<p>Last year, when I contacted USNA about finding Plebes who weren't getting mail, I was told (by PAO's office) that I could send mail if I knew a specific Plebe's name, but under security measures, I could not just address it to "any MIDN" or "XX Company." I did not check the chaplain's offices, however.</p>
<p>So, I echo navy2010's earlier post. You could even send a separate package to your Plebe's roommate or friend, if you can get their info.</p>
<p>My Plebe has requested some specific items to be specifically given to a squad-mate who gets no mail. We've sent several things to I-dont-know-who via my son. </p>
<p>I've not asked a name, as I think my son is doing the right thing!</p>
<p>If your mid gives you a "heads up," thats great....but again, keep it private and quiet.... send your mid an "extra box" with a suggestion he passes it along. The approach I took was to send "lots" to be shared "by all." Add in a card "for all the plebes of XX Company".... with lots of encouragement!!! Just don't put in a "countdown clock" for the end of plebe summer....that's just too far away in these hot days on the yard!!! Oh.... and if you can make the stuff "funny" all the better!!! Make them laugh if you can!!!! </p>
<p>ps...might want to send a "thank you note" to the chaplins- who have been providing "over 100 dozen" donuts each and every Sunday for the plebes!!!! They are out there each and every day....from sunrise till sunset.... and then some! </p>
<p>Also-if it's any consolation, the tone of plebe summer has been "lightened"...no shouting in faces, no "drop and give me's" .....</p>
<p>Is this right? I have some heard from some USNA grads (I'm not one) that they thought plebe summer was really softening up. I just chalked that to the "my plebe summer was much tougher than yours" talk. I can't imagine this is true. If so maybe it really is getting easier.</p>
<p>Yes, it's true. A lot is expected of the new plebes, but the yelling has stopped. If I can find the comments from the new commandant I will pass them along- but there is definately a new direction for plebe summer for 2012.</p>
<p>Having said that, they are working hard. They have earned their neckerchiefs, their new covers, and they have had their first parade. The turnover of the detailers will occur this week.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Yes, it's true. A lot is expected of the new plebes, but the yelling has stopped.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I don't know about that.</p>
<p>We sent our plebe a multiple-choice type letter. Had some "circle the best answer" questions, as well as a few fill in the blanks. We figured that might make it easier to find out about things!</p>
<p>One question we wrote "Best part of my days"...and he responded with "Powerpoint briefs--no YELLING!"</p>
<p>So, I think there is still plenty of it going on. Hopefully it's CONSTRUCTIVE yelling, and not just yelling for the sake of yelling! <em>wink</em> </p>
<p>I hardly think it's stopped altogether.</p>
<p>I am most positive that you are correct, wolfemom. There is no better way to commence learning performance under pressure than to try to remember rates while someone is yelling at you.</p>
<p>how do they earn their neckerchiefs and covers?</p>
<p>wolfemom,</p>
<p>Maybe he's talking about his OWN yelling...sitting in a powerpoint brief, no one will be making him shout out "SIR, GOOD AFTERNOON SIR!" or bellow songs while running or scream out the day's menu. Or maybe you're right and he means the yelling that's directed AT him! </p>
<p>We got two letters from our plebe today, he said he has the "plebe hack" or some other respiratory infection and also tore his quad while running sprints in rugby, and is amazed by the oppressive Annapolis heat/humidity. Still, he remains upbeat and says "All in all, the summer is just one sweaty, blurry, exhausted haze. Which is exactly what I signed up for, so OO-RAH!"</p>
<p>Yea, what's earning a neckerchief and cover? We had those all along and used them on Sundays for White Works Alpha. I've never heard of earning them.</p>
<p>^^^ not sure "earning" them was the right adjective...
so will change it to "wearing" them.</p>
<p>Plebe hack definately making the rounds.</p>
<p>wolfemom- there is yelling, and there is yelling.
Everything is relative.
But definately leaning towards the lighter side for sure.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Probably both were correct initially. What many do not realize is that the Navy, and also USNA, is more of a micro environment than the other services. There is probably some truth in the old airdale adage that 'the AF has 10 manuals that tell you what you can do while the Navy has one that tells you what you cannot do'. Leadership training at USNA is more geared to independent operations than that of other services. Not only to prepare one for command of a destroyer or submarine, but also for the Class of 2003 pilot who is leading his flight division of three other aircraft over Afghanistan and Iraq today. Bottom line, rules and regulations are more flexible and open to more interpretations. The procedure of 'earning' neckerchiefs may be totally true in one platoon and never heard of in another. Each unit in the Navy is different. Some are great. Some are horrible. And it can change overnight.</p>
<p>wow, i really think you worded that just perfectly!! That was a great explanation USNA69!</p>