I actually liked 3/C year. The academics do pick up with more hours and tougher classes, but I found them more interesting. I was also much better at physics than chemistry. Being able to nap also was a huge thing for me. I kind of enjoyed a year of having little responsibilities. I did really try to help my Plebes with pro knowledge, mentor the female plebes with hair stuff and uniform things, and really focus on my grades. My class was shot gunned after Plebe Year. I was actually fine with this as I really did not like my company culture my Plebe year and my best friend and I somehow got sent to the same company. I was also thankful that it led to being one of the companies that had a Marine Senior Enlisted Advisor. The one we had 1/C year was amazing. Speaking of extra drill... yes. Our Gunny, like all Marines, takes drill seriously. He cringed the first time he saw us drill. He politely dismissed the 2/C to 4/C and left the 1/C on the parade field after we did pass and review. We spent another hour circling that field. Every day at lunch the 1/C stood in the main hall way doing manual of arms. This continued for a few weeks with lots of extra drill whenever he could find the time. His point was its upon the 1/C to set the example. He wasn't going to punish the entire company. He was going to teach us, as leaders, to do this right, set the example. We then had to ensure to correct our Mids and check ourselves. It worked, we won every parade... no surprise.
For new parents... shot gun and scramble are two phrases that come up alot Plebe year. In some years USNA has scrambled or shot gunned classes to new ones. This has not been common of late, but it varies by leadership in charge. Shot gunned means all the Plebes will be sent to new companies to start 3/C year. There are as many opinions on this as there are plebes. For some it's great, others hate the prospect. Scramble means to take the entire company of plebes and move them a group to a new company. So they stay with the same classmates their entire 4 years, but a new company starting 3/C year. This has been pretty rare of the last few decades.
Glad to hear parents got phone calls and Plebe Summer starts soon!
DW and I received a letter introducing DS’ Company Officer, and Enlisted Leader. I am curious from you seasoned hands -
1. What is the typical background for these men and women? Is it typically a long term assignment? Are they typically close to retirement? Is this role within the Navy considered a plum job?
2. How much sway do these two leaders have into the personality of each Company? You talked about the Marine above - but how differently do companies operate based on these two roles?
thanks in advance.