I'll Answer Your Questions...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
81

<p>Oregon Mom, </p>

<p>Thanks for reminding me of all of those swim meets - and let's not forget water polo games - the ultimate warrior sport. You would laugh to see all of these Chicago parents bundled up in the winter to go to a swim meet and then pulling off all of the fleece, etc to be down to shorts and a tee shirt in order to tolerate the heat in the pool bleachers. Then all our kids would go out in the freezing weather wearing wet suits and wrapped in a wet towel. </p>

<p>p.s. Our dojo was not air conditioned. Maybe that's why she likes West Point so much. :D</p>

<p>The application process isn't any fun for girl warriors, either.</p>

82

<p>I'm curious to know what kind of medical deals they make you go through on I-Day. Do they completely redo the DODMERB physical? or just give you a few shots and send you on your way?</p>

83

<p>On I-Day, they will take your height and weight stuff, check your vision only if you need to be issued glasses, give you shots if you havn't had the required ones, and take lots and lots of blood. About five or six viles worth. You know how you rest and get a cookie after giving blood? On I-Day, they take your blood and you walk to the next station, carrying heavy bags and getting yelled at. It's ok though, it goes by quickly. Oh, and don't be stupid and show up drunk or with drugs in your body (some people do) because they'll give you a breathalizer test and a urine analysis.</p>

84

<p>If it is the same as what MEPS did with me they do not yell at you, the only take 1 to 2 viles, and all you carry is a folder with your current medical information. Is I-DAY that much different than common Military Entrance Prosesing? </p>

<p>Boggs</p>

85

<p>I have not done MEPS but, based on what you have written: Yes!</p>

86

<p>It is different in the way that within a matter of hours, you are medically processed, registered in the U.S. Navy, issued EVERYTHING you will own for the next two months, have to carry it all with you all day, get a crash course on being the military, take an oath, and prepare your room before the end of the day, including proper uniform standards. Beat that Enlisted Processing Centers!</p>

87

<p>Haha Yea, MEPS definately seems easier. But I would definitely think it all "worthit."</p>

88

<p>can you comment on how "busy" the yard is on the day PRIOR to I-day? did anyone take a tour of the yard that day, and if so, how crowded was it? any recommendations on how to plan that day? best resturants in town for lunch and/or dinner within walking distance of gate 1? thanks!</p>

89

<p>Annapolis is always busy in the summer but has a remarkable ability to absorb the additional people that arrive for special events. Big days at the Yard pale in comparison with the volumes that will arrive in a few weeks for the boat shows! Remember, as the "sailing capitol of the US" downtown Annapolis is always ready for a party :) There are a multitude of restaurants and pubs within walking distance of Gate 1, but you may be surprised that the majority of people enjoying themselves there, even on I-Day and PPW, are recreational boaters, not Academy families. </p>

<p>For example, despite the fact that 1200 families descend on the city on PPW, you can still find parking right in town. The streets are a bit more crowded, but you'll be able to get a seat in many of the restaurants even w/out a reservation (its surprising, but true.) </p>

<p>Gate 1 is 2 blocks from the central waterfront (called "Ego Alley" -- you'll understand once you see the boaters strutting their power and sailboats up and down the narrow channel that reaches from Spa Creek into Market Square.) Popular restaurants facing Ego Alley include: Buddy's Crabs and Ribs (an abundant, though not gourmet buffet that is reasonably priced every day but Saturday) & Phillips (a local chain, good seafood). More casual but very good are two Italian restaurants: Mangia and Aromi d’Italia (best gelato in Annapolis). The number of Irish pubs and sushi/asian fusion places around the waterfront and up Main Street are too numerous to mention. But I must mention Chick and Ruth's -- a local legend diner on Main Street. Eat breakfast there.</p>

<p>Eastport is right across Spa Creek from the Annapolis waterfront -- a short walk over the drawbridge. Here you will find a rich assortment of good quality restaurants including upscale chains like the Chart House and Ruth's Chris Steak House along side some excellent local places: O'Leary's Seafood is among the best. Reservations are a good idea at these places.</p>

<p>Hotels close in to the Yard are a different story. There are a few boutique hotels in the downtown area -- lovely but with a limited capacity. Of the larger hotels there are really only 3 within a reasonable walk (considering the summer heat): a very expensive Marriott right on the waterfront, a Lowe's hotel on West Street about a mile walk from the Yard, and a hotel called O'Callahans a few blocks further than the Lowes. For those of you coming to town for I-Day or PPW, I recommend getting your reservations as soon as your plebe-to-be sends in his/her acceptance.</p>

<p>I know its still many, many, months off but I can't help saying it again and again: if you've never experienced the heat and humidity of a Chesapeake Bay summer, brace yourself...</p>

90

<p>I have to emphatically echo the humidity comment.
I grew up in Houston, where I thought it was humid.</p>

<p>The heat in Annapolis is not really THAT bad; the humidity, however, is incredibly stifling. Take plenty of water with you.<br>
As we get close to I-day, other recommendations will come forth.</p>

91

<p>Recommendations won't save you all...the unbearable heat and humidity in Annapolis summers is unavoidable. Plebe summer is undoubtablly the hottest, most uncomfortable experience of your life, but it isn't forever. Plus, Bancroft has AC, so it's not so bad...for the short time you're inside.</p>

92

<p>How are you finding academic life thus far? I know there are set study times at all the academies but it just seems like with all the duties, sports obligations, and the fairly intimidating surroundings, schoolwork must take a backseat--it must be hard to study after the stress and exhaustion of an entire day. It seems like people must take a GPA hit in the first semester only to spend the remainder of the year/next yr etc. building it back up. (1) Is there any truth to this? (2) Are there any students who put academics number one and do everything else half-heartedly [as half heartedly as you could do anything as a plebe] because are of the mindset that they must get academic honors [or the academy equivalent of deans list] or maintain a certain GPA to keep themselves competitive for med school, law school after the military?</p>

93

<p>oiixxg: thank you so much for the info....we have about 20+ coming down for I-day...(large extended family)....we have rooms already booked, but I was not sure if I needed to book reservations for lunch and dinner, both on I-Day and the day before that (we will be arriving a day early)....so this will certainly help! Any critique on Griffins for lunch?</p>

94

<p>I-day is very hectic; for both of you. Lots and lots of walking for both of you.
Many people do not leave the yard the entire day. We didn't. There are many briefs, presentations, and observations that most people want to be a part of and eating establishments are not that close.</p>

<p>The alumni association also, typically, sponsors lunch for the parents. Just a hot dog and a cold drink but good nonetheless.</p>

<p>My recommendations, for example, had nothing to do with the heat/humidity; [Not sure what GoNavy means] but, rather, had to do with packing some snacks for you and your mid. [who you will see late in the day.] You will get hungry and the food availability on the yard is limited. Packing a small poncho for the inevitable rain late in the evening. Perhaps carrying a walkie-talkie to maintain contact as 20 (!) people spread out to different activities. </p>

<p>You are already set for I-day?! Hotel reservations seemed plentiful through April at least.</p>

95

<p>Wow -- a group of 20 for I-Day! Even for the day before, you will want reservations for a group that size. Griffins can certainly handle a large group and it has the "old towne Annapolis" ambiance that the chains are lacking. Celebrating as a family in Annapolis the day before I-Day is a good idea but set everyone's expectations appropriately about the big day itself. </p>

<p>You will disappear into Alumni Hall after breakfast and won't have any contact with your family until after the Oath, around 6:30 pm. Chances that they will even glimpse you during this time are slim, and if they do, you won't want to so much as glance in their direction lest you draw attention to yourself. Seating for the Oath is limited, visibility is dreadful and the vast majority of parents just listen on the loudspeaker. After the Oath you will be reunited with them for a brief goodbye (20 to 40 minutes -- it changes year to year). But be warned: at this point you will probably be SOOO exhausted and overheated that you won't really want to do more than just sit an veg out. I'm not kidding. They will want to ask you a million questions and you will just want to sit and rest. (Parents: don't get me wrong -- your kids will want to see you and be close, but just won't be very verbal at this point in the day.)</p>

<p>I've heard from many, many plebes that I-Day was the worse day of Plebe Summer. Not the yelling so much as the fatigue and tedium of "hurry up and wait" while carting a sack that weighs about a million pounds around in the heat and humidity.</p>

<p>Current mids: please comment on your own experience about I-Day. I think the class of 2010 would love to hear your experience while it's still "fresh" in your minds.</p>

96

<p>My experience on I-Day was pretty typical: I arrived there at my designated time and proceeded through the various administrative stations. I bypassed the vaccination station b/c I was good to go. The entire time I was being rushed around by upperclass and it was hard to stay focused. When I got to the blood station, I learned that the Corpsmen weren't as experienced as they should have been, often missing vessels with the needle and taking way to much blood. Then, the issue began. I got this beige bag and walked along a line, while various people just through things into it. The bag became heavier and heavier. We got clothes, uniform things, shoes, you name it (all of the books, sanitary stuff, stationary, etc. are in boxes in your room). I got my alpha number and just kept moving along. Eventually, they had us change into our white works in a bathroom. So, from then on, we lugged around our bags (which were bigger then us) and finally reached the main floor of the arena. From there, we were randomly screamed at for a few minutes, and then we watched the 'Oath of Office' video. We were herded onto a bus, brought to Bancroft and lugged our bags to our rooms, where they told us to start putting our stuff away regulation style. We had no idea what this meant and they had already given us a quota for when it all had to be done. As day passed, I put my stuff away, squared away my room, went to King Hall for lunch, and then formed up for the Oath of Office. I, as well as the people next to me, nearly fell asleep during it b/c you are physically exhausted by the end of the day. You then say goodbye to your parents for about an hour, and then it's off to plebe summer. After that day, what better way to start the next morning than a urine test at 4:15am! Yay! Let the fun begin!</p>

97

<p>thanks to all of you for these great tips...</p>

<p>GoNavy87: thank you, again, for giving us insight at I-day from a plebe's perspective....it will give us something to think about as we are all roasting away on the yard trying spot you guys going through your rigors! Again, will give to son to read...right now he is sick with mono and feeling lousy....so it still seems like a long way off for him....right now he just wants to feel better and get back to his foundation school, which by the way (for anyone considering) he really likes...has already made a lot of friends, and there are 2 other kids there for USNA as well...</p>

<p>Bill0510: yes, we have already booked rooms- back when our son was in 10th grade we were in the area (one of our daughter's crew regattas) and had a lot of trouble booking rooms for the team- never realizing it was parents weekend at the academy that year- figured it would be just as busy for I-day.....knowing we have (now) 24 people who "would love to come" (what a sendoff!) I wanted to make sure we were all together, so I was lucky enough to get that all arranged. One thing done. </p>

<p>As for the rest, I am really just trying to organize things as best I can with this busy family of mine....not to mention godparents, aunts and uncles, close friends, etc.....most have never been to annapolis, and they are really looking forward to it. </p>

<p>for those of you who have been through this, perhaps you could comment on whether the plans I have made seem reasonable or not...</p>

<p>My thoughts were to have lunch in town on the day prior to I-day (we should arrive just about then)...oiixxg: thanks for the input; booked griffins today....at least i hope i did ( the manager doesn't have a book for 2006 yet :/ )...i plan on reaffirming come january, just in case!</p>

<p>made arrangements to have everyone tour the yard afterwards (thought it would be a little less crowded, and I know I-day is going to be hectic)....I was able to arrange a group discount :) would you believe! we qualified as a group!!! :(<br>
...after checking into the hotel, made reservations at a place that can accomdate our army ..oops, wrong analogy :) ...resturant just outside annapolis where we can all crack some crabs.....then make sure our son gets to bed early-can't vouch for the rest of 'em...</p>

<p>I-day itself: plan on taking our son early (assume they give you a time to report)....everyone else can join us when they get there (thank goodness for cell-phones...note to self: be sure to give everyone a list of everyone else's numbers!)....someone suggested grabbing a quick breakfast at Dalghren if there is time before getting on line at alumni hall, then spending the day doing whatever they have scheduled for parents/family...info sessions.....hospital point....sups welcome....I assume they give you a schedule ahead of time? anyway, essentially stay on the yard all day (wondering how that haircut is going!) until the oath of office and goodbyes- then off to dinner in annapolis (made those reservations too)...collapse at the hotel- then a late breakfast- guys golfing and gals shopping- </p>

<p>so glad I have the advantage of the extra year to plan this....</p>

<p>Bill0510, will take your advice on the snacks....</p>

<p>does that sound realistic?...I'm not a tour guide by any means, but the numbers keep going up and up and I want to make sure our son gets where he needs to be, second, his parents get to be where they need to be,that everyone gets fed along the way, and that we all get to give him a proper sendoff! As I mentioned, for many of our family, this will be their first trip to annapolis so want to make that part nice too...on that note, any recommendations for a good public golf course for the day after I-Day? (my husband said its a good thing the kids don't have to pack anything except their sports stuff...so that there will be plenty of room for his clubs!!! :/</p>

<p>anyway, you can see I have way too much time on my hands with this empty nest thing.....need to get myself another juicy book to read!</p>

<p>thought as time gets closer i would sent everyone a tentative schedule and maps of the area ahead of time and warn them about the humidity and rain showers (especially after reading all these posts!)...</p>

<p>can anyone assist me in the parking for those days? Is parking available at the stadium and do they have the shuttles running into the yard, or just the trolleys into town? does anyone know if they have academy busses the day prior to I day?</p>

<p>please, please offer any and all comments....tried to plan ahead as much as I could....but if you see something i have missed, or a mistake having gone through this, as always I would welcome your comments and suggestions!</p>

98

<p>Your advance knowledge is a great advantage. Does your son have to get a nomination again? </p>

<p>When we were there in '04 there were stadium parking shuttle busses. Lots of pedestrian traffic. Do not go to Alumni Hall prior to your assigned time. The '08s did, and the line was very long. I understand that the '09s were told not to report before the assigned time, and things went much more smoothly. My son's report time was early, and we were able to park on the yard. There is plenty of time to wander about and shop at the mid store. It takes a long time to process the plebes and the swearing-in for '08 wasn't until 6. Make sure you bring him a snack, just in case.
CM</p>

99

<p>My suggestion?</p>

<p>Tell everybody to come for PPW and skip I-day. I-day is emotionally charged [really both weekends are but I-day even more so] and really should be reserved for the parents. </p>

<p>The evening before is nervous and nobody really knows what to say. As you've been told, you really won't see your son [daughter?] at all during the day. The forty-five minutes at the end is a very tired time for everybody. The last you see of your plebe, they look absolutely depleted. It's not a fun time and he/she will not feel like visiting w/ 20 people before he re-enters the pressure cooker. </p>

<p>There is pressure on everybody and, lets face facts, some won't make it through the summer. [I liken it to your first pregnancy: you don't really tell anybody you are pregnant until after the first six weeks. Same thing.] Last year, somebody described the plebes, these same young men and women that just six weeks earlier were confident seniors giving valedictorian speeches before large crowds, as wet kittens. The description was correct.</p>

<p>PPW is way better. There are performances by the D&B. There is a parade. You get to tour a room; eat in King Hall; see exhibits by the departments. The whole yard is abuzz with excitement. The Plebes are confident and you love to see them. Plus, this year, the Plebes were able to spend Saturday night with us!</p>

<p>Tell the crowd to come for PPW and make your big Annapolis visit at that time. I-day? Watch the video.</p>

100

<p>Bill,</p>

<p>I agree with you. We went to West Point a few days early and didn't even take our other children with us. There is certainly a lot of excitement, but there is a lot of stress in anticipation of the events of that first day. We thought we would see some plays and show her some pizzazz in NYC before she eliminated the fun in her life. She really wanted to decompress and that's just what we did. The entire weekend I kept mentioning to my husband that I was so happy none of the grandparents were with us. It was so hot that people passed out from the heat. </p>

<p>The exact same thing happened for A-Day. I'm really glad we didn't bring anyone besides our immediate family. She really wanted to the precious free time she had with us and her sister. And people were passing out again because it was so miserably hot.</p>

<p>PPW at WP seems to be a great time to bring other family members and even a best friend. This time since the twin will be away at her college and unable to leave, we're bringing our son. The 3 grandmothers and I will plan a ladies trip to visit on one of her somewhat free weekends - probably in the spring.</p>

<p>navy2010, </p>

<p>please don't misunderstand. I think your idea sounds like a blast. I just wonder if I-Day is the right time for the blast. It's really extremely emotional. (Think about 1200 mothers and a lot of dads crying very hard. I think aspen said that he had to rehydrate his wife.) For your plebe and family, it may be just the perfect timing. However, I would like to suggest that you consider Bill's idea before firming up all the plans. Just a thought...</p>