Plebe Milestones

Induction Day (I-Day)

Induction Day marks the beginning of the four-year journey at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) for new Midshipmen. The day is highly significant as it represents the official start of their training and education at the academy. Here is a summary of what typically happens on Induction Day:

Arrival and Reporting

  • Incoming midshipmen, known as plebes, arrive at the academy and report to designated locations.
  • Families are present to bid farewell, and there is a mix of emotions as plebes embark on their Naval Academy journey.

Processing and Paperwork

  • Plebes go through administrative processes, including receiving uniforms, identification, and completing necessary paperwork.
  • Personal items are stored, and plebes are issued the initial items needed for their training.

Haircut and Uniform Issue

  • One of the symbolic and traditional elements of Induction Day is the mandatory military-style haircut that all plebes receive.
  • Plebes are issued their initial uniforms, marking their transition into the military lifestyle.

Oath of Office

  • Induction Day culminates in the Oath of Office ceremony, where plebes take an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve as future officers in the United States Navy or Marine Corps.
  • This ceremony is a solemn and formal event, emphasizing the commitment and responsibility of the incoming midshipmen.

Transition to Plebe Summer

  • After the Oath of Office, plebes say their farewells to family and friends as they prepare to enter the initial phase of their training known as Plebe Summer.
  • Plebe Summer is a rigorous six-week training program designed to prepare Midshipmen physically, mentally, and militarily for the challenges of life at the Naval Academy.

Induction Day is a momentous occasion that sets the tone for the demanding and transformative experience awaiting Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy. It signifies the beginning of their commitment to serve their country and undergo the rigorous training required to become future leaders in the Navy and Marine Corps.

Plebe Summer

Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy is an intense and challenging six-week training program designed for incoming plebes. The purpose of Plebe Summer is to prepare these new Midshipmen for the academic, physical, and military rigors of the Naval Academy. The training includes physical fitness exercises, military drills, seamanship, and other essential skills needed for success in the military.

During Plebe Summer, plebes undergo a demanding schedule that includes early morning physical training, military instruction, and various team-building activities. The training is intended to instill discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of duty. Plebes also learn the basics of naval traditions, customs, and protocol. The challenging nature of Plebe Summer is meant to foster resilience and a sense of camaraderie among the incoming class.

Overall, Plebe Summer serves as a foundational experience that helps shape the character and capabilities of future naval officers, preparing them for the unique challenges they will face during their time at the Naval Academy and in their future military careers.

Link to Plebe Summer Info on USNA.edu

Plebe Parents’ Weekend

Plebe Parents’ Weekend is a significant event in which families of plebes gain insights into the demanding life at the academy. The weekend includes formal ceremonies, parades, and presentations that highlight the rigorous academic curriculum and military training their plebes undergo. Families attend classes, tour the campus, and witness the precision of drill skills during a formal parade, providing a comprehensive view of the Midshipmen’s experiences.

In addition to the formal events, Plebe Parents’ Weekend offers families the opportunity for personal connections with their midshipmen. Shared meals, open discussions, and quality time allow families to better understand the challenges and opportunities that come with a military education at the USNA, fostering a deeper connection between the academy and the families of the plebe Midshipmen.

Sea Trials

Sea Trials is an annual 14-hour training exercise that serves as the culmination of the plebe year. Modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and the Navy’s Battle Stations recruit programs, Sea Trials is a rigorous physical and mental challenge for the plebes. Led by upper class members, the event is designed to test teamwork, reinforce bonds within the company and class, and serve as a leadership challenge for upper-class Midshipmen. At the conclusion, the company with the top performance receives the prestigious “Iron Company” award, recognizing their outstanding endurance and spirit throughout the course. Sea Trials is not open to the public.

The Herndon Monument Climb

The Herndon Monument Climb is a highly anticipated tradition at the United States Naval Academy, typically marking the culmination of plebe year. In this spirited event, plebes work together to ascend the greased Herndon Monument—a 21-foot obelisk—located on the academy grounds. The objective is to replace a plebe “dixie cup” hat at the top with the midshipman’s hat, symbolizing the completion of their challenging first year. The monument is generously coated with lard or vegetable shortening, making the climb a physically demanding and slippery task that requires teamwork and determination. The Herndon Climb is not only a symbol of accomplishment but also a reflection of the camaraderie and resilience developed among the plebes throughout their initial year at the Naval Academy.