Cell Phones/Computers

Aloha

5-Year Member
Joined
May 25, 2010
Messages
21
So when exactly do our Plebes get back their communication equipment? Would really like to hear more from him. Even an occasional short text would be nice.
 
I recall hearing that they'd get them back for PPW and get to keep them. When they'll be permitted to use them is another matter.

I also recall that they'll get their computers during the next week, in time for reform - though, again, I'm not sure when they'll get to use them. Plus, I assume it takes a while for NMCI to get all those units up and running.
 
Unless there has been a change, Midshipman don't get NMCI. They get the usna.edu network, which they pay a monthly fee for. Strange right? Voodoo accounting at it's best.
 
Even when they get their phones and computer don't expect to hear from them very ofter. Phone service in the hall is spotty. They can't use their phones during study time and for most reporting to mom and dad is just not high on the list for what needs to get done every day.

Also, they get very overloaded in emails from the Academy and will not want you sending messages on their usna.edu email account.
 
Communications Home

I can assure you that as soon as they get their phones back on PPW they will be very communicative. Remember this is 2010 and they are expert at staying in touch via text, Facebook and email and yes even phone calls. Parents will have an opportunity to be in touch if your Mid wants to be.
 
Even when they get their phones and computer don't expect to hear from them very ofter. Phone service in the hall is spotty. They can't use their phones during study time and for most reporting to mom and dad is just not high on the list for what needs to get done every day.

Also, they get very overloaded in emails from the Academy and will not want you sending messages on their usna.edu email account.

This is very true!

The most I ever talked to my sons was during their Plebe Summer phone calls. Once the academic year began - nothing.

My son setup a separate folder in his gmail account and had any mail sent to his usna.edu email forwarded and sent to a specially marked folder. If the email was to his regular gmail address, it went into his normal Inbox.

This way, all he had to do was check his gmail (much faster than USNA's email site) and be able to check all his email. He could even check it on his cellphone if he had to.
 
Correct me if I am wrong but if MIDS go overseas for one of their evolutions they have to have a gmail account. No USNA.EDU allowed?? Better to set it up as an alternate right away.
 
ok to add to this discussion---what kind of printer and can they have webcams for Skype? If so what kind?!! I am really new to all this -DD is in civilian college she just comes home or calls! but i know she will want a webcam if it means she can see and talk to her brother.
 
ok to add to this discussion---what kind of printer and can they have webcams for Skype? If so what kind?!! I am really new to all this -DD is in civilian college she just comes home or calls! but i know she will want a webcam if it means she can see and talk to her brother.

No skype allowed, however you can use an alternative like yahoo chat with webcam or something like that...but a webcam is allowed and sold in the midstore. Your best bet would be to get your plebe to "midcharge" it(the money doesn't come right out of pocket) .

Printers are also sold in the midstore, I would wait until he moves into his ac year room though because its a hassle during the "big move" from his plebe summer room to his academic year room. My parents just put money in my account and I bought the printer during reform right before classes started. The midstore only carries one kind of printer but it is a good one. Mine is a 2-n-1 a scanner and a printer. Also its easier because they sell the ink in the midstore too. Hope I was helpful!

Class of '12
 
Thanks Peach! Welcome to the forum. It's great to have the input of another current mid here! :thumb:
 
I do not see Skype specifically mentioned anywhere in the instructions. Here is what the regulations say about webcams:

Web cameras may only be used while the Midshipman owner is seated in front of the camera. Web cameras shall be turned off, unplugged, and stored when not in use. Web cameras shall be used in an appropriate manner.

In other words, they don't want the webcam permanently hooked up and running even if the owner is not sitting in front of it and using it.

I don't see why Skype could not be used.
 
I do not see Skype specifically mentioned anywhere in the instructions.

Skype is a type of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) software, which is disallowed due to its vulnerabilities.

My son setup a separate folder in his gmail account and had any mail sent to his usna.edu email forwarded and sent to a specially marked folder. If the email was to his regular gmail address, it went into his normal Inbox.

Technically, not allowed.
"Be aware that automatic forwarding of official email to accounts outside of USNA is prohibited by DoD policy." [http://www.usna.edu/InfoTech/Policies/Policies_AcceptableUse.htm]
 
There are certain websites that we are not allowed to access on the DOD server that all of our computers are connected to. The list is constantly changing as to what websites we cannot access, Skype just happens to be one of them.

Also, we aren't technically allowed to forward our emails to other accounts such as (gmail...etc) I would suggest you tell your mid to be careful not to send any emails from his gmail account to any academy staff because conduct action could be taken (speaking from experience).

Although there are alot of restrictions, there are plenty of ways we can webcam and get in contact with the outside world...you just have to be creative and do your research!

Class of '12
 
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