<p>what kind of info is in here? is there a way to get a head start on memorization by knowing certain things about the navy? how often/much do you read this? how quickly/how much are plebes required to memorize?
or are these questions that shouldn't be asked, and shouldn't be answered?</p>
<p>I'd google it to see if you can find information. It is not a bad idea to start learning about the Navy, but there could be consequences from learning information early. Plus, memorization is part of the plebe summer experience.</p>
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but there could be consequences from learning information early.
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<p>Not if you're smart and keep your mouth shut about it. ;)</p>
<p>It is really not worth studying, just to get a head start. If it interests you, go ahead and learn a little. I knew ranks and part of the Air Force song, when I got to USAFA. It was nice to be able to fall back on, but nothing worth devoting much time to. Part of why we memorize things is to increase our proficiency at rapid memorization...so studying early kind of defeats the purpose.</p>
<p>There was alot of discussion from last year's class on whether or not to 'bone up' early on the reef points. Some kids swore it helped them. Some, like my daughter consciously chose NOT to do that - so that the full purpose of Plebe summer would challenge the mind. If you already know alot of the material, the thinking went....you aren't memorizing under stress which is the whole point of the exercise. Others answered back that lots of Plebes come with prior enlisted, or ROTC or NAPS and they certainly have a head start so you aren't crazy for trying to study ahead of time.</p>
<p>So it seems to be up to the personality of the individual. After Plebe Summer was all said and done I asked my Plebe about whether or not she wished she had studied ahead of time and she looked at my cross-eyed as if to say: "Mom, is THAT something you really care about after all I've been through?" She ultimately told me that she was glad she did things the way she did.</p>
<p>Oh....and one lesson mids now tease about.....since Plebe summer teaches them instant memorization skills...</p>
<p>never
ever
ever
show a mid your credit card. One look and the number is....THEIRS!! :-)</p>
<p>I asked my plebe about this and his advice was to not bother, as he said and Peskemom indicated, “it is about the information, but it’s really more about the process.” At most he said read reef points so that you are familiar with it but don’t waste time trying to memorize the information. </p>
<p>As for the rapid-fire memorization, it is amazing to see the process work. Over the Thanksgiving break while sitting in a restaurant the waitperson told us the three specials, one time. I had a question about one of them and off handed said to my husband, do you remember about… at which my plebe rattled the specials back to me practically word for word! They are masters at hearing and seeing things and retaining it all.</p>
<p>Sadly, it is a skill that requires practice to maintain, and boy am I out of practice! :(</p>
<p>well, our son's BGO gave him a copy of the previous year's Reef Points following his appointment, and he memorized a few things out of it... the mission, the chain of command, the first 5 orders of a sentry and I think the first 3 Laws of the Navy....</p>
<p>of course when he got there he forgot it all with all the yelling going on, and rush here, rush there, go faster, speak louder, etc..... </p>
<p>did it help???? Hmmmmm...........</p>
<p>personally, would do as peskemom suggests and just wait till u get there....the few items mentioned above he was told to "know before reporting to I-Day"....so that stuff he memorized (he didn't need Reef Points to do that...they included the information in the "Permit to Report" packet sent to the house....</p>
<p>personally, I would suggest you enjoy the time left to you in your senior year...stay focused on the stuff you need to know to graduate and finish that chapter of your life before turning the page to this one.... I promise, you will not fall behind nor gain any advantage if you "do" or you "don't" memorize the stuff in Reef Points....you will be given plenty of time to memorize it once you get there..... and even if you do go in "knowing it all," whatever you do DON't let on that you "know," and don't get all frustrated when they scare it all right out of your little head!!!! ;)</p>
<p>It is definately a good idea to start memorizing that stuff early. When the NAPS battalion took a trip to USNA, the first thing just about everyone bought was Reef Points. </p>
<p>Also though, don't forget that it is your last year in high school, so enjoy it as much as possible, believe me, you'll miss it.</p>
<p>^^^^just remember, the info in the current reef points is for 2010.... there will be a new issue for 2011....
much of the info will remain the same, but some of the stuff you will committ to memory over the course of plebe summer will be unique to your class....</p>