What New Navy Plebes Go Through On Their First Day At Annapolis | Boot Camp | Business Insider

Summary

On a hot June day, over 1,100 freshmen arrive at the United States Naval Academy to begin their journey as future officers. The rigorous selection process admits only 7% of applicants, with the incoming class being one of the most diverse in years. Induction Day, or I-Day, initiates a six-week basic-training program, 'Plebe Summer,' designed to develop enduring leaders. The plebes undergo a series of tests, receive uniforms, and learn the Navy's customs, culminating in the Oath Ceremony and a final farewell to their families before their transformation into midshipmen.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Over 1,100 incoming freshmen arrive at the United States Naval Academy on Induction Day, the start of their journey to become future officers in the US Navy and Marine Corps.
• 🏆 The admission process to the Naval Academy is highly competitive, with only just over 7% of the more than 16,000 applicants being admitted.
• 👩‍🎓 The incoming class is notably diverse, with 26% being female and 40% represented by minorities, reflecting the Academy's commitment to inclusivity.
• 📚 Plebes are issued a 225-page book, 'Reef Points,' containing over 1,000 facts they are expected to memorize as part of their training.
• 🔍 Plebes undergo a rigorous initial screening process, including breathalyzer tests, medical screenings, and pregnancy tests for females.
• 💇‍♂️ Male plebes are required to shave their heads, while female plebes must wear their hair in a tight bun or keep it chin-length or shorter.
• 👔 Plebes receive uniforms and are instructed to transfer all belongings into a single bag, symbolizing the start of their uniformed service.
• 📖 Plebes learn the Navy's basic customs and courtesies, including the proper way to salute, as part of their initial training.
• 🗣️ The plebes recite the Oath Ceremony, pledging to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, marking a significant step in their commitment to service.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 After the Oath Ceremony, plebes have a brief 45 minutes to spend with their families before they fully immerse themselves in the Academy's program.
• 🚶‍♂️ The plebes' journey officially begins as they march into Bancroft Hall, signifying the start of their transformation into midshipmen.

Q & A

What event does the script describe as taking place on a sweltering Thursday in June?

The script describes the arrival of over 1,100 incoming freshmen, known as plebes, at the United States Naval Academy on Induction Day, or I-Day.

What is the significance of I-Day for the incoming freshmen at the Naval Academy?

I-Day marks the beginning of their time at the Naval Academy and the start of Plebe Summer, a challenging six-week basic-training program required for all future midshipmen.

How competitive is the admission process to the United States Naval Academy?

The admission process is very rigorous and competitive, with just over 7% of the more than 16,000 applicants being admitted to the Academy.

What is the gender distribution among the incoming class of plebes?

Twenty-six percent of the incoming class is female, indicating a significant representation of women among the new plebes.

What is the diversity representation among the incoming class in terms of minorities?

Forty percent of the incoming class is represented by minorities, making it one of the most diverse classes in recent years.

What is the significance of the book 'Reef Points' issued to the plebes?

The 225-page book 'Reef Points' introduces plebes to the Navy and the Naval Academy, and they are expected to memorize more than 1,000 facts from it, which they will be tested on throughout the summer.

What is the significance of the haircuts for male and female plebes?

Male plebes are required to shave their heads, while female plebes can wear their hair in a tight bun or keep it no longer than chin-length, symbolizing the uniformity and discipline of the Academy.

What is the role of the detailers at the Naval Academy?

Detailers are a select group of third-year midshipmen tasked with teaching proper protocol to the plebes and correcting them when necessary, as part of their training to become enduring leaders.

What commitment do midshipmen make regarding their service after graduation?

Midshipmen commit to five years of active-duty service after graduation, and while at the Academy, they receive a salary of $1,087 per month.

What is the significance of the Oath Ceremony for the plebes?

The Oath Ceremony is the culmination of everything the plebes learn on I-Day, where they swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and faithfully discharge the duties of their office.

What is the emotional impact of the final moments with family before Plebe Summer begins?

The final moments with family are emotional, as plebes get only 45 minutes to spend with their families and eat their last meal outside of the Academy mess hall before they have to say goodbye and begin their journey as midshipmen.