Any Black Flag Days?

I'm sure there was a BF day yesterday,today,and some more coming this week. Just wondering if anyone had confirmation.
Thanks

Black Flag doesn't mean it gets any easier during the day. Route Step to an evolution doesn't make it easier when you get there. Black Flag doesn't mean you rack out for the day. In Texas we just had to do evolutions in the "shade" as determined by the TIs.

When you hear from your plebes they will likly tell you they hate Black Flag Days. A Black Flag Day means a day with a lot of "Gray Space". Gray Space is where Detailers use their imagination to create activities that their plebes will perform durring the times when a Black Flag day has canceled outdoor events. At no time durring plebe summer will your pleble lack for something to keep them busy.

I don't know if it was called a black flag day, but my DD told me that the Plebes wore reduced clothing and had reduced activites during the day today.

Not sure I have the correct lingo, but definitely heat played a part in the day's activities.

GoNavyMom

AF6872 said:

Black Flag doesn't mean it gets any easier during the day. Route Step to an evolution doesn't make it easier when you get there. Black Flag doesn't mean you rack out for the day. In Texas we just had to do evolutions in the "shade" as determined by the TIs.

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Also, when they do not march throughout the day because of the "black flag", usually that means they march in the "coolness" of the darkness.

It's quite an experience to walk around the Yard when the entire Fourth Class Regiment is in training in every corner, yelling cadences. In total darkness, with just the aid of the street lights, they get their marching in ... one way or the other.

Also, the number of Black Flag (I thought it was "Red Flag" in our day but, whatever) days decreases as you "acclimate" to the heat and humidity. I on't recall them as being "good deals" in any way -- just more indoor stuff.

yes, black flag days were not fun...trust me your Plebe will come to hate them if they have a lot of them...I just remember learing how heavy a rifle can be when held with one arm completely extended, how much an empty and full canteen weighs w/ arm completely extended, i don't know how many uniform races we did, or making our racks (aka beds) and ripping them and making them again, all sorts of silly races...trust me...black flag days are no fun

Today there were pics of the class running in their camo gear on Facebook. So, must be ok to be outside. They sure looked hot though and some looked ready to lose it. Didn't see my DS, but hope he was in an upright position. Like my neighbor pointed out to me the other day, "we don't want any woosie officers in the Navy"! That made me remember what they are really there for...

Unfortunately, I just came upon this news story regarding 4 midshipmen who came down with heat exhaustion today, so I guess it might be a wee bit too hot after all. Let's hope this heat wave ends soon.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100707/ap_on_re_us/us_hot_weather_naval_academy

Oh NO! I spoke too soon. Let's all say a prayer for these kids.

What were they thinking?

At the parent briefing on I-Day, the Commandant assured us that he would take care of our kids like they were his own. The parents of the four Plebes who are being treated for heat exhaustion must be doubting his sincerity at this point - heck, I may be one of those parents and don't know it - but I am sure beginning to doubt it. I don't care how much BS my mid may have to put up with on a Black Flag Day, it sure beats having to be hooked up to an IV.

Heat exhaustion happens. Sprained ankles happen. Fainting b/c you lock your knees happens. Torn ACLs happen. This is military training. No matter how safe and secure the military tries to make the training environment -- and they do try -- some people will get hurt and/or sick. It just happens.

I know you're concerned about your child. However, the fact that a couple of plebes had heat exhaustion doesn't mean USNA doesn't care about the plebes. That's akin to saying that, if you as a parent let your kid play soccer and he/she tears an ACL in so doing, you don't care about your child.

In this case, USNA can tell mids to hydrate but can't shove water down their throats. And, some people simply acclimatize differently. If the military stopped training because there was some remote possibility that someone might have a medical issue, there never would be any training.

Remember, your child is in the military. The military will take care of him/her. But that doesn't mean that your child will get through the rest of his/her life in the military w/o a scratch. The good news is that plebes are monitored very closely and, if there is a problem, will get immediate and excellent medical attention.

I'm beginning to think that the internet and immediate info on everything isn't such a good idea as it causes people to worry unnecessarily.

Thanks USNA1985, for the re-assurance. Yes, the internet is a blessing and a curse. This undoubtably happened before the instant information gratification age and Plebe Summer marched on with the Plebe Parents none the wiser.

Enlisted son (DS1) was very ill during boot...and I'm glad I didn't know it! Then, last Thanksgiving he came down with pneumonia. I was worried sick but he was at training command, and there was nothing I could do about it. He had to get to the doctor himself, make sure he got his meds and had food and fluids, keep his xray appointments. Somehow he did it all, got well and is still singing!

My thought (notice I say "thought" not feeling) is that DS2 is an adult now. He has to learn to take care of himself. If, God forbid, he was one of the hospitalized plebes, he will know next time to drink more water or let someone know he's feeling sick. Of course, the mom in me would want to fly to Annapolis and take care of my baby, but I know that time is over. *sniffle* I have faith that the powers-that-be at USNA will do their best to take care of my son...I have to have faith or I would drive myself nuts!