2 for 7 signing

[THParent]

What us the significance of ringing the bell in Memorial Hall?
See this Flickr Photo Page, and scroll down a bit.

 

[MidCakePa]

Funny, I was watching video of a company doing its “2 for 7,” with the camera trained on the Mids waiting on the main floor of Bancroft. Whenever the bell rang from Memorial Hall, the next Mid stood and headed upstairs. So I thought the bell was a mere summons. But now, I too am curious as to the historical or traditional significance.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

. But now, I too am curious as to the historical or traditional significance.

Good question. To be honest, not sure there is any real historical or traditional significance. At least during my time (mid 80's) , 2 for 7 was really a non-event. We had a Class Party ..still have the liter beer mug, and maybe town liberty.

I suspect someone ('Dant's staff) came up with the formal signing ceremony to add a little reflection and seriousness to the milestone event. That's not a bad thing, but as someone pointed out a few days ago, the truth is that most people with reservations about staying the course and serving in the Navy have already left before returning for 2/c year. I'm sure there are some who are on the fence..or simply enjoying the summer program, but probably rare. Maybe a current Midshipman can give the actual numbers.

 

[MidCakePa]

We had a Class Party ..still have the liter beer mug, and maybe town liberty.

My plebe appreciated the 2-for-7 dinner that commandeered King Hall last week. It meant Jimmy John’s for lunch and Chick-fil-A for dinner, or the other way around. Either way, it was a welcome respite from King Hall fare.

 

[thunderheadc6]

We had a Class Party ..still have the liter beer mug, and maybe town liberty.

My plebe appreciated the 2-for-7 dinner that commandeered King Hall last week. It meant Jimmy John’s for lunch and Chick-fil-A for dinner, or the other way around. Either way, it was a welcome respite from King Hall fare.

mine did as well, especially since at the Sunday before classes started event the chick fil-a tent was only giving out sweet tea and browines and most plebe had their hearts set on a sandwhich

 

[coachkarl]

I'm sure there are some who are on the fence..or simply enjoying the summer program, but probably rare. Maybe a current Midshipman can give the actual numbers.

Agree that it is rare, but is real. I'm working on a blog post from one Mid Mom whose son opted out. And in the days leading up to 2 for 7s, I had a long, long texting conversation with another Mid Mom who was really struggling with the decision. He was supposed to sing Friday, but they gave him a few extra days and he signed Sunday.

 

[usna1985]

I actually like the increased formality (to a point). Still think it relates directly to the more concerted effort to extract repayment for those who leave.

Also, the picture shows a firstie, not a 2/C. So doubt that's from the 2/7 event.

 

[OldRetSWO]

I'm sure there are some who are on the fence..or simply enjoying the summer program, but probably rare. Maybe a current Midshipman can give the actual numbers.

Agree that it is rare, but is real. I'm working on a blog post from one Mid Mom whose son opted out. And in the days leading up to 2 for 7s, I had a long, long texting conversation with another Mid Mom who was really struggling with the decision. He was supposed to sing Friday, but they gave him a few extra days and he signed Sunday.

The mid mom was struggling? I'm glad that she was able to get through it.

 

[THParent]

I like tradition and formality as much as the next person, but I think they may have gone the wrong direction here.
I much prefer the class party idea that @Old Navy BGO alluded to. One should have a liter beer mug and town liberty to remember this event.
Of course, that's just my opinion.

 

[NavyHoops]

One of the current Mids, are they still doing the 2 for 7 tailgater where they get their class mugs and have a big party? I know they were still doing it a few years ago along with the more formal signing event and dinner. The tailgater is fun, but many of us were still not 21 yet and couldn’t indulge in the beer.

 

[coachkarl]

The mid mom was struggling? I'm glad that she was able to get through it.

She was struggling because her son was struggling.

 

[Kierkegaard]

There was actually a 2/C who was a detailer in one company who decided not to sign his 2 for 7 this year. It is a huge decision for many.

 

[NavyHoops]

My second set detailer did not sign her 2 for 7. She then reapplied and came back with the class behind her (this is when 2/C were squad leaders for PS). She actually ended up in my company and we became buddies. She said biggest mistake of her life for leaving. Still friends to this day. It happens... not often. In fact if you look at overall numbers it’s more rare than anything.

 

[usna1985]

I also think it's a bit hard to have perspective of 5 years when you're 19 or 20 years old. Then, it's seems like a REALLY long time, b/c it represents 1/3 to 1/2 of the life to date that you really remember. Seems like forever. Those of us on the other side realize how quickly it flies by -- even if you're not totally enamored with what you're doing. (I also understand the "going in harm's way" part of the equation but, to most young people, that's also something hard to internalize.)