Roller coaster II: Get Me (The Parent) Through Plebe Year Class of ‘25 🎢

[LT360]

T-minus 13 hours before dropping off DS at airport. Assuming all goes as planned he should be back well ahead of reform time. The ride from New Carollton is now secured.

So one change since DS left for the Yard and his recent return is his hair length. All through grade school and HS he sported a buzz. Now since PS is over he has been growing it out with refs.

DW gave him a trim up when he first arrived home but tonight she gave a him a true cut. Still longer than HS but better then he arrived home. It was good bonding for him and DW. Prior to PS, no one had ever cut DS hair except DW. DW is our designated barber and she sorely missed this ritual with DS. I am glad they had this small time together. I hope it will ease some of the pain tomorrow.

 

[Heatherg21]

Drove the 360 miles round trip and dropped our DS at the airport. His fourth booked flight just took off 25 minutes ago after a 1.6 hour delay. So happy he made a real flight after three cancellations.

Surprised I didn’t cry. Honestly being the driver and being forced to exit the loading zone and then drive in heavy traffic usually means I don’t have time to cry.

But really, it’s just that he is happy. And living the life he worked so hard to achieve with the world in front of him.

I cannot possibly be sad when I think about that.

I also won’t step foot in his room for a few days so I can keep it together. I will miss my Youngest as I always will, but my heart is full.

I got a great hug and said “I’ll see you when I see you”.

 

[LT360]

...and like that DS is back at the Yard in his room. He said it was as little disheartening to be chopping his way up to his deck. He confirmed that many MIDNs are delayed as previous posts have covered. Since he was boosted and tested he will not have to be re-tested.

He mentioned lots of confusing and confounding instruction and guidelines being given. For example they are to stay in room but can go outside for individual exercise. However they are having Brigade wide PT tomorrow (1st Reg) and Sunday (2nd Reg). I told him to focus on what he could control like getting his laptop password reset and getting gear stowed.

Funny item is that he did not bring much dirty laundry home assuming he could put today. However there is no pickup today and the laundry rooms are closed. I told him to start hand washing the things needed in the sink

 

[Old Enlisted Marine]

Dropped DS off late this morning with plenty of supplies. He took off quick in hopes of getting somethings done before everything is potentially closed. I just received a text saying he got all his errands done….. Changed uniforms, booster shot at Dahlgren Hall, Navy Federal and mailroom. Success! Little wins I guess.

 

[LT360]

Let the ride move on. Second semester underway and DS is much happier to be back in classroom in person. He also likes KH being open. He sent me a picture of the miserable boxed “dinner” on this past Thursday. Included a cold turkey sandwich and a rotten apple.

Today was the Majors Fair for the Plebes so I am anxious to hear his thoughts on preference ranking.

He mentioned that company morning workouts have been a nice change rotating through PRT prep, Sea trial prep and Animal calisthenics however lack of coordination between the trainers meant they had back to back to back “leg” days. He said the training officer has noticed and promised a change going forward.

He has not appreciated the multiple days of no hot water for showers. In fact on Friday after a very cold early morning outdoor workout he was greeted with a cold shower to try and warm up frozen fingers and nose.

 

[Old Enlisted Marine]

Same report from my DS very happy to be back in person and eating normal at King Hall! Very happy to be with his buddies. Also said there is a lot of voluntold activities going on.Seems more than last semester.

 

[HopefulDad2026]

Let the ride move on. Second semester underway and DS is much happier to be back in classroom in person. He also likes KH being open. He sent me a picture of the miserable boxed “dinner” on this past Thursday. Included a cold turkey sandwich and a rotten apple.

Today was the Majors Fair for the Plebes so I am anxious to hear his thoughts on preference ranking.

He mentioned that company morning workouts have been a nice change rotating through PRT prep, Sea trial prep and Animal calisthenics however lack of coordination between the trainers meant they had back to back to back “leg” days. He said the training officer has noticed and promised a change going forward.

He has not appreciated the multiple days of no hot water for showers. In fact on Friday after a very cold early morning outdoor workout he was greeted with a cold shower to try and warm up frozen fingers and nose.

What’s the story with the hot water? Anyone now? Is there a problem (like a boiler out) or is it just lack of capacity?

 

[justdoit19]

Let the ride move on. Second semester underway and DS is much happier to be back in classroom in person. He also likes KH being open. He sent me a picture of the miserable boxed “dinner” on this past Thursday. Included a cold turkey sandwich and a rotten apple.

Today was the Majors Fair for the Plebes so I am anxious to hear his thoughts on preference ranking.

He mentioned that company morning workouts have been a nice change rotating through PRT prep, Sea trial prep and Animal calisthenics however lack of coordination between the trainers meant they had back to back to back “leg” days. He said the training officer has noticed and promised a change going forward.

He has not appreciated the multiple days of no hot water for showers. In fact on Friday after a very cold early morning outdoor workout he was greeted with a cold shower to try and warm up frozen fingers and nose.

2nd semester, plebe year is pretty exciting! Stuff you already mentioned. Spring break. Requesting majors. Signing up for summer trainings (PROTRAMID!!). Receiving major assignment. Receiving summer trainings. Picking classes for next year. Herndon…And no longer a plebe

 

[LT360]

DS called to discuss the majors fair. He was "surprised" at some of things he learned and is re-evaluating his preference order. He went in with Poli Sci, History, English and Aero Eng as his lineup. He learned that Poli Sci is the biggest program for Tier 3 majors and was not impressed with the information provided. Although he is enjoying his Poli Sci class this semester.

He really enjoyed the History and English segments. He is now really looking at English as being number one but then taking History and Poli Sci classes as electives when available. However due to his validated coursework, he is well positioned for History major which could result in "lighter" credit loads in later years.

Bottom line, I told him do his research and move forward with what he chooses as there is no wrong choice. At the end of the day, he will be commissioned and be doing whatever the Nay tells him to do. I did mention he may have the same aha moments after PROTRAMID this summer.

The other news he provided was his thinking on summer block training. He had been leaning towards Summer Seminar Detailer as he thought the leadership experience would be good and prep him for PS detailing later. however now he is really thinking about YP boat training. I told him if he is thinking SWO for service selection, then YP boat would go along way to letting him know if he likes boat life.

 

[Don't Give Up the Ship]

DS called to discuss the majors fair. He was "surprised" at some of things he learned and is re-evaluating his preference order. He went in with Poli Sci, History, English and Aero Eng as his lineup. He learned that Poli Sci is the biggest program for Tier 3 majors and was not impressed with the information provided. Although he is enjoying his Poli Sci class this semester.

He really enjoyed the History and English segments. He is now really looking at English as being number one but then taking History and Poli Sci classes as electives when available. However due to his validated coursework, he is well positioned for History major which could result in "lighter" credit loads in later years.

Bottom line, I told him do his research and move forward with what he chooses as there is no wrong choice. At the end of the day, he will be commissioned and be doing whatever the Nay tells him to do. I did mention he may have the same aha moments after PROTRAMID this summer.

The other news he provided was his thinking on summer block training. He had been leaning towards Summer Seminar Detailer as he thought the leadership experience would be good and prep him for PS detailing later. however now he is really thinking about YP boat training. I told him if he is thinking SWO for service selection, then YP boat would go along way to letting him know if he likes boat life.

Lots of good points here. One is to be mindful if a MIDN does a Five and Dive (leaves service after 5 yrs. active duty). Will the BS major help get a job in the civilian sector? So, I think given all the factors, the number one reason to choose a Major is interest. Even a PoliSci major will have lots of training in "critical thinking, lab sciences, math, analytical analysis, etc. Myself and my DW talked to our MIDN about majors...but let him decide.

 

[Heatherg21]

My DS mentioned working the major fair. He was looking forward to it. It certainly benefitted him last year.

 

[WT Door]

Lots of good points here. One is to be mindful if a MIDN does a Five and Dive (leaves service after 5 yrs. active duty). Will the BS major help get a job in the civilian sector? So, I think given all the factors, the number one reason to choose a Major is interest. Even a PoliSci major will have lots of training in "critical thinking, lab sciences, math, analytical analysis, etc. Myself and my DW talked to our MIDN about majors...but let him decide.

Not sure about the BS Major but I am quite certain a BS degree from USNA will serve him or her well after graduation and beyond.

 

[WolfPackGrunt]

I believe that a BS from USNA coupled with a security clearance can go a long way after separation on the DoD/NSA/contractor side of things. I have family members that were enlisted plus clearance and then separated, obtained non-cyber degrees, and because of their clearance a lot of doors opened up for them (in this case in cyber-related careers). After starting their careers they did pursue comp sci related graduate degrees. I would recommend almost any USNA graduate pursue a graduate degree (if they are able then during active duty, if not then after separation), e.g. poli sci undergrad and data science masters.

 

[LT360]

I believe that a BS from USNA coupled with a security clearance can go a long way after separation on the DoD/NSA/contractor side of things.... I would recommend almost any USNA graduate pursue a graduate degree (if they are able then during active duty, if not then after separation), e.g. poli sci undergrad and data science masters.

Obviously the path DS lays out now will change dramatically in the next 10 years but his current plan is to stay AD as long as possible as a SWO but earn at minimum a graduate degree if not a law degree during his time in service. He is trying to keep as many doors open as possible and how he continues his education, either with Navy $ or self funded, is TBD. I would prefer he get a STEM degree, but he is not me, which is good. With a BS from USNA he will land safely somewhere.

 

[OldRetSWO]

Obviously the path DS lays out now will change dramatically in the next 10 years but his current plan is to stay AD as long as possible as a SWO but earn at minimum a graduate degree if not a law degree during his time in service. He is trying to keep as many doors open as possible and how he continues his education, either with Navy $ or self funded, is TBD. I would prefer he get a STEM degree, but he is not me, which is good. With a BS from USNA he will land safely somewhere.

A BS from USNA is considered to be a "STEM degree" by most companies* that I've seen but of course YMMV.
* including GE, GM, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Textron and Boeing

 

[ThePack]

————LONG(ish) POST WARNING—————

I know this isn’t the “advice for ‘26” thread…but when that starts can someone sticky the same cliche reminder from past years because I’ll attest to it (for what that’s worth)…. sit back, buckle up and hang on for what is an incredible ride (for the vast majority of course).

DD entered USNA planning on 20 with an aim for Chem major and Dental Corps but 110% prepared for SWO, Needs of the Navy, etc. When I say an aim, I mean she spoke Dental Corps in essays and interviews during the application process (although some 2nd and 3rd guessing took place prior.) Many here can attest that, not only is USNA not looking for Restricted LO’s, there are many less arduous paths with a similar result.

But I digress, talks over break about training blocks quickly evolved from the expected SWO opportunities to “want to see what else is out there” with a slight mention of aviation. Now post fair, looking at Operations Research major (had to look that up myself) and heavy on aviation as she was given some insight that, and I’ll paraphrase, if you go straight Med/Dental, you “may never get a chance to do the cool stuff, but you can go Corps later.”

All that said, we’re still staying prepared as best we can for all the twists and turns that remain over the coming years. I expect there may be just as many, but more and more of them will be seen in the rear view versus when they’re about to happen.

Oh…..and the mouse count for this week stands at 2…trapped/un-alived/no mas.

 

[LT360]

Let the ride go on. I can tell that this week must be a busier week for DS as his texts have been short and we have not talked yet this week. Stark contrast to the first two weeks of this semester when when we spoke every couple of days. I am sure this was because ROM was in place and "normal" activities were subdued.

BTW, I view this as a training period as I know there will be a time when it will be weeks instead of days between talks . I can be content not hearing from him as I know he is busy which means he is living his life.

 

[HopefulDad2026]

Let the ride go on. I can tell that this week must be a busier week for DS as his texts have been short and we have not talked yet this week. Stark contrast to the first two weeks of this semester when when we spoke every couple of days. I am sure this was because ROM was in place and "normal" activities were subdued.

BTW, I view this as a training period as I know there will be a time when it will be weeks instead of days between talks . I can be content not hearing from him as I know he is busy which means he is living his life.

At some points weeks may become months too, right? This is an assumption on my part. Thinking he may be on some top secret mission and have to go dark. ;-)

 

[Old Enlisted Marine]

Let the ride go on. I can tell that this week must be a busier week for DS as his texts have been short and we have not talked yet this week. Stark contrast to the first two weeks of this semester when when we spoke every couple of days. I am sure this was because ROM was in place and "normal" activities were subdued.

BTW, I view this as a training period as I know there will be a time when it will be weeks instead of days between talks . I can be content not hearing from him as I know he is busy which means he is living his life.

Sounds like our guys are very similar as a lot of your previous posts including this one seem to mirror actions from my DS. This week seems to have been extremely full. Including big decision making process going on for majors.

 

[LT360]

Sounds like our guys are very similar as a lot of your previous posts including this one seem to mirror actions from my DS. This week seems to have been extremely full. Including big decision making process going on for majors.

Is your DS in '25? Funny that shortly after I posted about not having a call he called! It was a short call between classes but he was super excited about an exam grade he received in an upper level class where he is one of few Plebes in the class. He set the high score and wanted to celebrate!

At this point he is really enjoying his classes. He is in two 200 level classes in potential future major area as he validated out of several 100 level classes. Everyday it solidifies that he has found his people and purpose and place (for now).

He also mentioned that due to impending snow-mageddon (bomb cyclone) that SMT has already been cancelled and that plans for snowball "toss" were in the works.