Prior Friendships to Upperclass?

dashg16

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Apr 23, 2016
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So it looks like I might be going to NAPS (fingers crossed I get off the waitlist!) and I started thinking about all of my friends who got direct appointments to the Academy. Since I will be a year behind them due to prep school, how will that affect my friendship with them? I know at USMA there is a process where you can get approval from a commanding officer to keep the friendship, but is there anything like that at USNA? It's not the biggest deal in the world if I have to salute them or call them Sir or Ma'am, but I am just looking to get more information. Thanks!
 
So it looks like I might be going to NAPS (fingers crossed I get off the waitlist!) and I started thinking about all of my friends who got direct appointments to the Academy. Since I will be a year behind them due to prep school, how will that affect my friendship with them? I know at USMA there is a process where you can get approval from a commanding officer to keep the friendship, but is there anything like that at USNA? It's not the biggest deal in the world if I have to salute them or call them Sir or Ma'am, but I am just looking to get more information. Thanks!

Just be professional about it. If you see them in the hall call them Sir or Ma'am. Don't expect to be able to hang out with them all the time. If it's not detracting from good order and discipline, it usually isn't a big deal.
 
This happens every year. It's like those with siblings and team mates. In the hall and you cross them it's professional. If you grab a burger on a weekend and catch up, it's not an issue. 99.9% of the time they avoid these relationships directly in squads so it won't be an issue. Same thing happens in the fleet. One day you are all 1stLts and the next your buddy is a Capt and your company commander. Keep it professional while at work. Essentially don't make it an issue and it won't be.
 
How do things change after plebe year? I heard upperclass are supposed to treat you a certain way as a plebe, but after that it changes
 
There is still a chain of command but for the most part treated the same. With the exception of Plebes, friendships and dating is allowed among the other 3 classes. Privileges, expectations and roles and responsibilities differ among classes.
 
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