Summer Training for Youngsters

KirkcudbrightBorn

KirkcudbrightBorn

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Wondering how Youngsters are assigned training over the summer. DS enjoyed Summer Seminar and is interested in working SS in some capacity. Can anyone provide insight into how their training blocks are assigned and if they show particular interest in something like SS or being a Detailer for Plebe Summer (down the road), how that happens.
 
They submit their choices for Summer Training and their ranking (among the 1,150 or so in their class) in the Military Order of Merit and Academic Order of Merit plays an important role in which choices they receive.
There are lots of training blocks available, so most get something in which they have an interest. One thing is sure, there will be some hurry-up-and-wait for a lot of them right after the academic year is completed. Many will have what they think is a "set schedule", only to find that the ship or submarine that they are supposed to meet, won't be there at the specified date. Sometimes the ship will end up in Greece, rather than Spain on that date. Their travel isn't usually set until after they have their brief, which could be at the end of May (Block 1 begins 5/26), or in June (Block 2 begins 6/22) or July (Block 3 begins 7/20). Travel dates to land-based training within the United States are usually more of a sure thing - since wherever they are going - isn't moving.

So they may leave for training right after classes end, or they may have a couple of weeks off first. They may also have a week off between blocks. It can be a very fluid Summer.
In other words, don't make any plans that aren't refundable.

As for Summer Seminar or Plebe Summer, are you asking about someone who is a Youngster now, and wants to be a Detailer between 3c and 2C year, or someone who is a Plebe now and wants to be a Detailer next Summer before their Youngster AC year? I think if it's the latter, you'll find a precious few 4C Mids (after Plebe year) who will be selected for Summer Seminar, but I have not seen any Detailers during Plebe Summer who were selected from the 4C pool. Maybe I'm crazy, so someone will probably set me straight if I am.
 
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Summer Seminar staff are carefully screened and chosen by Admissions in conjunction with Commandant staff recommendations, as NASS is an Admissions program.

Academically sat, no performance or conduct blots. There is usually an attempt to create diversity, to include geography and other factors.

I think it’s about the start of spring semester 3/c year, when detailers are solicited and chosen.

Expect your DS’s ideas and desires to change regularly as he hears about new summer elective opportunities, especially during 1/c and 2/c summers. NOLS. LREC. Internships. There is an array of interesting opportunities.
 
It was an amazing summer, beyond expectations. Exactly what THParent stayed (although I didn’t quite follow the last part...DS was a summer seminar detailer after his Plebe year. Maybe TH is referring to the main SS leadership running the overall program?). I’ll also second the “very fluid” part, heading out to a ship. DS changed flights 3 times $$$. All part of the deal though!

I will add, that after they get their summer assignments, there is an opportunity to put in for ‘trades’. DS did that, traded with another Mids assignment. Obviously one has to meet all criteria.

This is one of the things that is really amazing, the summer leadership trainings. Invaluable life lessons and skills learned. Plus how cool is it to shoot a big huge gun out into the Arabian Sea? DS for sure won the snapchat war with his buddies back home last summer!
 
THParent said:
They submit their choices for Summer Training and their ranking (among the 1,150 or so in their class) in the Military Order of Merit and Academic Order of Merit plays an important role in which choices they receive.
There are lots of training blocks available, so most get something in which they have an interest. One thing is sure, there will be some hurry-up-and-wait for a lot of them right after the academic year is completed. Many will have what they think is a "set schedule", only to find that the ship or submarine that they are supposed to meet, won't be there at the specified date. Sometimes the ship will end up in Greece, rather than Spain on that date. Their travel isn't usually set until after they have their brief, which could be at the end of May (Block 1 begins 5/26), or in June (Block 2 begins 6/22) or July (Block 3 begins 7/20). Travel dates to land-based training within the United States are usually more of a sure thing - since wherever they are going - isn't moving.

So they may leave for training right after classes end, or they may have a couple of weeks off first. They may also have a week off between blocks. It can be a very fluid Summer.
In other words, don't make any plans that aren't refundable.

As for Summer Seminar or Plebe Summer, are you asking about someone who is a Youngster now, and wants to be a Detailer between 3c and 2C year, or someone who is a Plebe now and wants to be a Detailer next Summer before their Youngster AC year? I think if it's the latter, you'll find a precious few 4C Mids (after Plebe year) who will be selected for Summer Seminar, but I have not seen any Detailers during Plebe Summer who were selected from the 4C pool. Maybe I'm crazy, so someone will probably set me straight if I am.
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Thanks for the info. Was specifically wondering about Summer Seminar as he expressed an interest in "returning the favor" that he feels his Summer Seminar squad leader did for him. SS was what really turned him on to the Academy. Being a Detailer for Plebe Summer was just a down the road question. As to last minute changes to training billets, Semper Gumby!
 
SS Detailer is a lot of work! But DS really enjoyed it. Said it was one of the most rewarding experiences he has had.
 
KirkcudbrightBorn said:
THParent said:
They submit their choices for Summer Training and their ranking (among the 1,150 or so in their class) in the Military Order of Merit and Academic Order of Merit plays an important role in which choices they receive.
There are lots of training blocks available, so most get something in which they have an interest. One thing is sure, there will be some hurry-up-and-wait for a lot of them right after the academic year is completed. Many will have what they think is a "set schedule", only to find that the ship or submarine that they are supposed to meet, won't be there at the specified date. Sometimes the ship will end up in Greece, rather than Spain on that date. Their travel isn't usually set until after they have their brief, which could be at the end of May (Block 1 begins 5/26), or in June (Block 2 begins 6/22) or July (Block 3 begins 7/20). Travel dates to land-based training within the United States are usually more of a sure thing - since wherever they are going - isn't moving.

So they may leave for training right after classes end, or they may have a couple of weeks off first. They may also have a week off between blocks. It can be a very fluid Summer.
In other words, don't make any plans that aren't refundable.

As for Summer Seminar or Plebe Summer, are you asking about someone who is a Youngster now, and wants to be a Detailer between 3c and 2C year, or someone who is a Plebe now and wants to be a Detailer next Summer before their Youngster AC year? I think if it's the latter, you'll find a precious few 4C Mids (after Plebe year) who will be selected for Summer Seminar, but I have not seen any Detailers during Plebe Summer who were selected from the 4C pool. Maybe I'm crazy, so someone will probably set me straight if I am.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. Was specifically wondering about Summer Seminar as he expressed an interest in "returning the favor" that he feels his Summer Seminar squad leader did for him. SS was what really turned him on to the Academy. Being a Detailer for Plebe Summer was just a down the road question. As to last minute changes to training billets, Semper Gumby!
Click to expand...
And DS is a Plebe now. Will be fun to see whatever it is he gets.
 
My DS was a detailer for NASS this past summer. He liked the leadership opportunity. The important part of summer is that plans will change multiple times. His sub cruise changed dates and changed ports. Southwest Airlines is great at changing flights. Semper Gumby!
 
Your mid will receive an e-mail about preferences for summer training at some point during the second semester. However, unlike what I read in an earlier post, your rank among your class has minimal, if any impact at all to what you're assigned for training.
 
TheSavage44 said:
However, unlike what I read in an earlier post, your rank among your class has minimal, if any impact at all to what you're assigned for training.
Click to expand...

As a Midshipman, I don't recall ever knowing what the magic formula for who got what Summer Program was, and it was a bit simpler back in my day. There are alot of variables to consider, including accommodation of summer school priorities and athletics. Needs of the Navy, budget, and availability of ships , etc. are important, but I would suspect that Order of Merit plays some role...either officially or unofficially (i.e. the squared away Midshipman is going to get taken care of). As a general rule at USNA (and throughout the Navy), top performers are rewarded.
 
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