<p>
</p>
<p>We'll probably find out that the blame belongs to a lowly Supply Corps lieutenant who failed to execute the changes in a smart manner.</p>
<p>I think the chits are for a variety of things, some are the usual (taking a weekend) and some are to get clarification on the new rules. There is still alot of things up in the air and to be fair, some things are being revised every day. A parent posted that they had spoken to the Supe and that originally PPW and FPW were to be canceled. Now as the parent of a Firstie I would have been unhappy to see FPW canceled, but I would have gone up anyway and just done most of the same things. But to consider canceling PPW would have created a parental mutiny! Can you just see the Mamas letting that go without a tussle! Is it essential to the creation of an outstanding Naval or MC officer, I think not, but the Supe took feedback and changed the decision. Good for him...not because he reinstituted FPW, but because he was open to another point of view, perhaps one he had not considered before. I respect that.</p>
<p>
[quote]
We'll probably find out that the blame belongs to a lowly Supply Corps lieutenant who failed to execute the changes in a smart manner.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Oh, more than likely!</p>
<p>Which means whoever was the Supe at that moment takes the blame. You know how it is...</p>
<p>
[quote]
A parent posted that they had spoken to the Supe and that originally PPW and FPW were to be canceled.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Okay, now...... forgive me for being a bit cynical but, has any of that been confirmed? Did Fowler, in FACT, seriously consider cancelling PPW and FPW? That simply makes no sense in ANY sense. Are we CERTAIN that was ACTUALLY what he was planning, and not what someone THOUGHT he was planning? :confused:</p>
<p>I honestly don't remember if I even HAD a FPW. Hmmm..... :confused:</p>
<p>The crux of the problem, in response to Z's question is that all midshipmen, even if you are SAT is forced to observe study hour in our rooms from 2000-2300, uninterrupted. </p>
<p>No class is allowed to order food or conduct personal workouts during this time.</p>
<p>No one is allowed in the wardroom except SAT 1/C and 2/C mids during study hour.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The crux of the problem, in response to Z's question is that all midshipmen, even if you are SAT is forced to observe study hour in our rooms from 2000-2300, uninterrupted.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Okay, I'm going to start getting picky, here. Please bear with me as I try to fully understand.</p>
<p>When you say "in our rooms", does that mean you must be at your desk studying, or can upperclassmen just hang around in there rooms, visit classmates, etc.? Can they call on the phone, play the radio, surf the net, etc.?</p>
<p>
[quote]
No class is allowed to order food or conduct personal workouts during this time.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Again, because I want to be absolutely clear: Does that include trips to Steerage?</p>
<p>I honestly don't remember ANYONE working out during study hours, so I'm afraid you've caught me completely by surprise on that one.</p>
<p>
[quote]
No one is allowed in the wardroom except SAT 1/C and 2/C mids during study hour.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Well, this is nothing new to me. Hell, even 2/C weren't allowed in my day.</p>
<p>"The crux of the problem, in response to Z's question is that all midshipmen, even if you are SAT is forced to observe study hour in our rooms from 2000-2300, uninterrupted."</p>
<p>Perhaps the academy leadership is trying to cultivate the notion that no matter where you are in the order of merit, study time is about learning more and understanding more. Implying that a cadet does not need more study time because they are already near the top of their class kind of defeats the idea of improving one's self academically, no matter where you are compared to someone else. Just 'cause you're at the top doesn't mean there isn't a benefit to finding another mountain to climb. In a way, those at the top of the class bear an additional responsibility to continue to take that extra step and continue to learn. Or perhaps that time could be spent tutoring those at the other end of the academic spectrum.</p>
<p>Okay, mine hadn't griped so I did ask him about the rumors that I had been hearing. Gravy on Hamburger buns for breakfast? Yes, that's true. 8 pieces of chicken at a 12 man table? Yes, that's true. Can't go to Dahlgren? That's true. Midstore? Hard to get to with classes/obligations. He didn't gripe, just answered my questions. He was surprised that the 'rents knew or were concerned. His spending on takeout has increased. Being a Firstie, he sits and watches his squadmates eat. Three times a day. He does tutor, by the way, at the Writing Center and at a company level. </p>
<p>This reminds me of a sign the LPO in COMSUBGRU 8 had hanging on the wall: "The floggings will continue until morale improves!" :-)</p>
<p>My son was disappointed that his Rock Wall Climbing PE class has now been targeted to PT conditioning. They will commence climbing the rock wall after the PFT on October 22. </p>
<p>He did NOT question his chain. He just confirmed the conditions in King Hall.</p>
<p>To clarify, trips to steerage are authorized.</p>
<p>In our rooms means that we are not supposed to be doing anything besides academics during this time. The term "no distractions" has been thrown around here.</p>
<p>And as for working out during study period. Last year if you were an upperclass or a plebe on one of the honor lists, you could work out during study period. Now, no one is allowed to. It becomes a problem with three mando meals and all as well.</p>
<p>People in intramurals come back from class, play their intramural, and before they know it, it's time for evening meal. After that, there's pretty much no time to start a workout before study period commences.</p>
<p>The fact is the workout time was important to many...if you were SAT, you could skip evening meal, workout for a couple hours (which is actually mission realated-physical), then study. It gave Mids the ability to think for themselves how best to manage their time. Intramurals won't prepare most Mids for the PRT and the PRT is a bit tougher than slogging out a mile. The time cut offs are much faster than "back in the day". Overall, if you visited the Academy last year, the Brigade was much fitter and prepared for war. After this year, they may be ready to ride in a sub. </p>
<p>My job in the Navy used my fitness ability moreso than other jobs and at most commands I was assigned to we PT'd every morning before quarters, five days a week. I hope the PRT scores don't go down because the running a 10:30 1.5 mile run without much training isn't a walk in the park. </p>
<p>Personally, I thought the idea of working out if your grades were good was a good thing...and as the Academy seemed to be doing well academically as seen by outside observers and since the Superintendent said there were no problems, I hope this gets relaxed for those who are doing well in the future.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Gravy on Hamburger buns for breakfast? Yes, that's true. 8 pieces of chicken at a 12 man table? Yes, that's true.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Good grief! :mad:</p>
<p>
[quote]
To clarify, trips to steerage are authorized.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>OK. That's different.</p>
<p>Not that what you find in Steerage is healthy or anything. The menu I read last time I was there (a few months back) didn't exactly read like a Jenny Craig selection. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>
[quote]
In our rooms means that we are not supposed to be doing anything besides academics during this time. The term "no distractions" has been thrown around here.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Hmmm. That's different from our time. Study hours meant you were expected to study, and so long as you didn't bother anyone else, they pretty much left you alone. I don't honestly recall if the workout facilities were available for use during that time.</p>
<p>I DO, however, remember more than one Mid waking up at 0500 to get their workouts in before Morning Quarters.</p>
<p>You know, this is pure speculation, but I have to wonder if the current chow shortfall is in fact part of the strategic planning to bolster the Sunday choir program. I think my son told me they got post-service pizza. I think it's called "singing for one's supper." :eek:</p>
<p>Gotta agree with USNA69 ...
[quote]
I will be upset with anyone ... encouraging midshipmen to be critical of their chain of command.
[/quote]
And as Z has counseled ... let's let the Admiral do his job. There'll be plenty of time to have him walk the plank. btw, anyone heard the latest sickbay count for malnourished Mids, even footballers? :confused:</p>
<p>We sound like a bunch of whiners. Or at least a bunch of moms fretting over their 200 lb. babies ... A whole bunch of us flunking the attitude test, imo.</p>
<p>Please define steerage in the current context.</p>
<p>Steerage is a very small restaurant located directly beneath the Rotunda. It serves hot dogs, pizzas, burgers, chicken strips, ice cream, and other similar culinary delights. Upperclass Mids are permitted to buy whatever they want there. In my day, it was open Sunday through Friday from 1900 to 2300. Not sure what the hours are now.</p>
<p>It was a filthy little hole my first two years there, and was made much nicer for the second two. It is now a beautifully clean and open place with the food-service area to one side and a lounge area to the other.</p>
<p>I don't think anyone "is encouraging their midshipmen to be critical of their chain of command." One would have to be an idiot.</p>
<p>
[quote]
We sound like a bunch of whiners. Or at least a bunch of moms fretting over their 200 lb. babies ... A whole bunch of us flunking the attitude test, imo
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Lots of dads doing a lot of fretting over on the parents list serve... my count has them ahead of the meddling moms by a landslide.</p>
<p>as for the rest, speak for yourself......I'm not buying.</p>
<p>just to be sure it's not just about "all the moms fretting about their 200 lb sons", here's some stuff you can chew on........ from an alumni site.</p>
<p>I guess everyone feels the need to "fret" a bit these days.</p>
<p><a href="http://navy.scout.com/2/671779.html%5B/url%5D">http://navy.scout.com/2/671779.html</a></p>
<p><a href="http://navy.scout.com/2/671046.html%5B/url%5D">http://navy.scout.com/2/671046.html</a></p>
<p><a href="http://navy.scout.com/2/670294.html%5B/url%5D">http://navy.scout.com/2/670294.html</a></p>
<p>as for the rest of "the alumni speak", you will have to join up to get on the forum discussion. I guess there are a lot of folks "fretting" about those 200 pounders.... and they neither moms nor blood relations! </p>
<p>Now leave us moms alone.
We can worry and fret all we want to.
It's in the parent manual under the "respect the moms" section.</p>
<p>one final thought...</p>
<p>the mission, as per the supe:</p>
<p>Not sure there are many out there that would disagree.</p>
<p>And while no explanations or rationale "must" be given, sometimes a few words on how the changes tie into the mission would go a long way in stemming all the fretting going on- on everyone's part. </p>
<p>As for the "Face of the Navy," I am going to miss all those Mid's faces at the games.... they are the most recognizable "face" of the Navy we have at home. </p>
<p>just my opinion. Semper gumby.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>By fretting (read whining and crying), they have proven themselves unworthy of an explanation.</p>
<p>
[quote]
And while no explanations or rationale "must" be given, sometimes a few words on how the changes tie into the mission would go a long way in stemming all the fretting going on
[/quote]
</p>
<p>True, but that message doesn't always have to be delivered at the time the audience thinks is prudent.</p>
<p>Once again, you need to wait a bit and see how things pan out. Patience is not a virtue in the military. It is a necessity.</p>
<p>Z-
Waiting patiently, as I have been.
With everything but the food issue.</p>
<p>I waited for his table to get served.
I waited for the right quantity so everyone sitting at it had something on their plate.
Now I am waiting for the quality to improve a bit, but I fear I will be waiting a very long time for that.
So have no fear- I have all the virtue necessary, although a bit more right now probably wouldn't hurt. </p>
<p>and yes, he neither owes us any explanation, justification or rationale, at any place or any time.
But IMO, he owes it to his troops. In that we may differ. </p>
<p>USNA69-
will let your comment pass as I have not been the one whinning.
Except for the food issue, for which there is no excuse.
Fretting I will give you. But nowhere in Webster is "to fret" defined as "whinning and crying."<br>
I cried on I-Day.
I cried after the end of PPW.
I cried after pinning on his youngster boards.
I trust I will have lots of crying moments ahead.
I have not cried over one "change" thus far,nor do I intend to.<br>
I am pi$$ed off about the lack of planning for food.
Do not mistake pi$$ed off with whinning and crying.</p>
<p>But just in case you think I need to be put in that whinning-and-crying corner, so be it- I will be in good company with all the alumni making a racket on the other forums and in the news.... they even made it to the NY papers yesterday. You might as well add in all the BGO's who post on the parent listserv reguarly- who have BTDT, and many with mids of their own-past, present and future. So be it.
Just don't forget to put yourself in that corner, too, for all the whinning you do about the meddling moms. </p>
<p>See- we're all in the same sandbox....except it's getting pretty muddy if you ask me.</p>
<p>Human nature is such that if one doesn't want to do something, they will be critical of everything about it. Just perhaps, is it the ones who had rather be working out, studying, goofing off, making their own decisions, out in town drinking, etc etc that are the most vocal about the quantity and quality of the food?</p>
<p>Hate to pass on hearsay but I ran into the parent of one of "my" youngsters Thursday and she said that she and her daughter were getting a kick out of the situation and that her daughter was fine. Talked to a plebe last night who is about as big as the side of a barn and he is getting plenty. </p>
<p>Just perhaps things aren't nearly as bad as your little darlings are telling you. Perhaps the 8 pieces of chicken at a 12 person table was an isolated case of a table that only had 8 mids sitting at it. Think about it. Just possibly, you are being "used".</p>