In Class of 2017, Nervous with Questions

BROTHERS2017

USNA Class of 2017
5-Year Member
Joined
May 29, 2013
Messages
5
Good evening,

Starting off, here's a quick summary for you. I attended an International Baccalaureate school and obtained that diploma in 2012. I then went to Western Michigan University for the 2012-2013 school year. While there, I was in AFROTC and was able to complete the pledge process for the Arnold Air Society. I applied during the fall to go to USNA. I had a friend attend there straight out of high school in the class of 2016. He's told me quite a bit of inside stuff over the year but I'm still very nervous. I was offered an appointment the end of March and I was honestly shocked. I was in awe for a about a week, and very ecstatic. It was a difficult goodbye from all my friends at Western and will be for my family at home.

I have less than a month until I-Day. I've read all over the forum on what to expect, but I do not feel very confident going in. I know a lot of drill from AFROTC but don't know what to expect. I am trying to keep up with working out at least and hour and a half daily, but I developed shin splints two months ago and they have not gone away. I am in physical therapy right now. I haven't run in over a month now but I do at least 1/2 hour on the bike at the gym for cardio mixed with P90x or weights on a day to day basis. I put pushups and situps in my exercise routine here and there as well, just depends on the day. I am just wondering how my situation sounds right now. I will post more questions as I think of them until I-Day.

P.S. How do I go about validating classes because I have taken a year's worth of classes at Western Michigan University and IB courses as well?

P.S.S. I cannot express how much I want to be a Naval Aviator. Getting a pilot's slot is a huge dream of mine and at USNA I hope it's possible. My friend who is there says that he believes PRK Corrective Eye Surgery can happen to you in your 3/C year. Is this true? My eyes are not 20/20. They're 20/70, so I need a surgery to fly I think. Just curious how the Academy will go about that.
 
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Validation tests happen the first couple of days of plebe summer. Pass them and you validate classes. There's another thread here on this topic; I wrote about how it works there.

PRK will happen 2/C year. The Academy takes care of it; you just show up for the evaluations and surgery. If all you have is myopia (I'm not so lucky), PRK can take care of it.

Take care of your shin splints before Plebe Summer. Ice, don't run, etc. You will be fine. Trust me, you'll be surprised how out of shape some plebes will be on I-Day.
 
Pretty sure all I have is myopia. I'm just nearsighted. So yeah, I'm so hopeful for PRK.
 
Good evening,

I had a friend attend there straight out of high school in the class of 2016. He's told me quite a bit of inside stuff over the year but I'm still very nervous.
I have less than a month until I-Day. I've read all over the forum on what to expect, but I do not feel very confident going in. I know a lot of drill from AFROTC but don't know what to expect.

P.S.S. I cannot express how much I want to be a Naval Aviator. Getting a pilot's slot is a huge dream of mine and at USNA I hope it's possible.

You and all of your classmates are in the same boat--so to speak. :smile: Everyone is new to what will happen or will be expected during Plebe summer and all will have to make the adjustment to the training--you'll be fine.

Be sure to check out the opportunity to get a training block in the summer called powered flight. My DS is currently taking it--will help you to know whether aviation is truly the path you want.
 
Plebes get so many briefs about going aviation. They break it down piece by piece, point by point.

Don't worry, you'll be well educated on exactly what you'll need to do to service select pilot.
 
When does "powered flight" come along? How do they announce it to Plebes? Also, what year does that take place?
 
When does "powered flight" come along? How do they announce it to Plebes? Also, what year does that take place?

Some of my classmates are in it right now, along with some '15ers. They distributed information on it second semester, starting at reform.

You'll need good grades to get good training like Powered Flight, so be prepared to work hard in your classes. Stuff like VTNA and getting with your Aviation mentor early will also help.

But you'll get all that information. They use a strict point system to pick aviators, and no joke, they will break it down point by point for you.
 
Focus On What's Next

P.S.S. I cannot express how much I want to be a Naval Aviator. Getting a pilot's slot is a huge dream of mine and at USNA I hope it's possible. My friend who is there says that he believes PRK Corrective Eye Surgery can happen to you in your 3/C year. Is this true? My eyes are not 20/20. They're 20/70, so I need a surgery to fly I think. Just curious how the Academy will go about that.
Before you get to choose your warfare specialty, there is much for you to do and complete. First, plebe summer, then, plebe year. Focus on these. Keep doing what got you to this point. Most of what you hear on this forum is opinion, which can be very subjective. You didn't get here by being weak and indecisive. Trust your instincts and follow your heart. If you can conceive it, you can achieve it. Work hard and have fun. It is the Navy after all :) Cheers.
 
If you're that worried about PRK ask about it during your initial eye checkup. Your eyes need to stabilize before the surgery can be performed, but they'll tell you if you are a possible candidate.

Once at USNA getting PRK itself is comically easy. They take mids by the bus load 2/C year. No free surgery until you sign your next ten years away.
 
PRK by the buss load Yes. Ten years No. Initial commitment and qualify for the procedure is the only criteria.
 
PRK by the buss load Yes. Ten years No. Initial commitment and qualify for the procedure is the only criteria.

I worded that poorly. The point is that getting precommissioning physicals happen after 2/7s, as does PRK. (From 2/C year, Navy Air would be about ten more years)

For the OP, something to consider is the very real possibility that he could sign his papers only to be disqualified from flight like two weeks later. it's not THAT common but it happens to a few would be pilot hopefuls very year.
 
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