<p>Have to say it's been really awesome!</p>
<p>Plebe Parents Weekend is about over now, and many more things are awaiting us plebes.. haha, but it's been great. Certainly it's the coolest boot-camp I've ever been to!</p>
<p>Hopefully some of my classmates agree, some probably won't.. but it's a great intro into this fantastic institution, and this web-site really helped me out preparing for it. Thank you guys.</p>
<p>-Doc</p>
<p>So . . .SD, planning on going out for that beer now? [wink, wink, and a nod]</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>SD: My plebe, too, reported “a great summer” and even told people at my hotel “I love it!” He said some days suck, but not many. He also reported great admiration for the priors he has met.</p>
<p>So fun, to see your baby just exactly where he needs/wants to be. He seemed so comfortable in his skin (and new white uniforms!) We are most happy in west Texas!</p>
<p>He did comment on the fact that Capt Klunder announced that “only 15 have gone home”…he speculated that USNA is trying too hard to keep some who he feels won’t make it and are constantly looking for ways out of everything. His company had one young lady who left for Tango, then returned, then left again and turned up in another company. He feels they are begging her to stay, when her attitude is difficult for those around her to bear. His platoon was greatly relieved to have her gone. Reportedly her new platoon is not thrilled with her attitude, either. Makes me wonder, how many of those who are talked into staying continue and have a productive USNA career…?</p>
<p>^^^Strange situation isn’t it? Doesn’t sound like she wants to be a naval officer. A young man from my daughter’s high school class went to NAPS while she went to Annapolis. Once he got to USNA he only lasted three semesters then came home. Now he’s a police officer in a nearby city and my d is a military officer. Scary to imagine that he’s in law enforcement and carrying a loaded weapon. Kid used to cheat in AP Government too.</p>
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<p>Obviously, I know nothing about the circumstances involving the individual described above. I do know that Tango Company is for those deciding whether to leave USNA – and some do decide to stay. If they do, they are always put back into another company.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t assume they are “talked into staying.” Plebe summer can be stressful, especially for folks who may not be from a military background, may not have attended NASS, etc. A gut reaction may be to quit but, upon further reflection, some mids may realize they should give the decision some more time. That isn’t necessarily bad.</p>
<p>I’m quite sure that, if someone really doesn’t want to be at USNA, he/she won’t last 4 years.</p>
<p>I agree with the above comments, and will add that plebe summer and the “rest” of the USNA experience are different animals. Plebe summer can be a “culture shock” to many, and each adjusts differently. Many will question their decision- sometimes over and over again. </p>
<p>Many who struggle through plebe summer find a way to soar once the academic year starts, and with it, a different perspective of USNA. Others will have the opposite experience. With time, each will decide for themselves if “this” is for “them,” and in some instances, USNA will be the one to decide that for them. </p>
<p>It’s worth repeating what USNA1985 stated, in that “if someone really doesn’t want to be at USNA, he/she won’t last 4 years.”</p>
<p>Congrats to the Class of 2013 and the end of plebe summer! (well, at least the routine stuff!) Next hurdle: REFORM! ;)</p>
<p>I hope that anyone who goes through Tango Company understands that the stress of plebe summer is just the beginning. The stress level will be apparent after graduation. I can’t emphasize, enough, that the amount of work required to get done at USNA is nothing compared to what is expected in the Fleet. You would be only kidding yourself if you thought otherwise. I can only speak from the SWO perspective (I am sure flight school is probably an exception), but TBS, Nuke School, etc requires a lot of work and can be a stressful living.</p>
<p>I am not saying that going to Tango means that the person will not be able to handle the stresses of the Fleet. I am just saying, if they leave because it is “too hard” and then decide to stay, they need to realize that after graduation, life can become even more stressful. I have found that talking to other JOs (to vent stress) has been helpful and that is why we have a “Junior Officer Protection Association” (JOPA). I’d suggest anyone having difficulties with plebe summer, to talk to their roommate (at a minimum) and sometimes that can make a difference. Teammates rely on each other, not only for physical and academic support, but also in times of need and help.</p>
<p>I can tell you that from reading many SITREPs, the Navy is seeing about 4-8 Suicide Related Incidents (attempts, gestures, or plans carried out) per day. It is mind boggling!</p>