A midshipman at USNA never rests. From I-Day in late June, when he or she first arrives at the United States Naval Academy, throughout Plebe Summer, and then through the academic year, a midshipman is morally, physically, and mentally committed to becoming an excellent naval leader. Many midshipmen even dedicate their free time during spring break to service projects that help build stronger communities.
While summer is one of the longest breaks for most college students, alas, there is still no rest for the weary. Eight weeks of each summer is reserved for even more training in some of the most important and intensive hands-on learning experiences in their education. Let’s take a look at the summer training options that are available throughout a midshipman’s years at the Academy, all designed to further their naval career by introducing them to the operational units of the Navy and Marine Corps, life at sea and the many responsibilities of a junior officer.
Plebe Summer is notorious for being hard. This intense training session spans six to seven weeks at the height of the Annapolis heat, and is the midshipman’s introduction to the rigors of the U.S. Naval Academy. Plebe Summer helps midshipmen transition from the civilian high school seniors they were into the capable naval leaders they are striving to become while at the Academy. Their strength is tested every day in ways both big and small. The physical mission is emphasized, so days are full of strenuous physical training (PT). They must also learn the customs, terms and correct procedures of military life, many times committing this vast amount of new information to memory. Plebes will also take classes in basic seamanship and sailing, small arms, first aid and more. After completing Plebe Summer they are welcomed into the Brigade to start the academic year in mid-August with the returning upperclassmen. They will continue to undergo physical, mental and moral training throughout the academic year.
Sophomores are considered third classmen, and the summer bridging the freshman year to sophomore year is called Third Class Summer. It is different from Plebe Summer in many respects. No longer newbies (plebes no more!), these seasoned midshipmen are ready to take on the challenges that await, as they gain increasing responsibility and start to explore where their naval career will take them. These midshipmen head out to sea for three weeks in Yard Patrol vessels (YPs), journeying to several New England ports and literally learning the ropes alongside Fleet enlisted personnel. They will spend another three weeks in either 44-foot Naval Academy sailing sloops or will undergo naval tactical training, an impressive program that simulates SEAL and Marine Corps operations and provides “an indoctrination to the joint military arena.” After this summer, midshipmen again return to USNA to continue their studies as third class midshipmen.
By the time they have made it halfway through the Academy’s program, midshipmen are eager to experience Second Class Summer, which introduces them to every major branch of the Navy and Marine Corps so they can start to decide where they will head upon commissioning. This summer is full of adventures. Midshipmen fly Navy aircraft in Pensacola, dive in a nuclear-powered submarine off the coast of Florida and patrol, infiltrate and attack mock enemy positions in the forests of Virginia with the Marine Corps. They also ride with Navy ships and submarines around the world for a four-week second class cruise, becoming part of the crew, participating in drills, executing gunnery exercises and standing watches underway. Only through direct experience can they truly get an understanding of day-to-day life out at sea. It’s an important part of working with enlisted men and women and “appreciat[ing] the talents, responsibilities and perspectives of the enlisted men and women [they] will later lead as an officer.” Then it’s time for junior year at the Academy until they reach their final summer as midshipmen.
Related: USNA Summer Training: 2/C Gray Hull Cruise and Other Adventures.
This is the summer that most robustly prepares midshipmen to take the wheel as commissioned officers in a couple of short semesters. Leadership skills are tested in both arenas: the fleet and at USNA. For four to eight weeks, midshipmen will become an integral part of a Navy or Marine Corps operational unit and retain junior officer responsibilities. Based on their qualifications and career aspirations, they are assigned their Navy path: surface warship, submarine, aircraft carrier or aviation squadron. If they are selected for the Marine Corps, they’ll head to Quantico, Virginia, for a tough four-week officer candidate course, which is followed by a four-week tour attached to a Fleet Marine Force unit. There are other career paths as well, and midshipmen pursuing these can apply for a four-week internship in their chosen field.
Related: Life After the Naval Academy: What Happens Next?
Midshipmen truly do not rest. Once they graduate from USNA they go on to protect our country tirelessly, standing watch in many ways throughout their evolving careers. We are eternally grateful for their service and welcome the opportunity to express our appreciation. One of the most important ways to support those that support our freedom is to visit the Yard! When you take a USNA tour, enjoy the wonderful seaside-inspired food at our Yard restaurants and shop at the USNA Midshipmen Store, USNA Gift Shop, or Navyonline, you’re giving to the Brigade, since proceeds are used to fund their clubs and extracurricular activities. Come visit this summer and you may just catch them returning from their summer cruises or doing PT on the fields. See what makes the Yard such a special place during the summer and all year long.