<p>I'm not clear on the passport issue. Do the mids need one on I-Day? I thought they did, but my son says it isn't mandatory. If we need one, I guess we better hurry.</p>
<p>Morning Navymom2b:</p>
<p>It is NOT mandatory they have a passport but, highly recommended. We went to the post office last week and applied. Expect some "sticker" shock, $112 if you have them take pictures ($12). We let them take pictures since the pic must be 2"X2" exact and facial size has to be within certain size range. Normal mail has delivery back in 6 weeks. </p>
<p>They won't need it during summer anyway so this works out. You can get a copy of the form on several online sites, print it out, fill out, and take with you to location. You'll need a certified copy of birth certificate (luckily we had two since USNA still has our original and yes, the postal service keeps the other one!), two forms of ID and be sure to bring your ID if like Sis, he is under 18.</p>
<p>The post office requires you to call and make an appointment then just take paperwork and documentation with you. They will complete and the whole process took less than a half hour.</p>
<p>Hope this helps! Be sfae and God bless! See you soon!</p>
<p>The passports just speed things up when visiting foreign ports and make their civilian life much easier (liberty, leave, etc). It will mainly come into use once they're commissioned.</p>
<p>Thanks! That was helpful info.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, troops overseas on deployments don't have passports with them. Their ID cards and orders are usually enough.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: Data based on pre-9/11 experience.</p>
<p>That said, it never hurts to have your passport.</p>
<p>Good idea to apply for the passport now, even though they do not need it on I-Day. Many Plebes will have the opportunity to travel outside the country sometime during their first year for either sports, activities, etc. It will be easier to apply now.</p>
<p>Would the plebes travel DURING the year or in the summer?</p>
<p>Summer, and then only if their ships are overseas.</p>
<p>If they and their families go overseas during Christmas or Spring Break, then that's another issue.</p>
<p>My Mid traveled with the Scuba Club over spring break out of the country. I believe that the Glee Club also traveled out of the country over spring break. This year the Rugby Club traveled to England in the fall (not sure if any Plebes were included in the trip). Bottom line is that you MAY have the opportunity to travel and need a passport. Don't wait until after I-Day to try and make that happen as it is a major hassle.</p>
<p>Ah, yes! I had forgotten club trips!</p>
<p>Damn! Scuba Club never went anywhere when I was it's First LT. We managed to rebuild it, though. :)</p>
<p>Wow that's awesome that the average club will have such great resources to go and travel. It is the Navy...I should have known. My local reserve center (where us Sea Cadets drill) is notorious for its lack of resources and things for us to do.</p>
<p>Exactly where, in a busy Plebe's schedule, will they fit time for a club?! And if you want to do multiple clubs, how will that fly?</p>
<p>Normally after dinner, if there isn't a bore-us-all lecture or some other similar requirement.</p>
<p>If two clubs go at the same time, you'll have to choose which one to cut that night.</p>
<p>That's awesome. And aren't the clubs a more relaxing atmosphere, depending on what you choose and how much you enjoy it?</p>
<p>Of course. What did you expect?</p>
<p>Well...it's the Naval Academy and I'm thinking "ok get into your damn clubs now.............ok time's up...get back to work" based on the tight schedules. Plus, they only have 2 hours (???) or so to get homework done for all of their classes, if I'm not mistaken. Then, they have to catch up/study on weekends?</p>
<p>Have you done ANY research on this place at all, are you going strictly on what you've seen in a movie or something?</p>
<p>I'm going based off what a BGO said. He did make it sound extremely strict. I know that it's strict. But also note the question marks to my statements. I've done a lot of research but I've never really seen specific numbers to this stuff. I've only heard from this BGO.</p>
<p>Movies can't tell you anything. You should know this. And I know that probably half of the people that saw the movie Annapolis probably base what they think of the Academy on that movie. It was a horrible movie and obviously without any help/consultation from the Navy.</p>
<p>So, please, correct me when I'm wrong. I'm not here for personal enjoyment. I'm trying to learn and absorb everything I possibly can and try to help others out as well.</p>
<p>Then relax. The place is strict, but as I told someone earlier (was it you?) it's Annapolis, not Alcatraz. It's not a concentration camp or a prison. </p>
<p>Plebe year is tough, but over a thousand make it through every year. You'll have all the time you need to study, as well as to be in a sport, become a member of a club or two, and even read a book or hang out at your sponsors. Other times you'll think the world is coming to an end with so much stuff flying at you.</p>
<p>Just chill. You'll be fine if you keep your wits about you.</p>
<p>Ahhhh I really wanna go there!</p>
<p>I'm definitely not a normal kid. I would never want that whole screw-off civilian college experience. Plus, that's a lot of money to spend. I would love USNA (I think) and I would not enjoy NROTC much at all.</p>
<p>Anyone know if there's a price tag on this sort of college experience (how much the government actually spends to put a mid through USNA)?</p>
<p>$250,000+, rammed up your ass one nickle at a time.</p>
<p>Enjoy! :D</p>