Disclaimer: I didn't attend the USNA, I haven't "been there". I am "Just Dad"
Back in 2016 DD's competition schedule was really busy (away from home stuff) into the first week of June. Then there was a whirlwind of getting ready and saying goodbye to friends; not much time for family or quiet reflection. On the way to the airport to head back for IDay I remember glancing over at her as we drove through the greenbelt/wetland behind our house. It was like the words were written across her face. "I am leaving the place, this life, for good"; hard to see but one of those moments when it's best to keep quiet.
I wouldn't have missed I Day for anything. It's not an easy day, but I am so glad I got to prop her up a-bit one last time and then stand beside her and watch her in the ranks "eyes front" but sneaking looks at her Mom and I. Apprehensive, but no quit in her eyes.
For Parents of P2bs just a couple of things:
1) My DD will be a 1c next year. She will be a PS platoon leader for CL2023. She put in for a Detailer slot last summer, but was not selected. While home on leave for block1 she worked hard to fully recover from a leg fracture so she can run with "her plebes", and she reviewed sword work for drill, (she isn't familiar with it and wants to have it down for PS). DD and I are still pretty tight; heres what I know. I know that being a Detailer is a sought after position at USNA; I know my DD sees her assignment this year as an opportunity to participate in giving to your DD/DS the same meaningful experience she had in 2016; (sadly, for her this means that "its supposed to be hard" and "its supposed to hurt"). Mids and USNA grads talk about PS in terms of "testing" with remembrances of all the stuff they suffered through. I guess there is an element of that, but watching DD through her years at USNA I have come to view PS and Plebe year WAaaaay more as something that USNA and Mids do FOR your Plebe not something done TO the Plebes. I think 90% of the testing was done in the admissions process, the Navy now has 4years to polish the rock that is you P2b. have a look at
https://jorules.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/some-words-for-the-cadre/comment-page-1/ (hope the link works, if not Google "JO rules Some Words for the Cadre").
It's a short read, that gives a look into the head's of a detailer; I shipped it to DD in 2016 to offer her some broader perspective on PS....... as she crawled thru the mud.
2) Talking with a good friend and USNA Grad last weekend I mentioned that DD had pretty much decided that USNA was the "best college in the world" by Nov. of her Plebe year. My buddy replied, "Crap (not the word he used) for the fist 7 months all I could think of was getting through to summer so I could transfer out". This guy finished, flew A4s, went to Med school, served as an MD in the reserves, joined my wife's practice group, is now CEO of a big time hospital---and feels a special bond with my DD. The point is, some DDs/DSs fall in love with USNA during PS, for others it takes longer, but as mentioned above the USN is confident that your kid is a fit and has what it takes. They've been doing this along time, ------boy, I wish I had as much trust in my financial advisor as I've grown to have in the USNA.
3) DW and I felt some sadness about having our DD grow-up (mostly) in a step function during PS+Plebe Year. Worst for me was the sudden realization over PPW that our home wasn't her home anymore. That said, we know that our DD couldn't have gotten anything close to the education (class work, environment, experience) that she has received at the USNA. Seriously, hang on to that thought, YOUR KID IS SO LUCKY TO BE SUFFERING THIS SUMMER.
OTHER STUFF:
A) Don't miss ANY opportunity to talk with other Plebe parents! over Iday, Amazing Kids often come from great parents. They are all in the same boat with you and eager to talk. This played a big part in my "on the fence" DW's transition to a Navy Mom, (she was just awed by the tribe our DD was going to be a part of).
B) I know there are plenty of threads on what to put in a care package, but........ If you are at USNA for IDay swing by the MidStore and pickup an extra pair of Plebe PT gear and send it to your Plebe.
(DD's rec.) "That extra shirt/shorts set is likely save Plebe having to put on cold-wet-smelly PT gear a couple
of times"; "its a downer"per DD.
C) DD's rec again, put dry shampoo in the first care package for DDs particularly is new regs have your DD wearing longer hair. Long hair will get dirty/wet and there won't be time to adequately wash it.
D) You might give some of DD/DS's friends pre stamped-n-addressed envelopes for your plebe executing the "nuts and bolts" of snail mail is a mystery to people under 25 yrs old, (we did this for DD in 2016 and she got a lot of mail).
E) At least in 2016, Plebes were asked at random moments to "tell me something interesting" by detailers. Tidbits of info about: the Navy (ships, planes, battles, subs, Etc.); USNA; Navy Football; shipped along with your letters might save you kid a few push-ups. PG to R-rated jokes are "money" during PS you can include those in letters too, along with the odd article about a favorite sports team, Etc. that might take a DD's/DS's head out their PS environment for a moment. I sent some really fat envelopes back in 2016. Some of what I sent help DD out, some things she never read but everything sent (useful or not) let her know I was thinking of her and doing what I could to support her.
F) If you are in the MidWest or West Coast, its a big/costly deal to get both Mom and Dad back to USNA to see your plebe. My family (particularly me DW) has learned that Parents can actually travel alone, AND that "Just Dad, Just Mom" trips are really great. DD actually likes having Mom or Dad "all to herself". These easier to schedule, less costly trips have been great for our Family. Highly recommended! especially if the budget or schedule wont support two parent visits.
I spend time on the Yard whenever work takes me to the East coast. I am ALWAYS impressed with the place, but its the Mids that alway make me smile and make me want to come back, (I will miss time on the Yard when DD is commissioned). To any Parent sweating over IDay that reads this:
MY MOST SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS; AND WELL DONE MOM AND DAD!!
