I'm a Firstie ('20). Ask me anything! (Corona ed.)

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cihper

5-Year Member
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Mar 22, 2015
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Hello all! I hail from the US Naval Academy Class of 2020. Other than the wartime classes, our class probably has had one of the most colorful Naval Academy careers - good and bad.

I recently got transferred to N*avy Online University.

I did one of these in the fall of 2019 and I enjoyed answering everyone's questions.

Class of 2024, this is your time to start firing questions down range.
Parents: I'm at home so feel free to ask my mom questions as well!

I can entertain "how are my chances?" questions, but please realize this greatly, greatly depends on your competition from your Congressional district. It also depends on who your nomination sources are, how they rank the nominees, etc. It also depends on luck (seriously).

To avoid question repeats from fall, here are some basic pieces of information:

- I attended a military prep college for two years before reporting to I-Day.
- I applied twice.
- I service selected Marine Pilot, my first choice.
- Some of my favorite summer trainings include: Youngster Cruise, PROTRAMID (West Coast), MAGTF Cruise and Leatherneck. I also did voluntary summer school to get some mini QPR boosts.

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- My favorite bar in DTA is Dillo's. My ears are still ringing Monday morning 1st period class but I never had a bad time there.
- Fleet Reserve Club's prices are more sensible.
- ACME has really good wings.
 
What exercises do you think future plebes should work on most leading up to I-Day, and is there any tips you have for Plebe Summer that aren’t typically mentioned?
 
patrick77 said:
What exercises do you think future plebes should work on most leading up to I-Day, and is there any tips you have for Plebe Summer that aren’t typically mentioned?
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Your reputation during Plebe Summer will carry you all four years at the Academy (this is assuming you stay with your classmates this whole time). During Plebe Summer, maintaining a stoic mindset will carry you far. You know trouble is coming; *****ing and moaning about it in your mind is gonna make it worse. It's your own mind making it worse, not the detailers! Why add the extra stress when you're already stressed as it is?

Your exercises should include:

- Running (Long distance, long intervals, sprints)
- Calisthenics (Pullups, pushups, but also don't forget to strengthen your shoulder muscles overall)
- Core (Don't just too planks / situps. Do a variety of exercises that strengthen your overall core and the deep muscle tissue)
 
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Chopping wood is a good exercise. I did a lot of that when I was growing up. It will give you a strong back and shoulders.
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Tossing hay bails is another good one.
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Hi, I'm an incoming plebe and I have a couple questions. Overall, how is the coursework plebe year (like are there any classes I should be cautious of). Also, how well do you have to do academically to branch Navy Aviation? Thanks in advance
 
cihper said:
Your reputation during Plebe Summer will carry you all four years at the Academy (this is assuming you stay with your classmates this whole time). During Plebe Summer, maintaining a stoic mindset will carry you far. You know trouble is coming; *****ing and moaning about it in your mind is gonna make it worse. It's your own mind making it worse, not the detailers! Why add the extra stress when you're already stressed as it is?

Your exercises should include:

- Running (Long distance, long intervals, sprints)
- Calisthenics (Pullups, pushups, but also don't forget to strengthen your shoulder muscles overall)
- Core (Don't just too planks / situps. Do a variety of exercises that strengthen your overall core and the deep muscle tissue)
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Thanks! I was also wondering if the Academy still uses situps in the PRT, or if they’ve moved to the plank yet?
 
Hackett said:
What's the best way to improve my pushup max?
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Do them daily. Roll out of bed and do a set.
Ensure your form is good.
Control your breathing and let it help you.
Vary your workouts among number of push-ups at any pace, timed intervals for speed without sacrificing form, etc.
Do intervals where you gradually push yourself up in 5 second holds on 3 stops going up, hold for 10 at the top plank position, do the same going back down. Make the muscles work longer at doing the work. Slowly, with good breathing.

Check out Stew Smith’s workouts for CFA. He’s a USNA grad, former SEAL and USNA staff officer, current fitness professional.
 
Hackett said:
What's the best way to improve my pushup max?
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I'm not a mid. but someone else posted on the forum a tip for pushups a while ago and it's helped me a- max out on pushups, then add one to your max every day. So if you start out at 50, do 51 the next day, etc.. it's helped me increase my max by a lot.
 
Capt MJ said:
Do them daily. Roll out of bed and do a set.
Ensure your form is good.
Control your breathing and let it help you.
Vary your workouts among number of push-ups at any pace, timed intervals for speed without sacrificing form, etc.
Do intervals where you gradually push yourself up in 5 second holds on 3 stops going up, hold for 10 at the top plank position, do the same going back down. Make the muscles work longer at doing the work. Slowly, with good breathing.

Check out Stew Smith’s workouts for CFA. He’s a USNA grad, former SEAL and USNA staff officer, current fitness professional.
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***I can't believe I'm adding on to the great Capt MJ's post***
As for the form, you may want to actually record your workout. My plebe "felt" like he had good form throughout his workout until I caught his sagging butt in action.
 
Is there a specific video to watch regarding the cadence pushup? If I recall reading something recently, USNA is on a 2 sec cadence vs a 3 on most youtube videos??? Is that down in 1 sec up in 1 sec?
 
Wondering if you had any insight into the graduation / commissioning plans. I am SO immensely sorry for you and your class, you deserve a fitting celebration.
 
How important was Herndon to you? 2023 is going to do some kind of virtual thing (find something in your yard and climb it). KInd of like their own private Idaho.
 
I think one Plebe should be selected to make a symbolic climb, less the lard or maybe a symbolic blob on the face, possibly with a cherrypicker, swap the covers, declare victory, stream it all live, have a good laugh, do something together as a class to cement the bond when they are back together.
 
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Another major challenge: dipping the new Class Ring into the waters of the seven seas, a demijohn of which actually exists in the Dant’s Ops Officer’s office. It is regularly replenished by grads who bring back water. Now that, I don’t see how you can simulate. 2021 will no doubt come up with something creative.
 
That's cool. Is it in a wicker basket?

More importantly, does it stink? A bunch of seawater in a jar sounds like it might get disgusting after a while.
 
THParent said:
That's cool. Is it in a wicker basket?

More importantly, does it stink? A bunch of seawater in a jar sounds like it might get disgusting after a while.
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Last time I saw it, it was rather cloudy and well-stoppered.
 
Hi, once we get fitted for clothes on I-day is there any way for us to change their sizes afterwards? Or if your body shape changes throughout plebe year/the Academy in general
 
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