How Long From Alumni Hall Check In to Bancroft?

USNA2016Dad

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After an incoming plebe walks through the doors of Alumni Hall on I-Day, how long does the check-in process take? In other words how long will it be before he/she comes out the back of Alumni Hall to catch the bus that will take him/her to Bancroft for the first time in their newly issued uniform? I'm trying to figure out where and when to be for photo/video purposes.
Thanks...
 
The answer: it really depends! There are a lot of factors:

(1) Plebes report time: the later the day, the possibility the longer the wait lines
(2) Medical issues: if something is discovered, the Doc might take a look at the candidate; also the possibility of how many immunizations one needs and line
(3) Haircuts: once again the longer the line, the longer it takes to get in the seats (while USNA barbers are great, they aren't the USMC ones who do haircuts in about 20 secs each)
(4) The ability to even recognize a son (daughters might be easier) due to haircut; this isn't to mention that they will be flying past you (literally you have about 10-15 secs from the time they are released in the back of Alumni to the waiting bus).

I'd say in the best case scenario, the minimum time is about one hour. However, it could be as much as 2-3.

You could always "welcome" your new plebe at the mid-store where they are dropped off after they leave Alumni; you normally can get more than 10-15 secs of time, since they fall into platoon formation.
 
Don't even try. It is a nightmare for parents to recognize Plebes out the back door. They all look the same. Wait until Stribling and bring a drink and sandwich with a throw away cloth or picnic tablecloth to sit on. No grass stains on White Works. Good Luck
 
i wish i could tell you...but they covered the clocks and took our watches from us so i couldn't even tell you what time it was haha...but if i had to guess...probably around 5 hours...

i reported in at 7:30...you check in...then there is a long wait for getting your gear...trying your gear on...shoes...covers...studying reef points..getting gear on...getting more gear issued...short brief in the beginning about what is going on during the day...how to salute..5 basic responses..gettting shots...how to stand properly...how to march...putting your gear away....picking up your gear...taking a bus to bancroft hall...going to your room...

let's just say this will probably be the hardest and longest day of your life...
 
Our son had an EARLY report time......he was in the LAST bus leaving Alumni Hall......yes, it was HOT - yes, it was a LONG day ! However - NOTHING was going to move us from our "spot".....in return we met some of the most wonderful parents from all over the country who understood exactly why we weren't going anywhere - as our children start their 2C year many of us remain friends and often say to each other "remember I Day" ?
 
Our son had an EARLY report time......he was in the LAST bus leaving Alumni Hall......yes, it was HOT - yes, it was a LONG day ! However - NOTHING was going to move us from our "spot".....in return we met some of the most wonderful parents from all over the country who understood exactly why we weren't going anywhere - as our children start their 2C year many of us remain friends and often say to each other "remember I Day" ?
Good to see my plan has a precedent that worked. I think I'm going to find my "spot" near the mid store and wait it out. From what I can remember that is the Navy way, hurry up and wait. Thanks for the advice everyone.
Cheers...
 
Is anyone doing the personal swearing-in ceremony or has done it in the past? If so, what can I/my parents expect? My dad is going through a lot of trouble trying to find uniform pieces (he's a retired Army O-3) because the Army phased out his "summer white equivelant" uniform years after he retired. Should he just wear a suit and tie? Or if he does wear his uniform, should he change into it mid- or late-day so he isn't collecting salutes for 12 hours? The paper wasn't too specific.
 
^My dad is just wearing a shirt and tie. He retired over 10 years ago and doubts his uniform still fits.
 
If I remember correctly, the personal swearing in ceremonies are after the plebes are released to meet with their family members, i.e. after the mass re-gathering in the afternoon. About 6p? Up in Memorial Hall?

Wearing the uniform all day, given the crowds, heat, etc. would be trying.

Here is my best advice of the day: There is a restroom in the building next to Alumni. Sampson Hall? It is handicapped accessible. It is inside. It is cool. It is quiet [mostly]. and it would be a great place in which to change clothes.

Good luck.
 
I strongly suggest that families milling around smartly awaiting the re-emergance of their plebe visit the tents that usually are on the parade grounds (aka Worden Field) to view the information displayed there, partake of some refreshments, and meet some of the members of the Class of 1966 who will be on hand to begin their Another Link In The Chain relationship with the Class of 2016. This program is relatively new and becoming very popular, especially with the alumni who are finding new life as mentors to the new classes. Don't be afraid or hesitant to interrupt the sea stories they are telling each other - they will appreciate a new, uninitiated audience. Seriously, they will enjoy meeting you.
 
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The back of Alumni Hall is not the best place to be in my opinion. I would hangout near the Midshipman Store parking lot. That's where the bus is going. You will get the chance to see them get off the bus, one by one, and get into ranks. They will stand there for a while - get yelled at a bit while their stuff is being unloaded - then they will fall out of ranks, grab their stuff, and go up the steps (hitting each step along the way).

There will probably be a crowd of other parents there. If you want to get some good shots of your Plebe, you might want to elevate yourself on the steps leading up to Chauvenet Hall which overlooks the parking lot.

And then prepare to be a bit sad as you look into your Plebe's face and see bewilderment, apprehension and maybe a little fear. You might even think, "What kind of parent am I? What the hell was I thinking, wanting him to go to this school? I'm the worst parent in the world." :)
 
Already feel that way!

Memphis,

I am already starting to feel that way. He's a mature kid and fortunately has a year of college under his belt. So he knows what is coming. Bad part of this.... so do I!
We are excited, proud, happy and I even threatened to go on a three day drunk if he got accepted. Once accepted, reality hit me and the sacrifice he will give to our country and the potential sacrifice his mom and I may face sobered me up fast.
Looking forward to I-day and dreading it at the same time. Probably burst from pride and the loss. I sure will miss him.
He has wanted this since elementary school. Could not ask for a better candidate to become a Naval Officer.
This isn't a little bird gently leaving the nest. This is getting kicked out and kicked HARD! lol
 
Is anyone doing the personal swearing-in ceremony or has done it in the past? If so, what can I/my parents expect? My dad is going through a lot of trouble trying to find uniform pieces (he's a retired Army O-3) because the Army phased out his "summer white equivelant" uniform years after he retired. Should he just wear a suit and tie? Or if he does wear his uniform, should he change into it mid- or late-day so he isn't collecting salutes for 12 hours? The paper wasn't too specific.

For our Mid's I-Day, the Personal Swearing-In was in Smoke Hall. After the Induction Ceremony we met her inside Bancroft near the steps to Smoke Hall which was pretty empty since most everyone seemed to be meeting somewhere out on Stribling. They had several flags set up and families just did the Swearing-In in front of an open flag. It gets very, very, very congested as families finally meet up and find Smoke Hall but it's wide open early on. If no one in your family is a USNA grad it may be worth scoping it out the day before. I don't think there are any rules for this so if you and your dad don't want him in uniform, I wouldn't worry about it. Even as active duty,I don't think it was a military requirement for my husband to wear his uniform. It was my preference, though, so he was in uniform. He changed into his uniform right before the Induction Ceremony. It was a very memorable moment and much more moving than I had anticipated.

As far as the rest of the day, after dropping our daughter off at Alumni Hall early in the morning we went out to breakfast, met up with some old friends, met other parents and later attended a reception before getting ready for Induction. We didn't see her or even look for her during the day. I did, however, find some great shots of her posted online a few weeks later.
 
eyeballing the plebes

I day was a couple of years ago and there is very little I would change about how we approached the day so I just wanted to give an alternative view of the practice of trying to find your plebe on I Day. Simply put, we didnt. I realize from reading these posts I am probably in the minority, but after our son went into Alumni Hall we actually left the yard. We ate breakfast, went back to our hotel, I worked out in the gym and showered and checked out of the hotel. We returned to the yard in time for the speeches by the Supe and Dante and visited the mid store. We saw people watching the plebes get processed but at that point in time we just felt that Plebe Summer had started and our son didnt need mom and dad looking over his shoulder. I do not feel negatively about those who do, it just did not feel right to me. My real point to the post is to learn as much as you can from these posts than do what feels comfortable for you and your plebe. We saw him after the swearing in and said our goodby and that worked for us. It was a tough day. You are all about to take an amazing trip enjoy it.
 
We saw people watching the plebes get processed but at that point in time we just felt that Plebe Summer had started and our son didnt need mom and dad looking over his shoulder. I do not feel negatively about those who do, it just did not feel right to me. My real point to the post is to learn as much as you can from these posts than do what feels comfortable for you and your plebe. We saw him after the swearing in and said our goodby and that worked for us. It was a tough day. You are all about to take an amazing trip enjoy it.

There's nothing you can do anyway. And, believe me, your Plebe understands that. Even if you are only feet away, your Plebe knows that the apron strings have been cutoff in the most dramatic way imaginable.

Awww - half the fun is watching 'em get yelled out. That's pure theater! I also enjoy watching the awkwardness of some if the detailers. Some aren't very good at being tough & stern while others take to it as if they were born for the job.

I advise you all - if you're there - watch it! Force yourself to look at it even if it hurts. Don't insulate yourself from it under the guise that you are somehow doing them a favor.

Let's face it, you're along for the ride with them in a roundabout way - because they are going to turn to you at some point for some understanding and counsel. Take it all in. Feel their pain! :smile:
 
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