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The NYC Naval
Academy Parents'
Club extends a very warm welcome to the new midshipmen,
their family, and friends. Whether your midshipman is coming directly
from high school, from NAPS, from the Foundation, or from another
college, we are happy to have you on board. We are sure that you have
been a highly supportive family, helping your new midshipman to this
stage in his or her life. Your continued love, support, and
understanding are needed while your young person makes the transition
from civilian or enlisted, to plebe, upperclassman, and finally, Naval
or Marine Corps Officer. The Naval Academy requirements are much higher,
and include more varied accomplishments, than other colleges; however,
you will find that the opportunities and rewards are much greater as
well.
You will be awed,
not only by the impressive skills your mid will develop, but also by the
Academy's commitment to the midshipmen who learn as well as earn
independence. However, the mids will still need their families support
and more importantly, their families willingness to listen,
particularly in the first year. We, as a Club, are here to offer support
for you as well as your mid. So, do call on other Club members for
advice, support, or just for a sympathetic ear. Only other mid parents
can fully understand the range of emotions that are just beginning for
you. It is truly a four year roller coaster ride: but just as a roller
coaster starts with a slow, uphill climb, continues on its up, down,
twisted path, it ends with laughter and enjoyment.
Try to remember
that despite your support, the Naval Academy is not for everyone. Each
mid must want to succeed on his own. Desire is the only thing that the
Academy does not issue and cannot quantify through their screening
process.
Your mid is embarking on "four years together by
the bay", four of the most challenging and wonderful years of his life
which pass by faster than you can originally imagine. ENJOY THEM
TOGETHER!
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MIDSHIPMEN RANKS
Plebe
Plebe is short for "plebian", from the Latin,
meaning a member of the ancient Roman lower class or common people.
Third Class
3/C midshipmen are informally
called "youngsters"; they help the plebes with their professional
development.
Second Class
2/C midshipmen serve as "detailers" to make
sure the plebes are fully indoctrinated into the Academy system. They
are not known for their plebe compassion.
First Class
1/C are leaders throughout the Brigade;
depending on their position and rank, their shoulder-boards will have
anywhere from one stripe to the six stripes of the Brigade Commander.
We fondly refer to them as "firsties".
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