<p>Does anyone know the official name of Midshipman Basic Training? And, also, what are some of the major things/hurdles to overcome... specific examples would be appreciated (as would time saving techniques).</p>
<p>Here's few: Sleep in your socks and shoes. (kidding)
Take an emory cloth to knock off the coating on your brass
Using windex on polished brass will keep the fingerprints off & shine on
Lighter to heat your shoe polish</p>
<p>Too many to list....</p>
<p>Sleep on top of your sheets if you can. Use your blue blanket to cover you. Easier to make the rack that way.</p>
<p>The lighter on the shoe polish is bunk. The key to spit-shining your shoes is TIME and WATER. Besides, you'll be using corframs, which you can windex, but which scratch and scuff easily.</p>
<p>Scrubbing Bubbles is your friend. Spray, scrub, rinse, repeat. Goodbye soap scum.</p>
<p>You will learn that putting your web belt on BACKWARDS will save you all kinds of trouble. The tab must align with the end of the buckle, with the barrel at the end of it's range. Takes a few tries, so once you've got it, you flip the belt and put it on using the back lock to clasp it. (It's easier to show you than explain it.)</p>
<p>The best thing to remove dust from your floor is a sweaty sock. The best thing to clean a mirror or window with is Windex and a sheet of newspaper. (It's really the only thing the Washington Post is good for aside from the comics). Zero streaks.</p>
<p>Be careful burning irish penants off your uniforms and fuzz off your shoulderboards. Burning is better for IP's because the flame fuses the thread against the garment. Trimming them (aside from taking longer) leaves them able to pop out again. Just don't burn your sleeve off. ;)</p>
<p>When you tuck your shirt in, lean back and grab the excess material on either side of your WAIST DOWN LOW. Grabbing it lower means that the fold extends down into your trousers and STAYS there. tucking too high causes the tuck to fall out. You do NOT need shirt stays to hold a tuck, and they are really uncomfortable. Marine Corps tucks are cool, but harder to do. I never used them, myself.</p>
<p>Got any specific questions?</p>
<p>Do you have to take showers in the morning, and if not is it okay to wear your PEP clothes to bed to save time? And is this a moot point because there will be enough time to get ready? Do you get hassled for leaving your room in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom? Do you have any tips for remembering knowledge? What was you best method for not smiling or laughing when you thought something was funny? What is a list of essential items to receive in a care package? Are flashlights good?</p>
<p>I'm writing my senior paper on the Naval Academy. Is there anything vital to the Academy that you think I should include?</p>
<p>What great questions DBH! But sleeping in sweaty PEP clothes? Are you sure you want to do that? Sounds like the making for a fungul jungle! (actually, sleeping in fresh clean ones sounds like it might be a real time saver!! good idea!)</p>
<p>Zaphod- if I can add a few to the ones DBH already listed- what are the shirt stays for the tucks? And what is a marine corps tuck? We have been told not to bring anything- we read "if you have a favorite lacrosse stick bring it"....do they have workouts/tryouts ( I would assume) for teams during the summer, and if so, do you need all the other lax gear- helmet, pads, etc- and if so, does it mean carrying it around all I-day, or is this something parents should ship down afterwards? What are the essentials you need for I-day itself?</p>
<p>
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Do you have to take showers in the morning,
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<p>No.</p>
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and if not is it okay to wear your PEP clothes to bed to save time?
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</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
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And is this a moot point because there will be enough time to get ready?
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</p>
<p>No such thing as a moot point when it comes to saving seconds during Plebe Summer.</p>
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Do you get hassled for leaving your room in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom?
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</p>
<p>No, unless you call it the bathroom instead of the head. You don't have to chop, but you still must cut corners and greet any upperclassman you may come across.</p>
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Do you have any tips for remembering knowledge?
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</p>
<p>You need to develop those yourself. Associating names with things, or things with songs, etc., can all be helpful. You'll learn things like "True Virgins Make Dull Companions At Weddings" and "Can Dead Men Vote Twice At Elections?". If you can come up with similar tricks, it will help.</p>
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What was you best method for not smiling or laughing when you thought something was funny?
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</p>
<p>I found very little funny during Plebe Summer, especially when upperclassmen were around. You'll be fine.</p>
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What is a list of essential items to receive in a care package? Are flashlights good?
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</p>
<p>A flashlight can't hurt, but you're not supposed to be up after taps anyway unless you're on watch or going to the head. The halls have nightlights, so the need (within regs) really isn't there. As for care packages, food is a PITA, and everything you really need is issued. I wouldn't be worrying about care packages right now...</p>
<p>
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I'm writing my senior paper on the Naval Academy. Is there anything vital to the Academy that you think I should include?
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</p>
<p>Extremely open-ended question. What is the subject of the paper?</p>
<p>It is simply "The Naval Academy". I am going through the application process, traditions, leadership development, and the honor system.</p>
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Zaphod- if I can add a few to the ones DBH already listed- what are the shirt stays for the tucks?
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</p>
<p>Think of a garter belt to hold up stockings. Now remove the belt and the sex appeal. The straps attach to the tail of your shirt (front and back, right and left) then run down your trousers to your socks. When you stand up, the elastic pulls your shirt pack down, helping to hold the tuck. The thing is, the tension often causes more problems than it solves. Learn to tuch your shirt properly, BY YOURSELF, and avoid them.</p>
<p>
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And what is a marine corps tuck?
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It's simply a style of shirt tuck used by Marine officers and USMC wanna-be's. Instead of the tuck being on the sides, it's more in the back, and requires that your shirt have creases pressed into it to work. I recommend you use the standard tuck until you become a youngster. Don't try to be cool as a plebe. Attracting attention for anything other than doing your job well isn't always a good idea.</p>
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We have been told not to bring anything
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</p>
<p>Generally a good idea. Bring only those things you will NEED and you know will not be issued. An extra pair of glasses/contacts. A small Bible. A multi-tool, etc. If you smoke, quit now unless you want to be going through withdrawals while going through Indoc.</p>
<p>
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- we read "if you have a favorite lacrosse stick bring it"....do they have workouts/tryouts ( I would assume) for teams during the summer, and if so, do you need all the other lax gear- helmet, pads, etc-
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</p>
<p>Yes. Bring a favorite, but don't bring everything. USNA is well-stocked with sports gear.</p>
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and if so, does it mean carrying it around all I-day, or is this something parents should ship down afterwards?
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</p>
<p>You may have to carry it more than you'll be happy with, so if it's that important, have the 'rents send it later.</p>
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What are the essentials you need for I-day itself?
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</p>
<p>Yourself and your wits. Uncle Sam's Yacht Club takes care of the rest.</p>
<p>
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It is simply "The Naval Academy". I am going through the application process, traditions, leadership development, and the honor system.
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</p>
<p>Look, I don't mean to be difficult, but you could write a BOOK on that (several folks have, in fact).</p>
<p>Haha, my paper turned out to be too long anyways. Any more information and I would have been docked points.</p>
<p>Remember, Tadpole: It's QUALITY, not quantity!</p>
<p>(I'm such a QA geek! LOL!)</p>
<p>Zaphod- you mentioned a multi tool- do you mean something along the lines of a swiss a-knife or craftman thing? if so, what tools on it? what is it used for at USNA?</p>
<p>Do yourselves a favor & don't bring ANYTHING on I-Day. I didn't believe it myself until my child walked through the doors of Alumni Hall with nothing in hand but a social security card, calculator (for placement exams) and cell phone. The cell phone should have been sent in a care package 'cause it was immediately taken away, not to be returned for 2 weeks until the first permitted call home. The calculator could have been mailed too, if we had sent a package out the day before I-Day.</p>
<p>Anything you bring you'll just have to haul around all day. I know it sounds like no big deal but its a huge deal: if you bring the recommended 6 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks, personal toiletries etc. you will be cursing yourself by mid day. There is nothing you will need during the first few days that they won't issue you. Mail yourself a care package before you leave home for items like phone, Bible or spare glasses. You'll get your mail/packages every day and although some companies may confiscate "contraband" items most will make it into your possession.</p>
<p>If you are the type who likes clean clothing have your family prepared to send you extra white underwear and socks at regular intervals throughout the summer. Trust me, the laundry at USNA leaves much to be desired...</p>
<p>Oh and one other thing -- regarding sleeping in your PT gear: its no problem 'cause your PT gear IS your pajamas. You won't be issued anything different to sleep in. Rim tee-shirt (white w/blue neck and arm trim) and blue nylon mesh shorts.</p>
<p>how many blue rims and shorts are you issued?</p>
<p>Rosa</p>
<p>Someone said you don't get the complete mailing address until I-day, so maybe mail it from in town Annapolis instead??</p>
<p>oiixxg: we were told that plebes get issued their alpha number on I-day, and (parents) to go to the postoffice after candidate checks in at alumni hall. Will take your advice re: calculator and cell phone- should we consider mailing his lax stick as well instead of him carrying it around all day? I have also heard that sometimes the teams meet their recuits the night before - do you know anything about that? I assume the coaches will be sending info out as well as time gets closer. Can parents order stuff from the midstore (ie blue rims) if needed at some point during the summer, and if so, do the plebes pick it up there?</p>
<p>OK, folks! ALL ENGINES STOP!</p>
<p>Take a breath!</p>
<p>You OK? Good!</p>
<p>First off: My recommendation for a multi-tool is based on a neurotic desire to be prepared. I would recommend a Leatherman Wave or similar (quality) instrument, or a simple Swiss Army (Victorinox) knife with scizzors. The reason? It can cure a rainy day from trimming those toenails to tightening a cabinet door that's loose. Keep it in your toiletry bag. You don't need to carry it around with you all the time, especially during Plebe Summer.</p>
<p>Additionally, someone asked me about a flashlight. If you must, I recommend a Photon Microlight II. Small, light, and bright, with a killer battery life. Put it on the key chain of your Victorinox.</p>
<p>Now, as mentioned above, the Navy does not issue you pajamas, and sleeping the way the Good Lord made you is discouraged because you may have to wake up and boogie in a hurry, and running around in your birthdasy suit is bad for business.</p>
<p>You get everything else, and I do mean EVERYTHING else, you need on I-Day. You will receive quite a few "Box Issues" which have everything from soap to shaving cream to underwear to uniforms. One thing I cannot speak to is what feminine hygine items may be included for the ladies, so either research or plan accordingly.</p>
<p>As for mailing things in, DON'T DO IT UNTIL THE POOR KID HAS FINISHED PLEBE SUMMER! First, he's got noplace to put it, second, he's going to have to haul it all to his new room. I had to haul a bunch of books my parents sent me (at my request) and I regretted it dearly. Thank God I didn't have to climb any stairs!</p>
<p>Finally, stop worrying about buying your little one whatever they need to get through. Leave them alone. It's time for them to wake up and smell the whiteworks (Trust me, it's a smell you never forget, as you'll soon find out) and start behaving like the young adults they are. If they need an extra shirt or whatever, THEY can go to the Midstore and get it. Best thing you can do for them at this point is make sure they have money in their accounts (Plebe pay, in a word, sucks) and that you're there to help when they run out of options. Write them letters (I don't think they get their PC's until after Plebe Summer. We didn't.) Be next to the phone on those days you know they will be calling (Nothing is worse than calling home and NO ONE BEING THERE!).</p>
<p>As for the parents on I-Day, when you drop off your little bundle o' joy, the Academy has all kinds of seminars, presentations, and receptions for you. You will undoubtedly be addressed by the Superintendant, the Commandant, and perhaps the Academic Dean (Dean Shapiro still there?). There will be resources available to answer your questions, but PLEASE don't act like frightened parents whose children are being tortured. It's unseemly, and won't earn you any points.</p>
<p>In the evening, the Plebes will be marched into Tecumseh Court. You will already be there after a hectic day's worth of indoc of your own. The swearing-in ceremony will go, and afterwards you will be given about 20-30 minutes to say goodbye. After that, the kid is on his own. I still remember leaving my parents, entering through the doors on the mezzanine between 4th and 6th wings, cutting to starboard, and getting underway. It's scary, but it's all part of it.</p>
<p>Finallly, two last bits of advice. Throughout the day, you will see groups of new Plebes being marched hither and yon by upperclassmen. If you happen to get lucky and see your kid, DO NOT CALL OUT TO THEM. Not only will it distract them, it may bring the upperclassmen down on them later. Remain quiet and keep looking at him in case he catches a glimpse. SMILE. No need to see Mom coming apart. Second, keep the damned cameras under control. They're not doing this for your film collection. If you think the camera is going to cause a problem, then STOW IT. Poor kid's going to have enough on his mind aside from that stupid dixie cup.</p>
<p>They'll be fed. They'll be watered. They'll be given a chance to use the head. This is the Naval Academy, not Abu Grahib (back when it was REALLY bad). They'll be fine. Just roll with it.</p>
<p>Oh, and be proud. All of you. The poor kid may not feel it after the first 5 minutes, but he'll certainly feel it later. The parents have the luxury of feeling it now. Enjoy it. You've earned it!</p>
<p>Carry on. ;)</p>
<p>You know, if this keeps up, I may very well consider becoming a B&G Officer. :D</p>
<p>I have to ask because of hilarious stories people are trying to tell me:
Will you be taking showers with a couple hundred fellow plebes? </p>
<p>Really, I have heard odd things, like a gay guy quitting cause it made him feel uncomfortable. Anywho, good info!</p>