Roller coaster III: Get Me (The Parent) Through 3/C Year Class of ‘25

DS did PROTRAMID Block 1 in Norfolk and was overall disappointed in the experince. Lots of standing around looking at stuff versus actually doing anything. His Marine week was nothing compared to what has been shared on social media for Block 2 in SD. However he did go underway on a sub for two days and did get a flight on the trainer during Av week. His surface week was curtailed as there was some goof up on their clearances not getting passed along.

However he did get to have PROTRAMID, learned more about what he likes and does not like, so from that perspective it was good.

8 days til we head back to the Yard. Reform logistics now coming more clear, he has his roommates figured out, and is really looking forward to this semester classes as he has very heavy Major content.

C/O ‘22 and ‘23 had no PROTRAMID at all. Many also had their surface cruises cancelled. They found ways to get them exposed.

Also, next year, they will have a cruise opportunity. It all works out!

I would probably agree that they found ways to get get some '22 and '23 cursorily exposed. A weekend at Norfolk does not make a surface cruise but it's something. But it does not answer a mid's question as to whether they might get sea sick or could they envision being underway on a boat or how does it feel to pull g's in a fighter jet. Just like touring a sub isn't the same as spending a few days both on the surface and submerged and sleeping in those little bunks. But I'm not sure it makes much difference because the Navy is going to do what the Navy is going to do.

Stipulating the horrible mess that COVD made, most would probably agree that summer training opportunities have been underwhelming for '23. My DS ruled out SWO and aviation in service selection preferences in part because he never got a surface cruise of any kind (other than day YP trips) and never even got near a fixed wing plane. One could argue that he could have made efforts this summer for both but he also had Leatherneck and plebe detail. It's service assignment (as opposed to selection) anyway and the Navy is going to do what the Navy is going to do. If PROTRAMID was all that important to USNA, some greater effort would have been made to give '22 and '23 priority. That didn't/couldn't happen. I can see why having Leatherneck, EOD cruise, and BUDS cruise are important from an evaluation/screening point of view but the aviation assignments can be figured out by the Navy from ASTB results and SWO/nuke and subs selects from academic performance.

My DS's path forward may have been much different had he had PROTRAMID. We'll never know.
 
I just saw the four YP's transiting the Cape Cod Canal southbound. I took a couple short videos of them, One where they are meeting the USCGC Sturgeon Bay (one whistle passing). If you have a MIDN on the YPs this 3rd Block and want a copy...PM Me and we can figure out how to get it to you.
 
Just some info in case you are unaware.......

Most of our Mids will be returning to The Yard on Thursday the 18th there is a lot going on that day. I just found this out and have not seen it on here. So it may help to plan around the below.

-There is a retirement ceremony at Memorial hall 1000-1100 affecting parking in that area
-There is a funeral for 2/c Luke Bird approximate times 1245-1500 (Gate 1 should be utilized during this time I believe 8 will be closed some of this time)
 
We plan to arrive early evening on Wednesday. DS is hoping he can get most of his gear into his room that night. Backup plan is to get to Yard early on Thursday and then get off the Yard prior to funeral. Then have him back before 1600 EoL in time for Hell-O night. He is actually looking forward to going back to Yard. He is planning on doing some additional ECA's this year that his schedule Plebe year did not allow. The only classes that concern him are Physics (he is a Group/Tier 3 Major) and Arabic. The other class he is not looking forward to is Youngster Drowning aka Swimming.
 
Any advice from 1/C or 2/C parents about how crazy busy the Yard will be next ahead of Brigade reform? DS think that he may be able to have Yard liberty for lunch on Friday in between briefs to allow me to bring in take out before I hit the road back west. Obviously we will be flexible and play things by ear.

He did finally get roommate situation figured out this week and is pumped with the 3 guys he will be with in room. He is looking forward to meeting new company mates from 1/C and 2/C. I asked if the Youngsters would try to instill some traditions from prior company but he said most likely they will play observer mode this year and follow the lead of the 1/C and 2/C.
 
If your DS thinks he will have time, I am sure he will be able to make a few minutes work. No one is going to micro manage him or care where he goes as a 3/C as long as he arrives on time to where he is supposed to. The yard ebbs and flows in business during reform as so many come back in different waves, but you should be able to get there. 3/C year is pretty nice. Mentor Plebes, get into your major, and enjoy life. It’s a good year. Towards the end of second semester 3/C tend to get anxious to take on more leadership roles.
 
Mine has a room that is in the plebe summer area of Bancroft, so late on the 18th, he will be scrambling to move his stuff in immediately after they get moved out, and hustle to get to Hello night. Good times.
Oh, sorry, he's a 2/C so I just realized I've hijacked the thread....again.
 
Last edited:
yes, but he has to go back to Annapolis from SD then turn around and fly back out here , we live on west coast!
update ... got in late friday to DCA ...to bancroft to fill out forms, left to sponsor - back to BWI early early sat AM, flight delayed 3.5 hours in ORD, eventually we got him home!! He brought home a wicked stomache virus, said going thru some other mids as well. Made some soup porridge and just happy he's here resting in his bed. 🤪 ☺️
 
update ... got in late friday to DCA ...to bancroft to fill out forms, left to sponsor - back to BWI early early sat AM, flight delayed 3.5 hours in ORD, eventually we got him home!! He brought home a wicked stomache virus, said going thru some other mids as well. Made some soup porridge and just happy he's here resting in his bed. 🤪 ☺️
Poor guy…hope he is better soon! 🙏🏻
 
One day til we start the trek back to the Yard. Summer leave was not as expected due to family emergencies and COVID hitting us parents. Luckily DS avoided it! DS still has summer reading to complete :( but he does car ride to read. He also still has stuff in at least three rooms of the house to collect and round up. I have to remember packing and moving quickly is now in his blood so I cannot be worried. I am sure he will be ready to leave in morning before I am ready!

I have him on task to cut the grass today one last time before leaving. Been nice having yard boy home but we did not get all projects done due to me being down with COVID. Oh well, they will get done at some point.

DS is excited to start back up, enjoy Youngster freedoms and do some new things on the Yard. He is already discussing not coming home at Thanksgiving given short break. We should be able to see him early in Nov when he is scheduled to be close to home due to travel for a Brigade Supported Activity group he is a part of.
 
DS is flying in from Northern tier tomorrow and meeting us at USNA. We have to drive all the gear stored at our house down for him and his roommates. It’s amazing how much stuff has been accumulated. He was supposed to come home and pack this stuff but DW some how got stuck doing it due to tight turn around and potential concerns for aircraft delays. He loved Northern tier! And PROTRAMID as well but can’t wait to see his buddies he has been missing all summer.
 
Too funny. We had 5 new 3/c cycling though the house over the weekend. Think locusts when it comes to refrigerator and pantry - mix of sponsor mids and tagalongs.

I held Laundry 101: A Study in Summer Whites in the laundry room. Pre-treat. Don’t forget the belt, and remove the buckle. Add Oxyclean. Don’t wash with anything else, even other whites. Soak cycle. Warm water. Medium dryer, 30-40 minutes. Hang up immediately. Best way to preserve desired laundry-pressed creases. Zip up pants zipper before washing to prevent zipper from “picking” knit material. No “regular” bleach, will eventually yellow anything 100% polyester.

White shoes: in addition to shoe polish, a tube of white (not blue gel) Arm & Hammer Baking Soda toothpaste. Moisten a washcloth, squeeze out some toothpaste, and gently rub out dark scuff marks. Works on white vinyl cap covers too.

I won’t do their laundry for them, as they are grown people who need to take of their own laundry but am happy to share years of accumulated gouge.
This is great. Pre-treat as with Shout or similar?
 
There was a story over this weekend from PPW where mids were at the football scrimmage and while leaving, someone stepped on a ketchup packet. Of course it ended up splattering a new plebe's summer white pants on both legs, all over!!

The family was able to find a dry cleaner downtown at 1430, and have the pants back as good as new by 1800. Pretty amazing what some businesses will do for their mids!!!
 
Well cross another milestone off the list—Youngster is all tucked into Mother B for another year. Surprisingly the move in was quick as DS is now on 1 deck and only two rooms down from a stairwell. Not having to chop sure makes him quicker moving in and out.

I also crossed another Parade off the list—Plebe Turnover Parade. It was great seeing the brigade cheer on the Plebes as they performed. Added to PPW parade and a fall parade I think I just need a Spring Parade to complete the dance card?

Of course I made a tuition deposit at the MidStore.

Lures Bar and Grille for lunch was a treat. No wait!
 
There was a story over this weekend from PPW where mids were at the football scrimmage and while leaving, someone stepped on a ketchup packet. Of course it ended up splattering a new plebe's summer white pants on both legs, all over!!

The family was able to find a dry cleaner downtown at 1430, and have the pants back as good as new by 1800. Pretty amazing what some businesses will do for their mids!!!
Navy Uniform Law.
White uniforms attract dark color dirt and colorful stains.
Dark uniforms attract light color dirt and any animal hair within 50 feet.

You can always tell Navy people in civilian clothes in fast food restaurants. They’re the ones surreptitiously wiping off the plastic seat with a napkin, a white uniform habit.
 
DD went back Thursday, reported at 15:59:59 to her company. Her sponsor family could deliver her ‘stuff’ last night. I guess she spent all her night organizing her room as today is Bravo inspection.

Had a wonderful time with in the short break between POTRAMID and Reform. She is thrilled that I am looking forward to being a BGO and go thru the training. Meeting our local BGO coordinator next weekend to understand the process and start.
 
Back
Top