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that important time! The Navy will issue you a reliable alarm clock for your room.

COMPUTERS-
If you don't know how to operate a computer, a few classes before you go won't hurt, including basic typing skills! The USNA mostly uses E3M-compatible computers, although some areas are using Macintosh. No typewriters. You'll print out most things directly from your computer. Parents will want to help their Plebes buy a computer printer soon after Plebe Summer (none are issued). DON'T take one with you to 1-day! You can buy printers cheaper at the Mid computer store, but they often run out! Your parents might want to mail one, or look for one during Parents' Weekend. Purchasing one early on Parents' Weekend has worked for some of us. Sometimes roommates share the cost, but you'll switch or lose roommates and it can become a hassle deciding who gets custody of the printer. Your parents may receive information in the mail on printers, Computers, etc. in May.

BRAINWORK-
The Navy plans to sharpen your memory skills! Practice memorizing & reciting under pressure! Soon after arrival, you'll get the current edition of USNA "Reef Points" and you'll start learning "rates", signal flags, Morse Code, the "Oath of Office for Midshipmen" (bottom of page 2 in this booklet), the "Code of Conduct", "General Orders of a Sentry", the "Qualifications of the Naval Officer", the Chain of Command, the Navy football schedule, etc. You'll also start learning "Table Salt": lengthy, standardized responses you must rapidly recite verbatim when asked certain questions (you'll find some of them on page 32.) These may seem pointless, but there is a purpose. As a Navy or Marine Corps officer, you'll have to memorize many things in your job and if you haven't developed the skill, you may do your job poorly, and perhaps even get someone killed!



THINGS TO TAKE TO I-DAY (INDUCTION DAY)



CALCULATOR-
You'll need a good scientific calculator for math placement tests. It's safer to pay a little more & buy one now, to take with you. The Midshipman store prices are excellent but if they run out of the brand/model you prefer, you're out of luck! The Academy sent information on calculators in May to last year's class.



MAIL-
Mail will become infinitely important to you! The Navy will issue you postage stamps, postcards, and stationary at I-Day. (They EXPECT you to write home!) You'll only have a little time (usually Sunday mornings) to write. It saves time if you bring preprinted address labels for your family, relatives, & friends. Take extra postage stamps & pre-addressed postcards - there will be no time to go to the post office. You'll want to let everybody know your mailing address as soon as you find it out. The USNA will give you a box number at I-Day that will last throughout your 4 years. Your mailing address will be something like this:  Midshipman .. (Class of 2002)
P. 0. Box XYYYY (your unique number)
U. S. Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD 21412-YYYY
You'll also want an updated, small address book with all your family's, relatives', and friends' address & phone numbers in it.

CAMERA-
If you can afford it, buy a basic automatic focus camera. There are many for under $100. You'll want to take pictures whenever you can. Years from now, they'll give you many hours

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