It’s a sunny morning in Annapolis. The Chesapeake Bay is sparkling, flags are flapping, the smell of summer is in the air, and excitement is everywhere. At Alumni Hall, the USNA Class of 2029 has just arrived, and they are already taking on the cadences of Academy life, as they line up to get their plebe uniform issue, iconic haircut, supplies, and more. Welcome to USNA Plebe Summer, where transformation, tradition, and incredible teamwork are on full display.
How do you define “plebe?” At the U.S. Naval Academy, a plebe is a first-year student. However, they are not your average college freshman decorating a dorm room and browsing class schedules. Far from it. These plebes are enduring one of the most intense onboarding programs in the country. Welcome to USNA Plebe Summer.
USNA Plebe Summer is a rigorous, seven-week training program that kicks off every new midshipman’s journey. It’s the bootcamp before the books.
From the moment they arrive on Induction Day—fondly known as I-Day—plebes say goodbye to their families and civilian lives, and hello to an entirely new world of structure, discipline, and growth.
The schedule is brutal, but the bonding is unbreakable.
Plebes are up at the crack of dawn, enduring days packed with physical training, seamanship, close order drill, swimming, martial arts, weapons handling and—yes—lots and lots of memorization (Reef Points becomes their little blue bible). The goal is to shape these young men and women into midshipmen who are mentally, morally, and physically ready to serve.
Plebe Summer isn’t just about learning to march or how to survive on fewer hours of sleep. It’s about building character, forging teamwork, and strengthening endurance. It’s also about tremendous respect—for yourself, for the Brigade, and for the weight of the uniform you wear.
By the end of the seven-weeks, the class has come together as one unit, ready to tackle the challenges that await as the Brigade returns in August to start the academic year. They have learned some of the ropes of military service, and are ready to elevate their training with Plebe Year.
In the meantime, you can also explore the Naval Academy during the summer months and get a sneak peek at the transition!
Related: A Rare Look Inside USNA Plebe Summer: The First and Second Sets
Start with a guided Naval Academy tour to learn about the institution’s storied past. You’ll see places like Bancroft Hall (the largest dorm in the country!) and the awe-inspiring Naval Academy Chapel, where the beautifully moving crypt of John Paul Jones rests below. Then grab a bite or a gift, because when you dine, shop, and tour the Yard, the proceeds directly support the Brigade of Midshipmen. Every crab cake sandwich or T-shirt you buy goes toward club sports, extracurricular activities, the arts, music, theater, and more. Your support fuels the experience of these soon-to-be officers.
Although you may never lace up boots for dawn PT, you can still support the plebes powering through their summer transformation.
Related: Shopping Guide: Welcome Aboard! All the Goods for Parents of Plebes
Plebe Summer isn’t just a training program; it’s a rite of passage. So the next time you visit the U.S. Naval Academy, take a moment to appreciate the determination echoing through the hallways. Support a plebe’s journey with every USNA tour you take, every sandwich you enjoy, and every Navy souvenir you bring home.
Supporting these midshipmen means supporting the future of our freedom—and that means everything.