Going in with a (slightly)reserved attitude

[Navy92]

@NavyHoops Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate the insight. I am an extrovert(at least according to Myers-Briggs test). My heart is definitely into it. Also, even considering USNA was only my decision. Parents had nothing to do with it, and I don't have a single family member in the military. In fact, my parents didn't know I was even considering USNA until the official candidate package came in the mail last spring. I was just worried because it seemed that the vast majority of appointees, especially the ones on the facebook page, seem super loud and gung ho about serving 20 years, whereas I have no clue about if I would want to serve after the 5 years post graduation. All I know is that I definitely want to attend USNA and become a Naval officer, and i'm committed to doing so.

MABlue, very happy for you. Going into this should most certainly cause one to pause and understand the gravity of the decision. Like NavyHoops said, there are plenty who are "gung ho" and fade to black in the moment of truth. And many others who are quiet and steady who show true grit when the going gets tough. I remember plenty of the quiet types. Just by reading your posts on here, I would say you are going to do great and become a great leader. Back in my day, I had no idea what I was getting into. No CVW's, no prior visits, nothing. I just showed up on I-day and was lost as a goose - it all turned out ok. I commend you for taking the leap of faith. And congratulations and godspeed!

 

[murfthesurf]

I concur with many thoughts. I saw some who showed up "gung ho" Plebe summer and changed over the 4 years and others, possibly like me, who came for probably the wrong reasons and it grew on me. I had never heard of the Naval Academy until my Senior year and was recruited for football. I was offered NAPS and went into it thinking of it as my "red shirt" year and then I'd get to play Div One ball and get a free education. My parents certainly couldn't afford to send me to college. Over time the entire officer program experience grew on me and I became "gung ho." At least I wasn't as bad as another plebe ball player (who later quit). We were on the practice field resting and had a few minutes to reflect. He told me, "No one ever told me I had to wear a uniform all the time." I responded, "Wow, who recruited you?"

That sounded like my father. He was Class of 1958. Recruited to Navy to play Football. He was sent to Bullis Prep first. He said he had no clue really what the USNA entailed. His Navy team later went on to beat Rice in the Cotton Bowl. He was a lineman that started both ways. He said he hated the Academy for the first two years, but then it clicked for him.He later went into the Marines.

 

[Coach62]

[QUOTE="murfthesurf, post: 466936, member: 25847] He was a lineman that started both ways.[/QUOTE]
Me too. What position? I played both ways ( for you youngsters that means offense and defense ). I was a tackle. It really chaps my behind to see these pampered NFL linemen getting tired playing one side. I Doubt your father ever got tired. Sore and beat up, sure, but not tired. Nobody ever plays ironman anymore (another term for both ways).

 

[murfthesurf]

[QUOTE="murfthesurf, post: 466936, member: 25847] He was a lineman that started both ways.

Me too. What position? I played both ways ( for you youngsters that means offense and defense ). I was a tackle. It really chaps my behind to see these pampered NFL linemen getting tired playing one side. I Doubt your father ever got tired. Sore and beat up, sure, but not tired. Nobody ever plays ironman anymore (another term for both ways).[/QUOTE]

Can't say or I am identified. But Pop was 'Bird-dogged' by the great "Rip" Miller like most of the Navy lineman he later played with; they were also sent to the Preps before USNA.

 

[Serve.USA]

Keep in mind that you are only really seeing the ones that are loud, and gung-ho because they are the ones putting themselves out there, they need the attention. Little do you know there are probably 1/4 of the cadets that are like you and just want to do their job...quietly and humbly.