By the end of Plebe Summer, the plebes will have collectively performed more than 3.7 million push-ups, 3.8 million sit-ups, 2 million flutter kicks, 2.2 million squats, 2.8 million lunges, and run 128,000 miles. USNA photos by Ken Mierzejewski and Shannon O’Connor.

''Two, sir.''

''Three, sir.''

The sound of more than 1,000 voices echoes across the Naval Academy’s Rip Miller Field as the plebes of the Class of 2011 begin another day of morning physical fitness. By the end of Plebe Summer, the Naval Academy’s newest additions will collectively perform more than 3.7 million push-ups, 3.8 million sit-ups, 2 million flutter kicks, 2.2 million squats, 2.8 million lunges, and run 128,000 miles.

But each plebe starts with that very first push-up.

With the goal of a 100 percent passing rate for the fall physical readiness test (PRT), officers, senior enlisted and upper class Midshipmen lead the plebes through the Academy’s physical education program (PEP), a progressive physical education program built around the concept of optimal performance with minimal injury.

''We have some kids that can run a 4:30-mile while others run a 12:30-mile,'' said Lt. Patrick Eliason, of the physical education department. ''So our goal is to get them all at or above the PRT standard of a 10:30 mile.''

A typical day of PEP begins at 6 a.m. with a series of active stretches and warm-up exercises followed by a run and a strengthening session. The runs vary from day-to-day and can consist of multiple 440-yard sprints, interval circuits, or longer 4.5-mile runs.

The strengthening sessions that immediately follow the morning runs are designed to improve the plebe’s push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups.

''I have been involved with PEP for five years now, and I am still amazed at how motivated and hard-working these plebes are,'' said Eliason.