Ok so I thought I'd take a break from talking about getting into the Academy and give a snippet of information about how the Academy is organized for the midshipmen.
So the Academy has roughly 4,400 midshipmen. Each class starts with between 1,200-1,400 midshipman and usually graduates just about 1,000 officers into the Navy and Marine Corps.
All midshipmen as a collective group are called the Brigade of Midshipmen.
The Brigade is then broken in half into Regiments, 1st and 2nd.
Each Regiment is further broken down into 3 Battalions, 1-3 in First Regiment and 4-6 in Second Regiment.
From Battalions, we get companies, 5 for each Battalion for a total of 30.
A midshipman's company becomes their new family, especially their fellow classmates. Plebe summer is not an individual effort so the bonds that are created during the summer can last a life time. Midshipman live with their company and can only room with members of their company of the same sex and class.
Although companies are usually the lowest level that the Brigade is broken down to for the public, inside each company is it broken down even more.
A company has 4 Platoons, each of which consist of 3 squads.
A squad is anywhere from 10-14 midshipman. These are your table-mates for most meals.
Since the Brigade a various levels, there are various levels of leadership, mostly First Class Midshipman (seniors) with a few for underclassmen.
First Class midshipmen can have any where from 0-6 stripes based on their level of leadership.
No stripes, is considers a Midshipman in Ranks (MIR) and usually just holds a small company level job.
One stripe, is a Midshipman Ensign (MIDN ENS) and is a squad leader, has a company level job, or low level job in higher levels of the brigade.
Two stripes, is a Midshipman Lieutenant Junior Grade (MIDN LTjg) and is a platoon commander, higher level company jobs, and lowish level jobs for the battalion, regiment, and brigade.
Three stripes, is a Midshipman Lieutenant (MIDN LT) and is the company commander, higher level jobs for the battalion and also mid level jobs for the regiment and brigade.
Four stripes, is a Midshipman Lieutenant Commander (MIDN LCDR) and is the battalion commander, or has a high level regiment or brigade job.
Five stripes, is a Midshipman Commander (MIDN CDR) and is the regiment commander and a top tier brigade job.
Six stripes, is a Midshipman Captain (MIDN CAPT) and is the brigade commander. There is only one 6-striper at a time.
Also if you didn't catch on there, midshipman ranks mirror those of naval officers. :)
So there you have it. The brigade (kinda) quickly broken down.
Comments, question, or concerns? You know how it goes. Leave them below or email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Application Process: Medical Screening
This medical screen can be a pain to schedule. Many times you have to go to a Military Treatment Facility, or in civilian terms a military hospital, in order to have this physical. There are some places where you can see a civilian doctor that has an agreement with the military/TRICARE(which is the military's health insurance) to perform the physical at a regular doctor's office.
It's a little more thorough than your usual yearly physical. The military just wants to make sure that you meet their standards for serving and that you are healthy. They will check your There are few big ways to fail the physical aside from the obvious if you have a severe medical condition.
It's a little more thorough than your usual yearly physical. The military just wants to make sure that you meet their standards for serving and that you are healthy. They will check your There are few big ways to fail the physical aside from the obvious if you have a severe medical condition.
- Eye sight - A huge portion of people wear glasses, and this will cause you to fail but have no fear, most people get waivers. My roommate at the Academy was nearly blind and was eventually able to get waiver. It's just going to take some time and the worse your eyes are the more you may have to fight/pull string to get the waiver, but just keep going, it will happen.
- Asthma - even if it was just in past. Usually if there is that history extra tests will be done to rule out any remaining traces of the illness. But be wary, if you've ever taken an inhaler it will be looked into heavily.
- ADD/ADHD - I believe you have to be off medications for these disorders and in control of the symptoms for at least a year at the time of your physical. It could be more time but I'm not quite sure. If this is something you are concerned about, I would definitely make some calls and do some more digging.
- Recent shoulder or knee surgery - Obviously these are pretty important and physically tasked joints that are also prone to be re-injured or not even healing properly the first time. So just be wary that something like this will be looked into further.
Waivers are granted for all sorts of things, so there is no need to freak out before you even see the doctor. Also just because you have one the above ailments doesn't mean you won't pass the physical, I am not a member of the medical community, these are just meant to be a heads up from things I've learned from my own experience or from others I met at the Academy.
Good luck!!
Hopefully you know the drill by now. Comments, questions, concerns below in the comments section or email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com
Good luck!!
Hopefully you know the drill by now. Comments, questions, concerns below in the comments section or email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Application Process: Candidate Fitness Assessment
The Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) is used by all the service academies to determine physical fitness of their candidates. The test was designed to test various areas of candidates fitness. And it must be administered by a PE teacher, coach, or Blue and Gold officer so some prior planning and coordination must be taken to schedule this ahead of time. I suggest getting with the other service academy applicants at your school and finding a time to take it together to be more efficient for the person administering the test.
So the test consists of:
So the test consists of:
- Basketball Throw
- Pull-ups (or flexed arm hang)
- Shuttle Run
- Crunches
- Push-ups
- 1 Mile run
The test is completed in that order with specific rest times built in.
Most of these things are pretty normal and are usually done in sports practices anyway so not too much extra practice is need but the basketball throw is a completely different beast. This was one of the most awkward "exercises" I've ever done in my life. Basically, you kneel down on a line and with one hand you throw a basketball as far as you can without losing your balance because you can't not touch the ground across the line until the ball has landed. This event should be practiced and practiced and practiced, and even with all that it will still be awkward and probably difficult to master but keep at it. Also, I've never heard of anyone coming close to the maximum score, except maybe a baseball player.
So this just boils down to being in shape and maybe take some practice run through before you ask a teacher or coach to administer the real test. It's nothing too hard, it's just one of those getting used to first things.
The official instructions and exact details can be found here: http://www.usna.edu/admissions/cfainstructions.htm
The usual still applies, anything question still lingering? Ask away below in the comment or email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com
Monday, March 12, 2012
Apllication Process: Nominations
The nomination process is similar to just the online application portion but is still just as important.
In order to be fully accepted into the Naval Academy a candidate must pass/be accepted by all of the requirements, that means you must be accepted into the school as well as have a nomination. It does happen where people get one or the other, examples are first, a candidate from a rural area is nominated by their congressman but doesn't have the scores to get accepted by the Academy or a candidate from highly competitive region gets accepted into the Academy but does not get a nomination.
Each Congressman and Senator gets to nominate 10 for one slot at the Academy, but have no fear just because there are 10 people per slot doesn't mean that all 10 of these candidates gets accepted by the Academy, or chooses to attend. There are also Congressmen and Senators that don't have to fill there spots so the extras from more competitive regions can take those spots.
For me I applied to both my Senators, one was just a paper application with test scores, transcript, and essay, no interview. The other one required all the same but also had an interview which was conducted by 5 middle aged Academy graduates, asking me why I wanted to go to the Academy, what I wanted to do in the Navy, what I thought leadership meant, and a variety of other questions. Sadly I think that these men were from before women attended the Naval Academy and still were not so keen on women serving anything but their dinner because I got berated after each answer, despite have clear, concise, and confident answers. Needless to say I did not get that Senator's nomination. I was lucky enough to get the non-interview nomination :)
My third possible nomination could come from my Congressman but I used that application to try and get a nomination to West Point (please don't judge me, I was misguided youngin'). This application also had an interview but instead of a big group interview, it was 3 one-on-one session with 3 USMA graduates, two significant younger than the gentlemen who interview me for my Senator, one male and one female, and the third was actually the West Point version of the Blue and Gold officer, with whom I had already had an interview with
Tips for the interview, always, and I mean ALWAYS, have a question or two prepared in case they ask you if you have any questions. Good examples would be to ask the interviewer about their service selection (what they did in the Navy) or if they have any advice for plebe summer. Any type of question that can spark a discussion or follow up questions is preferable. You also want to show that you've done some research about the Academy and being in the Navy but not like you think you know it all already. Also, never ask a question that can be answered with a yes or no.
Questions, comments, concerns? Leave them below in the comments section or email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com
In order to be fully accepted into the Naval Academy a candidate must pass/be accepted by all of the requirements, that means you must be accepted into the school as well as have a nomination. It does happen where people get one or the other, examples are first, a candidate from a rural area is nominated by their congressman but doesn't have the scores to get accepted by the Academy or a candidate from highly competitive region gets accepted into the Academy but does not get a nomination.
Each Congressman and Senator gets to nominate 10 for one slot at the Academy, but have no fear just because there are 10 people per slot doesn't mean that all 10 of these candidates gets accepted by the Academy, or chooses to attend. There are also Congressmen and Senators that don't have to fill there spots so the extras from more competitive regions can take those spots.
For me I applied to both my Senators, one was just a paper application with test scores, transcript, and essay, no interview. The other one required all the same but also had an interview which was conducted by 5 middle aged Academy graduates, asking me why I wanted to go to the Academy, what I wanted to do in the Navy, what I thought leadership meant, and a variety of other questions. Sadly I think that these men were from before women attended the Naval Academy and still were not so keen on women serving anything but their dinner because I got berated after each answer, despite have clear, concise, and confident answers. Needless to say I did not get that Senator's nomination. I was lucky enough to get the non-interview nomination :)
My third possible nomination could come from my Congressman but I used that application to try and get a nomination to West Point (please don't judge me, I was misguided youngin'). This application also had an interview but instead of a big group interview, it was 3 one-on-one session with 3 USMA graduates, two significant younger than the gentlemen who interview me for my Senator, one male and one female, and the third was actually the West Point version of the Blue and Gold officer, with whom I had already had an interview with
Tips for the interview, always, and I mean ALWAYS, have a question or two prepared in case they ask you if you have any questions. Good examples would be to ask the interviewer about their service selection (what they did in the Navy) or if they have any advice for plebe summer. Any type of question that can spark a discussion or follow up questions is preferable. You also want to show that you've done some research about the Academy and being in the Navy but not like you think you know it all already. Also, never ask a question that can be answered with a yes or no.
Questions, comments, concerns? Leave them below in the comments section or email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com
Application Process: Acadmey Online Application
So the first and most even without all the extra requirements to get an acceptance letter the application to the Naval Academy is similar to most regular universities, but sadly is not part of the Common Applications :(
An applications consists of:
I know I learn best by examples so here were my stats going into the Academy.
SAT : 1410 (I went before the writing portion took hold) but I'd just multiply my score by 1.5, so roughly 2110
GPA: 3.75 (Unweighted, with 4 AP classes)
Activities:
As far a the personal statement goes, that's exactly what it is: personal. Admissions just wants to see that it is heartfelt and that the applicant has a true desire to serve their country and to show why they believe the Naval Academy is the best route to go.
For teacher recommendations, if you were lucky enough to have a teacher more than once, they are usually the best bet for teacher recommendations because they got to see you over a longer period of time and will probably be able to give better insight in your personality for the admissions board to see. Another way is to maintain a relationship with a past teacher by stopping in to say hello or to ask for advice. This will make it easier for them to write a recommendation when the time comes as well as make it less awkward to ask for one.
Hope this is a little more insight into the Online Application than you've gotten before. As always, comments, questions, gripes leave them below in the comments section or email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com
An applications consists of:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Transcripts
- Activities Resume
- Personal Statement
- Teacher Recommendations (Math, Science, and Other)
- Guidance Counselor Recommendation
I know I learn best by examples so here were my stats going into the Academy.
SAT : 1410 (I went before the writing portion took hold) but I'd just multiply my score by 1.5, so roughly 2110
GPA: 3.75 (Unweighted, with 4 AP classes)
Activities:
- National Honor Society Member-2 years, 1 year officer
- Varsity Letter winner - 4 years, 1 year Captain, 1 year 2nd Team All-District,
- Civil Air Patrol - 3 years, Billy Mitchell Award winner, Squadron Commander
- Special Olympics volunteer
- Club Sport participant - 14 years, National Level competitions
As far a the personal statement goes, that's exactly what it is: personal. Admissions just wants to see that it is heartfelt and that the applicant has a true desire to serve their country and to show why they believe the Naval Academy is the best route to go.
For teacher recommendations, if you were lucky enough to have a teacher more than once, they are usually the best bet for teacher recommendations because they got to see you over a longer period of time and will probably be able to give better insight in your personality for the admissions board to see. Another way is to maintain a relationship with a past teacher by stopping in to say hello or to ask for advice. This will make it easier for them to write a recommendation when the time comes as well as make it less awkward to ask for one.
Hope this is a little more insight into the Online Application than you've gotten before. As always, comments, questions, gripes leave them below in the comments section or email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com
Application Process Intro
As usual when applying to any college you want to start out at the school's admissions page for the basics. So here it is: http://www.usna.edu/admissions/
Applying to the Naval Academy (and most other service academies) have significantly more steps than applying to your regular state university. In addition to the regular application, which includes SAT/ACT scores, essay, transcript, teacher recommendations, and activities resume, an applicant has to complete the following:
This is a hefty list of items to accomplish but is done by tens of thousands of applicants every years and can be done with dedication and time management, both of which are good skills to have before starting at the Academy.
The next few entries will be follow ups on various parts of the application process.
As always if you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in comments below or email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com
Applying to the Naval Academy (and most other service academies) have significantly more steps than applying to your regular state university. In addition to the regular application, which includes SAT/ACT scores, essay, transcript, teacher recommendations, and activities resume, an applicant has to complete the following:
- Application for nomination from a Congressman or Senator, with the rare Vice Presidential nomination (also check to see if the criteria for a Presidential nomination are met)
- CFA (Candidate Fitness Assessment) which consists of a variety of physical fitness events like push ups, sit ups, and running
- Medical Screening to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements to be in the Navy or Marine Corps
- Interview with a Blue and Gold officer, who is an Academy graduate who volunteers their time to sit down with prospective midshipmen to both answer questions and determine if the candidate would be a good fit for the Academy.
This is a hefty list of items to accomplish but is done by tens of thousands of applicants every years and can be done with dedication and time management, both of which are good skills to have before starting at the Academy.
The next few entries will be follow ups on various parts of the application process.
As always if you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in comments below or email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com
Introduction
I am a recent graduate of the United States Naval Academy and ever since plebe year I have been asked by family friends, parent's co-workers, neighbors, and just random other people to talk to their kids about getting into the Naval Academy and how to survive there. I figured it was about time that I just put my thoughts down so that maybe they can help someone that doesn't have the benefit of talking directly to someone who went to the Academy.
My intentions are just to be able to help out those who have questions about getting in to the Academy and life while attending. This blog is targeted at everyone and anyone interested, hopeful applicants, parents, relatives, midshipmen, boyfriends, girlfriends, friends.
I will do my best to address a wide range of topics but if you have more questions or a specific questions, please feel free to email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com and I will do my best to get you the information you need.
Thanks for reading!
~USNA Wiki
My intentions are just to be able to help out those who have questions about getting in to the Academy and life while attending. This blog is targeted at everyone and anyone interested, hopeful applicants, parents, relatives, midshipmen, boyfriends, girlfriends, friends.
I will do my best to address a wide range of topics but if you have more questions or a specific questions, please feel free to email me at USNAwiki@gmail.com and I will do my best to get you the information you need.
Thanks for reading!
~USNA Wiki
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