Coordinated through the Naval Academy Admissions Office, the mission of the Blue and Gold Officer program is to find young people across the country who may be interested in applying for and capable of completing the academy’s rigorous four-year officer development program.

‘‘It gives a [Naval Academy] graduate, a parent, or a dedicated citizen the opportunity to be a part of the program,” said Blue and Gold Officer Liaison Officer Capt. Rebecca Bryan. ‘‘They can change a student’s life by getting them interested [in the Naval Academy], and because of what they have done, they have put them on the path to become a future officer,” Bryan continued.

Every year the Admissions Office hosts several one-week training seminars for Blue and Gold Officers. All new Blue and Gold Officers must attend this seminar before beginning their assignment, and all current Blue and Gold Officers must repeat this course, or attend a hub training, every five years to remain active.

Since potential academy recruits are likely to have many questions about life as a Midshipman, the Blue and Gold Officer training is designed to give Blue and Gold Officers a basic understanding of Naval Academy life.

The seminar consists of briefs from the Superintendent, Commandant of the Midshipmen, and Admissions staff, among others. Attendees take walking tours of the Yard and Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium, and sea tours aboard Yard Patrol (YP) crafts. Blue and Gold Officers reside in Bancroft Hall during the seminar and eat meals in the same place as the Brigade of Midshipmen.

Blue and Gold Officers serve as community liaisons between the Naval Academy and prospective candidates. They attend college fairs and college information sessions at middle schools and high schools around the country. All potential Midshipmen must go through an interview with their local Blue and Gold Officer prior to submitting their record to the Admissions Board.

‘‘It is an influential role” said Bryan.

While 50 percent of current Blue and Gold Officers are Naval Academy alumni, the program is open to other active duty service members, retirees, reservists, friends of the Academy, and parents of Midshipmen or graduates. There are approximately 2,100 Blue and Gold Officers across the United States. According to Bryan, there is at least one representative for every high school in the nation.