The long-awaited day has finally arrived. After years of hard work in high school and months of anxiously waiting for the letter of appointment, congratulations are due; it is Induction Day (I-Day) at the United States Naval Academy (USNA)!I-Day represents the first day of Plebe Summer, the summer training program designed to prepare incoming midshipmen for the rigors of the upcoming academic year. This year, I-Day takes place on June 27th, when plebes from the class of 2023 will go through in-processing and be sworn in during the Oath of Office ceremony.
The processing of roughly 1,200 incoming midshipmen begins early in the morning. Due to increased traffic and security at the USNA gates, reporting plebes and family members are encouraged to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and take the shuttle to the Yard.
Activities will take place throughout the day while plebes are going through in-processing. Family members may participate in a picnic, ask questions during the Parents’ Briefing, tour the Yard and Yard Patrol (YP) crafts along the seawall, and visit the Midshipmen Store or Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center Gift Shop. And don’t forget to sign up online for the N* Program through Navyonline.com to receive deals and discounts on all Navy apparel and gear - 100% of the proceeds go directly back to supporting your Midshipman, and the rest of the Brigade.
The official Oath of Office ceremony takes place at 1800 in Tecumseh Court. If desired, time is allotted following the official ceremony for plebes to share the experience with family and friends during an informal swearing-in ceremony. These will be held at Smoke Hall. Active duty, reserve, or retired military members are authorized to conduct a personal swearing-in following normal protocol. Navy Summer White, service equivalent uniform, or appropriate civilian business attire should be worn.
After taking the Oath of Office, plebes and their families will have the opportunity to say goodbye along Stribling Walk. They will not be allowed to see one another again until Plebe Parents’ Weekend, held August 8th through the 11th, after the completion of Plebe Summer.
Plebe Summer begins military indoctrination, turning civilians into midshipmen. Plebes will spend the next seven weeks learning how to wear the uniform, properly salute, and address superiors appropriately with “Sir” and Ma’am” at the beginning and end of every sentence.
Days begin at dawn with an hour of physical training followed by a schedule of activities that will not let up until long after dusk. Having been divided into Companies, Platoons, and Squads on I-Day, they will compete against each other for performance points, building endurance and confidence.
There will be no access to television, music or internet. Contact with family and friends is also not allowed during Plebe Summer, with the exception of three phone calls to home that can be made only during specific hours on July 7, July 21, and August 4.
At the end of the seven weeks, the plebe will have been indoctrinated into the traditions of the Navy and U.S. Naval Academy, gained basic military skills, increased their mental, moral, and physical fortitude, have an appreciation for the high-standards and obligations of the midshipmen and military officers, and be dedicated to excellence. Most importantly, they will have become well-prepared to succeed in their upcoming year as 4th class midshipmen.
Following Plebe Summer and Plebe Parents’ Weekend, the upper classes return for reform of the Brigade. The 4th class is welcomed into the Brigade and their academic year company during ‘hello’ night. Then, the academic year officially begins. For more information on Induction Day 2019 for the Class of 2023, click here.
