I'm more curious about how many youngsters don't come back. I know that more than a few were not happy at all plebe year. Them being home since March may seal the deal.
Aren't there always plebes that drop out? For the vast, vast, VAST majority of the current plebes, they know the hammer is about to come down once ROM is over. And while they're looking forward to it, they know it'll suck, but they're prepared to embrace it. This is based on what our son has told us in his few letters he's sent. I just think this group of plebes is getting unnecessary grief for something out of their control. I'd be willing to bet they'd trade the COVID situation for a normal plebe summer.Most plebes aren't happy plebe year. Most want to come back for youngster year b/c they know it has to be better -- and it is. Generally, not a lot quit after plebe year -- the test is coming back for 2/C year -- 2 for 7. Even then, almost no one quits. I found that true in a different way in the Fleet. Enlisted folks would swear up and down that they were going to leave when their enlistment was up. In my day and in my commands, almost everyone ended up reenlisting.
As for the current plebes, if they don't want USNA and a military career badly enough to suck up two weeks in an A/C room (which we didn't have) when they're not being yelled at, not sweating, not doing daily PEP, not marching, not being asked to do anything difficult . . . this probably isn't the life for them. They knew what was in store. They didn't have to show up and they don't have to stay. It's 2 weeks, not 2 months. Sorry, but I don't have a lot of sympathy.
As Hawkeye Pierce said, "The tedium is relieved only by the boredom."
What's hard to believe is that someone who is asked to do no more than site in an air conditioned room w/o a lot of social media for 2 weeks wants to quit. When those folks knew what it would entail and know that it will end after 14 days.
I will be curious if the stay at home for months will see an increase in new 3/C and 2/C pending 2 for 7 decide to leave USNA. Plebes always leave. It has been an amazingly low number in the last decade or so, be curious to see if the number ends up being any different than past years in the end. Only time will give the answers. ROM for PS is nearing the end of its time and I am sure the new Plebes are anxious for it all to begin. After all they do want to ‘earn’ their place and all this is out of their control (which we all realize).
There is a lot to look forward to it seems
That was exactly what I was trying to convey in my post last night, but of course you wrote it much better. This long time home away from the Yard may make a difference this year vs previous years. I could be dead wrong. I hope I am. Time will tell.I will be curious if the stay at home for months will see an increase in new 3/C and 2/C pending 2 for 7 decide to leave USNA. Plebes always leave. It has been an amazingly low number in the last decade or so, be curious to see if the number ends up being any different than past years in the end. Only time will give the answers. ROM for PS is nearing the end of its time and I am sure the new Plebes are anxious for it all to begin. After all they do want to ‘earn’ their place and all this is out of their control (which we all realize).
I liked youngster academics a lot more than Plebe Year’s because you’re finally taking classes in your major. The core curriculum isn’t too bad except that physics and navigation can be hefty workloads. Never heard of battalions being assigned extra drill practice on the weekend—That used to exist?! 3/C year can be a bit of a drag because while you are no longer talked to in a demeaning way by the upperclass, you still aren’t really treated like an adult regarding liberty privileges. No civilian clothing and being stuck in Bancroft on Friday sucked Plebe Year and it doesn’t stop sucking afterwards. On the other hand, it’s the opportunity for a midshipman to build their identity back up after it being suppressed Plebe Year, and in many cases a lot of maturation transpires. Not having to chop or do chow calls or worry about professional knowledge quizzes is also a huge improvement in quality of life.
That sounds exactly like our call. Though, ours doesn't seem the least bit worried about not seeing us for the next nine years. As long as we send x, y, or z in next care package. He did say t(he)y were advised not to workout too extreme in room, in case they did end up positive for covid. He said they also took all the advil away from the USNA pre-packaged supply boxes when they took his phone.Had a good call yesterday from our plebe. He's really looking forward to the real plebe summer as he calls it. Says he knows it'll be really tough but is anxious to get started. Really likes his roommate....can't wait to make more friends in his class. He said the highlights of his days are food, mail and going outside. He's wrapped his brain around the likely fact he won't be coming home until December.....didn't seem upset or worried.....said he understands why the leadership made the decision. Again, he's just ready to get the process started.
He did say t(he)y were advised not to workout too extreme in room, in case they did end up positive for covid. He said they also took all the advil away from the USNA pre-packaged supply boxes when they took his phone.
They're also taking away "Emergen-C" packets from care packages.Makes sense. Ibuprofen could mask an elevated body temp.