<p>so we have all heard about the new rules about drinking while a midshipmen at the academy, but what are the rules for candidates/appointees?</p>
<p>if a candidate is caught drinking underage, what happens?</p>
<p>if an appointee is caught drinking after sending in his/her police record, what happens? will they lose their appointment?</p>
<p>Why not just stop drinking?</p>
<p>yeah but what if I have just gotten nabbed for it? then what?</p>
<p>My plebe to be was determined to be completely honest on all his USNA paperwork, and so he admitted to drinking beer with his friends. He will be at I-day on July 2.</p>
<p>If you have been arrested and there are charges pending against you, it may be a different story. </p>
<p>I don't think USNA has its head in the sand regarding underage drinking. They know it happens, they have a very good understanding of the workings of young men. </p>
<p>I would think that they would make a decision based on your individual circumstances. Was it just simply underage drinking? or was there disorderly conduct, driving, or other drinking associated behaviors like vandalism?</p>
<p>This is all just my opinion, I don't actually know what I'm talking about.</p>
<p>I submitted my police record check back a month or two ago. a few days ago (graduation night) I was at a party. though I had never touched alcohol before, I decided to have a beer and coincidentally I got caught and was charged with underage drinking. I'm really worried about what will happen on I-Day. Will they send me home? Also do I need to report this to USNA?</p>
<p>I would definitely report it to USNA. You would be wasting your time by going up there if you're just going to be turned away.</p>
<p>It's not like you robbed a house or anything, but I would still expect the worst.</p>
<p>Absolutely report it to USNA. They're going to find out anyway. If I were you, I would exhibit some of the fine qualities that got you accepted in the first place. Stand tall, shoulders back, admit what you did, take responsibility, and convince them you are still worth investing in. In person if possible. Soon.</p>
<p>There is a lot riding on this. Handle it the way they would like to see someone of integrity handle it. You may lose your appointment anyway, but at least you gave it your best shot.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I don't think USNA has its head in the sand regarding underage drinking. They know it happens, they have a very good understanding of the workings of young men.
[/quote]
...and women!</p>
<p>This is a very true statement. It happens, it happens with midshipmen, know of one in particular that not only got charged with underage drinking, managed to get a DUI at the same time...not a good combination, and quite frankly pretty stupid (summer between 3/c and 2/c) He is still at USNA, not separated but did rack up a good number of demerits with a good amount of time on restriction.</p>
<p>One of the things that stood out at the class of 2010 parents brief, given at the time by then Captain Grooms (Now Adm Grooms) the commandant and Adm Rempt, was that the Academy truly does understand that they are dealing with college kids in today's society. They are certainly not naive about todays youth. They have implemented programs to help our Midshipmen deal with the issues of drinking. As much as we can all claim our child or even "I" will not do it, it happens even to the best and the brightest. </p>
<p>First thing I would do before calling USNA is have a heart to heart with your B&G and get their opinion. Find out from your law enforcement exactly what the charges are and what will be required of you - court time, fine etc... Once you have all of your facts, and probably an attorney, call your regional director at USNA and then let the system work its way through. Be honest. Everyone makes mistakes, USNA wants to make sure you have learned, you will be responsible for your actions and that you will not let it happen again. This is one of those situations where you need to trust the system. You also need to trust that you can handle what ever repercussions will come from your actions.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Good advice, NativeTexan. Thanks for the wise words.</p>
<p>Just let the academy know. Do not drink as a plebe or underage at the academy. They will find out. Facebook is checked for pictures. As a Bn Commander I can not tell you how many adjudications I had to go to for alcohol related stuff. It gets very interesting when you have an underage mid standing in front of a Captain explaining how this was the only time they drank underage, and the Captain pulls up a pictures of the midn drinking on facebook. It is not a situation you want to get yourself into and if you get caught you can plan on spending a holiday or possibly the summer on restriction at the academy. Does underage drinking take place at the academy...yes but if you do you have to be ready to accept the consquences.</p>
<p>For those of you heading to USNA . . . there are a lot of things you give up for the privilege of being a midshipman. Wearing civilian clothes. Freedom to come and go as you please. Ability to room alone or with whomever you want to. Ability to live "off-campus." Opportunity to have a car at or near school (until a firstie, for all practical purposes). Not being able to "drag" much of plebe year. The list goes on and on.</p>
<p>Consider use of alcohol -- until you're of age and otherwise permitted by USNA to consume it -- as one of those prohibitions. Yeah, all your civilian friends are probably doing it, but they aren't at USNA. </p>
<p>You worked very hard to get to USNA. YOU wanted to come, knowing the restrictions that would be imposed. Don't screw it up now. Once you're 21, you can legally drink in moderation. Until then, think of it as not having a car. Just don't do it -- and then you won't have to worry about the consequences.</p>