USMMA Indoc day prep

Your indoc book will tell you what you can and cannot have. A bible. Religious materials. And I think a small frame. But check your papers. And, girlfriends can help and hurt. They can help you through it. But can also cause you to want to leave. There is a 1 percent club. 1 percent will keep the girlfriend. Talk to your ds about the realities of gf not being around. Get him ready for it. Then when it ends be ready to provide the support.

Our DS arrived at indoc still dating his high school girlfriend. It was tough on the relationship with the restrictions on communications, as Mr2020 referred to. They exchanged letters over the summer, until she left for college in RI. Then reality set in. College life at a SA is nothing like college life at most universities. The GF couldn't wrap her head around the restrictive, disciplined life at KP, and that's when the fights began. Very distracting for a plebe trying hard to adjust. He broke it off about a month later, and has never been happier. Succeeding at USMMA, or any SA, requires your full attention. We're just grateful DS realized that early on....
 
Our DS arrived at indoc still dating his high school girlfriend. It was tough on the relationship with the restrictions on communications, as Mr2020 referred to. They exchanged letters over the summer, until she left for college in RI. Then reality set in. College life at a SA is nothing like college life at most universities. The GF couldn't wrap her head around the restrictive, disciplined life at KP, and that's when the fights began. Very distracting for a plebe trying hard to adjust. He broke it off about a month later, and has never been happier. Succeeding at USMMA, or any SA, requires your full attention. We're just grateful DS realized that early on....
I think this aspect has gotten harder with technology. In the pre cell phone days it was easier to manage expectations.
 
I think this aspect has gotten harder with technology. In the pre cell phone days it was easier to manage expectations.

I think that goes for sailing, too. In my day, there was almost no communication with anyone at home while at sea, other than international operators in some ports. Oftentimes the time differences and length of a port stay also made any communications difficult outside of what is now called "snail mail". Personally, I kind of liked that. Now, when I am offshore on a field assignment, I see crew members calling home several times a day and dealing with being away. If I am offshore for more than a couple of days, I generally only try and call home once a week, if that. I guess it is just what us old guys are used to. . .
 
I have a question - do us parents have a chance to take some pictures of the school/grounds when we're dropping DS off for INDOC or no?

When you arrive for INDOC day there were will be things to consider.

1) Traffic and limited parking. Plan ahead. Don't be late to INDOC. Traffic on Long Island is unpredictable.
2) You and your plebe candidate will stand in a long line to in process. Your plebe will have his/her bag with essential gear. Shorts/collared shirt (polo) and a folder with all required paperwork and identification.
4) There will be a parents briefing by the admiral. He will give some good advice and info.
4) You will have a chance to kiss/hug say goodbye and then you will have a narrow window to watch your plebe run to get their uniform/haircut. The parents association will host a generous lunch/reception/opportunity to buy swag/visit the NEX to buy souvenirs.
5) Lastly, you will see your DS/DD assemble in their company platoons and swear in. They will wave goodbye and you will have a limited opportunity to see/take photos.
6) You will then see them march away and your job is done until Parents Weekend. You can cry in the car on the way home.
7) Join your 2022 USMMA facebook parents group, parents of older midshipmen will help answer your questions/concerns.

Encourage your DS/DD to not give up. Last year kids left for reasons such as being homesick, injury, and missing their girlfriends. Our son reached his limit during INDOC and broke down crying due to the physical/mental stress, we had to encourage him to make it one day at a time. Don't sugar coat the experience, be realistic. It will be hard.
What kinds of injuries occur during indoc? Do they get sent home or treated?
 
Any type of injury is possible. Strains, sprains, breaks. Concussion, heat related, etc. Falls, trips, etc. Most are treated and plebe candidate continues. If there is something serious, like major surgery serious the Academy may keep you or may set you back.
 
Back
Top