Words of Wisdom - for Plebe Summer (Parts I and II)

If by ruck marches, you mean hoofing through the hills while donning backpack and toting rifle as they do at WP, the answer is no.

In normal years, plebes learn to march during plebe summer — with rifle over shoulder, no backpack — in preparation for several parades during the academic year (and the plebe parents weekend parade, of course).

Not much marching during last year’s truncated plebe summer, but I’m sure the detailers and chain of command are eager to bring it back.
Thanks! That is exactly the answer I was looking for.
 
Curious if there is a summer workout plan to prepare for plebe summer. If so where would DS print out to use for his training. Obviously running is great thing, but wondering if there is a suggested protocol?
 
Curious if there is a summer workout plan to prepare for plebe summer. If so where would DS print out to use for his training. Obviously running is great thing, but wondering if there is a suggested protocol?
Last year the Academy sent out a recommended workout schedule with the permit to report information. You can find last year's information here: LINK
 
Before my sons went off to the Naval Academy, I imparted a few "Words of Wisdom".

I didn't tell them everything they needed to know because the Naval Academy has changed over the years. Today's Naval Academy isn't the same as it was in the 70's, just as the the Naval Academy of my day was not the same as it was in the 40's. (We were the first class to use calculators and not a slide rule -and- we were also the last all-male class.) Needless to say, I don't know everything about how it operates today. My sons had to learn on their own - just as the members of the Class of 2014 will have to learn on their own.

But some things are universal. There are some fundamentals that are thematic to the Plebe Summer experience. That's what I shared with them.

I "jotted" down some of my thoughts. You may find them useful.

This discussion is limited to the Plebe Summer experience and is not intended to be an all-exclusive Naval Academy tutorial.

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These are just a few words of wisdom for those getting ready to embark on Plebe Summer. An entire book could be written on this subject. These are just my off-the-cuff thoughts. I am not a Blue & Gold Officer. I am not a representative of the United States Naval Academy. I’m just a grad (’79) and father of two midshipmen. You can take what I have to say for what it’s worth.

* * * * *

It is not necessary, nor particularly helpful, to try to anticipate and understand every aspect of the Plebe Summer experience. Some of it just has to be experienced and handled in your own way. There is always a little something different for each class. But there are some generalities that are universal.

First of all, you do not need to be concerned that you grew up in the cornfields of Nebraska and have no intimate knowledge of the Navy. The Naval Academy has been doing this since 1845 and they have had all types enter the gates on Induction Day (I-Day). They have had sons/daughters of Admirals and sons/daughters of insurance salesmen. Some inductees have had a parent who won the Medal of Honor and some appointees have had a parent who served time in jail. Your pedigree, or lack thereof, is going to be of little concern (or knowledge) of the upperclassmen who will be responsible for your training. They will teach you everything you need to know. They will assume you know nothing; nor will they care about who your mother or father was.

Don't be intimidated by classmates who have a background that seemingly gives them an advantage. Remember, those who were prior enlisted have been out of academic circulation for at least a year and those who attended NAPS needed to attend a preparatory school for a reason. If you are showing up on I-Day, directly from high school, that means the Admissions Board thought very highly of you. Whether you know it or not – you're ready and you have what it takes. Everybody who is admitted, regardless of their background, has what it takes to succeed.

You are no longer competing with other candidates for admission. You've made it! You are all classmates now. You are not trying to outdo or outshine each other. The classmate who shows you some tips on how to keep your shoes shiny, later on, may need your help in solving a problem in Calculus. Everybody will have something to contribute.

Learning how to properly stand at attention, salute, march, handle a rifle, and make your bunk are mastered very quickly. It's not rocket science. Those with prior enlisted service, or who attended NAPS, may already know these things but, quite frankly, these are very easily mastered by anybody. By no means are these the most challenging aspects of the Plebe Summer experience. You'll be shown how to do it. You may need a little help to perfect it. You'll catch on and nobody will know the difference between your salute and that of a 22-yr-old, former Marine Corporal.

Here's what I call the “H's of Plebe Summer”

Heat & Humidity

Maryland summers can be brutal. It's almost as if God turns up the thermostat just to add to the Plebes' misery.

There was a time when Bancroft Hall was not air-conditioned. Now it is. But that's not going to do you much good as the sun beats down on you while you are marching around on Farragut and Dewey Field. Also, once the temperature gets above 90-degrees, the air-conditioning in individual rooms can be woefully inadequate.

I strongly recommended that you build-up some heat tolerance prior to reporting for I-Day. Don't just jog in the coolness of the evening. Get out there and jog at 2pm, in the heat of the day. Mow your lawn when it's blistering hot.

If you are from a state that has mild temperatures and low humidity (like Colorado), you may be in for a surprise.

The Academy has rules about when it is too hot to march. They call it a “black flag.” They will cancel marching. All that means is that you will be marching around the Yard late at night. Believe me, one way or the other, you're going to learn to march during Plebe Summer.

Do not underestimate how the heat can chisel away at your resolve. It does not affect everybody equally.

Ironically, the Class of 2013 was fortunate enough to have one of the mildest summers in decades. It didn't even get above 90-degrees until the Sunday of Plebe Parents Weekend. The humidity was low and, for the most part, it was in the 70's. Very unusual.

On the other hand, the Class of 2011 was cooked alive. It was beyond miserable.

Be prepared for the “Class of 2011” experience – which is far more common.

Humbleness

Most midshipmen were very successful in their pre-academy life. They were the captains of their varsity sports team. They were class presidents. They graduated in the top 10%. They worked at the local soup kitchen every weekend. They had newspaper articles written about them. They've won awards. They have been successful at everything they have ever done. They have obtained all their goals. They were community superstars. Some have never known failure.

When you get to the Naval Academy, nobody cares about your past achievements. Nobody even wants to hear it. Nobody cares that you got an LOA (Letter of Assurance), that you've been recruited for lacrosse because you're such a stud, that you got a perfect score on your ACT, that your father works at the Pentagon, or that you got a presidential nomination.

Which brings me to the next “H” ...

Help

If you find yourself excelling at Plebedom – instead of basking in your success and trying to win Plebe-of-the-Year, try to assist those who are not fairing as well. Instead of being the first person to finish the obstacle course, stop and help a classmate struggling to get over the wall or climb a rope.

The upperclassmen will notice your effort. Try to be selfless – maybe for the first time in your life.

Humility

Be prepared to fail at something.

Be prepared to not-be-the-best at everything you do.

Some aspects of Plebe Summer can be very boot camp-like. You are making the transition from the civilian to the military world. This has to be accomplished in about 6 weeks. One way to expedite this process is to knock the pins out from everybody, break them down, make them all equal, and then build them back up.

Accept these mini-failures with grace. Don't let it get you down. It's all part of the process.

Some will experience failure for the first time in their life.

As I think back to my experience as a 1st set Plebe Detailer during the summer of 1978, I recall we were instructed to insure every Plebe fails at something. If one particular Plebe keeps succeeding at everything, we just kept pushing him until he failed.

I was a squad leader. I recall one particular Plebe who was a former Marine. He was outstanding in everything. I could not get that guy to stumble in anything. So I decided to overload him. I taught him, alone, how all the clothing was to be folded and stowed. I taught him, alone, how the racks were to be made. And then I told him to teach his squadmates everything I just taught him. I told him that he was responsible for their failures. That worked! :shake:

I know this is not related to Plebe Summer; but keep this in mind: By definition, half of everybody in your class will graduate in the bottom half of the class. Nobody enters the academy thinking it will be them.

Addressing the entire plebe class on I-Day, superintendent, Vice Admiral Fowler, once said, “The level of excellence that got you here today is not good enough to get you through the next four years of the Naval Academy.” Some will learn the truth of those words.

Humor

There will be times to laugh during Plebe Summer. If you're the only one not laughing – if you're the only one who doesn't think it's funny – you may be taking things too seriously.

Learn to laugh – even if you have to laugh at your own failures.

It's not 100% serious 100% of the time. The key is to know when it's time to be serious and when it's time to laugh.

Homesickness

It's normal to get homesick. You will miss your parents, your brother/sister, your friends, your dog, your boyfriend/girlfriend, and the comfort of sleeping in your own bed. That's only normal.

The key is to not allow this to cloud your new objective in life. You knew you had to leave home sooner or later, didn't you? Well, that time has come sooner rather than later. Do not allow this to become debilitating.

I have a personal theory. I believe the underlying reason for most of those who quit during Plebe Summer is homesickness. Although the individual may never articulate it (or realize it) – I think it frequently plays a role.

Realize that pangs of homesickness are normal. Deal with it and put it behind you. Do not dwell on it.

Even Mother Teresa had her “Dark Night of the Soul.” Who would imagine that Mother Teresa, of all people, once secretly questioned the existence of God? You may have your own, personal “Dark Night of the Soul”. You may question why you ever came to the Naval Academy. That moment frequently occurs while you’re lying in your rack exhausted, after a particularly bad day.

“What the hell was I thinking?”

It will pass.
As a Coloradan I am wondering what you meant by "If you are from a state that has mild temperatures and low humidity (like Colorado), you may be in for a surprise."? thanks :) also a super helpful post.
 
As a Coloradan I am wondering what you meant by "If you are from a state that has mild temperatures and low humidity (like Colorado), you may be in for a surprise."?
From someone who has lived in both the Mid-Atlantic and the Rockies: Colorado is known for 5280. Annapolis is known for 90 — as in 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity during plebe summer.

One big indicator: In Colorado, you can work out hard and not get very sweaty. In Annapolis, if you exert the same effort, your shirt will be soaked in little time. 🥵 But if you’re fit, you’re fine.

In Colorado, everything is comfortably dry. In Annapolis, everything is consistently damp. Morning PT starts before sunrise, but the air will be heavy even then. It takes some getting used to, but again, if you’re in great shape, shouldn’t be an issue.
 
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From someone who has lived in both the Mid-Atlantic and the Rockies: Colorado is known for 5280. Annapolis is known for 90 — as in 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity during plebe summer.

One big indicator: In Colorado, you can work out hard and not get very sweaty. In Annapolis, if you exert the same effort, your shirt will be soaked in little time. 🥵 But if you’re fit, you’re fine.

In Colorado, everything is comfortably dry. In Annapolis, everything is consistently damp. Morning PT starts before sunrise, but the air will be heavy even then. It takes some getting used to, but again, if you’re in great shape, shouldn’t be an issue.
Another thing to add I am originally from Virginia but it's been years since I've actually lived there. I would like to think I am very fit, I'm a little underweight for my height but I am healthy(workout, eat right, etc.) but I think I'm just worrying too much besides I'm only in my first year of high school, so lots of time to prepare.
 
Another thing to add I am originally from Virginia but it's been years since I've actually lived there. I would like to think I am very fit, I'm a little underweight for my height but I am healthy(workout, eat right, etc.) but I think I'm just worrying too much besides I'm only in my first year of high school, so lots of time to prepare.

PEP (Physical Education for Plebes) is not that difficult. You do not have to be an ironman. It's just basic stuff that most people can do - lots of running, stretching, push-ups, sit-ups, leg lifts, arm circles, jumping jacks. It is 90 minutes long, however.
 
PEP (Physical Education for Plebes) is not that difficult. You do not have to be an ironman. It's just basic stuff that most people can do - lots of running, stretching, push-ups, sit-ups, leg lifts, arm circles, jumping jacks. It is 90 minutes long, however.
Just read your “prep for plebes”. Good stuff. Just dropped my Napster off for iday…
 
I figured It’s a good time to wake up this thread, since Class of 2027 is already taking form, it really seems like yesterday that I was reading all of this advise, and now my DD is on the other side of PS and starting second semester.
While my memories are still fresh I like to post here about something that would have made a difference, for the good. I was never a big believer of vitamins, we would purchase them from time to time, just for them to expire in the pantry. My DD was always a good eater, so the nutrition was there but plenty people advised for her to take some form of supplements but mainly vitamin C (like EmergenC), we had the best intentions to follow the advise but we did not. PS came and for all those reasons you read through the threads and social media pages, she got sick with absolutely everything, Covid19, stomach bugs, pink eye and the infamous Plebe Hack. She kind of recuperated when the academic year started and it wasn't until we visited her in October that she told us how sick and weak and miserable she was, the same day we got her multivitamins, EmergenC and Omega3 (Krill oil). In only a few days she started feeling like herself and she hasn’t get sick after. So I really don’t know if the vitamins worked or it was coincidence but it won’t hurt to start taking them now. And I can’t emphasize enough about nutrition! You need to up the game in this matter, the stronger your inmune system is, the less chances of getting sick.
The things you are allowed to take with you to the first day of PS is very limited, I believe vitamins could be mailed as part of a care package
The gummy form of EmergenC is more convenient than the little packages that need to be dissolved in water, although the latest have 1000mg of vitC and the gummies 750mg
PS is demanding in all aspects, you want to show up on I-Day in your best shape and healthier than ever!
 
In only a few days she started feeling like herself and she hasn’t get sick after. So I really don’t know if the vitamins worked or it was coincidence but it won’t hurt to start taking them now. And I can’t emphasize enough about nutrition! You need to up the game in this matter, the stronger your inmune system is, the less chances of getting sick.

The midshipmen's diet takes into consideration the nutritional needs of an active young adult. That should be enough unless the midshipman is simply not eating certain foods put before them. My guess is that most midshipmen do not take any kind of supplements and still do not get sick. I think your daughter was just unlucky. People get sick despite their best efforts and no fault of their own.

I'm not sure why you think vitamin C would be the deficiency. If you're going to take a vitamin, why not take a multi-vitamin and cover all the vitamins? For all you know, it was a vitamin D, folate or B12 deficiency; or, as I said, just bad luck. Yet, your recommendation certainly cannot hurt.
 
For what she tells me, King Hall food it’s pretty balanced and there is other great food options too. As it should be expected, during PS they are stressed and tired, not being a doctor I think those factors definitely lower your defenses, add to that being in enclosed quarters with lots of other people, bugs go around for sure. Some of her friends didn’t get sick, that is true.
We were never “supplements” people and I really don’t know if it was a coincidence, a psychological trick, Divine intervention or what, the truth is that 48 hours into multi vitamins, EmergenC and Krill Oil she had no more health issues. I have to add that she was prescribed Vit D at the Academy.
At the end we are all different, you can’t be “too prepare” that’s the reason of my humble advise, wanted to share what actually worked for my plebe.
 
I'll echo what Goal2004 said above by saying it's amazing how it seems like just yesterday we were here. You probably already know but the next six months is an absolute whirlwind of emotions. Like the others here, I spent a lot of time on on these threads in the months leading up to June 30th. I harped on my DS over the summer to go run, do push ups, pull ups, etc. and honestly, he spent the summer being a kid. He played baseball in high school and was in very good shape. After effectively taking the summer off, I'd say the physical part still wasn't nearly as hard as I built it up to be for him. His baseball coach was an absolute yeller so after four years of that, the yelling during plebe summer didn't bother him. Where I wish I had spent more time was talking about the mental aspect of what was to come. Mine began to show his nervousness about a month ahead of time. He had a girlfriend and they are still together but the inevitability started to loom large 4-6 weeks out for mine. And she was extremely proud and supportive of him. I was extremely optimistic on I-Day dropping him off and knew he had this. During the ten days between drop off and the first 30-minute phone call, I was anxious to hear his voice and to hear the great time he was having. When we finally got to talk to him, he proclaimed that he didn't think this was for him. On the first couple of days, they spent time hearing from folks in the Navy at times. There were two that hit him hard. One talked about the demands of a career in the military. He had been married and divorced and had a daughter who wanted nothing to do with him. Another described the state of the world and my son's interpretation was that we were going to be at war with China or Russia before he graduated and that he needed to get his affairs in order. Could that be true? Absolutely. But it was still pretty heavy for my 18 year old. Then he spent five days in quarantine (in his room) to think about all of that because his roommate came down with COVID. It was almost a perfect storm. After hearing all of this on that first call, we had about 5 minutes to respond before he had to hang up. And we were not prepared for that type of response so we ended the call thinking that we may get a second call sooner than 14 days from that one. The subsequent calls got a little better and the Parents' Weekend visit couldn't come soon enough. I am proud to say that he made it through and committed to at least finishing the first semester. First semester is still super tough because of the grind but he really came through beautifully and by a few weeks in was talking about what he wanted to select in the first summer rotations. I'm not disillusioned to think it won't continue to have its ups and downs but I have no doubt he's all in at this point and from my perspective, he's flourishing. Sorry to be so wordy but all that said, I'd recommend you definitely spend time talking about the mental games as well as how they'll manage their own emotions when they get down because they definitely will.
 
I'll echo what Goal2004 said above by saying it's amazing how it seems like just yesterday we were here. You probably already know but the next six months is an absolute whirlwind of emotions. Like the others here, I spent a lot of time on on these threads in the months leading up to June 30th. I harped on my DS over the summer to go run, do push ups, pull ups, etc. and honestly, he spent the summer being a kid. He played baseball in high school and was in very good shape. After effectively taking the summer off, I'd say the physical part still wasn't nearly as hard as I built it up to be for him. His baseball coach was an absolute yeller so after four years of that, the yelling during plebe summer didn't bother him. Where I wish I had spent more time was talking about the mental aspect of what was to come. Mine began to show his nervousness about a month ahead of time. He had a girlfriend and they are still together but the inevitability started to loom large 4-6 weeks out for mine. And she was extremely proud and supportive of him. I was extremely optimistic on I-Day dropping him off and knew he had this. During the ten days between drop off and the first 30-minute phone call, I was anxious to hear his voice and to hear the great time he was having. When we finally got to talk to him, he proclaimed that he didn't think this was for him. On the first couple of days, they spent time hearing from folks in the Navy at times. There were two that hit him hard. One talked about the demands of a career in the military. He had been married and divorced and had a daughter who wanted nothing to do with him. Another described the state of the world and my son's interpretation was that we were going to be at war with China or Russia before he graduated and that he needed to get his affairs in order. Could that be true? Absolutely. But it was still pretty heavy for my 18 year old. Then he spent five days in quarantine (in his room) to think about all of that because his roommate came down with COVID. It was almost a perfect storm. After hearing all of this on that first call, we had about 5 minutes to respond before he had to hang up. And we were not prepared for that type of response so we ended the call thinking that we may get a second call sooner than 14 days from that one. The subsequent calls got a little better and the Parents' Weekend visit couldn't come soon enough. I am proud to say that he made it through and committed to at least finishing the first semester. First semester is still super tough because of the grind but he really came through beautifully and by a few weeks in was talking about what he wanted to select in the first summer rotations. I'm not disillusioned to think it won't continue to have its ups and downs but I have no doubt he's all in at this point and from my perspective, he's flourishing. Sorry to be so wordy but all that said, I'd recommend you definitely spend time talking about the mental games as well as how they'll manage their own emotions when they get down because they definitely will.
They (and us) could had never been ready enough, for that’s a paradox. We were wrong about the parts where we believed she was going to be ok and surprised when she’d thrived in other aspects. Plebe summer is just that, an experience that will dig deep into your soul.
 
Words of Wisdom - for Plebe Summer (Part II)

Hazing

The type of silly, pointless, demeaning, and sometimes dangerous, hazing you hear about that goes on at civilian universities, contrary to popular opinion, is very rare at the Naval Academy. Technically, it’s not even allowed.

Remember these important three points:

1. They can’t hit you.
2. They can’t stop the clock. They can’t add more hours in the day or more days in the week. Every day you get by is one less day of Plebe Summer. Think of it as an hour glass. Sand is constantly falling to the bottom. They can’t flip the hour glass over and they can’t turn it on its side. When the last grain of sand hits the bottom – Plebe Summer is over! And if you’re still there – then you made it.
3. Remember that the individuals training you are also being trained themselves. They haven’t graduated from the Naval Academy yet. They’re students! Some will be better leaders than others. Some will make mistakes. Don’t expect them to be perfect. Someday you’ll get your chance to be the “perfect” Plebe Summer Detailer. The firsties are being evaluated on how well they train you. They are honing their leadership skills whereas you are learning good followership skills – a stepping stone and an essential ingredient of good leadership.

Health

Stay healthy between now and I-Day. Certain injuries can disqualify you for admission even though you have an appointment. You can’t report to I-Day with your leg in a cast, for instance.

But you also need to work to stay healthy during Plebe Summer.

Sometimes there’s nothing you can do about it, but you don’t want to be “the guy” who spent his entire Plebe Summer on a “chit” (approval to miss events like PEP, marching, swimming, obstacle courses, etc.)

Hunger

There may be a few dissenting opinions, but the food at the Naval Academy is both plentiful and of good quality. Eat when you get the chance – even if it’s not your favorite meal. You’re going to need it for energy.

Get used to the fact that you cannot make a midnight run to Taco Bell, Burger King, or KFC.

There is no “chow line.” You are served family style, all at once, at tables that seat 12. The food is served to you. If you have bad table manners – it will be noticed and it will be corrected.

If you are prone to late night munchies, you may want some healthy snacks included in a “care package.” PowerBars are sometimes a good option.

One of my sons actually gained weight during Plebe Summer; so much so that his squad leader tried to curtail his eating by making him chew each bite 7-times before swallowing. He liked the food!

FINAL THOUGHTS: No single thing during Plebe Summer is particularly difficult. But the overall experience is relentless. Sometimes that can start wearing you down. You can do it, though! Plebes have been doing it successfully for over 150 years; and so can you.

For the most part, you will be out of communication with your friends. No computers – no Facebook – no email – no text messaging. You’ll get to briefly use your cellphone a few times, during designated times. But, for the most part, letter writing is the primary means of communication. Letter writing is a lost art in today’s society, so don’t expect all your friends to be writing you letters. You won’t have time to be writing many, either.

You will feel uncomfortable, at first – like a fish out of water. You may even think that you’ve made an enormous mistake in deciding to attend the Naval Academy. However, in the very near future, there will come a day when Plebe Summer will be over … you’ll be strolling down Stribling Walk on a beautiful day while on your way to class … the flowers blooming … the grass will be freshly mowed … a squirrel will dart playfully at your feet … birds will be chirping … the fresh air will be blowing off the Chesapeake … tourists will be walking around taking your picture … There will be a banner hanging from a monument saying, “Beat the Terrapins!” … you’ll be surrounded by majestic buildings through which doors many great Americans have passed. You’ll take it all in and think, “This is awesome!” This is your school. You belong here. You won’t be able to imagine how you could have gone to any other school. It’s the best of everything.

Good luck 2014!

Thank you for this post. As a new appointee for the class of 2028, this has put many of my worries to rest.
 
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