How to Survive Plebe Summer

Getting into a military academy is only the first step of a very long journey. For some, attending a military academy for college is an excellent choice while for others it can prove disastrous to mental and physical wellbeing. If you are still deciding whether or not attending a service academy is right for you, check out the article "Why Attend a U.S. Service Academy for College". If, on the other hand, you've already made your decision and are looking for how to thrive during your first summer, continue reading. The following discusses Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy, what you can expect as a plebe, and how to thrive during those first few difficult months. Although this article specifically discusses Plebe Summer and the U.S. Naval Academy, similar experiences are had at all U.S. service academies.

Plebe Summer is tough, make no mistake. Days start before sunrise with mandatory physical training, after which there is no rest. The remainder of the day is filled with classes, military training, drill, physical training, and indoctrination into the military lifestyle. Plebe Summer Detail (upperclassmen acting as drill instructors) continuously scream and the Plebes, demand better performance, and all in all make life difficult. Days are planned down to the minute, with no rest between when Plebes get up and when they go to bed. Stress levels are high, there is much to be accomplished, and many new midshipmen quit before the summer is over.

There are several purposes to Plebe Summer. The U.S. Naval Academy and the Plebe Summer Detail are trying to determine if each and every new plebe really wants to be there, to become a midshipmen, to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, and to serve their country upon graduation. Surviving Plebe Summer is not for the faint of heart... if a new Plebe is not determined to thrive, they will likely wash out. This is an important part of the summer, as the U.S. Navy only wants those to continue who want to be there, and who have the capacity to thrive.

A second, and equally important, purpose of Plebe Summer is to get new Plebes used to operating in a stressful environment. As an officer in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps, eventually these Plebes will be required to make on the spot decisions under extremely stressful conditions. Plebe Summer is their first introduction to extreme stress, and how to survive with many things going on in all directions.

In order to survive, and thrive, Plebe Summer, preparation is key. First, prospective Plebes should read everything they can about the Naval Academy, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and Plebe Summer. Stories from other midshipmen, articles on the internet, and books at the library are all good resources. By having a greater understanding of what to expect, a future Plebe can mentally and physically prepare for the summer they are going to endure.

Second, a prospective Plebe should physically prepare. Even the best athletes struggle during physical training. However, those in better shape will fare better throughout the summer as more and more demands are placed on their bodies. Additionally, all Plebes are required to pass the PRT, or physical readiness test, at the end of the summer. Failure to pass may mean involuntary separation from the Naval Academy - so preparation before summer is a good way to go. The PRT consists of pushups, crunches, and a 1.5 mile run.

Thirdly, a prospective Plebe should mentally prepare. Prior to reporting for duty at the beginning of the summer, the U.S. Naval Academy will send each new Plebe the "Reef Points" handbook. Reef Points is filled with information about the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the U.S. Naval Academy, and traditional information all midshipmen must know. Much of the summer at the Naval Academy is spent memorizing this book and spouting out knowledge of it to the Plebe Summer Detail - a new Plebe can get a huge advantage (and jump start on the summer) my memorizing as much of the book as they can before they arrive. Word for word memorization is key; do this, and a new Plebe will thrive.

Lastly, a prospective Plebe needs to emotionally prepare for Plebe Summer. Knowing what to expect and being mentally ready to deal with it are two different issues. For a couple of months, contact with friends and family will be limited as new Plebes are indoctrinated into the U.S. Naval Academy. A new Plebe who is emotionally ready to dive in, make the best of the summer, and is ready for the trials and tribulations thrown at them will fare better than those who attempt no emotional preparation. A prospective plebe should look into themselves to determine why they want to succeed, why the want to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, and prepare a mental plan for how they will survive the summer.

By knowing what to expect as well as physically, mentally, and emotionally preparing for Plebe Summer, new Plebes give themselves the best chance of survival during this indoctrination period. With a bit of preparation, new Plebes will not only survive, they will thrive - setting themselves up for four years of success before graduating with a degree and commission.