What should I expect for the visit weekend? Will my DS be able to stay with us if I get us a bed and breakfast? Or is this more of a come see me graduate from basic take me out to eat and go home kind of thing?
You can get a good overview at https://www.usna.edu/PlebeParentsWeekend/ - the Fourth Class Liberty Privileges section provides a good snapshot of when the Mids need to be back each night.
+1 to @justdoit19. There are families who watch evening formation on Thursday and don’t see their plebe there. Often, it’s because the plebe is injured and on crutches or a wheelie (a common occurrence). So the plebe is hidden away in the shadows, because outdoor formation is as much a marketing tool as it is an exercise in good military order. Can’t let the tourists see the lame and wounded now, can we?
The good news is, the lame and wounded are still eligible for town liberty during PPW!
@justdoit19 That's good parent training! There will be many hit and miss times with last second schedule changes for as long as your DS is in the military. Just part of the deal.