Who has attended MMI?

Good day... 10 Days roll reporting... few questions on items to bring. Read last year’s Code of Conduct, but still...
Running shoes - any requirements on color, fabric, leather?
How much make up allowed for girls?
Sunglasses restricted for some uniform. Does it mean it’s generally allowed?
Waterbottles? Are there fountains to refill?
Stereo allowed if it’s built-in radio into alarm clock, what about the ones built in with Bluetooth?
I understood optional Desk Lamp is a must as at’s allowed to keep on after lights out taps...

Any other recommendations?
 
What kind of water bottle, that's one thing we didn't get.
We just bought black and white running shoes, wasn't sure of the restrictions.
 
Looking forward to responses to the two previous posts. DD reports w/the SAP folks next Tuesday, so we're finishing up the packing list shopping this week.

Here is my take on the questions above (again, just my thoughts - I am in no way an official source)
* DD's running shoes are Brooks and are somewhat colorful. I haven't seen any regs re. the shoes, so I hope we'll be fine there.

* No idea on make up for girls. I do know that DD is bringing her "skin care" stuff. As knucklehead dad, I'm honestly not sure what all that entails, but evidently there is some specificity to it. We'll see how well it the routine lasts in the new environment...

* Sunglasses are making the trip, thought it sounds like she may not get to wear them much. Here is the quote from last year's Cadet Manual: Section 6.7, Page 50: Sunglasses. Not authorized to be worn in formations including organized PT although “transition”eyeglasses are permitted. Eyeglass straps will only be authorized during PT for necessary prescription eyeglasses.

* Not sure on waterbottles. DD is planning to bring a couple of her Nalgene-type bottles. Will see if they come back home with us over Labor Day.

* Re. stereos, I found this in Section 7.7, page 54: All cadets are authorized radios and stereos of compact size meaning the item is small enough to fit on the cadet’s desk and still allow ample room for studying. These devices may be used for entertainment only during limited periods daily. Volume will be low enough so as not to create a disturbance. Cadets should not be able to hear the sound in the neighboring rooms, hallway, or outside of the building. Abuse of this privilege will result in confiscation of the device.

Here is the link to last year's Cadet Manual: http://marionmilitary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/MMI-Cadet-Manual-SY201-18-version-25-May-23.pdf

DD is truly excited for this opportunity to attend MMI. We enjoyed our visit a few months ago and continue to hear nothing but good things about all of the MMI programs. Her Naval Academy Sponsorship provided the opportunity to attend a number of civilian prep schools, but she really wanted to get the military life started as soon as possible and couldn't find anything but positive feedback about MMI's SAP program. As I read somewhere else in the forums, they seem to have "cracked the code" for getting these kids prep'd for the respective Academies. Of course, the kids have to do the work (a lot of work!), but MMI really does seem to be the right place to be for those with Academy aspirations (sponsored or not). Being there with kids destined for other Academies as well as those in different commissioning pipelines will be a great benefit. As a parent, I have am confident about MMI being the right place for her to begin the next phase of life. Sad to see her go, but we're also really looking forward to next week.

We're heading to Selma (from Nashville) on Sunday night. Will spend Monday relaxing and taking care of any last-minute items. Then, on to MMI on Tuesday morning. Hope everyone has safe travels to Marion!
 
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Looking forward to responses to the two previous posts. DD reports w/the SAP folks next Tuesday, so we're finishing up the packing list shopping this week.

Here is my take on the questions above (again, just my thoughts - I am in no way an official source)
* DD's running shoes are Brooks and are somewhat colorful. I haven't seen any regs re. the shoes, so I hope we'll be fine there.

* No idea on make up for girls. I do know that DD is bringing her "skin care" stuff. As knucklehead dad, I'm honestly not sure what all that entails, but evidently there is some specificity to it. We'll see how well it the routine lasts in the new environment...

* Sunglasses are making the trip, thought it sounds like she may not get to wear them much. Here is the quote from last year's Cadet Manual: Section 6.7, Page 50: Sunglasses. Not authorized to be worn in formations including organized PT although “transition”eyeglasses are permitted. Eyeglass straps will only be authorized during PT for necessary prescription eyeglasses.

* Not sure on waterbottles. DD is planning to bring a couple of her Nalgene-type bottles. Will see if they come back home with us over Labor Day.

* Re. stereos, I found this in Section 7.7, page 54: All cadets are authorized radios and stereos of compact size meaning the item is small enough to fit on the cadet’s desk and still allow ample room for studying. These devices may be used for entertainment only during limited periods daily. Volume will be low enough so as not to create a disturbance. Cadets should not be able to hear the sound in the neighboring rooms, hallway, or outside of the building. Abuse of this privilege will result in confiscation of the device.

Here is the link to last year's Cadet Manual: http://marionmilitary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/MMI-Cadet-Manual-SY201-18-version-25-May-23.pdf

DD is truly excited for this opportunity to attend MMI. We enjoyed our visit a few months ago and continue to hear nothing but good things about all of the MMI programs. Her Naval Academy Sponsorship provided the opportunity to attend a number of civilian prep schools, but she really wanted to get the military life started as soon as possible and couldn't find anything but positive feedback about MMI's SAP program. As I read somewhere else in the forums, they seem to have "cracked the code" for getting these kids prep'd for the respective Academies. Of course, the kids have to do the work (a lot of work!), but MMI really does seem to be the right place to be for those with Academy aspirations (sponsored or not). Being there with kids destined for other Academies as well as those in different commissioning pipelines will be a great benefit. As a parent, I have am confident about MMI being the right place for her to begin the next phase of life. Sad to see her go, but we're also really looking forward to next week.

We're heading to Selma (from Nashville) on Sunday night. Will spend Monday relaxing and taking care of any last-minute items. Then, on to MMI on Tuesday morning. Hope everyone has safe travels to Marion!
Do not stress over your packing list. MMI is very flexible. Because unlike the Service Academies MMI cadets have most weekends to themselves, after the initial ITC cycle, they understand most will be bringing their "civilian" attire and accessories. As long as what you bring fits in your foot locker its all good. I hope your cadets enjoy their year in the SAP program LTC Bowen and 1Sgt Dunfee do a great job.
 
I heard from my cadet a little the other night, she said that the stuff they are doing is fun, they keep them so busy, and the food sucks! She said her only struggle is missing us! On the Facebook page there is some videos of ITC yesterday, I didn't see my cadet though.
 
Thanks. I just phoned the Commandant’s office to clear about the Labor Day weekend. Cadets to return on Monday before 6PM if leaving for the weekend...
 
I am at MMI now as an AOG student. All my life I have wanted to attend West Point and all my life I never thought I would have to go to prep school. Everything you do here during your mini "beast" is insanely easy. However, I am struggling immensely with two things: missing my parents immensely (I sometimes cry thinking about them) and getting adjusted to the fact I am at Marion, and not West Point. We had leave last weekend and I went out only to see so many things that reminded me of my family. If anyone has tips of getting over homesickness, please please provide me with recommendations.
 
I am at MMI now as an AOG student. All my life I have wanted to attend West Point and all my life I never thought I would have to go to prep school. Everything you do here during your mini "beast" is insanely easy. However, I am struggling immensely with two things: missing my parents immensely (I sometimes cry thinking about them) and getting adjusted to the fact I am at Marion, and not West Point. We had leave last weekend and I went out only to see so many things that reminded me of my family. If anyone has tips of getting over homesickness, please please provide me with recommendations.
Just keep yourself busy. Every cadet goes through the "homesick" and "why am I here" stages. DS went through the same shock of being in Alabama and not W.P. last year. Was miserable for a few weeks. Will tell you now it was the best thing that ever happened to him. The 24 other AOG's at W.P. with him are now among his closest friends in the world. In fact I saw almost all of them Saturday on A-Day. They are pretty much inseparable.

Now I will tell you a secret but you can't tell anyone, promise?? OK.. Beast was no more difficult than ITC and not as tough as the Ranger Challenge or Swamp Fox cycle. SHHH, don't tell anyone..

Hang in there and make the best of it, you have a Golden Ticket. Next year you will report to W.P. wiser, better prepared mentally and physically, and with a bunch of close friends to lean on if you need it...
 
I am at MMI now as an AOG student. All my life I have wanted to attend West Point and all my life I never thought I would have to go to prep school. Everything you do here during your mini "beast" is insanely easy. However, I am struggling immensely with two things: missing my parents immensely (I sometimes cry thinking about them) and getting adjusted to the fact I am at Marion, and not West Point. We had leave last weekend and I went out only to see so many things that reminded me of my family. If anyone has tips of getting over homesickness, please please provide me with recommendations.
Keep in mind that this is a means to an end. You’re going to be so much better prepared for your first year at WP. My advice is: find one or more of the numerous clubs to get involved with such as drama, scuba or pilot. You will have a very nice Christmas break as well and then before you know it, it will
be over. Stay out of the party scene and focus on the prize!
 
I am at MMI now as an AOG student. All my life I have wanted to attend West Point and all my life I never thought I would have to go to prep school. Everything you do here during your mini "beast" is insanely easy. However, I am struggling immensely with two things: missing my parents immensely (I sometimes cry thinking about them) and getting adjusted to the fact I am at Marion, and not West Point. We had leave last weekend and I went out only to see so many things that reminded me of my family. If anyone has tips of getting over homesickness, please please provide me with recommendations.
Just keep yourself busy. Every cadet goes through the "homesick" and "why am I here" stages. DS went through the same shock of being in Alabama and not W.P. last year. Was miserable for a few weeks. Will tell you now it was the best thing that ever happened to him. The 24 other AOG's at W.P. with him are now among his closest friends in the world. In fact I saw almost all of them Saturday on A-Day. They are pretty much inseparable.

Now I will tell you a secret but you can't tell anyone, promise?? OK.. Beast was no more difficult than ITC and not as tough as the Ranger Challenge or Swamp Fox cycle. SHHH, don't tell anyone..

Hang in there and make the best of it, you have a Golden Ticket. Next year you will report to W.P. wiser, better prepared mentally and physically, and with a bunch of close friends to lean on if you need it...
Lol! Beast was a piece of cake eh? No one is going to compare ITC at MMI to swab at USCGA! Go Bears!
 
Still struggling with being away from my parents. Super super superrrrrrrr hard!!! Didn't really have a formal goodbye to my parents and everything I see here reminds me of them. IF your son went through this, how long did it last?
 
Son is Class of 2021 at USAFA...a parent posted this on one of the pages for parents for cadets that are struggling....”If I quit now, I will be back where I started, and when I started, I desperately wanted to be where I am now”. Stay focused....it will get better.
 
My DD is at MMI also, I will just give my mom 2 cents, She is missing home as well and we are 10 hours away. Just keep thinking positive, make friends and stay focused on your goals. I promise your mom is missing you just as much. It will get easier once you get a routine and it's not so new. It's part of flying the nest, I don't know if anything makes it easier you just get used to it. I wish you the best.
 
My DD is stressed over the math class, she has always been one to worry, but she says she feels behind in math. My questiin is is this common? Is she just being my worrier or should I be concerned? I told her to start getting help and being active in her learning.
 
My DD is stressed over the math class, she has always been one to worry, but she says she feels behind in math. My questiin is is this common? Is she just being my worrier or should I be concerned? I told her to start getting help and being active in her learning.

I’m here at MMI now. They offer free tutoring in the ASC (Academic Success Center), so if she needs a hand in math, she can drop by. Tutoring starts up with next week but will really get going the week after, as they need to find new tutors to replace the ones that just graduated. Heck, maybe I’ll even get to tutor her
 
We're looking forward to Friday's Cresting Ceremony and Parade! DD is having a great time so far and is fully immersing herself in "the life". She too expressed some concern about the math class (trig for calc), wondering if she'd be able to handle the pace. I reminded her that the faculty truly do want her to succeed and that once she gets in the groove things will settle in for her. Good to go in chemistry and physics, so hopefully she'll find the pace in math. I'm sure she plans to spend some time in the ASC as well. I also think things will normalize after Labor Day weekend since ITC will have concluded. Safe travels to all who are coming in for Cresting.
 
Still struggling with being away from my parents. Super super superrrrrrrr hard!!! Didn't really have a formal goodbye to my parents and everything I see here reminds me of them. IF your son went through this, how long did it last?
It doesn't last long. Get involved. Make friends. If you need to, speak with 1SGT Dunfee or LTC Bowen. They have been through this many times. Establish a routine. DS turned the time he was moping around missing home into time he spent in the weight room every day.

You are an AOG. West Point see's something special in you. Fight through this and do everything you need to do to prepare for your appointment to the Class of 2023....
 
struggling with being away from my parents. Super super superrrrrrrr hard!!! Didn't really have a formal goodbye to my parents and everything I see here reminds me of them. IF your son went through this, how long did it last?
Sorry to hear you are having a rough time with everything. My son is currently attending MMI in the SAP program. I talk or text with him every day and he appears to be enjoying himself there. He's already made several new friends at MMI and getting involved with a couple different clubs there to keep busy. MMI was not my sons first choice either, he'd rather have gotten a direct appointment to the academy, but he knows as long as he stays focused this year and does well, he will get his appointment to the academy for the class of 2023. Keep your head up and remember why you are there. This is an opportunity to help you realize your dream of attending West Point. Get involved, stay busy and the time will pass much quicker for you.
 
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