. ECA’s are a necessary break from the Academy routine. These activities help Mids learn new talents, explore interests and serve the community.

During the first semester of 2/C year, fifteen competitively selected Mids participate in an exchange program with their counterparts at the three other service academies. They continue their regular schooling in their new setting, while maintaining Navy loyalty, of course.

Chapel attendance is no longer required but there are services for all faiths in the beautiful cathedral in the Yard and there are friendly chaplains who are available for counseling. This service is especially important during Plebe Summer and Plebe Year, as the chaplains become a lifeline to many Mids.

During Plebe Year, the Alumni Association contacts families to request a monetary pledge (see page 50), payable over a four-year period to help defray the cost of the programs listed above. They recommend $300.00 per quarter for a total of $4800.00 over the next four years; however, whatever the family can afford is much appreciated. The recommended total amount of $4800.00 equals about 10% of four-year’s tuition at a private college.

PARADES AND FORMATIONS

Formations are held twice each day before meals. Formations are outside when weather permits and conclude with everyone marching into Bancroft Hall. When you watch the formation in

T-Court, you are only seeing 10 companies. The other 20 are forming in other areas of the yard, on the perimeter of Bancroft Hall.

During the fall and spring seasons, "P- rades" take place on Worden Field every Wednesday afternoon. Moreover, the Brigade marches on before every home football game and at the Army-Navy Game wherever it is played. The Dedication Parade takes place before Herndon, and the Color Parade the day before graduation, during Commissioning Week.

HEALTH CARE

Only healthy civilians become Mids at the Naval Academy. Notwithstanding, Bancroft Hall is equipped with a medical and dental center that can handle most common health situations. If a Mid is diagnosed as being too sick to participate in the activities at the Naval Academy (e.g., pneumonia), they are confined to their room. The Mid, however, is called down to the medical center once a day to be seen by the medical staff. Even while the Mids are ill they are usually given permission to attend classes, but only if they feel well. The Mid’s roommate is responsible for bringing meals to the sick Mid. The medical staff are the ones who determine when the Mid is well enough to resume participation in all activities. More serious cases are sent to Bethesda Naval Hospital.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

As future Naval Officers, Midshipmen will learn to drink in a responsible way and to shun illegal drugs entirely. Plebes are not allowed to consume alcoholic beverages except when of legal age and away on leave from the Academy. The use of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden and results in expulsion from the Academy. As a midshipman, your son or daughter will be subject to random drug testing through urinalysis, consistent with the Navy-wide policies and procedures.

SOCIAL LIFE

The social life of a Plebe can be defined by two words, slim and non-existent. Plebes WERE not allowed to date (except on four specific occasions during the year, the first time being a Valentine’s Day Formal) until last year, when it was decided that this was "cruel and unusual punishment". Still, a big Saturday night for most Plebes is getting a pizza with other Plebes and going to see a movie in town, or visiting with their sponsor family — or their own family, should you be lucky enough to be in town! Dahlgren Hall is a wonderful place to relax with your Mid and watch TV or a Navy hockey game — and the food is very good and inexpensive.

Inter-brigade dating (between male and female midshipmen) is not very common and dating between Plebes and upperclassmen is strictly forbidden. A few Mids are able to maintain a relationship with the girlfriend or boyfriend back home (know as "The 2% Club"). Maintaining this type of relationship is difficult and adds an extra burden to the life of the Mid.

TELEPHONE SERVICE

Mids do not have telephones in their rooms. There are phone jacks in each room in the newly renovated wings, but they are not activated unless a 1/C striper rates a phone. There are banks of pay phones in every wing of Bancroft Hall. Prior to their arrival on I-Day, Mids are offered the opportunity to get a calling card through Pacific Bell (they currently have the government contract). Tell your Mid to be careful about calling the code number (e.g. 1-800-CALL ATT) to reach their OWN calling card company. If you dial directly from some of the pay phones on campus, you will be paying exorbitant rates through a small, local phone company. Many Mids have cellular phones with answering machines or voice mail, but whether or not the cellulars are sanctioned by the Academy still remains an "iffy" subject.

In the event of an emergency, families can contact the Command Duty Officer (commissioned officer) at Bancroft Hall. Messages will be relayed to your Mid to call home (AFTER Plebe summer): (410) 267-5001, 5002, or 5003.

The best alternative to calling is corresponding through E-mail on the computer. When you send E-mail a message flashing "new mail" appears on your Mid’s computer monitor. Their computer is ALWAYS "in". You can either correspond with letters over the Internet, or just write "Call home as soon as you see this". E-mail is also a good way to share in Academy happenings. Mids can forward announcements that they get on to you.

MID MONEY AND "FUNNY MONEY"

Upon arrival each appointee must have deposited $2,200.00 with the Academy to be used in partial payment for uniforms and supplies which includes a computer. Many parents and candidates wonder how much spending money Mids should have when they report to the Academy. To begin with, realize that starting with I-Day, the next time they walk out of the gate will be on Parent’s Weekend in August, except for a couple of field trips to Washington and Baltimore. Probably their only expenditures will be for personal items purchased at the Mid Store such as: floor wax, a mop, and a lighter, cotton balls and some snacks. One hundred dollars should be enough, unless your Mid will be consuming unlimited junk food at the Orioles Game in Baltimore (and they do)!

The bank on the Academy grounds is called the Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU). All Mids are asked if they would like to open a checking and/or savings account; most Mids find it convenient. There are automatic tellers so the Mids can get to their money any time. Most Mids have their monthly paycheck deposited directly into their NFCU account.

All Midshipmen will have a pay account monitored by the Academy. This is called "Funny Money" by the Mids. It’s the Mids’ money but they have very little control over it. Every month Mids are paid $543.90 by the government that goes into the "Funny Money" Account. Then money for such things as: uniforms, books, laundry, and the barbershop are deducted. After all the deductions are made, Plebes get $50.00 per month spending money at first, the amount increases during the year, with a $200.00 advance at Christmas for their shopping needs. Mids, however, must buy cleaning supplies and bulletin board supplies plus personal items. Therefore, many parents provide an allowance and most Mids find it extremely helpful. Each year there are fewer deductions from the original issue. Therefore, by the time they are first class, they can probably count on around $275.00/month. Before long they will be telling about the neat stereo they bought in the Mid Store and the great new car they were able to finance with their low interest loan.

In the middle of the 2/C year, your mid will receive forms to fill out, regarding this Career Starter Loan. This year, 2/C Mids were given the opportunity to borrow $17,000 at 3.5% interest, OR $5,000 at 1.5% interest. (This year they only could take one, in years past they had the option to borrow both.) This check arrives to the 2/C on time to finance their Ring Dance weekend (a big deal for some). Some Mids buy cars, some invest it, and some actually turn it down! The payments on this loan begin 2 months after their graduation. It is paid off quickly, within 5 years, and the monthly payments are painless. After all, our Mids are used to having lots of deductions taken out of their paychecks!

In addition, Mids have access to financial and legal advisers for advice. Since parents aren’t paying for this wonderful $250,000.00 education, many assist the Academy through the Alumni Association with contributions to the Midshipmen Welfare Fund. Others simply spend that same amount of money in the Mid Store on Navy sweatshirts, T-shirts, and other Navy paraphernalia! Proceeds from sales in the Mid Store also are funneled back to the Midshipmen.

LEAVE PERIODS

Every leave begins after completion of the Mid’s last scheduled exam or military duty. A movement order gives authorization for a group of Mids to leave the Academy for various events (i.e. sports, clubs and drills). There is specific criteria for every leave.

In the fall, everyone has Labor Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day liberty and at least two days off for Thanksgiving weekend. Around Thanksgiving, the big event of the year takes place — Army vs. Navy in football. The timing changes each year depending on location and TV availability, but is usually occurs around the last weekend in November or the first weekend in December. All Mids are transported to the game and are REQUIRED to sit with the Brigade.

Mids can usually go home for Christmas leave after their last final exam or duty; this usually occurs between December 16th and the 20th. Everyone has to be back on the same day, usually a few days after New Year’s Day that equates to about three weeks of holiday vacation.

The return from Christmas brings the "Dark Ages"; a time at the Academy where things seem to close up for the winter and life becomes a toil. Everyone has Martin Luther King’s Birthday and George Washington’s Birthday off and then the next leave is Spring Break in early March; it is nine days long, including weekends. The Academy eliminated the end of semester leave in 1993, then reinstated it in 1995. After that break, the Brigade returned for intercessional, a time in which the Academy can schedule Forrestal lectures and other events it cannot schedule during the year. Early cruises are scheduled to begin following the intercessional and many Mids are already gone when Graduation occurs at the end of Commissioning Week.

SUMMER CRUISES AND LEAVES

Every summer all Mids do the same things, but on a staggered basis due to numbers. These staggered periods of time are called "Blocks".

This cruise is divided into two parts. One phase introduces the midshipman to life at sea with a three week cruise, doing Atlantic patrols on one of the Academy’s Yard Patrol (YP) craft.

The object of this cruise is to provide an opportunity to practice the skills learned in the classroom and to introduce navigation principles that will be taught next year. In addition, those midshipmen on the YPs will also spend time at shore-based facilities for surface warfare training, including shipboard fire-fighting and damage control techniques. Additionally, they will spend three weeks in either Navy Tactical Training (NTT) or sailing to various New England ports on USNA training sloops. Included in this summer’s program is a week in the Pentagon, observing the joint military arena. You can look forward to having your Mid home for about 6 weeks, although not all in the same block, unless they choose to do summer school or some kind of specialized training.

This cruise is divided into two parts: two weeks of professional training for Midshipmen (Protramid) and a four to six week cruise (depending on ship availability). Protramid is two weeks long and is composed of one week at each of the two major warfare specialties; submarines, in Kings Bay, Georgia or Port Canaveral, Florida and aviation in Pensacola, Florida. The Mids are transported to each of these locations and each warfare specialty tries to show the 2/C Mids what their service does while giving them hands-on training. In Pensacola, Mids get to fly Navy jet trainers and helicopters. In Kings Bay or Port Canaveral, they attend briefings and then get underway on a nuclear powered submarine.

During the cruise phase, Midshipmen are assigned a first class or a chief petty officer as a running mate and as such perform duties as a work center supervisor. They will also have a one-week indoctrination in the wardroom.

Many second class will give up Protramid to work Plebe Summer Detail. It is considered a privilege to be a leader in the training of the incoming Plebe Class. These young men and women are role models for our future Naval officers. Remember how important they were to YOUR Plebe?

This final cruise focuses on the desired service selection. Midshipmen are assigned to a surface, submarine, aviation or Marine Corps unit. The object of this four to eight week cruise allows the Mid to focus on developing skills as a division officer. The Mid is assigned to a warfare-qualified lieutenant or lieutenant junior grade running mate.

First class Midshipmen may also complete a four-week elective during their leave period. Midshipmen involved in certain selected Academy activities include: Plebe Detail, Command Seamanship Training Squadron, Atlantic Patrols, and Summer Seminar, to name a few.

All Midshipmen are required to take part in the above mentioned cruises. Some Mids volunteer their summer leave time in order to further themselves academically and professionally. Currently the following available summer programs are:

Summer School — Extra instruction (EI) is available all four years, whether it is used for those who want to get ahead of their matrix or those that are required to take a course.

Airborne Training — Mids go through airborne training at the Academy in the spring and then screened for Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Here they go through an intense three-week course; culminating in five static line jumps and receiving their coveted jump wings.

MINI-BUDS School — Basic Underwater Demolition Seal Training — A few selected individuals go to the physically demanding school in Coronado, California which is a training school for the elite Navy SEAL teams.

Scuba School — After a screening process at the Academy, Mids are able to go to a rigorous scuba school and receive military qualifications as a scuba diver.

SERE — (Survival Escape Resistance Evasion) — This survival training takes place in Colorado and is sponsored by the Air Force Academy.

MILITARY TRAVEL

The cheapest way for a Mid to travel is through Space Available or MAC flights flown by the Air Force and Navy. These free flights are offered to all active duty and reserve personnel of the armed forces on space available basis. There are two bases relatively close to the Academy: Andrews AFB, south east of Washington, DC, and Dover AFB in Dover, Delaware, about an hour and a half away. The downside to space available flights is that sometimes one might have to wait several days to catch a flight; therefore, these flights are only recommended when one has plenty of time. Dover is the best bet for travel to Europe and California (Travis AFB near Sacramento). Andrews has both Air Force and Navy Space Available Terminals and they have several daily flights to many of the larger military bases around the country. If one doesn’t mind waiting and possibly sleeping in chairs (unless there are rooms available at the BOQ) "Space A" flights can save hundreds of dollars. It’s a great way to get home and a good way to travel to foreign destinations while on leave. Mids must travel in uniform on military flights and minimal luggage is allowed, as weight is limited on various aircraft. A boxed lunch costs about $2.50.

CARS

The end of 2nd class year is the time for cars. In the spring, financial corporations start putting together packages for loans at excellent rates to the 2nd class Midshipmen. Since Mids don’t have to start paying back the loans until after graduation, it seems to be an ideal time to purchase a car. Only 1/C are allowed to keep their cars on the Yard, so most get their cars right at the end of 2/C year. Plebes can only ride in cars with parents or sponsors, 3/C can drive beyond the five mile limit, and 2/C who have cars, keep them at their sponsor’s home or rent a space outside the Academy grounds. The Academy rents parking spaces at the football stadium to 2/C who want to have their cars closer to the Academy than their sponsor’s house. Best prices for SECURE car parking is Lowe’s Hotel or the lot next to the Marriott (the closest, well lit and frequently patrolled by police). Cars may be dropped off there on a Thursday for weekend use.

USAA Insurance Company deals only with the military and offers very reasonable rates which most Mids find attractive. Cars may be registered in any state that is convenient.

RINGS

During Plebe year, a Class Ring/Crest Committee is formed. Each Class designs its own crest. This tradition began sometime in the mid to late 1800s and continues today. These crests can be seen on display in the Preble Hall Museum. The ring company usually has charms, pins, necklaces, and tie bars with the class crest ready in time for Mother’s Day which many purchase as special gifts to give to their mothers, fathers, girlfriends, or significant others.

At the end of their 3/C year, orders are taken for their individual rings. Each basic ring is the same with the class crest on one side and the Academy Seal on the other. Mids personalize their rings by ordering any stone they like (or can afford), anything from gold plugs to diamonds. The rings are delivered for a weeklong fitting period just before Spring Break during the 2/C year. After this trial period, the 2/C are not allowed to wear their rings until the Ring Dance. If a "Firstie" catches a 2/C wearing it early, the 2/C owe him (or her) a beer.

The Ring Dance is the most impressive and symbolic dance at the Academy. After a special dinner in King Hall with the Admiral, the 2/C and his date walk over to the dance. The past four years it has been held outside on Radford Terrace, but in the past it has been held in Dahlgren Hall. A female date wears her Midshipman’s ring tied around her neck on a blue and gold ribbon, a male date may wear his Midshipman’s ring on a ribbon pinned to his lapel, on his pinkie finger or simply in his pocket. The "date" dips the ring in a binnacle filled with water that has been flown in from the seven seas, specifically for this occasion. When the couple passes through a giant ring replica, the "date" places the ring on the Mid’s finger and gives the Mid a congratulatory kiss. In addition to dancing, there are boat cruises on the Severn River or rides around the Yard in a horsedrawn carriage and, later in the evening, the most beautiful fireworks over the Severn River.

As a Mid, the ring is worn with the seal inside, but after graduation the ring is turned with the crest inside and the seal outside, so everyone can read the United States Naval Academy. They justifiably become very proud "ring knockers".

FIRST CLASS PARENT WEEKEND

All 1/C parents are invited to a special Academy weekend in the early fall. Plan to go if you possibly can. This is the Firstie equivalent to Plebe Parents Weekend and the Academy goes all out for the parents of the Firstie class. You will be able to attend classes with your Mid on Friday and will

come away with increased respect for this extensive education. Also planned is a football game, the traditional tailgates, dinner in King Hall, the Glee Club concert, and, of course, a chapel service.

This is your opportunity to visit with the parents of your Mid’s best friends and also help prepare you for Commissioning Week. If you’re lucky, you’ll have already secured your accommodations for graduation week, but if not, don’t despair. Additional homes are made available throughout the year and many sponsor families can offer sound advice. Your Parent’s Club is a good lodging connection, as the previous year’s grad parents are often happy to recommend their last year’s housing arrangements. If at all possible, try to make your reservations by Parent’s Weekend.

SERVICE ASSIGNMENT

Service assignment actually begins the day a Mid enters the Academy, as their service record compiles. The process begins in the fall of their senior year when they decide on their first 6 choices for service assignment. During the fall semester officers on the assignment board review all the 1/C service records. Interviews are conducted with the 1/C by officers representing the Mid’s first choice of assignment. All of the billets are assigned by those officers prior to service assignment night in late January. On that night, all the 1/C are gathered in their respective company wardrooms and given their assignments. Following this "ceremony" on their deck, they are called down to the Commandant’s office, by order of merit, to receive their assignment in writing and pick their school date: flight school, surface warfare officer school, supply school, TBS, nuclear power school, graduate school, etc., and their ship, if they’re going surface warfare. Once this process is complete each 1/C goes to his or her respective community reception where other officers in that community entertain them. SERVICE ASSIGNMENT is a new method of pairing a Mid with a service career.

The interview system was begun with the class of ‘95. In the past the 1/C had to choose their billet based solely on their order of merit. The new process is a more effective way of choosing who is suited for which community. With the old system, the six Navy Seal billets could have gone to the top six computer wizs in the class, those with dreams of being a fierce warrior but no athletic prowess to help them make it through the training. With the interview system, interviewing officers can make decisions as to who is capable of succeeding in their fields and giving them the thumbs up or thumbs down. For the Class of 1996, over 90% of the class received their first choice for service assignment, and another 6% received their second choice.

GRADUATION AND COMMISSIONING

Commissioning Week is an almost indescribably wonderful week of very special events, culminating with graduation and commissioning as a Navy Ensign or Marine Second Lieutenant Families receive a schedule of planned events and you’ll want to attend as many as possible, according to your Mid’s preference. Mids are given an allotment of tickets for graduation. Extra tickets can be obtained from Mids who live far away and won’t use their total allotment. Graduation day has traditionally been on a Wednesday.

Most of the hotels are booked way in advance but many of the local townspeople go on vacation and rent their furnished homes. The rental fees vary and range from $800.00 to $3000.00 per week, depending on the home size, location and the number of people it accommodates. Those with sailing experience may be able to rent a yacht in Annapolis harbor. Roomfinders, a division of Annapolis Accommodations, handles pairing the 1/C parents with houses available for rent in the Annapolis area. They send a questionnaire to parents to fill out to help match the right house with

the right family. One mother suggested that if your rented house is a considerable distance from the Academy, you might consider renting a RV to travel back and forth. Then you would have a "hotel room" nearby for changing and resting between events.

Many parents state that the week wasn’t just days, but a continual fun series of events that they were privileged to enjoy. There are parades, ship reviews, special dinners, Baccalaureate in the Chapel, the Blue Angels Show, the Superintendent’s Garden Party, concerts by the various musical groups, "Herndon", the Ring Dance, Graduation and Commissioning and dozens of parties given by the parents of your Mid’s friends.

During this week, each Mid has to pack all of his Academy accumulations in large provided shipping cartons, plus the car, and be ready to leave "Mother B" for the last time as a Mid. Somehow most Mids manage to do all of this very nicely and still are available to do everything with their families; some, however, don’t. The important thing to remember is if your Mid still does not plan effectively, you may have to do many of the things he should have done, especially if you want to have a nice time. While this event has been something you all have been looking forward to for a long time, it becomes very nostalgic for everyone!

Each new officer is usually given a thirty-day leave prior to reporting to the first duty station. The military system moves the new officers and all of their belongings from the Naval Academy to their new locations. This is the time for families to gather all the things they will need to "set up housekeeping" and have them moved by the military shippers.

HONOR TREATISE OF

THE BRIGADE OF MIDSHIPMEN

"As a Brigade we cherish the diverse backgrounds and talents of every midshipman yet recognize the common thread that unites us: the trust and confidence of the American people. They have appointed us to defend our country by developing our minds, our bodies and most especially, our moral character.

It is our responsibility to develop a selfless sense of duty that demands excellence both of ourselves and of those with whom we serve. We must honor our loyalties without compromising our ultimate obligation to the truth. Our leadership must set a standard that reflects loyalty to our goals and the courage to stand accountable for all our actions, both those that lead to success and to those that end in failure. We will never settle for achieving merely what is expected of us but will strive for a standard of excellence that reflects the dedication and courage of those who have gone before us. When we attain our goal, we will raise our expectations; when we fall short, we will rise up and try again. In essence, we espouse leadership by example, a leadership that will inspire others to follow wherever we may lead.

Countless challenges and trials lie before us. We believe that those with the strongest moral foundation will be the leaders who best reflect the legacy of the Naval Academy. This is our call as midshipmen: it is a mission we proudly accept."

THE PRAYER OF A MIDSHIPMAN

"Almighty God, whose way is in the sea, whose paths are in the great waters,

Whose command is over all and whose love never faileth:

Let me be aware of Thy presence an obedient to thy will.

Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and in deed,

And helping me so long to live that I can stand u