"The Naval Academy is a tough place to be, but a great place to be from!"

  PREPARE FOR PLBEBE SUMMER!
Plebe Summer won't be easy! But you can do it! Everyone who's ever been a Plebe has wondered if they could do it. Some could, some couldn't. The differences between those that did and the others: attitude and desire. Develop good study habits and time management skills! Don't waste time thinking or worrying,- just do what you are told! There will be plenty of time to change the Navy after you graduate!

PREPARATION - START NOW!
Lack of physical fitness is the most common problem seen during Plebe Summer. Most Dallas Plebes in the past have said they didn't really believe us when we said, "Start getting in shape now!" If you aren't ready for the Academy's 45 minutes a day of pushups, curlups and 1.5 mile runs (in 10.5 minutes for men; 12:40 for females), you're in for a rough summer.

Annapolis is very humid in the summer so you need to work out until you can do 2 minutes of pushups, 2 minutes of curlups, and then run 2-mile stretches in the heat of day! You'll be doing pushups & sit-ups by the hundreds so start now! The better you do now, the easier Plebe Summer will be for you later! Drink plenty of water and be sure to stretch beforehand and cool down afterwards.

WET N WILD TIME-
Good swimming skills will help you, too - you'll have to do a freeform swim the length of a football field (100 yards). If you don't know how to swim, the Navy will teach you, but it's easier to learn now!

RUNNING SHOES-
If you have some favorite running shoes, you won't be able to wear them during. Plebe Summer - the Navy issues you shoes. After you leave "Plebedom" in the past, you can (later) substitute your own. If you're an athlete and have some cleated athletic shoes (golf, baseball, etc.), however, you can bring them - mark your name in them!

PARTY NO, GARTH!
DON'T plan on partying all night the night before leaving for I-Day! You not only will need the sleep (you'll be up nearly 20 hours the first day!), but you'll also have drug & alcohol testing shortly after arrival! Your stay will be short if your "friends" had more than chocolate in those brownies!

HAIRCUTS-
If you've got long hair, get it cut to Midshipman standards now, and start getting used to it. You can expect a seriously damaging haircut shortly after you arrive, & every week or so thereafter! You'll be sent information on the standards - off the ears, tapered in back for guys; off the collar and no more than 2" of bulk on top for women (so you can wear official headgear.)

TIME-

It is your enemy. Get a rugged , water-resistant wristwatch that shows seconds & has an alarm - you'll find it essential in many ways. Your life won't be measured in hours & days, but in minutes & seconds! A watch helps you keep track of

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