Midshipmen Dating Life - USNA

Summary

In this video, Julia and Philip share their experiences of dating life at the Academy. They discuss the misconception that attending the Academy guarantees finding a spouse, despite the 1:3 female-to-male ratio. They explain the 'no dating within your company' rule, the concept of 'love chitting' for those in the same company, and the 'hate' option for those who cannot get along with their company. They also touch on the serious consequences of breaking dating rules, such as restrictions and demerits that can impact future military careers. The couple shares their personal stories, including Philip's secret relationship as a freshman and Julia's dating experience with a civilian. They emphasize the importance of understanding the Academy's dating culture and the potential challenges it presents.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the dating life at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
• 👫 The female-to-male ratio at the Academy is one to three, which influences dating dynamics.
• 🏫 There's a rule against dating within the same company during the freshman year, known as 'plebe' year.
• 🚫 'Love chitting' is the process of transferring out of one's company to date someone from the same company.
• 💔 'Hatte' is the process of leaving one's company due to personal conflicts, which is rare.
• 🚷 Freshmen are not allowed to date upperclassmen from any company, reflecting a chain of command respect.
• 🎓 The term '2% Club' refers to couples who started dating in high school and continued through Academy graduation.
• 🏞️ Joining clubs can provide opportunities for socializing and dating outside the strict Academy rules.
• 🚫 There are serious consequences for breaking dating rules, including restrictions and demerits that can affect future military careers.
• 💍 Marriage is not allowed during Academy attendance, leading to long engagements for some couples.
• 📱 Some cadets use dating apps and change their locations to meet people outside the Academy's strict environment.

Q & A

What is the general perception about finding a spouse at the academy?

While it's common to hear that one might find a spouse at the academy, it's not a guarantee. It's important not to apply to the academy solely with the expectation of finding a husband.

What is the female to male ratio at the academy?

The female to male ratio at the academy is approximately one to three.

Is it allowed to date within the same company as a freshman or plebe?

No, as a freshman or plebe, you are not supposed to date anyone else in your company, regardless of their year.

What is the term for couples who started dating in high school and continued through academy graduation?

Such couples are referred to as being in the '2% Club', indicating it's a rare occurrence.

What is the policy on dating after the plebe year at the academy?

After the plebe year, there are no restrictions on dating within the academy, but you still cannot date within your own company.

What is 'love chitting' and why is it risky?

'Love chitting' is the process of dating someone within your own company after your plebe year, which is against the rules. It's risky because if the relationship doesn't last, one of the individuals may have to leave their company.

Why does the academy discourage dating within the same company?

The academy discourages dating within the same company to mimic the military's policy against dating within one's chain of command, to prepare cadets for military life.

What is the term for disliking one's company to the extent of wanting to leave?

If someone dislikes their company to the extent that they want to leave, it's called 'hate chitting', though it's a rare occurrence.

What are some of the consequences of breaking dating rules at the academy?

Consequences of breaking dating rules can include restrictions, demerits, and potentially negative impacts on future career opportunities within the military.

How do cadets meet potential dating partners outside the academy?

Some cadets use dating apps like Tinder, setting their location to nearby college areas, and then travel to those areas on weekends to meet people.

Can cadets get married while attending the academy?

Cadets are not allowed to get married while attending the academy; they must wait until after graduation.