Passports

What is the norm about getting passports? Do the Plebe's need to get them before summer or when?

I do not recall ever having needed my passport at any time between NAPS and USNA. I didn't even need it overseas as an officer. Normally, your military ID will suffice, especially with a copy of your orders.

Now....... That was then and this is now. While I don't think you'll need one on I-Day or during Plebe Year, you MAY need one if you are travelling overseas during summer training (as I did). With all the "Allahu Ackbar" - screaming whackjobs running around without a knife in their eye, it may be the desire of the Powers That Be that the Midshipmen retain a low profile. In such cases, a Passport would be advisable.

Bottom line is that it can't hurt to get one now, but I highly doubt you'll need one anytime soon.

Most midshipman will go all four years without using it, but in some cases it will open up some more overseas summer oportunities. A current passport is a good thing to have regardless but don't worry about needing it before the summer.

When should the plebe have it with him/her? I mean, does he/she take it on I-Day? Do the parents bring it to PPW? Or, do we just keep it at home UNLESS and UNTIL it is needed?

Our son applied for his before he left for Plebe Summer. He took it back with him after Christmas Leave.

Son just applied yesterday. He's had one since birth and we realized his latest was expiring in April. He'll probably bring back after Thanksgiving or Christmas, i guess.

MomoftheMagik said:

Or, do we just keep it at home UNLESS and UNTIL it is needed?

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I never had mine with me.

Honestly, folks, it's not that big a deal. Unless USNA specifically gives instructions on the matter, I'd move it to the bottom of the list of things to worry about.

The first time you will probably want/need a passport is "basket leave" -- the 30 days you get AFTER GRADUATION, when you might want to go overseas on vacation. If you need one before then for USNA purposes, USNA will make sure you get one. The military is good about those sorts of things.

The only exception I can think of is if you have relatives or friends in another country that you want to see during your leave periods. But, if that's the case, you probably already have a passport.

Agree that it should be at the bottom of your list of things to do.

Thank you for the practical advice.

I believe the question has arisen because the Important Information for the Class of 2014 booklet which was sent to each incoming member of the class states "(T)he United States Naval Academy Summer Training Office has encouraged all reporting candidates to obtain or apply for a civilian passport prior to reporting to the Academy on Induction Day."

MIHOSER said:

Thank you for the practical advice.

I believe the question has arisen because the Important Information for the Class of 2014 booklet which was sent to each incoming member of the class states "(T)he United States Naval Academy Summer Training Office has encouraged all reporting candidates to obtain or apply for a civilian passport prior to reporting to the Academy on Induction Day."

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OK, that's a slightly different question. I'm guessing that they want to be able to send 3/c mids on summer cruise outside the US and, having a passport in hand makes that easier. In general, the military prefers members to travel on civilian passports. So, if you have time, do it. You could also make the application over the Christmas/holiday period as your mid is extremely unlikely to be going overseas during 4/C year -- possible but extremely unlikely.

In that case, go ahead and apply, but I certainly wouldn't be worried about bringing it on I-Day, or even having it at the Academy afterwards. Just keep it safe until it's needed, which in all likelyhood won't be for a while.

I recommend to get the process rolling so that you do not need to "remember" to do it later. Have your parents bring or send it after Plebe Summer.

There are many reasons that Mids and yes even a Plebe could need their passport during their time at USNA. Mine needed his Plebe year for spring break and every spring break thereafter!

There are different spring break trips through different organizations/clubs that have out of the USA trips. Glee Clubs, some of the religious clubs do mission trips, the Chaplains offered a trip to Israel last spring break and then their are just groups that do their own thing for spring break that require a passport: cruises (Omega travel (on the yard) usually has a promotion with excellent pricing, ski trips to Canada, diving trips to the Caribbean, to name a few) Summer cruises can also require a passport and for some you do not get an official one - dkred - for that. There is also the opportunity to take a Space A flight to Europe during a leave block - mine did that after youngster year, Opportunities for foreign internships and language schools usually are done on an "official" dkred one. USNA takes care of getting that for you however also holds $$ for returning it to USNA - you don't get to keep it, although it will be given to you upon graduation. When the official one was issued to my son, they changed him $75.00. The $75.00 was credited back to him when it was turned in. It was a surprise when it was given to him just prior to graduation.

tpg said:

Come to think of it, it may be security related reasons why they want you to have a Regular "Blue" passport. That way you look and appear like every other traveler from the US.

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The funny haircut will give them away.

At BWI my daughter returning. Presents "RED" Passport. Question to an obviously very young person "and who do you work for?" Passports are good but not first priority. They do make some summer assignments easier.

tpg said:

A) woman do not have to worry

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Unless they have FIRED the butchers in the barber shop, they DAMNED WELL have to worry about it!

You would NOT BELIEVE some of the "haircuts" women in my class had to contend with!

My son applied less than 2 wks ago, and we got his passport yesterday! I was amazed how quickly it turned around. That said, we will keep it here safe until after plebe summer at least.

Sorry, should have been clearer...son already has a passport. I'm assuming from what I've read we should leave it here unless/until he needs it, so that's the plan. One less thing on our to-do list.