First Class Year
Click on the picture above for Commissioning information.
Click on the picture above for Commissioning information.
If you missed attending Commissioning 101
If you missed attending Commissioning 101
Here is the link to the next best thing the video of the conference and a downloadable PDF of the booklet with all of the info!
Here is the link to the next best thing the video of the conference and a downloadable PDF of the booklet with all of the info!
1/C Mids get all the privileges of 2/C year but in larger quantities. They can wear civies and drive during liberty which they get most weekdays except Wednesday, when they are expected to eat dinner with the Brigade. Firsties are allow small refrigerators in their rooms. They get almost all weekends free as well. They get to drive on the yard and they can park for free.
1/C Mids get all the privileges of 2/C year but in larger quantities. They can wear civies and drive during liberty which they get most weekdays except Wednesday, when they are expected to eat dinner with the Brigade. Firsties are allow small refrigerators in their rooms. They get almost all weekends free as well. They get to drive on the yard and they can park for free.
First Class year brings more responsibilities, as well as privileges, than any other year. Firsties are relaxed. It's a good feeling to be at the top of the ladder. If they validated early classes and took advanced placement as Plebes, their academic load may be quite light in their final year. They have some options if they manage to finish their coursework in December. They can branch out and study other concentrations. They can also continue to live in Bancroft but take classes at other nearby institutions for the spring semester.
First Class year brings more responsibilities, as well as privileges, than any other year. Firsties are relaxed. It's a good feeling to be at the top of the ladder. If they validated early classes and took advanced placement as Plebes, their academic load may be quite light in their final year. They have some options if they manage to finish their coursework in December. They can branch out and study other concentrations. They can also continue to live in Bancroft but take classes at other nearby institutions for the spring semester.
Firstie Summer
Firstie Summer
From the start of First Class cruise, the 1/C Mids act as junior officers, gaining valuable experience under shipboard conditions in various departments on board. First, there is a two-week training period in Pensacola, Fla., and Kings Bay, Ga. which exposes them to naval aviation and the submarine force. Next, a four-to eight-week Fleet Cruise on naval vessels, ranging from aircraft carriers and destroyers to submarines, introduces them to the day-to-day rigors of being underway. They stand bridge watches and, at times, actually control the ship. Firstie Summer, like Firstie Year is about responsibilities.
From the start of First Class cruise, the 1/C Mids act as junior officers, gaining valuable experience under shipboard conditions in various departments on board. First, there is a two-week training period in Pensacola, Fla., and Kings Bay, Ga. which exposes them to naval aviation and the submarine force. Next, a four-to eight-week Fleet Cruise on naval vessels, ranging from aircraft carriers and destroyers to submarines, introduces them to the day-to-day rigors of being underway. They stand bridge watches and, at times, actually control the ship. Firstie Summer, like Firstie Year is about responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Within the Brigade certain midshipmen, usually First Class, hold one semester officer rank corresponding to their duties in the Brigade, Regiment, Battalion, Company, Platoon or Squad. All Firsties wear one star and one horizontal stripe on their sleeves and shoulder boards -- they are called midshipman ensigns. The following are the ranks and stripes for the more senior midshipmen officers:
Within the Brigade certain midshipmen, usually First Class, hold one semester officer rank corresponding to their duties in the Brigade, Regiment, Battalion, Company, Platoon or Squad. All Firsties wear one star and one horizontal stripe on their sleeves and shoulder boards -- they are called midshipman ensigns. The following are the ranks and stripes for the more senior midshipmen officers:
Two Stripes: Midshipman Lieutenant Junior Grade
Two Stripes: Midshipman Lieutenant Junior Grade
Three Stripes: Midshipman Lieutenant
Three Stripes: Midshipman Lieutenant
Four Stripes: Midshipman Lieutenant Commander
Four Stripes: Midshipman Lieutenant Commander
Five Stripes: Midshipman Commander
Five Stripes: Midshipman Commander
Six Stripes: Midshipman Captain
Six Stripes: Midshipman Captain
Upon completing their fourth year, the midshipmen are presented with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. As newly commissioned officers, their choices are many. Physically qualified graduates may choose from the unrestricted line options including Surface Warfare, Naval Aviation, Submarine Warfare, and Special Operations. Also, up to one sixth of the graduates may choose careers in the Marine Corps. For graduates not physically qualified to be line officers, the Navy offers Staff Corps (Supply and Civil Engineering) as well as restricted line options. A limited number of officers are afforded the opportunity to earn a Master's Degree at selected universities throughout the country. No matter what service option a graduating midshipman enters, he or she may be sure they have received the finest preparation available. "All the regulations and gold braid in the Pacific Fleet cannot enforce a sailor's devotion. This, each officer in command must earn on his own."
Upon completing their fourth year, the midshipmen are presented with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. As newly commissioned officers, their choices are many. Physically qualified graduates may choose from the unrestricted line options including Surface Warfare, Naval Aviation, Submarine Warfare, and Special Operations. Also, up to one sixth of the graduates may choose careers in the Marine Corps. For graduates not physically qualified to be line officers, the Navy offers Staff Corps (Supply and Civil Engineering) as well as restricted line options. A limited number of officers are afforded the opportunity to earn a Master's Degree at selected universities throughout the country. No matter what service option a graduating midshipman enters, he or she may be sure they have received the finest preparation available. "All the regulations and gold braid in the Pacific Fleet cannot enforce a sailor's devotion. This, each officer in command must earn on his own."
Firstie Parents Weekend
Firstie Parents Weekend
There are only two organized weekends for parents to meet and mingle during their student's four years at Annapolis. Other than Plebe Parents Weekend, this is the only time you can visit their Bancroft dorm rooms. Firstie Parents Weekend is held in September of their final year.
There are only two organized weekends for parents to meet and mingle during their student's four years at Annapolis. Other than Plebe Parents Weekend, this is the only time you can visit their Bancroft dorm rooms. Firstie Parents Weekend is held in September of their final year.
Service Selections
Service Selections
Here is a sample of the service selections available to graduating Firsties. Students put in for the service of their choice. They list their top 6 choices and one must be Surface Warfare. For those who do not desire SW, it's not unusual to see someone make 2 or 3 preferred choices and then put in choices which they would not get, i.e. Medical Corps, Spec. Warfare, etc., with SW at the bottom. USNA grants service selections based on student preference and class standing. The top student gets their first choice. The second ranked student will get their choice too. This continues until there are no more positions. They only grant as many positions in a particular field as they have available. As they proceed down the class ranking, students may be granted their second choice selection. Those further down the list may get their third choice as the other slots have already been taken by those with higher standing. The anchor - the lowest scoring graduate - gets whatever is left over.
Here is a sample of the service selections available to graduating Firsties. Students put in for the service of their choice. They list their top 6 choices and one must be Surface Warfare. For those who do not desire SW, it's not unusual to see someone make 2 or 3 preferred choices and then put in choices which they would not get, i.e. Medical Corps, Spec. Warfare, etc., with SW at the bottom. USNA grants service selections based on student preference and class standing. The top student gets their first choice. The second ranked student will get their choice too. This continues until there are no more positions. They only grant as many positions in a particular field as they have available. As they proceed down the class ranking, students may be granted their second choice selection. Those further down the list may get their third choice as the other slots have already been taken by those with higher standing. The anchor - the lowest scoring graduate - gets whatever is left over.
Although midshipmen submit their community and service preferences, many of the service communities (particularly the highly selective ones like subs, aviation, EOD, Marines, and spec ops) require midshipmen to prepare a packet and that may include an interview. Additionally, some of the communities require additional "screeners" such as aptitude, physical, and medical tests. Finally, some of the communities (like medical) have a whole different process for application and acceptance.
Although midshipmen submit their community and service preferences, many of the service communities (particularly the highly selective ones like subs, aviation, EOD, Marines, and spec ops) require midshipmen to prepare a packet and that may include an interview. Additionally, some of the communities require additional "screeners" such as aptitude, physical, and medical tests. Finally, some of the communities (like medical) have a whole different process for application and acceptance.
Good grades are important, but OOM is not necessarily the defining element in the final service selection. All of the branches are looking for the right combination of academics, physical readiness, attitude, and potential. You will see midshipmen fairly low on the OOM totum pole get one of the more coveted spots and others that are fairly high not
Good grades are important, but OOM is not necessarily the defining element in the final service selection. All of the branches are looking for the right combination of academics, physical readiness, attitude, and potential. You will see midshipmen fairly low on the OOM totum pole get one of the more coveted spots and others that are fairly high not
necessarily get their first choice.
necessarily get their first choice.
Bottom line: The needs of the Navy.
Bottom line: The needs of the Navy.
Where the OOM comes into play is for training date/first assignment. Those at the top of the OOM in a particular community get first dibs at those.
Where the OOM comes into play is for training date/first assignment. Those at the top of the OOM in a particular community get first dibs at those.
It's actually a very complex process.
It's actually a very complex process.
ATTENTION USNASFPC FAMILIES!
ATTENTION USNASFPC FAMILIES!
The USNA South Florida Parents Club has recently minted AN EXCLUSIVE Club challenge coin! You can order these beautifully engraved coins as keepsakes and favors for your graduating Mid or to commemorate your special occasion.
The USNA South Florida Parents Club has recently minted AN EXCLUSIVE Club challenge coin! You can order these beautifully engraved coins as keepsakes and favors for your graduating Mid or to commemorate your special occasion.
Our one-of-a-kind challenge coin is uniquely designed and made with the highest quality materials. They are solid bronze and will not rust or tarnish. They are made exclusively for our club right here in the USA! They are a great keepsake, favor, or gift for grandparents, family, and friends. You can order here or please Contact Us for more information.
Our one-of-a-kind challenge coin is uniquely designed and made with the highest quality materials. They are solid bronze and will not rust or tarnish. They are made exclusively for our club right here in the USA! They are a great keepsake, favor, or gift for grandparents, family, and friends. You can order here or please Contact Us for more information.
Attention Firstie Families!
Attention Firstie Families!
USNA Challenge Coins
USNA Challenge Coins
CONNECT WITH ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
CONNECT WITH ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
If you are interested in joining one of 101 alumni chapters around the world, keeping up with your class through our 76 class organizations, starting or joining a Shared Interest Group or exploring our career resources and Alumni Mentoring Program, we can keep you connected with us and to more than 60,000 members of the Alumni Association.
If you are interested in joining one of 101 alumni chapters around the world, keeping up with your class through our 76 class organizations, starting or joining a Shared Interest Group or exploring our career resources and Alumni Mentoring Program, we can keep you connected with us and to more than 60,000 members of the Alumni Association.