After USMMA Appointment Acceptance - Next Steps

sunny_dreamer

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Jan 31, 2019
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To all recent/former parents, current/former plebes, midshipmen who do remember and have a word of advice - for example if I could go back I could have done this etc. or before my indoc an event happened that I could have prevented if... etc.:
I am asking for sharing experiences/do's/don'ts -what is the sequence of events after you or your DD/DS has accepted appointment. I know it is early, but better prepared and safe than sorry.

So far this has been done on my DS's side:
1. applied for TWIC card
2. wisdom teeth (has 2 only) - one is out, another more complicated extraction is scheduled for end of March
3. he is working out anyway everyday since he is a swimmer; going to the gym twice weekly. maybe needs to include some running
4. watching weight

We plan to go to Europe during May/June after high school graduation. I need to roughly know what to expect and when from USMMA as documents exchange back/forth to plan accordingly. One option is to go for a shorter vacation of 2-3 weeks or go for two months and land in NY before indoc. DS needs to visit grandparents before going to USMMA.

Thank you for sharing!
 
You are definitely on the right track. I have a couple of suggestions. First, make sure your DS has all the required vaccinations. Our DD was missing one that requires three doses each 60 days apart. You can find the required and recommended list on last year's reporting in instructions. Second, I would not advise going straight from Europe to INDOC. Your DS will want to be very well rested when he arrives at Kings Point. It's a great idea to spend time with family before he reports, but I recommend a week at home to unwind before reporting. Our DS and DD had to report only a week after high school graduation, and they both really needed the down time before INDOC.
 
First off - Congrats & welcome to the KP family. Son graduated 06/2018, and as you will see things change each and every year...so Indoc for us was 4 yrs ago.

Your on track, TWIC - check, Wisdom Teeth, check - same for #3 and #4, check. You will receive a logging in book and it will have most everything you need to do and when. Assuming that some things don't/won't change - you have (or used to) the option to purchase computer - highly recommend you do...you can also purchase through the NEX virtually all of his clothing for indoc...again not sure what will be in the logging book this year and don't know the timelines that will be listed. But just my opinion, your vacation could be cutting it close in case something needs to be done at the last minute. This can be tough, but let him decide what he wants to do before day 0 when he has to report...he probably should be reasonably well rested too because once it starts, he will be stretched and will probably get tired very quickly and his plate will be full...very full...a ton of stuff...physical, mental, learning challenges await him. If he wants to go on a long Europe vacation then fine...but if he has the time adjustment coming back to the state and he's very tired...well it's on him and he will learn to live by his decision(s) very quickly.

Again congrats and best of luck.
 
Everything you need to know is in the reporting manual. He started taking care of each item right away so there would be no last-minute stress. As long as you do that, you'll be fine. I did make copies of every single document - both hard copies and scanned copies - just in case there was an issue at INDOC. I also made scanned copies of his TWIC card, health insurance card, driver's license, etc. I keep all of the information in a special folder on my computer just in case. Another thing I started early was getting some notes and letters prepared. I created 15 postcards from our cat Bailey to him - basically Bailey's adventures at USMMA's rival the Coast Guard Academy. :) I sent a note of encouragement every day or so during INDOC and also asked family and friends to write to him - he actually set a record for the most mail received during INDOC! I concur with the others that I don't think it's a great idea to have him report to INDOC right from vacation. He'll want to be rested. He may also want to say some last goodbyes to family and friends.
Oh, and we had an account set up with Navy Federal beforehand too. His Dad and I are both on the account which helps if he needs money for something quickly we can deposit money right away for him.
 
Twic
passport, new or renewed.
wisdom teeth
run
stay in shape
enjoy time with friends
confirm health insurance is acceptable, and execute paperwork for same
bank account information, routing numbers, swift number, etc.
credit card
power of attorney for financial, and other things
execute the navy paperwork on same
 
Was checking the vaccine list from the 2022 class logging book against the vaccine list of DS. There was a note that Tdap should be given within the last 5 years. Tdap, or tetanus shot was given to him almost 7 years ago. Talked to the USMMA nurse today and she said that he is fine. She will give him a booster after indoc.
 
I would not have known about wisdom teeth until I read it here. Since there is no acceptance at this time, how would we have known to extract wisdom teeth and everything else. What if they only have days notice of acceptance before they report. Maybe we are missing something. Also what would be the earliest for a denial.
 
Wisdom teeth must be removed before first sea year so if your DD/DS is accepted too late, you can have them removed during a break. Not the ideal situation, but it can be done. The earliest time for denial was months ago. If your DD/DS is on hold, denial could come at any time, but most will come by May 1. A few more acceptances/denials/prep offers will come in May and even into early June. Hang in there--the wait is worth it.
 
Wisdom teeth must be removed before first sea year so if your DD/DS is accepted too late, you can have them removed during a break. Not the ideal situation, but it can be done. The earliest time for denial was months ago. If your DD/DS is on hold, denial could come at any time, but most will come by May 1. A few more acceptances/denials/prep offers will come in May and even into early June. Hang in there--the wait is worth it.
Thank you. Not that I am wishing for a denial, however, it would be nice to get excited for Plan B if Plan A doesn't pan out. Working to get the teeth out in the next few weeks.
 
All the people here are in a rush to pull wisdom teeth..... do whatever you want.

But consider these outcomes of removing wisdom teeth now:

1. Get the teeth out now, everything goes well, you're set, go enjoy indoc.
2. Get the teeth out now, there are complications(pericarditis really sucks). You can't report on I Day and lose your spot.

One outcome is fine, one outcome is pretty horrendously bad.

Now consider these two outcomes:

1. Get teeth out over break plebe year, everything goes well, you mope around for a day or two at home, go back to KP.
2. Get teeth out over break, there are complications, you return to KP and resume classes while getting treated for whatever the issue was. Heal in a few months, you're still with your original class.

I had my wisdom teeth out over thanksgiving on a Monday, was back at KP a week later, and it was a non-event. My room mate had them pulled second tri at some point in the middle of the academic calendar, he got to wear PT gear for a day or two, missed an afternoon of classes, and then back to normal. Everyone thinks it is the end of the world getting them done at KP, but it really isn't a big deal. It is probably more stressful for the handwringing mothers at home who can't help Midshipman Timmy.

Down the line your midshipmen will be learning how to conduct risk assessments/job hazard analysis/job safety analysis. At the core of the JHA process is looking at consequence vs. likelihood of a particular undesirable outcome.

The chances of complications from wisdom teeth removal before indoc are pretty low, but the consequences of a those complications are astronomical (....loosing your appointment). On the other hand, the risks associated with doing them at school are the same, but the consequences of a bad come are FAR lower. You gain nothing by pulling them now, but risk everything.
 
Just a caution for the wisdom teeth. My DS has only two wisdom teeth on his lower jaw. We decided to go with two procedures - proper healing, he can eat on the not impacted side, pain etc. Just wanted to share experience. There are pro's and con's with both ways - extract them all at once or one by one.
 
All the people here are in a rush to pull wisdom teeth..... do whatever you want.

But consider these outcomes of removing wisdom teeth now:

1. Get the teeth out now, everything goes well, you're set, go enjoy indoc.
2. Get the teeth out now, there are complications(pericarditis really sucks). You can't report on I Day and lose your spot.

One outcome is fine, one outcome is pretty horrendously bad.

Now consider these two outcomes:

1. Get teeth out over break plebe year, everything goes well, you mope around for a day or two at home, go back to KP.
2. Get teeth out over break, there are complications, you return to KP and resume classes while getting treated for whatever the issue was. Heal in a few months, you're still with your original class.

I had my wisdom teeth out over thanksgiving on a Monday, was back at KP a week later, and it was a non-event. My room mate had them pulled second tri at some point in the middle of the academic calendar, he got to wear PT gear for a day or two, missed an afternoon of classes, and then back to normal. Everyone thinks it is the end of the world getting them done at KP, but it really isn't a big deal. It is probably more stressful for the handwringing mothers at home who can't help Midshipman Timmy.

Down the line your midshipmen will be learning how to conduct risk assessments/job hazard analysis/job safety analysis. At the core of the JHA process is looking at consequence vs. likelihood of a particular undesirable outcome.

The chances of complications from wisdom teeth removal before indoc are pretty low, but the consequences of a those complications are astronomical (....loosing your appointment). On the other hand, the risks associated with doing them at school are the same, but the consequences of a bad come are FAR lower. You gain nothing by pulling them now, but risk everything.

Good old Risk = Probability * Consequences formula in security class.
 
My son still has his wisdom teeth (only 2). Dentist filled out the form that said he was fine and they did not have to come out.
 
My son still has his wisdom teeth (only 2). Dentist filled out the form that said he was fine and they did not have to come out.

From what I understand, that may not matter. The idea of removing wisdom teeth is something that we didn't have during my tenure at KP. In fact, I still have three of my four wisdom teeth and they were never an issue when I sailed. I also don't ever recall being on a voyage and having any crew member or officer have issues with wisdom teeth. I am guessing that there must have been some issues with cadets during Sea Year, and enough to require wisdom tooth removal. . . but that is just my opinion. I hope it goes well for your son. . . .
 
My son's wisdom teeth are impacted and should come out. It is just the timing will be sooner rather than later. When my husband was in Air Force, they took his out whether he needed to or not.
 
My son still has his wisdom teeth (only 2). Dentist filled out the form that said he was fine and they did not have to come out.

From what I understand, that may not matter. The idea of removing wisdom teeth is something that we didn't have during my tenure at KP. In fact, I still have three of my four wisdom teeth and they were never an issue when I sailed. I also don't ever recall being on a voyage and having any crew member or officer have issues with wisdom teeth. I am guessing that there must have been some issues with cadets during Sea Year, and enough to require wisdom tooth removal. . . but that is just my opinion. I hope it goes well for your son. . . .

I don't think you understand. I have 4 wisdom teeth and I've been out for two sailings for 11+ months, never once went to a dentist except before sea. Although one of the officers on my ship did get removed for his wisdom teeth. He was a Schuyler grad, not KP. Do you make this type of assumption out there as a loss adjuster?
 
My son still has his wisdom teeth (only 2). Dentist filled out the form that said he was fine and they did not have to come out.

From what I understand, that may not matter. The idea of removing wisdom teeth is something that we didn't have during my tenure at KP. In fact, I still have three of my four wisdom teeth and they were never an issue when I sailed. I also don't ever recall being on a voyage and having any crew member or officer have issues with wisdom teeth. I am guessing that there must have been some issues with cadets during Sea Year, and enough to require wisdom tooth removal. . . but that is just my opinion. I hope it goes well for your son. . . .

I don't think you understand. I have 4 wisdom teeth and I've been out for two sailings for 11+ months, never once went to a dentist except before sea. Although one of the officers on my ship did get removed for his wisdom teeth. He was a Schuyler grad, not KP. Do you make this type of assumption out there as a loss adjuster?
Not everyone with wisdom teeth have an issue. I assume everyone on here isn't pulling them for the sake of pulling but I could be wrong. My son's are impacted and has been recommended they be taken out. Seeing the post made us think why wait when in a few months he could have an issue then what. Now my comment about my husband when he was in the service 30 years ago, it wasn't an option.
 
TWIC card update - it arrived yesterday. I don't know if it is an improvement compared to previous years, but it took two weeks from appointment to card arrival. Maybe it is the time of the year or the office, but it was pretty quick.
 
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