I’m a firstie (senior) at Navy, ask me anything!

huntercrs said:
Wow, congratulations! Becoming a PMP is extremely competitive. I'm not sure whether or not you're a grad, but if you're not, the only thing I'll say is that come here with the knowledge that midshipmen are extremely busy individuals who may not be able to allot as much time and focus as you'd like to your class. This might take some time to get used to, but rest assured that the majority of midshipmen are still willing to work hard and put in effort. However, obviously, as is the case at any school, this isn't always true. We're certainly not perfect, and you'll quickly find out that there's midshipmen here that probably belong somewhere else 😂
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I'm not a "get it or get out" teacher. Frankly, I was middle of the road in nuke school and my other academics, working 10x harder than my more talented peers in many cases, only to get out-performed regardless. Thus, I'm confident in my patience for those that struggle and my ability to differentiate between appropriate commitment and being a slacker. Oh, if you look at my signature line, not a grad, prior-enlisted NROTC.

Question: Do you know which Profs are PMPs versus shore tour types? Is that apparent? Does anyone care? Most Profs are civilians, is there preference? Broadly: Just curious to hear thoughts from the student perspective.

And thank you. I'm still in shock I was selected.
 
Ok I would never have guessed that one. Thanks. Maybe a moderator can add it to the acronym list.
 
Thank you both for your responses. The one thing that answered my question was that he could do both Leatherneck and the SEAL summer training and he would not have to choose one over the other.

And that the USMC would not look down on him for thinking SEAL first. And then not get selected.

“Keep an open mind” .

Words to live by. Especially for those wanting to go through spec ops or recon Indocs. i will be shocked if mine changes his mind——injuries or lack of talent will be his downfall if he has one.

Personally I would want a different path for him. But it’s his path not mine.

Good Luck and I hope you get your USMC dream mos if you have one.. And I am sure you have one. :)
 
Curious as to what year(s) you began taking mostly classes in your major.
 
huntercrs said:
I think the number ranges between 25 to 30%, so your estimate is correct.

If you'd like to commission USMC, there's a pretty clear-cut process. First, between your freshman year up to your junior year, there's a variety of USMC-focused extracurriculars, events, and summer trainings that you can take part in. These are good to do in order to show your interest and your desire to become a Marine. However, nothing is required of you -- I know many Marine-selects, including myself, that did not realize they wanted to be Marines until late junior year or early senior year.

Between your junior year and senior year summer, you're required to participate in a summer training called Leatherneck. It's about 3 to 4 weeks long, and is held in Quantico, VA, where The Basic School (TBS) takes place. This is an evaluation training, where they assess a variety of things, such as physical performance and leadership capability. You'll run through a series of evolutions that are designed to see whether or not you'll make the cut. It's not meant to be a training that is designed to make you quit -- it's simply designed to evaluate you. You'll be placed in a platoon of midshipmen, and everyone at some point will be placed in a leadership role. You'll spend several days in the field, where you'll run evolutions such as squad attacks and platoon attacks. You'll also do things like the endurance course, obstacle course, etc. You'll be familiarized with the attack planning process as well.

Your entire time at Leatherneck, you will have a Staff Platoon Commander (SPC), a Captain in the Marine Corps, that is evaluating you. Once Leatherneck is over, they will submit an evaluation to the Marine Detachment at USNA. Come service selection, you will be required to put Marine Corps as your first choice if you want to be selected. The only exceptions are for those who put SEALS or EOD as their first choice, and Marine Corps as their second. In November you'll find out if you got selected or not.

Let me know if you have more questions! Whether it be Leatherneck or summer training related, happy to help.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such an in-depth answer!
 
justdoit19 said:
Something that comes up for discussion here occasionally, is OOM. And the “lack” of a factoring into that number the difficulty of the more challenging majors. What do you think about this?
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This is a pretty funny question. It's one of those things people are light-heartedly cynical about, kind of similar to the varsity-athlete vs NARP (Non Athletic Regular Person) rivalry.

It's really not talked about often. I think most mids realize that given their major is their own choice, whatever you pick, you accept the level of difficulty the major is accompanied by. I don't say this to sound condescending, but I've observed that the only people I've heard complain about this are those who are performing poorly in an engineering major. Some of the highest ranking OOM midshipmen I know are engineering majors.

Despite my previous comments, it is a fair and reasonable concern. However, I would argue that it would be far too difficult to account for major difficulty, considering the vast amount of majors that we have and the subjectivity of the topic.
 
USNA_STEM_Prof said:
I'm not a "get it or get out" teacher. Frankly, I was middle of the road in nuke school and my other academics, working 10x harder than my more talented peers in many cases, only to get out-performed regardless. Thus, I'm confident in my patience for those that struggle and my ability to differentiate between appropriate commitment and being a slacker. Oh, if you look at my signature line, not a grad, prior-enlisted NROTC.

Question: Do you know which Profs are PMPs versus shore tour types? Is that apparent? Does anyone care? Most Profs are civilians, is there preference? Broadly: Just curious to hear thoughts from the student perspective.

And thank you. I'm still in shock I was selected.
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That's great to hear. I think you'll be well liked and well respected.

Generally, we do know who are PMPs versus shore tour just through basic conversation and dialogue that happens in the class, or simply rank. For example, your average LT or Capt is probably a shore tour, but if they're a LCDR/Maj or above, that's getting into PMP territory. Otherwise, you know your instructor is a PMP if they've been here for a while, have a PhD, etc. If you mean "apparent" as in quality of instruction, I would say no.

Honestly, no one cares one bit who you are or where you are from, at least as far as I can tell. If a midshipman is receiving good instruction and reasonable amounts of homework, they won't question a thing. There's hugely popular professors that are shore tours, PMPs, and civilians. There's also extremely unpopular professors in all three categories as well. I've met professors that become absurdly popular after their first year teaching, and professors that seemed to have never figured it out despite teaching here for ages.

Small Team Bacsi said:
Thank you both for your responses. The one thing that answered my question was that he could do both Leatherneck and the SEAL summer training and he would not have to choose one over the other.

And that the USMC would not look down on him for thinking SEAL first. And then not get selected.

“Keep an open mind” .

Words to live by. Especially for those wanting to go through spec ops or recon Indocs. i will be shocked if mine changes his mind——injuries or lack of talent will be his downfall if he has one.

Personally I would want a different path for him. But it’s his path not mine.

Good Luck and I hope you get your USMC dream mos if you have one.. And I am sure you have one. :)
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Thank you! I wish your son the best. There definitely are individuals who will never change their mind. I know many of them, and some are headed to BUD/S very soon. Others are going to be SWOs. When I say keep an open mind, I also mean be ready to receive a job that you might not be too excited about. I have many friends that did not end up in the community they wanted -- I'm in this boat too. You can ultimately never tell what will happen until service assignment comes around. I came to terms with my circumstances very early on, and knew that I would approach whatever community I got selected for with an open mind and positive attitude. Anyways, he has so much to look forward to! Good luck :)

ders_dad said:
Curious as to what year(s) you began taking mostly classes in your major.
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Most people will begin majors classes first semester of sophomore year. However, for the plebes that have had prior college experience or have validated enough courses, they will be allowed to begin majors courses plebe year. This, in turn, means that they have to commit to a major much earlier on in the year.
 
She actually thought that was what it was called. I never told her differently but secretly laughed every time. At least she finally got TBS correct.
 
Hi! Thanks for creating and supporting this thread!! And congratulations on nearing the finish line! Must be a very exciting time for you :)

Plebe Summer questions: What is the best thing you received/ wish you received in care package? Are you allowed to receive pictures? Candy? Do different companies require you to memorize different rates? How much space (if any) do you have for personal stuff over the summer- does that change during the ac year? Does anything special happen for 4th of July over the summer? How soon do plebes take a pt test after I-day? Medical exam? Academic placement tests? Registering for classes? Any advice for preparing for I-day (physically, mentally, or otherwise)?

Random other questions: When do you meet your assigned sponsor family? Do you have a favorite spot in DTA? (Before you were 21?) Anything you wish you knew/did/didn’t do/tried 67 days out from I-day? How do tattoos (and other body mods I guess) work? Where’s your favorite spot on the Yard? Places to meet up and hang out with friends? Coolest place the Navy has taken you? What do you love/not love about your company?

Finally, most important: What is the biggest one-sentence piece of advice you have for the class of ‘26?


That’s a ton but I really appreciate your time and any guidance you’d be willing to provide! Thank you!
 
GottaServe2026 said:
Hi! Thanks for creating and supporting this thread!! And congratulations on nearing the finish line! Must be a very exciting time for you :)

Plebe Summer questions: What is the best thing you received/ wish you received in care package? Are you allowed to receive pictures? Candy? Do different companies require you to memorize different rates? How much space (if any) do you have for personal stuff over the summer- does that change during the ac year? Does anything special happen for 4th of July over the summer? How soon do plebes take a pt test after I-day? Medical exam? Academic placement tests? Registering for classes? Any advice for preparing for I-day (physically, mentally, or otherwise)?

Random other questions: When do you meet your assigned sponsor family? Do you have a favorite spot in DTA? (Before you were 21?) Anything you wish you knew/did/didn’t do/tried 67 days out from I-day? How do tattoos (and other body mods I guess) work? Where’s your favorite spot on the Yard? Places to meet up and hang out with friends? Coolest place the Navy has taken you? What do you love/not love about your company?

Finally, most important: What is the biggest one-sentence piece of advice you have for the class of ‘26?


That’s a ton but I really appreciate your time and any guidance you’d be willing to provide! Thank you!
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It's my pleasure. And it's certainly an exciting time. It's been good, but I am more than ready to get out of this place.

Plebe Summer Questions:
-Pro tip: I am in no way shape or form encouraging this... However: All the "rules" during plebe summer, especially those regarding what you can and can't have/receive, are almost always followed just because plebes are scared to break them. Looking back and being on the other side of it, it would be super easy to even keep a phone during plebe summer. I DEFINITELY do not encourage that, though. That could go wrong in so many ways. Anyways, detailers cannot open your confidential locker in your room. If you want to receive things that are technically contraband like candy, energy/caffeine stuff, protein/supplements, flashlight, etc., have your parents/friends just put those things in an inconspicuous container. For example, have them put it in a granola bar box or something. I had my parents send me electrolyte tablets that had some caffeine, but they had been put into a container of the same brand that was labeled non-caffeinated. Also, it'll just depend on how thorough your detailers are, or if they even care. I knew a guy who received a huge container of protein and his detailer didn't care.
-The best thing I received or wished I received... this is a tough one. Honestly, letters are probably the best. Also, boxes with a bunch of random little things in it -- keeps it more fun.
-You are allowed to receive pictures. You'll have a little corkboard on your desk where you can put those up -- although I can't remember if we were allowed to put them up during plebe summer. You definitely can during the Ac Year
-I think there's a schedule for what rates you learn during what weeks. I'm sure some of it is company dependent. Seriously, don't worry about rates. Don't even think about studying it beforehand. Absolutely not worth it.
-Any personal items you bring during plebe summer will be confiscated and then returned to you once you're finished. As far as I can remember, personal items that you can keep usually end up being things like underwear, shoes, and toiletries. You'll get a ton of issued stuff that'll take up a lot of space. Your in the same style room in Bancroft once the Ac Year starts, so same amount of space. You'll have enough space for personal items, though.
-4th of July there's a fireworks show at night. Pretty fun time.
-You take an initial strength test (IST) around the first week or two, as far as I can remember. However, your official PRT isn't until the very end of plebe summer, so you'll have plenty of time to get in shape.
-You won't get medical exams during plebe summer. That's all through DODMERB before hand.
-Can't remember when academic placement tests happened, but I think it was pretty early on. Like first week or two.
-Class registration will happen towards the end of the summer. The majority of plebes will be taking very similar classes.
-For I Day, just be ready to rock n roll. If you're scared at all, just remember your detailers are literally just a couple years older than you. Run a lot but also take care of your body and don't get injured beforehand. Just have a positive attitude. It goes a long way. If you haven't read any of my previous responses: plebe summer is not hard. It's not designed to make you quit. Just smile (or don't, if you get yelled at for it) through it all and have a good time. Laugh about the things that happen. Know that your detailers are cracking up about how stupid plebes are after the night ends and they're all meeting up and talking about the day. Also -- don't take yourself too seriously. If you're squared away then everything else will fall into place. Also, never ever attempt to one-up your classmates. Don't even think in your head that you're better than them. Make a good impression and start making friends. Your companymates will be your friends for the next four years. Negative impressions/performance during plebe summer IS LASTING. People in my own company still have trouble overcoming their plebe summer performance if it was particularly bad.

Last Pro tip: all these are good questions and I had the same ones, but don't worry. You could show up empty handed to I day and be totally good. All the other questions you have, the detailers will have answers to, and the academy will make sure to walk you through step by step for everything. There will never be a time where you'll feel like you might've missed something.

Random Questions:
-You meet your assigned sponsor family towards the end of plebe summer. You all go to alumni hall, and your sponsor families are waiting.
-Favorite spots for plebes in DTA tend to be Chick&Ruth's, Iron Rooster, and the ice cream shops like Kilwins, Red Bean, Annapolis Ice Cream Company. Whenever you could buy tobacco at 18 the cigar shop was pretty popular too... now you have to be 21, obviously. Not in DTA, but the mall is a popular destination as well for plebes.
-I wish I ran more before I day. I was way slower than I would have liked when I showed up. I also wished I would've racked it into my brand that I'm not the sh!t, and I basically know nothing at all.
-if you have a tattoo you'll have to report it on I day. If you want to get a tattoo you'll have to submit a special request to get it approved.
-My favorite spot on the yard is the gate which gives me the ability to walk off of the yard. In all seriousness, I don't have one in particular. There's no "hang out" spots on the yard, really, besides the library or inside Bancroft. However, I have seen some people hang out by Triton light on Farragut, Hospital point, or anywhere along the water, really.
-Coolest place the Navy has taken me is Japan.
-I love my company for the friendships that it's given me that are unlike any I've had before. Some of the people I've met I know I'll stay in contact with for life. Things I don't like... my company is kind of split into several different cliques. It's not a big deal, though. People naturally find their own little friend groups within the company.

One sentence piece of advice: Keep an open mind, do things with a positive attitude even if they're absolute BS (let's be real -- a lot of plebe summer is BS), take advantage of every opportunity to do cool stuff, and don't burn bridges, especially early on. Work hard.
 
Good Sunday morning! As a parent we hope to protect our children from harm and trouble to the point that we wish upon ourselves things, if that would spared them from pain, I know this is neither possible nor recommended, fact: regardless of that, my DD moved forward and is currently an appointee. I like to think I’m not alone…
So I cringe at very time someone refers at their time in the Academy as a prison (reference first post) “can’t wait to get out” or the infamous “a terrible place to be but a great place to be from”. Then you think of the countless USNA videos showing what a great time your appointee will have, how unique and wonderful the environment will be once in. Is it that bad?!
 
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