USNA Class of 2026 Appointee Ready Room

There are also OFFICIAL usna pages that are important. Like it or not, social media is a tool they use. And official USNAAA is also good. And of course the official athletics pages.

Adding Instagram and Twitter, more informal and fun official accounts, completes the picture!! I just watched the parachute team on USNA IG story follow along. So awesome, and info is shared from perspectives you don’t get on USNA.edu or here.
 
In my day, there was of course no Facebook, not even the Internet. Parents managed. I realize things are different today. FB and other "groups" can be an invaluable source of information and support. However . . .

Keep in mind a few things.

First, your child is now officially an adult. S/He needs to figure out how to solve problems. USNA has many, many support systems to help your child (now adult) navigate the process and solve problems. In a few short years, s/he will be leading young men and women and will be the one they look to for solutions to problems. Calling you every time won't be an option. Resist the temptation to get an answer from the FB parents' group that will solve all of their "problems."

Second, along those same lines . . . listen but don't try to fix things that you may not understand and really can't fix. I had the benefit of a dad who'd been USMC enlisted in the Pacific in WWII and later an officer. My complaints didn't get too far with him.:) Seriously, he recognized: (1) he (and my mom) didn't always know the whole story, and (2) couldn't solve my problems, so (3) it was best to listen, be supportive, and let me sort it out. Which I inevitably did. Probably frustrating for them, but a lot better for me.

Third, USNA has been doing this for a LONG time, mostly without interference from parents. The Supe and Dant and their staffs are very senior officers who have been responsible for the lives of thousands of officers and enlisted in their careers. They really don't need advice from parents.

Fourth, DO NOT send letters or emails or call USNA leadership and don't sign onto letters or emails, etc. from parents' groups complaining about food, liberty and leave, mask policies, professors, the fact that USNA is interfering with some family event, etc. (Yes, parents do this -- a LOT). It can be embarrassing to your midshipman and isn't going to change anything (see #3 above). Trust in the system -- it really does work.

Bottom line: Parents' groups can be a wonderful thing or a very divisive, destructive thing. Tread wisely.
 
I find the FB pages to be worth it for me. I enjoy seeing pictures, invites to impromptu events (I don't attend most as I am west coast) but appreciate the camaraderie.

I am able to utilize recommendations for vendors for things like DS birthday cake, ride services, delivery for food, storage units etc.. I even was able to order Girl Scout cookies via the FB page.

I have made friends via those pages, and I also have seen some snarky remarks (those I just scroll by).

The individual company pages have been great, found my Waldo a few times unexpectedly and it made my day.

Keep operational security in mind and don't post times/places/dates of your MIDN travels.

And, ALWAYS ask your kiddo prior to posting any pictures. They will want to approve those images and they know what is a good image, and one that could get them fried.

Buckle up, I hear the roller coaster wheels slowly cranking up!
 
Thanks. So just to be safe, plan for at least 2.5 hours (from 6 miles out) to get back to the yard during PPW.
Head back to DTA early. Park. Take a walk for an ice cream and leisurley walk back to the Yard. Remove the stress for all….unless that is you forget to sign out and CO CO finally reaches you (after even calling your mother’s cell) and gives you a deadline to return and sign out. That’s not a fun trip in traffic! 😉
 
What would be some ideas for graduation gifts for a future midshipman? We have been getting this question after my DD received her appointment. I understand that plebe summer is restricted regarding what they can have and do. I heard one suggestion for target gift cards since there is apparently a shuttle from the yard to Target.
 
What would be some ideas for graduation gifts for a future midshipman? We have been getting this question after my DD received her appointment. I understand that plebe summer is restricted regarding what they can have and do. I heard one suggestion for target gift cards since there is apparently a shuttle from the yard to Target.
Airline gift cards, Uber gift cards, Kilwin’s gift cards, etc., for use during ac year. Plebe Summer they will not have off-Yard liberty until Plebe Parents Weekend.
 
My boys’ favorites were Amazon gift cards. Easy to use from their room, and supposedly the Amazon lockers are to be in place next year, facilitating a ‘true’ two day shipping on the Yard, vs the present delivery by Amazon, and then the typical ‘sort and wait’ by USPS workers.

Even with the delay, Amazon is a fav.
 
First, your child is now officially an adult. S/He needs to figure out how to solve problems.
Most mids (save the few who aren’t yet 18 on I-Day) are adults in theory. The biggest way they become adults in practice is when — if? — mom and dad cease being helicopter parents. Unfortunately, the FB parents pages betray a long-lingering desire by many folks to continue hovering over every detail of their mids’ lives. This is N*OT COLLEGE for a reason.

New mid parents, heed the wise words of @usna1985. Trust your kid and let them figure it out! They are surrounded by invaluable resources. They truly don’t need mom and dad posting general inquiries on FB asking for help on their behalf. Let them grow up! It’s an unmistakable sign of love!
 
What would be some ideas for graduation gifts for a future midshipman? We have been getting this question after my DD received her appointment. I understand that plebe summer is restricted regarding what they can have and do. I heard one suggestion for target gift cards since there is apparently a shuttle from the yard to Target.
DS asked for my “classic” car. I’ll be glad to give it to him. Been eying a convertible mini for a long time. Or maybe 🤔 I’ll give him the mini and I’ll keep the Classic.
 
Does anyone know what you're allowed to have as a plebe during the AC year? (instruments, computer from home, books, etc?)
Also during Plebe Summer do you get to bring your Bible? I know they take all your other possessions but I would hope I could have my Bible over the summer! Haven't received my BFE yet so if any of this is stated in it then I apologize. Thanks in advance!
 
During plebe summer, a Bible is permitted.

During the ac year, musical instruments are permitted (though perhaps with some limitation, e.g. storage, bulk, annoyed roommates). Books are permitted too.

Plebes are issued a full complement of computer equipment, with the appropriate DOD protections. Smaller devices such as tablets and smartphones are permitted.
 
Echo @MidCakePa! Be conservative on what you bring in for the Ac Year as a Plebe. Plebes have the most things, the least amount of storage space, and the least amount of time. You get issued plenty of stuff that you'll use as a plebe (like boxing headgear) and never again. It'll take some time to shed it all. Supplemental storage on the Yard is an upperclass privilege and even then the storage space can be tight. You pretty much have your room (and the ceiling if you're brave enough) to store your stuff.
 
Nope. No supplements are allowed during Plebe Summer. Supplements are fine during the Ac Year, though. The Mid Store has a pretty limited selection of supplements. Pretty much just Optimum Nutrition whey protein and amino energy and a small selection of protein bars. The NEX across the river has a wider variety of sports nutrition options. They have more supplements and more brands available. A lot of mids order from GNC and Bodybuilidng.com as well.
 
Okay. Superficial and silly but does anyone have any advice for females and hair management over plebe summer? I’ve heard negative things about getting the traditional I-day collar cut but I also don’t know how I feel about the probable time hog that will be necessary to keep my hair tamed in its current state (wavy, frizzy, about 28-30 inches long). I’ve timed myself over and over to be able to put it up neatly in a little under a minute, but I’m sure it’s going to be the last thing I will want to have to spend precious seconds on during the Summer. I know it’s certainly not the most important thing to focus on, but any and all advice is appreciated.

TL;DR:
I’d like to know how strict detailers and other people are about female hair standards. What are the most efficient options for female hairstyles? If any current/past mids have any advice or things they wish they had known/done differently in regard to hair, that would also be appreciated. (And maybe if anyone has any plebe hair stories or anecdotes, I’ll make a separate thread.)

TIA😁
 
During plebe summer, a Bible is permitted.

During the ac year, musical instruments are permitted (though perhaps with some limitation, e.g. storage, bulk, annoyed roommates). Books are permitted too.

Plebes are issued a full complement of computer equipment, with the appropriate DOD protections. Smaller devices such as tablets and smartphones are permitted.
How do auditions work for orchestras and bands? Does that happen over the Summer? If so, are plebes expected/permitted to bring their instruments for things of that nature?
Thanks
 
Okay. Superficial and silly but does anyone have any advice for females and hair management over plebe summer? I’ve heard negative things about getting the traditional I-day collar cut but I also don’t know how I feel about the probable time hog that will be necessary to keep my hair tamed in its current state (wavy, frizzy, about 28-30 inches long). I’ve timed myself over and over to be able to put it up neatly in a little under a minute, but I’m sure it’s going to be the last thing I will want to have to spend precious seconds on during the Summer. I know it’s certainly not the most important thing to focus on, but any and all advice is appreciated.

TL;DR:
I’d like to know how strict detailers and other people are about female hair standards. What are the most efficient options for female hairstyles? If any current/past mids have any advice or things they wish they had known/done differently in regard to hair, that would also be appreciated. (And maybe if anyone has any plebe hair stories or anecdotes, I’ll make a separate thread.)

TIA😁
There are several past threads on women’s hairstyles and management. They pop up every year sbout this time. Try either an internal SAF search or try an external Google search, embedding site:www.serviceacademyforums.com in your search string.

You should be the one picky about your grooming standards. It’s a matter or pride and professionalism.

I had long hair in a bun or tucked under French braid throughout my career. Curly and wavy hair.
Two essential tools:
- Capezio Bunhead hairpins in the large size, come in three tones. Learn the technique of pointing them into your head at 90 degrees, then going in and firmly under the bun at the edge, catching the outer layer, creating a holding tension. Findable in dance wear stores or usual online retailers.
- Shop around for a hair product that can be used on dry, damp or wet hair to smooth frizzies and get it under control.

Go to YouTube and search for variations on “military women long hair styles or buns.” There are over 1.6M female veterans in addition to those who are AD, Guard or Reserve. Everyone figures it out. You can too.

I just posted the USNA women’s hair regs video in the last day or two. Worth going to find.
 
There are several past threads on women’s hairstyles and management. They pop up every year sbout this time. Try either an internal SAF search or try an external Google search, embedding site:www.serviceacademyforums.com in your search string.

You should be the one picky about your grooming standards. It’s a matter or pride and professionalism.

I had long hair in a bun or tucked under French braid throughout my career. Curly and wavy hair.
Two essential tools:
- Capezio Bunhead hairpins in the large size, come in three tones. Learn the technique of pointing them into your head at 90 degrees, then going in and firmly under the bun at the edge, catching the outer layer, creating a holding tension. Findable in dance wear stores or usual online retailers.
- Shop around for a hair product that can be used on dry, damp or wet hair to smooth frizzies and get it under control.

Go to YouTube and search for variations on “military women long hair styles or buns.” There are over 1.6M female veterans in addition to those who are AD, Guard or Reserve. Everyone figures it out. You can too.

I just posted the USNA women’s hair regs video in the last day or two. Worth going to find.
Thank you!
 
tucked under French braid throughout my career
Did the same thing. It can be very quick and tidy and keeps stray hairs from falling in around your face. I had long hair before the military- thought I would get ahead of game with a stylish short haircut but the heat and humidity just made it impossible- grew it out and it was so much easier for me.
 
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