What do I bring for plebe summer?

tweety_bird said:
Sorry for all of the questions, but I don't want to purchase and bring something I can't use. Do the compression shorts have to be completely plain, or can they have a brand name in white or grey on the waistband? Also, what length inseam should I be purchasing? Thanks in advance!
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The logos on the waist band will be hidden under clothing. The UnderArmor ones that were issued last year had a giant logo on the waistband. I think whatever you are comfortable with in terms of length - they are worn under the USNA shorts. Womens compression shorts tend to be shorter than guys but the most important thing is that they are comfortable to be in for hours and don't chafe.

The longer the better for under Summer whites as they help with chafing from the shirt stays.
 
tweety_bird said:
Sorry for all of the questions, but I don't want to purchase and bring something I can't use. Do the compression shorts have to be completely plain, or can they have a brand name in white or grey on the waistband? Also, what length inseam should I be purchasing? Thanks in advance!
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Be creative ... here are a few options to blanket-over brand logos and other annoyances:

1. Try permanent colored magic markers to blend the annoyance with the background fabric ...

2. If (1) doesn’t work, you might have some leftover Enamel paint like “Rustoleum” that will blanket the annoyance

3. If you are good with stitching and sewing, sew some patch-work over the annoyance ... you must have some used apparel or leftover sewing fabric sitting around that is good stock patch-work

I am loyal to Carhartt overalls/shirts/pants, and Danner Boots .... so that logo is acceptable in public.
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tweety_bird said:
Sorry for all of the questions, but I don't want to purchase and bring something I can't use. Do the compression shorts have to be completely plain, or can they have a brand name in white or grey on the waistband? Also, what length inseam should I be purchasing? Thanks in advance!
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It's almost impossible to find completely plain compression shorts - just do your best. My DS purchased compression shorts with a 6" inseam in white, gray and black.
 
Dr. Strange Love said:
.
Be creative ... here are a few options to blanket-over brand logos and other annoyances:

1. Try permanent colored magic markers to blend the annoyance with the background fabric ...

2. If (1) doesn’t work, you might have some leftover Enamel paint like “Rustoleum” that will blanket the annoyance

3. If you are good with stitching and sewing, sew some patch-work over the annoyance ... you must have some used apparel or leftover sewing fabric sitting around that is good stock patch-work

.
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You are very funny but please take note that candidates and parents are very worried and might take this seriously.
 
Are you allowed to bring swimming goggles or are the given, don’t see anywhere. How about prescription goggles?
 
george44 said:
Are you allowed to bring swimming goggles or are the given, don’t see anywhere. How about prescription goggles?
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I have several pics of my DS in the pool wearing goggles during Plebe Summer, and I know he didn't take any with him - based on that I'd say they'll be issued. I don't have experience with prescription goggles.
 
They are issued goggles. I remember my DS telling us that. I think they were issued two pairs.
 
Mine needs contacts to see the alarm clock, he was issued glasses and goggles (goggles not prescription) and he still passed swim without crashing into anyone. USNA makes sure they have what they need to survive the summer. Show up with a great attitude, try not to draw attention to yourself and you'll be fine (well, as fine as anyone is over plebe summer ;) )
 
eaab08 said:
How do care packages work? Should parents wait a while or could they in theory send a care package a week into Plebe Summer or less?
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We mailed the first one the day we dropped him at airport for COVID plebe summer. Mail times are totally unpredictable, but your Mom is probably following the FaceBook parents page advice and not sending anything even remotely likely to spoil. Our son confirmed on first call that his company detailers were OK with "healthy" cookies, so we sent Oatmeal chocolate chip with no problems. Amazingly...one shoebox of "cowboy" oatmeal raisin cookies from his aunt arrived after over 2 months in transit (from Burke VA, 50 minutes from Annapolis) and they were totally fine.
 
ders_dad said:
Parents - send your plebe letters and postcards as often as possible during plebe summer. My DS has always been a “I don’t need any help” guy and internationally non-sentimental. But he saved everything card and letter from PS - every one. It might be the only time in their Snapchat lives that they depend on the US Postal Service. The first week is going to be the toughest mentally.
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I second this based on Welcome Aboard picnic for our 2025s recently. I asked all of the CO/WY mids to tell the 2025s what they appreciated MOST from their parents. Unanimous....letters, cards, anything to look at/read that reminds them of the support they have at home. Every time mail is passed out, your mid should have at least one thing in there from you, family members, friends. Your kid doesn't have to be the one with the most coming in, but don't let them be the kid with his/her head hanging because there was nothing.

At the Welcome Aboard, a mom of a 2025 asked us 2024 moms what to write about when there only so much family news to convey. I passed on a tip I heard from FB board: Tell your Plebe stories about things they did when they were younger that made you know they can do this. Every parent has stories of that time in 2nd grade, 4th grade, 9th grade that showed that this is a kid with GRIT. Write to them about a time when you saw their honor and integrity developing. Write to them about a time when they showed compassion and empathy to someone who wasn't doing well. Tell them again about what that teacher said to you about your son/daughter that still makes you proud today. Plebe summer is designed to shake them to the core. It is designed to make them feel not so special and maybe not as competent as they thought. Make mail call a time they know they will be reminded by the people who know them best-- why we know they can do this.
 
ders_dad said:
Parents - send your plebe letters and postcards as often as possible during plebe summer. My DS has always been a “I don’t need any help” guy and internationally non-sentimental. But he saved everything card and letter from PS - every one. It might be the only time in their Snapchat lives that they depend on the US Postal Service. The first week is going to be the toughest mentally.
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Plebes-to-be, don't open those letters from home envelopes in the passageway (hallway). There are always a few detailers who adhere to the philosophy that any open mail in Plebe's hands in the passageway is "public information". You could be asked to read your letter aloud to anyone in the area. To make matters worse, you might have to read in the "accent" of your company mascot.
 
Solid advise from @ThereseInDenver and @ders_dad. Mail is a huge morale booster. Mom's or Dad's handwriting or the misspellings from a younger sibling or relative will let your plebe know they are being thought each time they reread the letter. When plebes start wearing their combination cover they can discreetly tuck a letter behind the flap inside and pull it out when time allows. Something about holding and rereading a letter is very special and it will appreciated by your plebe. Hand written correspondence during plebe summer will be their connection to you in the present. Many, many, years from now it will be their connection to you from the past. Enjoy the remaining time with your child.
 
ThereseInDenver said:
Tell your Plebe stories about things they did when they were younger that made you know they can do this.
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Awesome and inspiring!

I did something sort of similar for DD. I took a bunch of photos from various stages of her childhood. Using PowerPoint, I put each photo on a sheet and added a pithy caption that tied the photo to USNA

For a photo of her munching a cheesesteak in Philly, I wrote “Thanks for committing to defend our Philadelphia freedom — the right to choose ‘wit’ or ‘witout.’”

For a photo of her sitting atop her bunk at summer camp, I wrote “What’s more comfortable, the bunks at Trout Lake or in Bancroft?”

I had a lot of fun finding photos and coming up with captions. Ended up sending close to 20.
 
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