When will my candidate call home?
While no one can say for certain, candidates are typically given the chance to call home on Sundays (July 18th will be the first Sunday the candidates are allowed to call).  Be prepared however as they have only 5 minutes to complete the phone call.  Remember that most of the daily routine and happenings can be found on this site so use your time wisely.

Can I send a care package to my candidate?
Yes but be advised that packages received during the indoc period are typically "shared" between the rest of the company-mates.  This helps to build a sense that the company is a unit as a whole.  Please include the company number if you have it. The address is:

Candidate John/Jane Doe, 2008
1st Company
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
300 Steamboat Rd.
Kings Point, NY 11024-1699

When can I e-mail my candidate?
Candidates receive their computers on the 31st of July.
E-mail can only be received after the 31st of July.
The E-mail format is: {firstname}.{lastname}.2008@usmma.edu
Example: Peter Smith class of 2008 = peter.smith.2008@usmma.edu

How are candidates placed into Companies?
The placement of candidates into Companies is done randomly.  If your son or daughter played an instrument in high school, then they will most likely be placed into Band Company.

When will my candidate receive mail?
Mail is passed out at tattoo every few nights.  Tattoo is a muster that candidates must go to every night until they are recognized.  During indoctrination, the Senior Drill Instructor will explain to the candidates what they did wrong during the day, and the steps necessary to correct the problems.  Try not to send mail in colored or scented envelopes.

How are meals served?
All meals are served family style.  Candidates take turns going back to the kitchen to pick up food for the table.  A Midshipman Officer stands at the head of each table to ensure each candidate gets enough to eat and drink.  Each candidate is required to drink at least two glasses of water or sports drink during each meal.  On especially hot days, candidates are required to drink three glasses of fluids during each meal.

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