Indoc

Colleges and Universities A-Z Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point
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<p>Some things to consider for indoc:</p>

<p>Wear white socks to indoc--if you don't you will be changing into them at the curb.</p>

<p>LISTEN TO ZONKER!--Space bags are the answer! </p>

<p>The type of bag you bring isn't important. If you don't want to carry it, bring one that rolls. Make sure it has your name on it. They take it from you at indoc.</p>

<p>You can bring your camera or hope you have a "zonker" there--the pictures will be posted somewhere, but for your kid--take your camera.</p>

<p>Take enough toiletries with you to get you through the first month. After that, you can get packages from home.</p>

<p>DO NOT pack contraband in your initial bags--they do go through them.</p>

<p>Remember, if you don't want to go to USMMA--don't! There were 117 wait list candidates waiting outside the Academy last year. THEY want to go--if you don't, don't waste everyone's time and take their slot!</p>

<p>Bring a sewing kit with needles, needle threaders, beige, black and blue thread, a small scissor and a thimble. You will need it to sew on stuff. </p>

<p>Learn how to iron, wash your own clothes and pack.</p>

<p>Learn how to clean a bathroom.</p>

<p>Remember not to take things personnally. You are part of a group in indoc. Don't screw it up for the rest of them.</p>

<p>Pass your drug test--marijuana takes at least 30 days to get out of your system.</p>

<p>During senior week (and any other time), DON"T get busted for underage drinking.</p>

<p>Your parents (and you) spent alot of time getting you to this point. Don't screw it up during these next few weeks before you get to the Academy.</p>

<p>Do your best to NOT draw attention to yourself--(fly under the radar)--best advice for indoc.</p>

<p>It's only 2 and a half weeks--hang in there and Good Luck!</p>

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<p>yes they do. </p>

<p>edit: apparently the quote button doesn't work.</p>

<p>yes, they have marksmanship ribbons (directed at 2012runner)</p>

43

<p>and to the op: the best thing to do is just not think about it. if you can make it, you're going to make it. no need to stress yourself out.</p>

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<p>Good Advice Kathy, but a few points....</p>

<p>They will learn fast enough how to clean a bathroom and how to iron. A whole class is devoted to how to iron uniforms :)
A sewing kit will be issued, and they will be taught how to sew.
Also, it's impossible for them to stay under the radar. Platoon sizes are 25 candidates with 5-6 DI's so THEIR names will be known, and remember EVERYTHING you do is wrong :) :) :) I have 2 DI's and a 2C staying with me for the break and this advice is from them.</p>

45

<p>OK parents.
Tell you kid NOT to be afraid to ask you DI questions...
And show your kids the laundry room AND it's general function if you haven't already. :D They WILL show them up there.</p>

<p>There is a story about one kid, though, who asked the DI:
"So, sir.. They go into the dryer AFTER the washer" probably had them rolling on the floor during their D/I-only meetings...
And will likely be a story that lives for a few MORE years as well.</p>

46

<p>i love the stories about the two DIs who had a jolly of a time freaking out the PCs who were not aware that they were identical twin DIs: one would be at the bottom of the stairwell screaming in the PCs' faces to hustle - then the other at the top doing the same. PCs couldn't believe their eyes when they reached the top......</p>

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<p>The best part about that I think was when the one brother had us do an eyes "that way" and the other was walking across the end T and waved.</p>

<p>Oh, and don't be like my second roommate (one we get right after indoc) and ask what a washer and dryer are. We will make fun of you. And to clear up any confusion: brunch is a meal they serve between breakfast and lunch on Sundays (and holidays) instead of the two separately. But yeah, don't be afraid to ask questions; just don't ask these. =P</p>

<p>Just ask your son, MMAMom2011, he knows these stories;)</p>

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<p>Do we need to bring laundry detergent for indoc? Are we allowed to have a camera?</p>

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<p>you can bring a camera, you won't use it during indoc. I don't think you need detergent, but I don't remember, it was 3 years ago. Indoc in retrospect isn't bad, it's kinda nice cause there is no school work. But yea you're going to be freaked out and all of what we tell you here won't make you 100% ready, and the fact that the program changes on a yearly basis also doesn't help. </p>

<p>I think the best advice I can give you is, yell loud (from your gut, it will save your voice), help your roommate and classmates at all times (don't leave your room without him/her), eat a big breakfast (you are going to need the food) and drink lots of water, you don't have to sleep in the position of attention (you'll understand after the first night) and don't sleep under the covers, don't *****/moan etc., ask questions if you need too, and don't be afraid to ask for an "extended" head call. Oh, and try to be competitive and show a little guts, it will go a long way.</p>

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<p>Is the roommate that you get for INDOC going to be your roomate for the year? Also are you put into the room that will be yours for the rest of the year?</p>

<p>Thanks,</p>

<p>CPASteve</p>

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<p>They gave us detergent with a lot of other stuff in a large white laundry bag that is there when you first get to your room, so I wouldn't pack it for indoc. If you want detergent, find a way to get powder after indoc as that will be the most cost effective.
You can bring your camera but as already said you won't need it during indoc (pictures will be posted daily of everyone going through indoc).
Band might do something different but after indoc we switched both roommates and rooms to integrate the two platoons into one company. Chances are you'll be rooming with someone you've seen once or twice in passing after indoc. Then depending on company you may switch room and roommate every trimester or before Christmas break.</p>

52

<p>what type of swimming was done at indoc in previous years?</p>

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<p>floating, swimming laps, nothing hard if you jumped in a pool when you were a kid</p>

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<p>Good luck from USAFA '11!</p>

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<p>shut up former ex-roommate</p>

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<p>sweet, quotes don't work on here</p>

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<p>anyone like to share any funny/interesting stories about candidates during indoc?</p>

58

<p>Well just got off the Manulani and considering I've been through Indoc twice already and getting ready for a third time I thought I would give y'all some advice. </p>

<p>Bags-bring what is on the list.....nothing more nothing less. You can't wear civilian clothes anyways so don't bring them! Have your parent bring them on acceptance day. In the bag for toiletries and such you don't need shampoo. I hate to break it to you but you aren't going to be taken long showers. You might get one shower over 4 minutes and that's only if your platoon has been doing well. So basically it is 25 men in a shower....you do the math it's not much time to shower so a big bottle of shampoo isn't necessarily necessary. You can buy that stuff in the ship store after indoc. I believe someone asked about detergent. You don't need it. It's issued to you. </p>

<p>What to wear- Collared shirt with dockers or something. Make sure it's tucked in an buttoned up all the way. I had kids showing up last year like they were going to Hawaii and if you're trying not to draw attention thats probably not the best way to start out. Wear white socks. The kind that pulls up about your calfs. Wear comfortable running shoes. You are issued running shoes and I can't remember whether you put them on or not when they give them to you or what. Put it this way the only shoes you need to bring are the ones on your feet. You're issued shower shoes, running shoes, and leathers. You don't need anything else. Have your parents bring them on acceptance day. Also make sure you shave before you come. Needless to say you will get attacked by every DI if you have a shred of facial hair...I know because I've done it. </p>

<p>Some things about a previous quote. We don't go through bags. That's not right. If you have a packaged mailed to you in Indoc, you open it in front of us. We don't go through you stuff except for inspections or when you are right there in front of us. But we wont go through your stuff without you knowing. Note to parents, if you send food send enough for a lot of people. If not you have just contributed to the DI candy fund. I totally agree with one specific comment: if you don't want to be there don't bother showing up. It's a waste of time and a waste of a spot for someone who might really want to be there. Make sure you are there for the right reasons and know a little about what you are getting into i.e. the merchant marine. I believe someone said we teach you how to sow......no we don't! We tell you what to sow and you do it yourself. Someone said pass your drug test. Needless to say if your doing drugs don't show up. The industry doesn't want you. Two kids were kicked out last year for it and I know there were some my year. I know everyone is telling you to fly under the radar......well thats next to impossible. We find ways to get to everyone, at least I do. It's not to be an ass but it's to give everyone equal treatment. Granted there are some that draw A LOT of extra unwanted attention, but those kids deserve it and it's obvious. I don't know how it will be this year but last year we just had 3 DIs per platoon. I've been at sea and haven't seen the list this year but I've heard there are a ton of DI's so a 5-6 estimate I read earlier might be correct. You aren't staying under that radar. Don't be afraid to ask questions......just know what questions to ask and when to ask them. You will get hammered if you ask an idiot question. Usually there are times when y'all with be sowing and stuff and the DIs will be there watching and you will have chances to ask the question. I swear if I hear a kid this year ask me "what is a merchant marine" I don't know what I will do. Read about this stuff a little to have a basic understanding! This is the life you chose so know what you are getting into. </p>

<p>As for basic advance I would not suggest trying not to be noticed. We can tell when those kids are trying to do that. You can gain a lot from this experience and it will help you in the future. You will learn the term "gear adrift" and that will pay off at sea. I had a chief mate that was anal about that stuff especially when we went into heavy weather. You might not realize it but it's a part of good seamanship. </p>

<p>There is probably a lot more but I can't really think of it right now. Enjoy the rest of your summers.</p>

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<p>ggspin is so intense.</p>

<p>He does have a more updated understanding of the indoc program, but the ideas are all the same. I believe it is possible to fly under the radar. I did, I was never "IT'd" once on my own or in a small group, only when the entire company/platoon was. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but I was able to do it. Bring a small thing of shampoo or some anti bacterial soap. Sure fifteen dudes to six shower heads is well...awkward and provides each individual with limited time it is possible to shampoo your head...after all your almost bald how long could it take you? </p>

<p>I think it is unfair to be mean towards a plebe who doesn't know what a merchant marine is. In my opinion the admissions office doesn't do a good enough job explaining what it is in their literature, interviews, etc. Let's be honest, when I was a senior in high school I was more interested in baseball and partying then looking up what the merchant marine was (especially since at the time I was set on joining the Navy). You'll get a good enough understanding of the merchant marine during your sea year anyway...maybe more of an understanding then you would like. </p>

<p>Oh and by the way it is spelled "sew" and my DI's showed us how to sew, maybe they were just cooler then your DI's. Might not be a bad idea if the moms showed their kids (before they left of course) how to get the needle and thread ready, make a basic stitch, and tie it off at the end because when twenty kids are looking at one DI using a needle and thread...well chances are you are the one in the back who can't see what they're doing, oh well.</p>

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<p>has there been vomits everyday?</p>