<p>As an incoming plebe, I was wondering about the details of our dorms at the USMMA. Are we allowed to bring games, a radio, cards, flashlights, alarm clocks, instruments outside of the band setting (guitar)? Is there a place where we can sit and watch television on our off time?</p>
<p>Welcome and congratulations....soon you wil be receiving your "logging In" book that will detail info you need before you arrive at Indoc.</p>
<p>In the meantime, this link should be pretty helpful..it's a pdf file</p>
<p>I am sure that during Indoc there is no TV watching...as I recall, plebes saw a movie on Friday nights in the auditorium.</p>
<p>Certain "clubs" have a room with a TV...I believe water sports and Eagle Scouts. Sometime after Indoc plebes may join different clubs.</p>
<p>If my son is representative of other plebes (oops, former plebes:) ) I don't think there is much time available for TV viewing.</p>
<p>No doubt, others wil post with more info than I can provide...best of luck....btw, what state are you from?</p>
<p>Hi Plebe! Better get used to that name :) & read the booklet (linked above) from cover to cover. It will answer many questions & isn't just for parents. A quick answer to your question is that when you show up on I-Day, you'll only be allowed the things on a list of items they require you to bring. The other stuff you mentioned can be sent to you by your parents when they are allowed (sometime after Indoc). Uh, as to the tv.... All I can add to that is, 'nope'. You won't be allowed to watch tv and there won't be any down time for a long long time. You'll be very busy with your duties so you won't miss it too much. Congrats on your decision to go to USMMA! Well done!!</p>
<p>LOL You beat me PM! And Plebe, look into getting a few pairs of underarmor. Trust us Midshpman Moms.</p>
<p>
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<p>New video coming out soon MMGW...</p>
<p>Only $19.95!! Includes shipping. Be the first to get your copy of this all new Mid Mom's underwear guide. "A More Comfy Indoc You"!
Sections include:
*tighty whities ain't cool
*underarmor pros & costs
*brief concepts
*boxers can't fight
*runners rash</p>
<p>LMAO JM...I was more thinking in terms of Midshipman Moms Gone Wild...filmed live at Kings Point, New London, and Annapolis...ha ha</p>
<p>And don't forget quarters, safety pins and duct tape!</p>
<p>The pix of MMGW is too funny! It see it now, surrounded by USPS boxes and wrapping tape, covered in cookie crumbs while tears stream from their bleary eyes from trying to look at webphotos of their DD and DS who all look alike during Indoc!</p>
<p>UPS is my friend. LOL </p>
<p>I can't tell you enough how important the quarters are. My kid didn't pack duct tape but did purchase some at the ship's store two days into Indoc. Handy for making those corners on the bed! Pack it if it'll fit! 101 uses for duct tape was written at the academy. Makes a good lint tool too!</p>
<p>Thought I would take a break from the harshness of the USNA thread and . . . of course, JM is talking about underwear. Good to see you are still taking care of business.</p>
<p>GRIN. Only 19.95 and the home version can be yours Bill.</p>
<p>I dunno Boss. MMGW may offend the Vice Admiral. Mom's dangling out undies & giving the no-no to the blue boxers in the middle of the Grinder. Scary.</p>
<p>also remember that phone cards...when using a pay phone deduct a lot of minutes. I thought my 90 minute card would be enough, then i realized it took away 33 minutes per call for a pay phone</p>
<p>I had forgotten about that. Thanks Davy for the reminder. And too, there is a phone card machine someplace on campus but DON'T buy these. They are in "units" not "minutes" which means rip-off.</p>
<p>You are allowed to bring all of those things, you just will have to find a place to store them. </p>
<p>During INDOC, the second you report to your respective deck (i.e. main deck or second deck, 1st or 2nd floor) it will be almost impossible to find a good spot to put all of your belongings. </p>
<p>I remember the Drill Instructors this year gave us instructions to put electrical stuff in a ziplock freezer bag. It sounded something like, "Take off anything electrical or that runs off a battery! THAT MEANS THAT STUPID WATCH CANDIDATE! GET IT OFF NOW! 5-4-3-2-1!" So it's not easy to store it. You can't exactly say something like, "Uh excuse me sir, but ah, I was wondering if we could store my acoustic guitar and monopoly game somewhere it will be safe for the next few weeks." Make no mistake about it, your T.V. time will be rare. Don't worry though, you will have plenty of activities that can keep you busy throughout the entire year. If T.V. is a concern of yours forget about it, because if you are serious about making it through this place, then your favorite T.V. shows won't impact how the place feels everyday. </p>
<p>Also, if you play an instrument and don't want to be in Band Company ( a company entirely designated to the band) then tell nobody about your musical problem. </p>
<p>Good luck. Have fun with the last few months and start getting physically prepared for INDOC. Indoc is the easiest part of plebe year, but there are plenty of runs that you can fall out of if you are not accostumed to running at least 2 miles. It will make your life just that much more miserable when you get here.</p>
<p>LeadinUSMC, glad you brought up the band. My son was just appointed and we read in the Parents book that kids that were in the band during high school will most likely be placed in Band Company. Is this a good thing or bad? He's not sure if he still wants to remain with the band without knowing more.</p>
<p>I cannot comment on whether it is "good or bad" as my son is in 4th company, not band...but the band is excellent. They have the opportunity to go to a lot of different events...</p>
<p>Wait til you see "Beat Retreat" at parents weekend...fabulous!!!!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.usmma.edu/band/images.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.usmma.edu/band/images.htm</a></p>
<p>Plus, this year two members participated in the opening ceremonies at the Super Bowl!</p>
<p>I'm enrolling from the sunshine state...West Palm Beach, Fl</p>
<p>We're from CT...and although it's sunny now we had snow this morning...my son is so excited...just three months to go.</p>
<p>PM, I know what you mean. Our high school band was one of the best in the region and I often got teary eyed watching them march down the street in the parades. I'm hoping he sticks with it although from what I can see on the current schedule they practice two nights a week so I'm not sure if it would take away from any sports that he might be considering or if it's better to have the time for study.</p>