What do I bring for plebe summer?

[AKmid]

I know that the USNA issues everything that will be needed, but I was wondering if there was anything at all that I am allowed to bring that would be useful to me. Also any tips for surviving plebe summer would be appreciated.

 

[Skipper07]

Bring your preferred brand of BLACK compression shorts and WHITE underwear. You will be issued everything you need, but I’m glad I brought the above. Everything else can stay home.

 

[Capt MJ]

Get fit before you go. Run in all kinds of weather and on all kinds of surfaces and at different times of the day. Do upper body and core work at odd times throughout the day. Look up the USNA physical fitness test you’ll be taking while you’re a mid all 4 years, do a quick self-test to see where you would fall. If you have any weak areas, do some work on them now, a good mini-goal to have this last month at home.

Don’t look to be “that plebe” who is trying to stand out at the expense of classmates. If you’ve got something handled, look around to see who needs help. Guaranteed you will need help yourself at some point.

Learn to do everything fast, especially showering and personal tasks. You’re sharing a sink and a shower with others on the same short time line.

No one will care what your HS “stats” or accomplishments were, or whether you got an LOA or how many SA appointments you were offered or how many noms you had. If you find yourself bringing that up, ask yourself why. That’s your past now; you have a clean slate.

Respect and appreciate your prior enlisted classmates. They have all kinds of useful military skills and had to earn the strong support of their chain of command to earn their spot.

Enjoy family and friends. Ask your parents if they have any projects they need help on before you go. Decades later, that was some of the best time I ever spent with my mom, before I reported to OCS, as we re-painted my childhood bedroom, organized and sorted some personal stuff into storage totes, etc., and I helped my dad clean out the garage storage room and put in new shelving. It helped them too, I realized in retrospect. Treat siblings to something.

Good luck!

 

[justme]

All DS brought was a great pair of broken-in running shoes and an extra copy of all paperwork in case any didnt make it via mail.

 

[MidCakePa]

You can literally show up with nothing more than the clothes on your back, and your paperwork, and be fine. If you can bring a well-fitted pair of running shoes and some compression sports (and sports bras), that’s fine but not necessary.

Above all, echoing some of what’s above: Bring a positive attitude, a humble demeanor, a teamwork mentality and an open mind. That, I truly believe, will get you much further than the running shoes, compression shorts and sports bras.

(I don’t have hard evidence, but I’m guessing many plebes who leave during plebe summer or later in plebe year showed up at I-Day with a lot of stuff — and then had mom and dad send additional stuff — in the attempt to make things as comfortable and foolproof as possible. But the intangibles are what matter most!)

 

[NavyHoops]

Agree with the above. Wallet, copy of paperwork, compression shorts, sports bras (for the ladies) and a bag labeled with your name for your cell. Wear the running shoes. I would say in the first few care packages some white underwear of your choice, another pair of running shoes, some more compression shorts, and if you have some nicer white athletic socks (gotta be tall, gotta keep em motivated) have them sent too. This keeps you light for I day, but know that you have a few creature comforts headed your way shortly after I Day.

 

[Heatherg21]

And to add to the excellent counsel above about traveling light, wear breathable, comfortable clothes. You won't be in them for long, but it's humid. Also, don't wear any 'Navy STEM' or NASS spirit gear. Those act as magnets for detailers. It's the one day in life where you want to be present, but not highly visible. In addition to having a zip lock labeled for his cell, he also put his name on the cell itself and taped his name to the charger. Detailers are responsible for these items in each company's ward room and they will be the ones getting them out and charging them for that amazing first call home. Make it easy for them. Heck, make everything easy for the detailers!!!

 

[MidCakePa]

Also, don't wear any 'Navy STEM' or NASS spirit gear. Those act as magnets for detailers.

+1 to this advice. It’s amusing to see how many plebes-to-be show up in STEM or NASS apparel, as well as T-shirts that extol some high-school athletic achievement, e.g. “Nationals Qualifier,” “State Champions,” etc. I think it’s a kind of “muscle flex,” a subtle attempt by some to show their bona fides. I get the temptation, as USNA is overflowing with high achievers.

But in the end, it doesn’t matter. Plebe summer has a way of bringing everyone down to the same level. Not long after entering Alumni Hall, the apparel in question will be replaced by white works. And at that point, everyone will be the same.

 

[AKmid]

All DS brought was a great pair of broken-in running shoes and an extra copy of all paperwork in case any didnt make it via mail.

I can bring my own running shoes?

 

[NextGen89x2]

I can bring my own running shoes?

There is a list in the Permit to Report packet that tells you what you can/should bring. It starts on page 14. It states that candidates "SHALL bring their own broken in running shoes." You will be issued running shoes (DS says that last year's look like Brooks "Adrenaline"), but should wear your broken in pair to reduce injuries. I don't think you would want to bring everything on the list - as your bag would actually start to get a bit big, but there are a few things you might want. The list also says what you are NOT allowed to bring. Check out the list - it might be helpful!

 

[NextGen89x2]

And to add to the excellent counsel above about traveling light, wear breathable, comfortable clothes. You won't be in them for long, but it's humid. Also, don't wear any 'Navy STEM' or NASS spirit gear. Those act as magnets for detailers. It's the one day in life where you want to be present, but not highly visible. In addition to having a zip lock labeled for his cell, he also put his name on the cell itself and taped his name to the charger. Detailers are responsible for these items in each company's ward room and they will be the ones getting them out and charging them for that amazing first call home. Make it easy for them. Heck, make everything easy for the detailers!!!

This is great advice - thanks!

 

[Heatherg21]

This is great advice - thanks!

Literally if you show up with your paperwork and broken in good, well fitted running shoes you will be fine. Probably better than most. Ask mom or dad to mail you a list of addresses for those you might write, if you have time 😂. And I always pass on the advice given to our 2024. Write yourself a “why” letter. Why did you choose this path. Why is it worth the hell and moments of doubt. Sign it and seal it. Give it to a trusted person and ask them to send it when you need it.

 

[tweety_bird]

Agree with the above. Wallet, copy of paperwork, compression shorts, sports bras (for the ladies) and a bag labeled with your name for your cell. Wear the running shoes. I would say in the first few care packages some white underwear of your choice, another pair of running shoes, some more compression shorts, and if you have some nicer white athletic socks (gotta be tall, gotta keep em motivated) have them sent too. This keeps you light for I day, but know that you have a few creature comforts headed your way shortly after I Day.

Will I be okay if I don't bring the compression shorts and sports bras to I-Day, or will I run out of clothes before they can be washed? I don't want to buy and carry around unnecessary items if I don't have to, so I was thinking that I could just write home if I needed anything.

 

[Capt MJ]

Will I be okay if I don't bring the compression shorts and sports bras to I-Day, or will I run out of clothes before they can be washed? I don't want to buy and carry around unnecessary items if I don't have to, so I was thinking that I could just write home if I needed anything.

If the issue sports bra chafes in a bad spot or doesn’t fit well enough to do its job, and the mail or FedEx is delayed, you might wish you’d rolled up 2-3 ounces’ worth and stowed in a baggie. Last summer there were big delays on packages - largely due to pandemic. It’s a tiny PO and delivery office, and there are 1100-1200 plebes’ worth of anxious families shipping stuff off.

 

[tweety_bird]

Thank you! Is there anyone who can make a recommendation about how many extra pairs of compression shorts/sports bras/underwear I should bring?

 

[Heatherg21]

No expert here but I would think anything you could fit in a gallon zip lock would be worth having. And at the end of the day, if these don’t make it and mail is abysmal you will still survive.

 

[Don't Give Up the Ship]

Heatherg21 provides good advice. For my Son, he had 8 extra compression shorts and we ended up sending more.

 

[justdoit19]

I have had two sons go through it. Here is their advice: Extra compressions, a labeled charger/phone/battery in a labeled ziplock, copies of all your paperwork, wear broken-in (and properly fitted, good quality) running shoes (and mom and dad will thank you if there is something they can easily-ish identify in a mass group shot of plebes that all look the same, like a colored swoosh for example), and a PMA (positive mental attitude)....all in a day pack. Not a suitcase or big duffle. But a day back (Detailers will be hauling all that and you won’t have access to anything beyond the bare necessities packed in a bi suitcase anyhow).

Have a 2nd pair of broken in shoes boxed up with even more compressions labeled with your mailing address (you will get closer to Iday) ready for you parents to drop off at the post office after they drop you off. You will appreciate having a 2nd pair, so always fresh and dry, shoes. And you can really never have enough compressions.

You can see the theme here...less is more. Literally, as stated, you can show up with nothing and be fine. Even paperwork has been forgotten (stressfull? Yes. Manageable and more difficult check in? Yes. But literally, one can report as is and you will be fine...).

Expect mail delays. Always happens. 2people, and 1,200 packages on their way. Parents need patience in this area.

SO EXCITED FOR ‘25!!!!!

BTW, search “what to bring plebe summer” in the search box here, and you will get hours of thread reading advise. We are such planners/preppers by nature. Especially Uber-organized kids that manage to obtain an appointment. Probably one of the harder adjustments for plebe summer is just letting go. Do what you are told, when you are told to do it. That’s all you have to do. By design. Both of my guys said ‘plebe summer is pretty easy’ in that department. They didnt have to THINK. Just DO.

 

[justdoit19]

Here are the “supplies” that are typically issued, day one.

 

[justdoit19]

...also day one, toting other stuff.