Older Mids???

In trying to be optimistic about my coming CO's interview, and getting myself in the right mindset...

So if I earn an appointment, I'd be entering the Academy 8 days before turning 23, which would make me quite likely the oldest person in my class. Are older mids singled out for their age?

I only ask because I was reading another thread about younger mids and it dawned on me that I would be nearly 6 years older than the youngest mid in the class.

Priors, in my son's company at the Academy are well respected by younger Plebes as well as upperclassmen. Of course you will come in as a Plebe as everyone else but your knowledge of Navy things in general and your experience in the fleet will serve you well. Often my son seeks out Priors to get advice and counsel on items that new guys just don't have. Make sure you're in great shape coming in though. That will make your introduction to Academy life easier. Other than that relax and make sure you concentrate on your upcoming CO interview.



All the best to you in the entire application process.

They call it being the "Grandfather" of your class. It is best if you understand at the outset that having a good sense of humor is going to be important the first year (actually all 4 years, but one thing at a time). Everyone is singled out for something at some time, and you will get your share, maybe more. Your ribbons alone will make you stand out, so no hiding on this one. Some prior enlisteds have a problem with being yelled at by by a teenager who can actually make you do pushups, chow-calls, or assign punishment/demerits for no reason. It happens to everybody, but it will seem like you are being targeted when it happens to you.
It will probably be a question your CO will ask (being older, taking orders from kids that have never done anything). Take some time and think about it. Many, many have gone before you and succeeded, and most of them nukes. Good Luck.
PS If your CO is a Grad, it will help. If you can corner a Grad and speak with him, it will be a good sign for your CO interview that you have taken some extra steps to make sure you are going into this with no surprises. Good Luck!

Thanks everyone.

BTW, he's a Rice grad, who's favorite two questions are, 1) Why not just go STA-21 and get paid and have fun? 2)What can you do as an officer on my boat that you wouldn't be able to do as a member of the Goat Locker?

The second question is the question that I screw myself on every time I've ever interviewed with a CO for a program.

That last question is a pretty good one. One of the more important things is to show that you are going the "O" program whether USNA comes through or not. Also, that you know USNA is painful and you won't quit. With future college in your plans, USNA and 21 give more options than the Goat Locker.
My best friend at Navy was the class Grandfather, and we (my entire class) were all much better for having him around.
Best of Luck.

My plebe son's roomate is a 22 year old prior enlisted who came in with 2 years of college. They plucked him otu of nuke school. The third roomate turned 18 just before entering (my guy has a late birthday and turned 19 in september.) so his room spans the spectrum. His take: the prior is the furthest ahead, doing very well. He's older than some of the 1/cs ... and they respect that ... good luck! If you do go, you'll likely be able to have a good perspective on the hazing vs the important stuff ...

em3nuketype said:

In trying to be optimistic about my coming CO's interview, and getting myself in the right mindset...

So if I earn an appointment, I'd be entering the Academy 8 days before turning 23, which would make me quite likely the oldest person in my class. Are older mids singled out for their age?

I only ask because I was reading another thread about younger mids and it dawned on me that I would be nearly 6 years older than the youngest mid in the class.

Click to expand...

Sounds pretty similar to me. I'm just not as lucky with birthdays - I turn 23 10 days before the cutoff. I think I'm out of luck. Already set to talk with my CO about it though.

I wish you luck!

I am in the same boat with you as well but I guess a bit more fortunate. I turn 23 August 6, but still unfortunately this is my last and first year to apply to the Naval Academy. I'm a Marine Administration clerk in the reserves. You won't be alone this year. Hope to see you Induction day.

Oorah

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