U.S. Naval Academy Plebe Summer Overview

Plebe Summer is a demanding, fast-paced orientation that begins four years of preparation for commissioning as Navy or Marine Corps officers. The physical and mental demands on the plebes’ are designed to develop leadership ability, motivation, moral strength, physical skills and stamina – attributes of any outstanding naval officer. Here are some of the activities the plebes participate in during their first six weeks at the Naval Academy.

- Rigorous physical condit-ioning that includes calisthenics, running, pull-ups, sit-ups, swimming, wrestling, boxing and personal defense

- Endurance and confidence courses that teach the midshipmen how to work together as a team and trust their shipmates

- Classes and hands-on activities that teach the new midshipmen basic skills in seamanship, navigation and damage control

- Shooting 9mm pistols and M-16 rifles at the Naval Support Activity weapons range

- Sailing small boats on the Severn River

- Athletics, dress parades and damage control drills that encourage team spirit and a desire to win

- Visits to the Naval Academy Museum in Preble Hall to learn more about the history and traditions of the U.S. Navy

However difficult, Plebe Summer is a time most midshipmen will never forget. They experience both success and failure. Overcoming each hurdle brings a feeling of relief that it is over and a sense of pride that the challenge has been met and conquered.