Advice for preparing for plebe summer!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>THANK you Bluesky… at least someone understands.</p>

<p>GoNavy… think what you want to, but your “summary” of what you think I said proves more of your “flippant, glib and arrogant” mindset than anyone’s.</p>

<p>I don’t appreciate the personal attacks here, and you’re wielding a MUCH too serious attitude. What Bluesky said is absolutely correct. People drink. That’s all there is to it.</p>

<p>If you think I’m arrogant for my statement, then so is every officer in my command that gave me the SAME spiel, and as noted above, at Bluesky’s as well.</p>

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<p>whatever the views …and they vary as we see … please go gently and with respect toward each other. It’s the only way to start, realizing there will be MANY issues with widely disparate views. don’t allow these differences to separate you. remember …respect each other.</p>

43

<p>Superdoc,</p>

<p>before I chime in, I would appreciate your answer to a question.</p>

<p>What is the difference between a Marine officer and a Naval officer?
What is the difference between an officer and an enlisted; either branch?
Generally, that is.
I’m not trying to trap you . . . just want to know if you have an opinion about what it means to be an officer?</p>

44

<p>One other question . . . .
How would you advise an underaged enlisted to answer any questions about his involvment in a drinking incident? That is, if an underaged enlisted were present–and drinking–at an event that somehow got out of control; how would you advise that enlisted to answer questions about his presence, his drinking, or his involvement?</p>

45

<p>But you are, sir. You’re asking me questions you know I’ll answer in a way where you can simply contradict it with the statements I made above. So, simply put:</p>

<p>An Officer has a degree. (Or took advantage of one to become an officer).</p>

<p>Now of course there’s a ton more to it all, and I obviously don’t know what it takes to be an officer, but believe me, the sole reason I’m headed down the road that I am is to find out. I’ll get back to you on that in a few years.</p>

46

<p>SuperDoc,</p>

<p>You are correct that those underage will drink even though it is illegal. Here are the things to consider when drinking (whether underage or of-age – I am not endorsing underage drinking):</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Have a plan and stick to it. This could mean drinking somewhere safe (i.e. a house where you give up your keys) or having a designated person who does not drink at all. Ensure that you have a plan for transportation. PLAN AHEAD!</p></li>
<li><p>Drink responsibly (I don’t think I need to explain what this means).</p></li>
<li><p>Be prepared to accept responsibility for any consequences that is a result of drinking. Remember, as future officers, you can’t expect your Sailors or Marines to follow policy if you can’t do it! </p></li>
<li><p>1/C and 2/C should be ensuring that everyone in their direct chain-of-command has the appropriate phone numbers (liberty cards). If your company isn’t having a liberty brief on Friday at quarters, that probably needs to be happening. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>ARI (Alcohol Related Incidents) are a big problem in the Fleet right now. I can’t tell you how many SITREPs I have seen involving DUIs, etc. I can tell you that commands can do something about it: NRSW has an “Arrive Alive” card, which is a free ride from where you are, back to your place – no questions asked. Our ship will send a van anywhere within city limits to pick up Sailors who have drank and need a ride to safety; underage Sailors who use this program WILL NOT be sent to Captain’s Mast. The LPO, LCPO, DIVO, and DH are always on duty.</p>

<p>Oldmid, it would depend on the situation, but I would not suggest lying. One of my guys lied at a Captain’s Mast and it was blatantly obvious and it showed when the punishment was awarded (least to say the CO wasn’t happy)!</p>

<p>

At the end of the day, the difference between the two is that the officer makes a decision and is responsible for it. The enlisted carried out that decision.</p>

<p>

Not always true…do some research!</p>

47

<p>For that little stab against what I said about officers and the whole degree thing… that was a purposeful over-generalization, and should have been treated as one. :)</p>

48

<p>Perhaps I should have asked what makes a “good” officer.</p>

<p>My single biggest disappointment about the Academy has been teh attitude of many of those who attend. Many are not prepared, mentally or physically, to be here. Phsyical deficiencies I will leave to another day.
Mentally, however, it seems that more than a few consider the whole “leadershp laboratory” concept to be a game. That the multitude of regs. are just there to be gamed.</p>

<p>In that regard, you are correct. People get a degree from here, they get to be called “sir.”</p>

<p>Simply put, you don’t drink as a plebe because its againt the rules. You don’t drink when underaged because its against the law and against the rule. YOu don’t overdrink, even when of age, because its against the rules. And if you can’t follow the rules, how can or should you expect for your subordinates to follow the rules. Whether I agree or disagree with the rule doesn’t matter.</p>

<p>I believe an officer should do what’s right because its the right thing to do. He/She has the moral bearing to do the right thing, not because he is afraid of being caught but because he has been trained to do the right thing at all times. Perhaps that is wha tyou will learn to be the difference between an enlisted person and an officer.
The “degree” certainly entitles you to be called “sir” and grants you those bars. Technically you are an officer.</p>

<p>Perhaps the question is more one of the difference between an officer and a leader.</p>

<p>I can tell you that here, at the Academy, I have not heard anybody, w/ a “wink and a nod”, imply to those who are not permitted to drink that, since they were going to do it anyway, they should “be careful.” Quite the contrary, all I have been remined of is that those who are underage should [must] not drink. That the punishment can be severe. “Don’t do it” has been the mantra.</p>

<p>And I can give you a couple of examples where underage drinking was punished. Even though everybody was careful and nobody was harmed. A little ol’ party in a rented house where a few plebes showed up; big trouble for everybody concerned because the upper-class in attendance did not immediately send those guys home.
Drugs? Slightly different issue but still relevant. How about separation for drug use that occurred over the summer but was still detectable. No harm, no foul?</p>

<p>No trap. Very easy. You tell everybody to tell the truth. </p>

<p>Good luck. Perhaps your perspective will change at the “leadership laboratory.” Maybe not.</p>

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<p>And in that truth telling, I don’t imagine “Yes sir, but …” is one of the now acceptable answers, is it? :eek:</p>

<p>Remember Mids … w/ respect and kindness …for tomorrow you may be company mates, roommates, shipmates … </p>

<p>You can disagree w/out being disagreeable.</p>

50

<p>I am going to ask everyone who decides to accept their appointment to USNA to re-read Oldmid_almost’s post #48 above-</p>

<p>In fact, print it out and tuck it into your wallet for that time when you might be tempted to bend the rule, let alone break it. Take it for the sage advice that it is, because he is dead-on.</p>

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<p>Wow, oldmid_almost… damn. Great advice and explanation.</p>

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<p>i would have to agree that oldmid displays qualities commensurate of an officer.</p>

<p>editted to add: not every one at the Academy is looking for every opportunity to break a rule or regulation.</p>

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<p>I’ll tell you what folks… the separations of Firsties that have made foolish judgements are happening even today. Drank when they knew they shouldn’t (either underage, in wrong location, whatever. And, yes, there are Firsties that aren’t yet 21.) Chose to try to skate the PRT, had their last shot at it this past week, and failed it. No Commissioning/no graduation. Partied hardy with illicits; urinalysis doesn’t lie. Gate 3, and bilge. Conduct not becoming, etc… Each/every year it happens. Want to succeed at USNA? Do what you’re told, when you’re told to do it. Stay fit. Stay healthy. Work hard. Learn to get along with one another. Think about the consequences your actions have for #1 USNA/Navy, #2 Your fellow Mids, and #3 Yourself. Ship/shipmate/self, in that order. Don’t be a joe, and don’t skate.
For incoming Plebes, which is what this thread is <em>supposed</em> to be about, keep your academics up/don’t slack into senioritis. (use those 2 weeks between h.s. graduation and I-Day to do your relaxing). Stay fit and PRT-ready. Run (you’ll need it. Morning PT will get you, regardless how fit you are. Why not go there as fit as possible? Will make it a bit less rough.) And, as others have said, just try to take it one day at a time. They can’t stop the clock, and they can’t kill you (although you might wish for a quick end at some points of the summer…) Learn to listen. Learn to obey without question. Think! Keep your eyes forward, and when corrected, take it gracefully and for heaven’s sake, don’t keep making the same mistakes/errors… (Note: repeated errors is one of the best ways to place a target on your own back!) Be confident, but <em>not</em> cocky. (unless you <em>really</em> like to run and do up/downs, and cause your companymates to join you in same). Stay upbeat, and just enjoy the time you currently have. Your life is certainly going to take a dramatic change come I-Day! Congrats!!</p>

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<p>jmwrites has it right. AMAZING stories of people doing stupid stuff, even up to right now.</p>

<p>One thing needs clarification . . . and this is preparation for the year.</p>

<p>Do what your told to do, when you told to do it . . . .by those who are authorized to tell you something.
DO NOT listen to those who supposedly “know how it REALLY done” in the fleet or anywhere else, e.g. well, they don’t really expect you not to drink so don’t worry about that. LIsten to your Company Officer and your Company chain of command. If you REALLY have a question about a situation, ASK! Don’t risk all you have worked for just because you think “they don’t really mean it.” Believe me, THEY mean it!<br>
Let me say it again, THEY mean it.</p>

<p>I am almost out of here and I have seen PLENTY of stupid decisions by Plebes, by Youngsters, by Second Class, by Firsties. You just shake your head and wonder what it is that the person could have been thinking.</p>

<p>Do your best. TRY! and try again.</p>

<p>Follow the rules and don’t denigrate those who do. Don’t be a Joe, but that doesn’t mean that following the rules makes you a Joe. You’ll know one when you see one.</p>

<p>You have worked so hard to get this far. Best way to sum it up? Don’t be stupid!</p>

<p>Oh, one more thing: Agreed that not everyone is looking to break a reg but it has been disappointing to realize the number of people that do. The best advice I was given was to keep my head down, choose my friends carefully, do my job, take care of my business, take care of others, and try to learn. That is what I have done. I’ve stayed out of trouble and am almost graduated/commissioned. THat’s what is supposed to happen.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>