Current Plebe - Ask Away!

I plan study at civilian college a year before go to usna. What would you recommend me to do during the civilian college year that might be good for? Also, Will doing NROTC, then USNA add more year for service commitemnt?
 
Last edited:
asaren said:
I plan study at civilian college a year before go to usna, because I will be just 16 in the year I graduate high school. What would you recommend me to do during the civilian college year that might be good for? Also, Will doing NROTC, then USNA add more year for service commitemnt?
Click to expand...
First, would you turn 17 after you graduate high school and before you would report to USNA by 1 July? You have to be 17 to raise your right hand, not apply. Many apply when they are still 16. See screenshot below from USNA.edu


Read every page, link and menu item on USNa.edu

Compare your HS courses to what USNA recommends.

Research the typical USNA plebe year at USNa.edu academic schedule and do your best to duplicate that at civilian college: Chem, Calc, English, etc.

A year of NROTC does not add to your obligated service. You can apply for a nomination from NROTC. Of course, I recommend researching and reading the NROTC program website.

9A681FA3-36DD-490B-B8BA-08DDD510BB47.jpeg
 
@asaren If you are going to a civilian college with the intent to reapply definitely take classes that mirror a plebe schedule (English, Calc, Chem, etc). Also, pursue things outside of school such as eca's, sports, or volunteering. Put in the work and you will reap the rewards. Capt MJ hit the nail on the head above.
 
I will still be 16 after July 1 the year I graduate high school. That is why I think will spend a year in college instead of gap year.
 
I am curious how the $125/month plebe pay is working out, especially with inflation the way it is. Do you feel it is adequate for the little time you have to spend it?
 
@Gobsmacked For me personally, I do not spend a lot of money and do my best to save up as much as possible. It is easy to spend a lot of money in DTA or by ordering food and I try to avoid that.

Although $125 a month is not a lot in general, I am grateful that I do not have to pay for higher education and that the Navy provides me with incredible opportunities.
 
Are you still required to wear masks? What (if any) covid restrictions are still in place?
 
@fullspeedahead have you ever regretted you decision to attend usna, vs completing NROTC and commissioning sooner? Maybe it’s too soon to reflect on that. But you are basically ‘starting over’. Giving up 2 years of future Officer salary/earnings/experience/time.

Similar line of thought…what was your driving force to apply a 3rd time, vs staying?
 
@justdoit19 No, I do not regret my decision to come here and in fact this is the best decision I have ever made in my life. At college, NROTC was the best part of my week and I loved dedicating my time to the program. At the academy I get to do everything I loved about NROTC every single day. Plus, the challenges of being a Plebe for the past sevenish months have developed me more than two years of college ever could. This is just my opinion though and being here is something I have sacrificed a lot to obtain. The days are long, the workouts are tough, and the academics take a lot of time, but with a positive attitude you begin to realize that what we get here is incomparable.

It was a hard decision to leave my unit and my friends on top of forgoing a commission in the near future. What drove me to apply was the reality that we only have one life and we have to make the most of it. The Naval Academy was something I wanted and I was not ready to give up on my dream just yet. I knew that if I got the chance to be here I would make the most of it and take every opportunity that comes my way.
 
fullspeedahead said:
@justdoit19 No, I do not regret my decision to come here and in fact this is the best decision I have ever made in my life. At college, NROTC was the best part of my week and I loved dedicating my time to the program. At the academy I get to do everything I loved about NROTC every single day. Plus, the challenges of being a Plebe for the past sevenish months have developed me more than two years of college ever could. This is just my opinion though and being here is something I have sacrificed a lot to obtain. The days are long, the workouts are tough, and the academics take a lot of time, but with a positive attitude you begin to realize that what we get here is incomparable.

It was a hard decision to leave my unit and my friends on top of forgoing a commission in the near future. What drove me to apply was the reality that we only have one life and we have to make the most of it. The Naval Academy was something I wanted and I was not ready to give up on my dream just yet. I knew that if I got the chance to be here I would make the most of it and take every opportunity that comes my way.
Click to expand...
Good for you! Great share!! And congrats 💯
 
fullspeedahead said:
As appointments start to roll out and preparations start to be made, let me know if you have any questions! I did NROTC before coming to the academy and can answer questions about that if needed. It also took me three times to get into the academy so I implore those who do not get in to continue applying because it has been well worth the effort.
Click to expand...
If you have family (😉mom & dad), living outside Gate 1, are you allowed to visit on weekends?
 
Very good question. I am not sure what the liberty rules are on that. I've always wondered!

We're 40 minutes away, and my parents (son's grandparents) live in Annapolis.

Not that he would want to see us ;), but his 3-year old little bro would like to see him if he gets in!
 
justdoit19 said:
But you are basically ‘starting over’. Giving up 2 years of future Officer salary/earnings/experience/time.
Click to expand...
Not really giving up 2 yrs of Officer Salary/Earnings but instead just delaying them a bit. While regular retirement is at 20 years, officers who do not become flags (very very few) are statutorily limited to 30 yrs of commissioned service. Based on the max age to attend USNA, this mid will be able to complete 30 years well before mandatory retirement age the same as if they had completed their original college track.
As for the entirety of their post college career which can go to 65, 67, or later, that is up to them.
 
IronmanDaremo said:
Very good question. I am not sure what the liberty rules are on that. I've always wondered!

We're 40 minutes away, and my parents (son's grandparents) live in Annapolis.

Not that he would want to see us ;), but his 3-year old little bro would like to see him if he gets in!
Click to expand...
Ok…continuing discussion on Gate 1 outside living :) …
I’m hoping DS get accepted as an exchange student at the French Naval Academy, just imagine having brunch at one of those outdoor cafes in the French coast…
I know counting chickens before they 🐣.
 
OldRetSWO said:
Not really giving up 2 yrs of Officer Salary/Earnings but instead just delaying them a bit. While regular retirement is at 20 years, officers who do not become flags (very very few) are statutorily limited to 30 yrs of commissioned service. Based on the max age to attend USNA, this mid will be able to complete 30 years well before mandatory retirement age the same as if they had completed their original college track.
As for the entirety of their post college career which can go to 65, 67, or later, that is up to them.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the clarification. The point I was wondering about was the 2 year delay post commissioning. The TVM of the two years Sakarya. Not earned, not invested, etc. not the retirement angle.

Sometimes I don’t think this piece is considered. With compounding investments, over that 30 yrs, those two years delay can be significant!

Just a curiosity is all.
 
Banzaipipeline said:
Ok…continuing discussion on Gate 1 outside living :) …
I’m hoping DS get accepted as an exchange student at the French Naval Academy, just imagine having brunch at one of those outdoor cafes in the French coast…
I know counting chickens before they 🐣.
Click to expand...
Sophie’s Crepes is right outside Gate 1, and highly recommended!!
 
Liberty policy for plebes is that you have to stay in a radius of 35 miles from the chapel dome. So if you live in that radius you can go home if you would like. If you take an overnight as a plebe it is a 150 mile radius.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top