Where do we physically report

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>
[quote]
Honestly, in some ways, the 15-second good-bye may be better. For the plebe, at least.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>perhaps yes, perhaps no.</p>

<p>I have only one expereince to base it on- my own at USNA, although I have been to inductions at USMA twice now. My vote is for the USNA model.</p>

<p>I guess I just needed to know that it was "ok" to leave. </p>

<p>But here it is 2 years later, and the world is a whole different place. Time works wonders, but you need to allow time the time to work its magic.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Actually, it is 90 seconds at WP but lets not nit-pick.

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yes it is. But some clocks move faster than others, or so it seems.</p>

<p>
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Probably best to plan your 'good-bye' before entering the auditiorium at WP.

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</p>

<p>When I was there, they had us assemble in Mitchie stadium. They got 90 seconds to say their good bye's and get down on the field to march out to the buses. So 15 seconds with us, and 60 seconds to get down and report in. And we sat and watched the buses pull away, and that was it. Done. Finito. BEAST.</p>

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<p>Yep - we got the "infamous" 90-second good bye but honestly, by then there really was nothing else to be said that had not been said before. Mine only needed about 10 seconds - 5 seconds for me and 5 for her dad.
IMO - the melodrama did not live up to expectations at all. There were no sobbing new cadets ripped from their mothers hysterical arms.</p>

<p>You are there to report in. Say your goodbyes before hand and all will be OK.</p>

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<p>I don't think it is the saying of "goodbye", we did that in morning, that is at issue.</p>

<p>Rather, it was the day's recap that was therapeutic; for both of us. </p>

<p>The end of the day is a chance for the mids to catch their breath, to relate the day's story, and then move on. In fact, they are typically anxious to get back to formation, not wanting to be late. I think many parents want an indication of how the day went, even if they don't want to admit it.
I saw very little--rather, no--melodrama from either parents or mids. Yes, there were some tears and held-back sob, but everybody knew why they were there.</p>

<p>Three years later . . . it's fine. The extra forty [or was it 35?] minutes does not seem to have taken away any from their personal growth.</p>

<p>I appreciate the Navy's consideration of the parents throughout the day.</p>

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<p>A couple more hints for the parents who are lurking about:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Bring a cell phone with you at the end of the day, your plebe may want to call siblings, significant others, etc. to share the day's events,</p></li>
<li><p>DEFINITELY wear comfortable walking shoes... you are going to be walking all over the Yard, from one end to the other, if you choose to participate in the activities they have scheduled for you. It's a long, hot day - 10 or 11 hours - of waiting until you see your plebe, and you'll be traveling all over.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I saw many moms hobbling about, blistered and sore, from their nice heeled sandals (even some Manolos or Jimmy Choos, I swear!). There are a lot of bricked paths on the Yard - I helped one mom who fell down on Stribling and wrenched an ankle, it wasn't pretty. </p>

<ol>
<li>Relax and enjoy the day. Nothing is absolutely mandatory that day; if you don't feel like touring the crypt or hearing the Dant's speech, you don't have to. We ended up going back to the hotel and swimming/sunbathing for a while, it was a much-needed respite. </li>
</ol>

<p>The highlights, for our I-Day, were: (1) meeting the members of USNA 61, who were in the tent at the parents' BBQ - I saw four admirals conversing in a corner, and it was a sight to behold. They were all very approachable and interesting to talk to - you will have USNA 62 members there. (2) resting on a newly-bought "Class of 2011" picnic blanket at 6:30 pm with our plebe, drinking Gatorade, calling the gf and Grandma, enjoying the family time over a pizza and gummi bears.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
I appreciate the Navy's consideration of the parents throughout the day.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>exactly-
and IMO, something that set USNA apart.</p>

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<p>I'm thinking about entering through Gate 3 and walking the rest of the way to Alumni Hall at 6:30 AM. Any other suggestions?</p>

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<p>
[quote]
I appreciate the Navy's consideration of the parents throughout the day.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>
[quote]
exactly-
and IMO, something that set USNA apart.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>WHOA! Are you implying that West Point and other academies are not considerate of parents??</p>

<p>I can assure you and put this nonsense to rest - nothing could be further than the truth.</p>

<p>Folks - this is part of what is "wrong" with these forums - you really don't know if poster's have any idea what they are talking about. Some comments should be heeded, some laughed at, some taken with a grain of salt and some completely disregarded. The challenge is trying to figure it out.
Furthermore, when someone makes a completely outrageous comment that is not based on any fact - one has to wonder about their credibility to give accurate information.</p>

<p>Yes, it is true that on R-Day the kids say good bye to the parents early on. It was 8:36 for us. Did I ever feel once that the Army was not considerate? Not at all - in fact the opposite is true. R-Day did not end at 8:36 for us. There was much to do and a very informative briefing by some very caring Generals. The new commandant told us that this was his third R-Day, his own, his son's and yesterday. He then told us the most difficult one was his son's R-Day. The supe's wife spoke to us and welcomed us to the Army family. The parade was awesome and while got to see my cadet, I would have been OK had I not seen her.</p>

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<p>I believe that you're the only one implying that.</p>

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<p>Actually, I took the comment as a comparison to non-SA colleges, and that's certainly been my experience. (At two different Univ's of CA w/ my older kids, there wasn't much of a presentation to parents except, "Don't expect to get your kid's grades" and "Pay our bills on time or your kid can't register for class"!)</p>

30

<p>
[quote]
WHOA! Are you implying that West Point and other academies are not considerate of parents??

[/quote]
</p>

<p>absolutely not.</p>

<p>What I am saying is that USNA builds into the reporting day events for families. I-Day at USNA is very different than R-Day at West Point. I have attended both. This is not a criticism as you suggest, but an observation.</p>

<p>I have also gone on record that West Point has better tailgates, and their Reform formation beats all others- hands down. </p>

<p>
[quote]
believe that you're the only one implying that.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That is my read as well.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Folks - this is part of what is "wrong" with these forums - you really don't know if poster's have any idea what they are talking about. Some comments should be heeded, some laughed at, some taken with a grain of salt and some completely disregarded. The challenge is trying to figure it out.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I don't think anyone on here is under the illusion that any one person knows it all. Like everything in life, you collect the data, sift through it, consider the options, and formulate an opinion based on the best evidence available. The opinions vary widely- it is a wonder we agree at all sometimes!!!! </p>

<p>
[quote]

Furthermore, when someone makes a completely outrageous comment that is not based on any fact - one has to wonder about their credibility to give accurate information.

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</p>

<p>What is wrong is when more is "read" into a post than is there, and when one "reacts" without fully understanding the comments made, having read them without understanding. What is helpful is "appreciative inquiry".... getting clarification that what you "read" is what was "meant"...an example of which is to say .... "in saying this-and-that, did you mean......" - allowing the poster to clarify the message. IMO, a much better approach then to come out with a full frontal attack. The post started out that way.... but unfortunately nose-dived after that, with all due respect. </p>

<p>If an outrageous comment was made, please point it out.
As for posts that reflect on direct observation, they are what they are. Observations. And we all see the world around us very differently.</p>

<p>And if you read the posts carefully, you might have noticed that some of us have attended R-Days at USMA- on several occassions. So it is just possible we know of what we speak. </p>

<p>I will attribute your angst to the emotions of R-Day, not unlike I-Day at USNA, or whatever they call it at USAFA. We are all one big happy "military" family when it all comes down to it- only some of us get to have a better football team!!! ;) (that's a joke.......)</p>

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<p>Soylent:
From Gate 3 straight ahead and a left past Admissions to Alumni Hall. Easy if you are within walking distance of the Yard and near Gate 3. Gate 1 walk up past the Chapel and down Stribling toward Alumni Hall. Just follow the flow.</p>

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<p>Would Just a Mom be "implying" that or "inferring" her conclusion?</p>

<p>N2010 states it correctly. The problem IS that more is typically read into a post [inferred from it] than the person stated.</p>

<p>Navy IS set apart--indeed from the other Academies--in how it deals with parents. At least historically. That doesn't necessarily mean the other Academies are worse or deficient. It isn't necessarily a zero-sum game. Part of it may have to do with the fact that USNA is a facility open to th epublic. But the indcution day IS very different at USNA than at the other Academies</p>

<p>At AirForce, for example, the public is not permitted, generally, to interact w/ the cadets, being restricted to an overhead view from the chapel area. I get a similar impression about WestPoint, although it has been probably thirty years since I was on that facility.
At USNA, parents are invited to many different events, I-day being just the start. Later, there is FirstieParents [now combined w/ 2/c, day.
At AF, there is a parent's day where all paretns are invited on a single day.
West Point?</p>

<p>I am sure there are many other examples.</p>

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<p>Bill,</p>

<p>I think VADM Fowler is trying to cut down somewhat on how "open" USNA is to parents. We have already seen no invitation to PEP last summer and parents were discouraged from watching Sea Trials a few weeks ago. Of course, it won't be as restrictive as USMA/USAFA.</p>

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<p>On R day, the "red carpet" was rolled out for parents. Very few places were off-limits. There were many places to sit and hope to catch a glimpse of an NC. One guy hollered out, "Hey! NC_____, don't do anything to call attention to yourself!!" I asked if it was his kid; he said, no, but it was his kid's friend (probably not anymore). This guy was a USMA grad, and was having a ball.</p>

<p>Our NC were not permitted to give final good byes at the end of the day, but I think the ending was very appropriate...they marched toward their new life into a historic building where many great ones have passed before them. With a resounding "slam" the doors were shut and I think (although I cannot be sure) the next sound we heard was a huge, collective sigh drifting over the plain. It was a good day; one I'll never forget. It doesn't mean I day is better, or R day is better...just different.
The next day we went back on post to see some sights we missed the day before...the access was much more limited; we could not walk to many of the places we had been allowed on R day...which let me know just how much they wanted us to experience R day w/ our NC's.
I hope you USNA parents that we have travelled this parallel journey with will be reporting today was amazing for both you and your new mid. </p>

<p>Go Everybody!</p>

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<p>Some great remarks by Navy2010 above. I think this quote sums it up quite well.</p>

<p>--->I don't think anyone on here is under the illusion that any one person knows it all. Like everything in life, you collect the data, sift through it, consider the options, and formulate an opinion based on the best evidence available.<------</p>

<p>(Sorry, can't remember how to do that insert/highlight thing).</p>

<p>We are all peers here. I think it is great if many people offer their insight, perspective or opinions on the various topics being discussed. People participate who have all kinds of backgrounds and that is exactly why sites like these are useful for expressing those opinions.</p>

<p>If someone disagrees with an opinion, they should state their points clearly and in a professional tone. Let's not forget the real reason we are here is to help those amazing men/women of the Academy and upcoming h.s. students who perhaps have a future interest in also going to one of the Academies.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
Of course, it won't be as restrictive as USMA/USAFA.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>actually, West Point has come a long way over the past several years.... much more involvement from parents, and more activites for families to witness and even participate. Parents can even go through a week of plebe summer if like- </p>

<p>a lot depends on the supe and the dant at the time.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
there is FirstieParents [now combined w/ 2/c, day.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>what???
Are you saying thats its now 1/c and 2/c parents weekend?</p>

<p>I also never realized that West Point or USAFA were closed off to the public. The only things restricted to the public at USNA are dorms, academic classrooms, and phys ed/sports buildings(forgive me if I miss anything). I guess with 4 years of crowds at formations during the spring and fall and numerous photo ops with tourists I kinda assumed they were all tourist attractions (just not to the level of Navy because of its great location)</p>

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<p>Parents were very welcomed at USMA. We had access to all buildings that were not part of R day or were always off limits to civilians. We toured classrooms, gyms, pools, libraries, chapels...we saw the NC's all day...we just couldn't get in the training areas. The major difference as I see it was that you all met up again at the end of the day for hugs and pics, while our NC's marched into Washington Hall, closed the door, and had dinner. We had programs, tours, meetings, all day...we were addressed by the Supe, Dant, and Dean, as well as treated to a skit on how "not to handle the first phone call home." It was very informative. The Supe's wife nearly had us in tears...but it was all good. </p>

<p>2010: what do you mean parents can go through a week of plebe summer? That's a new one on me.</p>

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<p>USAFA is relatively closed during the ac year. Visitors center is removed from the dorms/classrooms. The assembly area--at least as of about two years ago--is fenced off and below where tourists can stand, in front of the chapel.
In fact, apart from the chapel and the visitors center, I don't think there are very many other buildings a tourist can visit. I guess a tourist could visit an ahtletic field, but even those are removed from the tourist paths, etc. I was there during the summer and on other business, but it did nto seem, based on the physical layout, that a visitor would have much chance at all to even talk to a cadet. Perhaps I'm mistaken.
compared to USNA, where mids are walking around quite a bit, memorial hall, chapel, etc. are all relatively open to visitor.
If I recall about USMA, again it was many years ago, there are, likewise, few buildings one can visit. But more possible contact w/ cadets.
At least during ac. year.</p>

<p>We have received a communication that 2/c parents will be invited to 1/c weekend this fall. Something about the whole show being re-focused to 2/c and this is just a transitional year.
It seems that administraiton felt there was too much of a gap between plebe parent's weekend and 1/c wekeend. THis spreads out the visits to PPW, 2c weekend, and graduation weekend.
3/c still only have the luau, w/o parents!</p>

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<p>
[quote]
We have received a communication that 2/c parents will be invited to 1/c weekend this fall. Something about the whole show being re-focused to 2/c and this is just a transitional year.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>The biggest reason that this strikes me as odd is because of the logistics of the issue. 1/c parents weekend was always a logistical issue for academics because you had alot more people in the classroom. In any popular class people were inevitably standing. I can't even begin to think about the logistics issues with both 1/c and 2/c parents in the room... On a more personal note, I don't know why you need more than 1/c and 4/c weekend. The other years are nice, but theres not much to celebrate. With plebes, you have the obvious beginning of the Academy, and with 1/c you have the end...I don't see a need for any other recognitions.</p>