Some Random Last-Minute Questions

[SandBaby]

Hello! As I-Day quickly approaches (!!), I have some random questions about this Summer and life at the Academy. None of them are super important (in fact, some might seem silly), just little details that might be useful to know about. If you also have random questions, feel free to add them to this thread. Thank you in advance to anyone who is willing to lend their knowledge and guidance.

Here goes:

- If a female elects to not get the plebe cut, is there some sort of test to make sure that they are able to get their hair in regs in time? Is there a time standard to meet?

- What are “foot checks”? Saw it in a different post and was confused…

- During group workouts, if a plebe can’t complete a set, what happens? Do they just get chewed out? Sent to remedial workouts?

-Can females use hair-nets? How about those spiral hair-tie thingies (picture below)?

- Should I bring my own deodorant? Would it be confiscated?

-During the Ac year, can plebes have books? I know free time is virtually non-existent, but can plebes paint or draw or do other artsy things for fun? How do rules surrounding leisure change year to year?

- Is anything private? Do plebes have a personal drawer or something? I heard detailers open everything received by mail in front of everyone. Does this policy apply to letters?

- Instruments? Where can they be stored, if at all (during the Summer and/or Ac year)? Are there tryouts for orchestra or other music programs over the Summer?

-Should I bring stationary? Would that be confiscated?

That’s it for now! I’m sure I’ll have more, but I look forward to whatever information you might be willing to provide! Thanks!

 

[justdoit19]

Part of plebe summer, is NOT being prepared.

NOT knowing what to expect.

NOT going in knowing everything.

Adapting and overcoming.

Don’t worry about the stuff they haven’t officially told you to worry about….

 

[WT Door]

I'll take a stab. Keep in mind this is coming from a male point of view.

The first one, I have no idea. I defer to others regarding female hair requirements.

"Foot checks" happen while marching. As in, "GET IN STEP!!!!!". That's when you should be on your left foot instead of your right foot, or visa versa.

If you can't complete a set in group work outs, you'll at least be encouraged to do your best. There are two types of plebes that get yelled at during PS: Those that have, and those that will. Take it all in stride.

I think those "thingies" are called bobbles (I have daughters).

I think deoderant is part of the standard PS issue. You can purchase your own personal deoderant later at the Mid store.

You'll have books during AC year, of course. All the other things you mention will be time dependent. If you have time to do them, consider yourself lucky. You'll get a feel for rules regarding leisure activities in due time.

Privacy. I'd say some things are and some aren't. Opening someone's mail is a federal offense. You'll have a space in your room to lock your valuables amd personal effects. No one should be messing with your mail.

What type of instrument? If it is a bass cello, leave it at home. Have your parents bring your instrument out PPW. You'll be able to find a place to store it. A story here. A companymate tried out for the plebe summer Catholic Choir. Everyone should make the choir during summer, right? They need bodies! He didn't. We tease him about it to this day.

Don't bring stationary. Bring "stationery" (got that from another thread). I don't think it would be confiscated. I think stationery is part of your PS issue. It has a nice USNA seal on it. Write home as often as you can. It will mean a lot to DM and DD.

I hope you are enjoying your remaining time with your family. Linger around the dinner table and swap some tales. "Remember when....?" Be prepared to be challenged on your version of the story in between laughs. Good luck. The hands on a watch, wave goodbye to all...

 

[MidCakePa]

+10 to @justdoit19. You don’t have to know every single thing that will happen. Many — maybe even most — don’t. And that’s the whole point. You’ll survive plebe summer — even thrive — if you bring a can-do attitude and open mind and decent level of fitness. USNA wants you to succeed, not fail.

Your desk will have a drawer that you can lock. You can bring non- academic books and read for pleasure during the ac year. It’s nice to have an outlet beyond mid stuff.

Why not make life easy and just get the mid haircut? Yes, the Navy has loosened standards somewhat. But DD, now a grad, would tell you to take the path of least resistance. Don’t let vanity get in the way of showing up to every evolution on time with less stress. Plebe summer is hard enough.

 

[shock-n-awe]

You can literally show up with nothing but the clothes on your back and be fine. There are a few options on the packing list allowed to bring if you choose. There is the mid/cadet stores at each SA that one can get “extras” that weren’t brought on I/R Day.

Not knowing what to expect is half the fun of Plebe summer!
Don’t overthink the knowledge needed prior to reporting, instead enjoy your freedom outside the gates while you still have it…..

 

[Capt MJ]

Hair gouge (info, intel), as with most key info, on usna.edu:

5102. Personal Appearance

Personal Appearance page for Midshipmen Uniform Regulations at USNA.edu. Updated Wed May 17 17:02:20 EDT 2023.

www.usna.edu

It’s your responsibility to learn how to get your hair up fast and within regs. Hundreds of thousands of military women before you have figured this out. You will too. My standing recommendation for buns: Capezio 3” bun pins. Available from their website or The Big Online Retailer. And, there are dozens of YouTube videos on military women’s hair, buns, sock buns, etc.

Nimitz Library has “recreational books,” which you can explore once the academic year starts. You will have to figure out your own time management priorities between Must Do and Fun To Do, because the goal is to stay sat in all graded areas of performance. Any time you have free after that - ECAs, reading, whatever. During PS, all that thinking is done for you.

A soon-to-be plebe has a similar question about reading in the USMA thread. If you have a city/county library card or account, go on their website and see which e-reading apps they support. I use Cloud Library and Overdrive from my library. Download the app on your phone. Search for your library and set up your access. Once you get your phone back permanently after PS, you can always have pleasure reading handy if you have a few minutes.

You will have a lockable “confidential locker,” or con locker.

Look at the packing list. Stick to that, except add in some sports bras (look for the recent sports bra thread). If you have family coming for Plebe Parents Weekend, they can bring stuff or send stuff during academic year. Remember you are sharing a room with other people and their stuff, and whatever you take to USNA, you have to figure out what to do with it at the end of the academic year. You leave nothing in your rooms.

 

[CJS68]

My '24 daughter has thick thick mid-back length hair that also frizzes and she was a ballet dancer. She didn't want her hair to be on her neck during workouts so we cut her hair so she needed one wrap for her bun. No hairnets- only bobby pins and she has the industrial 2.5in U pins. However, 2 nights before reporting she didnt feel she could do it fast enough so I cut it in the airbnb. There isn't a set time but she wanted to do it in 45 sec.
One third of the girls in her company cut their hair. I thinkin the end she would have preferred to keep it longer . You are allowed ponytails during PEP. Now she is a even faster with her buns and she has her lion's mane back.

Bobbles- get a color that is closer to the color of you hair. They are fine.

Foot checks- are done in the evening during Plebe summer to make sure that the Plebes didn't have broken down skin and issues that could potentially worsen . Their feet are constantly wet and so.....

Stationary- you receive some USNA logo stationary during I day.
AC year- my daughter's company mates did those adult coloring books for fun.

 

[Usnavy2019]

I can answer some of the gender-neutral questions you have:

1. Nothing punitive happens if you can't complete a set. If anything, detailers are going to encourage you to keep going. People show up at different levels and develop at different rates. Hitting muscular failure is how you get stronger. IT sessions are a bit different though.

2. You can bring your own toiletries and are allowed to use them. You'll be issued toiletries regardless, though.

3. Yes, plebes can have books and other artsy paraphernalia. Mids have all sorts of hobbies. There are multiple restrictions for liberty for different classes, but here is a brief synopsis:

a. Plebes can't use media except during the weekends. Plebes must go out in uniform and can only go out between 1200-0000 on Saturday.
b. Youngsters can use media. Youngsters have to go out in uniform, but can go out on Sunday in addition to Saturday.
c. 2/C can go out in civvies, go out on Friday night as well as both days. You can also have a car, but it must be parked off-campus.
d. Firsties can have a car on campus, go out all three days of the weekend, and during the week later on.

4. You get a confidential locker in your room where you can put anything you want in it. However, if it is unlocked, it is open to inspection. Securing your gear is a concept drilled into you early and often during PS. This policy stays in effect during Ac Years too. They are inspected occasionally via health and wellness inspections, even if they are locked. This is legally allowed since the inspection is for a health purpose and not for a law enforcement purpose.

Yes, during PS, detailers open your mail in front of you. They do it in front of you for integrity purposes (to show they aren't tampering). They are opening your mail searching for contraband (protein bars, magazines, energy drinks, etc.). They aren't reading your letters or anything. You might get a funny comment if they card is all glittery or otherwise noteworthy. However, during the Ac Year, it is your responsibility to get your mail and you'll get it directly from the Post Office. The Post Office also handles parcel deliveries (UPS, FedEx, etc.).

5. I'd heed to the advice above and bring it later. Different activities have different joining requirements. Some will have stuff during the summer, do will have it start during the Ac Year. The musical ECAs go through this every year. On the choir note, many people join since there are rehearsals during the week. It gives you a couple hour break from the detailers. It is a little awkward when you come back while your company is getting familiar with the deck via the front leaning rest.

6. As others have said, you get issued everything you need (to include stationery) to write letters.

7. Foot checks are as described above. Blue and Gold (last activity before lights out) is done in PT gear and shower shoes. This allows the detailers to evaluate blisters, emerging trench foot, etc.

Best of luck!!

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

…
but can plebes paint or draw or do other artsy things for fun?
…

.
If you paint with oil colors in your spare time, please clean your brushes with Low Volatility Mineral spirits. You don’t want to use any high volatility high flammability paint thinners and cleaners … your company mates will be really mad at you if they can’t breathe.
.

 

[Navy_Simp]

I'll take a stab. Keep in mind this is coming from a male point of view.

The first one, I have no idea. I defer to others regarding female hair requirements.

"Foot checks" happen while marching. As in, "GET IN STEP!!!!!". That's when you should be on your left foot instead of your right foot, or visa versa.

If you can't complete a set in group work outs, you'll at least be encouraged to do your best. There are two types of plebes that get yelled at during PS: Those that have, and those that will. Take it all in stride.

I think those "thingies" are called bobbles (I have daughters).

I think deoderant is part of the standard PS issue. You can purchase your own personal deoderant later at the Mid store.

You'll have books during AC year, of course. All the other things you mention will be time dependent. If you have time to do them, consider yourself lucky. You'll get a feel for rules regarding leisure activities in due time.

Privacy. I'd say some things are and some aren't. Opening someone's mail is a federal offense. You'll have a space in your room to lock your valuables amd personal effects. No one should be messing with your mail.

What type of instrument? If it is a bass cello, leave it at home. Have your parents bring your instrument out PPW. You'll be able to find a place to store it. A story here. A companymate tried out for the plebe summer Catholic Choir. Everyone should make the choir during summer, right? They need bodies! He didn't. We tease him about it to this day.

Don't bring stationary. Bring "stationery" (got that from another thread). I don't think it would be confiscated. I think stationery is part of your PS issue. It has a nice USNA seal on it. Write home as often as you can. It will mean a lot to DM and DD.

I hope you are enjoying your remaining time with your family. Linger around the dinner table and swap some tales. "Remember when....?" Be prepared to be challenged on your version of the story in between laughs. Good luck. The hands on a watch, wave goodbye to all...

I was under the impression foot checks were at the end of the day to see if anyone had blisters.

 

[WT Door]

I was under the impression foot checks were at the end of the day to see if anyone had blisters.

Sorry, I was being facetious on that particular response. You are correct. You'll develop your own sense of humor and will observe a lot of funny things plebe summer and beyond. The ability to laugh (at the right time) will help get you through the tough times, though. Believe me, you'll laugh about those funny moments that occur in the mist of hardship, and in the camaraderie with your classmates. Those moments come unexpectedly and will be precious when you look back on them. Good Luck.

 

[Capt MJ]

Foot checks are right up there with “dental readiness” as a major operational requirement. Only in the military.

 

[Usnavy2019]

"You lost the battle because you didn't floss."
-Some Navy dentist (probably)

On the real, I have had nothing but positive experiences at Brigade Dental!

First fleet dental exam though:

"Your teeth look fine to me, but what do I know?"

Gave me a good chuckle after the fact. Can't find that type of beside manner anywhere else

 

[Capt MJ]

"You lost the battle because you didn't floss."
-Some Navy dentist (probably)

On the real, I have had nothing but positive experiences at Brigade Dental!

First fleet dental exam though:

"Your teeth look fine to me, but what do I know?"

Gave me a good chuckle after the fact. Can't find that type of beside manner anywhere else

Before a Mohs surgery on my face at Walter Reed, the Mohs surgeon and the dermatologist joked deadpan they were actually in their 80’s, but you couldn’t tell because they worked on each other all the time, and the plastics guy they had called in to consult on incision and stitch placement due to location near eye commented he could tell. Two CDRs and a CAPT, all Navy.

 

[RyanHinrichs6]

Regarding the instruments, I would contact the head of whatever band you decide you are trying to join. I contacted the Drum and Bugle Corps head and found out that they do not let outside instruments in period, as they want everyone’s instrument to be the same. They also offered me to tryout before, so if that is something you want to do, feel free to contact them!

 

[2025 hopeful]

We brought DD's instrument during parent's weekend, although it is a smaller instrument and easy to take on a plane.

She participates for the worship service, so that is another area of opportunity to play.

 

[Usnavy2019]

Before a Mohs surgery on my face at Walter Reed, the Mohs surgeon and the dermatologist joked deadpan they were actually in their 80’s, but you couldn’t tell because they worked on each other all the time, and the plastics guy they had called in to consult on incision and stitch placement due to location near eye commented he could tell. Two CDRs and a CAPT, all Navy.

This sounds like the same cast of characters who say ibuprofen, fluids, and a change of socks can cure everything from stomach bugs to severe orthopedic injuries.

Civilian doctors hate them... use this 1 simple trick to never get hurt or sick!

 

[Capt MJ]

This sounds like the same cast of characters who say ibuprofen, fluids, and a change of socks can cure everything from stomach bugs to severe orthopedic injuries.

Civilian doctors hate them... use this 1 simple trick to never get hurt or sick!

And it’s the massive 800 mg ibuprofen from the industrial jar on the independent duty corpsman’s desk.

In another bit of military medical humor, on Thanksgiving evening as a single officer I had managed to get hit just above my safety goggles by a squash racquet. I had eaten T-day meal with a bunch of other single officers, then went to play squash with one of them at the unlocked courts by the main gym. I hadn’t realized my opponent had had as many beverages as he did, and he was both mad at himself for lousy shots, losing handily to me and careless with his racquet. Typical face lac, blood was pouring down my face. I walked the half mile to the med clinic because I refused to get in the car with this guy, now that I knew he was impaired. I couldn’t see to drive. The two duty corpsmen cleaned the wound, and over my head, the senior petty officer remarks to the junior, “hey, you ever stitched a face before?” Ha ha. Took me a minute. They were cracking themselves up. They went and called the experienced Nurse Practictioner, who did a fine job with the stitches. Worst part was that shot of lido right into the edges of the wound. Yowsers. The corpsmen were great, though, figured out I was cold after being sweaty in gym gear then walking and being in a little bit of shock and sitting on a cold steel table, found blankets for me, hot tea with a honey stick, called my chain of command duty officer to let them know, watched me for concussion for a few hours, got the paperwork prepped for a 96-hour Sick In Quarters chit so I wouldn’t have to stand the duty the next day per the watchbill, etc. They took good care of me, rough humor aside.

 

[usna1985]

In my day, women had to keep their hair short (above bottom edge of the collar) our entire 4 years on the Severn. The advantage is that, with a good haircut, PS (and Ac Year) is really easy. You literally wash & go and, when your hair dries, it looks decent without much need for styling. Your cover (hat) also fits nicely. The downside is that 1-3 month period when your hair growing out and is just a bit too long to wear down but not really long enough to put up. Keep in mind, thousands of women have managed to get through this period and, if you cut your hair for PS, so will you.

Now, of course, women can keep their hair long throughout. You do need to be able to put it in a bun super-fast. You do NOT want to be the person late to formation because you're having a hair issue nor do you want your hair falling out of place. It's easier to do a bun when it's wet and it will usually be wet. One problem some women face during PS is that your hair is wet almost all of the time -- from sweating, swimming, and after showering. When it's tied up in a bun most of the day and wet almost all day day, it can literally lead to mold in your hair. However, I'm sure the female detailers have some tips to prevent this from happening.

Also . . . agree with the above posters re PS always presenting something unexpected. Even those with siblings at USNA are in for a few surprise. Another point is that knowing about something and experiencing it are two separate things. Keep in mind that your classmates are in the same boat as you. Some will do better at certain things and worse at other things. Then, just when you think a particular plebe is A-J-squared away, Ac Year hits and maybe that person who was so stellar during PS is now being pummeled with academics. Everyone is challenged but the good news is that (almost) everyone who wants to make it through will.

 

[Snyder874]

Another few questions to add to the list:

1) How many things should we pack that are on the list? I am assuming they provide things like toothbrushes, shampoo, etc. Should we pack less just to make I-day easier?
2) I wear contacts, and they reccomend bringing some for after the summer. Should I just have my parents bring them during PPW?
3) For perscription medication, we have to bring it with a doctor's note and they decide if it is "necessary" on I-day. What is the likelihood they decide against you taking it?
4) On the packing list, they say you can bring pictures/personal items to fit on a 2 foot cork board. Is this suggested? Or should we, again, just keep it simple?
5) Does anyone have any tips on how to bring/organize your things on I-day? I'm trying to organize all my paperwork right now so it is easily accesible.

Thank you! This thread has been really helpful.