A detailer corrects a Plebe during Plebe Summer. Throughout the course of Plebe Summer, the detail will teach the Plebes everything from how to render a proper salute to how to march. See full story on page 5. USNA photo by MCSA Patrick Green.

‘‘This is the first chance to take in all that you see and act on it, and see what your leadership style is,” said 12th Company Executive Officer (XO) Midn. 1⁄C Gilmer McMillan.

According to Capt. Morgan Jones, Plebe Summer Officer in Charge and 1st Battalion Officer, the detail is comprised of 250 upperclass Midshipmen. They are primarily first class Midshipmen, each holding different positions and responsibilities.

Within the Plebe Summer detail, the highest-ranking position is the Regimental Commander, who maintains overall responsibility for the regiment, including keeping the Officer-in-Charge informed of any problems, maintaining morale, and recommending corrective measures. Reporting to the Regimental Commander is the Regimental XO, who maintains a positive image of the regiment, making sure they are performing efficiently.

Reporting to the XO is the Regimental Staff, including Operations, Administration, Schedules, and Drill officers who all assist in the planning and implementation of all operations of Plebe Summer. Following them is the Officer Development Staff (ODS), and the Drum and Bugle Corps Commander, who is responsible for providing music at any formations and parades.

Next in line are the two Battalion Comm-anders, each with their own XO, who represent the ‘‘Port,” Alpha through Golf Companies, and ‘‘Starboard,” Hotel through Papa Companies, excluding Juliet. The Battalion Commanders ensure the two battalions are performing above and beyond to the standards set.

From there, the chain of command is divided into companies, each complete with its own Company Commander, XO, staff, and platoon and squad leaders, rounding out the upperclass Midshipmen participating in this summer’s detail.

Throughout the course of Plebe Summer, the detail will teach the Plebes everything from how to render a proper salute to how to march. It is critical that the detail all be on the same page to ensure the summer’s training is smooth and seamless.

‘‘It’s an adapt-and-overcome situation where you understand that there is one mission,” said squad leader Midn. 1⁄C Antoinette Carter.

Keeping the Class of 2012 motivated through Plebe Summer may be one of the detail’s biggest challenges. The transition from civilian to military life can be difficult, and it’s not unusual for the Plebes to get discouraged during their training. The detailers see this as a chance to lead by example.

‘‘There’s a sense of inherent pride in just being in the [detail], because you were chosen to be the first example of a military person,” said McMillan.

Midn. 1⁄C Maria Borja said Plebe Summer sets the tone for the rest of the Plebe year, and that she hopes she will prepare the Class of 2012 for a successful future at the Naval Academy.

‘‘I remember I had good squad leaders and bad squad leaders,” said Borja. ‘‘I always remembered my good [detailer]. I wanted to be just like that person.”

Detail members are responsible for teaching the Plebes a large amount of information in a short period of time. With the first class Midshipmen now entering their fourth year at the Naval Academy, they have a lot of knowledge and advice for the Plebes. Although the rigors of Plebe Summer are stressful, McMillan explained that working together as a team will make the process easier.

‘‘You’re going to get yelled at no matter what,” said McMillan. ‘‘You just got to rely on each other and push through, because it’s all about helping the person right next to you.”

The detailers will work to instill the qualities of good leadership into the Plebes, including teamwork, respect, honor, courage, and commitment. It’s those qualities that will prepare the Plebes for their development into Navy and Marine Corps officers.