Base Access After Appointment

[ProudPapa26_28]

Does anyone know if it is possible to gain access to our local military base after appointment? We are interested in DD using the pool facilities to help prep her for PS.

Thanks in advance for your awesome advice!

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Unlikely in any official capacity -- Plebes to be have no standing until reporting to USNA,
That said, depending on the base , type of facilities available, and if you have any contacts available -- might be possible to make arrangements.

 

[Kierkegaard]

Different bases have various rules for who is allowed to come on and use their facilities, but assuming the base is only open to active duty, retirees, and their dependents, then she would not. Your DD has not actually been “appointed” until she takes the Oath of Office on I-Day when she will finally become part of the military. Acceptances to the academies are carefully worded as “offers” of appointment.

 

[LT360]

Plebes will get plenty of practice during PS to hone their swim skills and then during the AC year PE classes. However if P2B (plebe to be) has zero swim skills then recommend a few sessions with a coach if available. However remember that there are many P2B who are the definition of rocks in water when they report and learn how to complete the swims.

 

[Anonymous121]

Nope. Unless you have a CAC you cannot access base unless accompanied by someone who does have one. I've already commissioned and have active duty orders but cannot even get on base myself yet either.

 

[ProudPapa26_28]

DD did swim lessons from infancy (me dunking her often ) to about 7th grade. No issues on the how to swim, more concerned about stamina since she has not done it in years.

Is that a concern during PS? Is her being a very good swimmer enough? Just want to focus her prep work in the right area

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Is that a concern during PS? Is her being a very good swimmer enough? Just want to focus her prep work in the right area

Swimming in probably low on the list of concerns, particularly during Plebe summer. The class will range from aquarocks to competitive swimmers, but none of the Plebe swimming evolutions are particularly difficult. (In fact, my recollection is that they were actually enjoyable --short periods of time where the detailers left you alone !).

During the 4 years, there are multiple swim classes and tests as part of the PE program, and they can be challenging for those that are not comfortable in the water. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities , both in class and on your own, to hone swimming skills. This is particularly important for those going Aviation, as water survival training is a significant part of the early training, and devious engineers have created all sorts of devices to simulate all the things that can go wrong --- so being comfortable in the water is a big plus.

 

[IronmanDaremo]

Main thing I remember about the swimming over the summer was doing the 200 qual to see if you could validate having to do structured swimming during the AC (footnote ...... even the fastest swimmer from our team at NAPS did not get the qual time to validate it!!), and the fun stuff of jumping off the high dive. As a thrill seeker, that was a blast to me. I don't even remember much other swimming activity, honestly.

 

[Computerman21]

You don't get any base access until you get your CAC (at the end of plebe summer). Once you get your military ID, you can visit any military base you want.

 

[LT360]

Is that a concern during PS? Is her being a very good swimmer enough? Just want to focus her prep work in the right area

Swimming in probably low on the list of concerns, particularly during Plebe summer. The class will range from aquarocks to competitive swimmers, but none of the Plebe swimming evolutions are particularly difficult. (In fact, my recollection is that they were actually enjoyable --short periods of time where the detailers left you alone !).

If she is comfortable/competent in the water then she will be fine. She should focus on running, running, running, pushups, pullups and more running. Followed by stretching and more running . As she will find, as long as she can pass the basics she will be fine. If she struggles, academically or physically, extra sessions (think TIME) will be scheduled for her to pass. Time is a valuable commodity during PS and Plebe Ac Year. You don't have to be a rockstar but you don't want to have to have remedial training.

 

[ders_dad]

I’m going to be slightly contrarian. My DS considered himself a decent swimmer and completed mile swim in Boy Scouts in open water. No issues during plebe summer but Plebe, Youngster, and 2/C swim were very challenging for him and he had to put in extra time daily in the MacD pool to get up to snuff. It was not a question of endurance but efficiency of stroke. He took some one-on-one lessons at our YMCA during breaks for extra help. If you can get some personal stroke instruction before PS, that might be worthwhile. Swimming at USNA is not a joke.

 

[usnabgo08]

I have to imagine there are plenty of pools outside of the military base near OP. Utilizing the base’s pool shouldn’t be the limiting factor.

 

[Heatherg21]

If you are placed in remedial swim it will take up precious time you don’t have.

If you have the ability to get some pool time or lessons it cannot hurt.

Plenty of aqua rocks (my son could surf but doing timed proper strokes in the pool is a whole new thing) pass swim. It just takes more time in the pool.

Also every military base is different. Some allow civilians on base with proper background check and ID. That doesn’t mean they would have access to facilities such as the pool. Our base is this way.