24 July 2004 - Day 16
Today began with the Admiral's Run, a tradition here at the Academy. The Admiral's Run is a long motivational run led by the Superintendent always on the last Saturday of Indoctrination. After breakfast the candidates stood their first of many Commandant's Inspections. Their rooms, personal appearance, and plebe knowledge were evaluated during the one hour inspection. After the inspection each company had to perform for the final drill competition. This is a fierce competition which incorporates all of the drill movements that the candidates were taught and practiced throughout indoc. The scores were tallied and at lunch it was announced that Third Company had won both the inspection and the Final Drill Competition. In the afternoon the candidates went to a swim meet where they competed against the other companies to score points for the race for Iron company. After the swim meet there was a cheer off. Third Company won the cheer off, and Second Company emerged victorious for the swim meet. 23 July 2004 - Day 15
Today's parade was unfortunately postponed due to inclement weather. This however gave the candidates ample time to prepare for the Commandant's Inspection, which will be taking place tomorrow morning. All of the candidates had a meeting today with the Dean about the upcoming academic year and how to prepare for classes. The candidates could tell that indoc is drawing to a close because they received their first issue of text books from the book store this afternoon. Throughout the course of the day, each company also visited Ms. Cunningham, the Social Director, where they were issued the book on military etiquette, and received a class on proper dinning procedure; as well as a class with Chaplain Pusateri on service and dating etiquette here at the Academy.
22 July 2004 - Day 14 The candidates' night of relaxation ended this morning as they were woken up at 0530, and prepared for the usual PT session. After PT the candidates were issued and given a talk about the book Shackelton's Way , which tells the true story of a captain who led his shipwrecked crew to safety. The rest of the morning was occupied by a swimming proficiency test. This test is used to ensure that the candidates have learned the basic swimming strokes that are a prerequisite for their future swimming and aquatic survival classes. Second and Fourth Companies made another visit to the waterfront today and after lunch parade practice was held. Midshipman Officers and candidates prepared for the parade which signifies the coming to an end of their indoctrination.
21 July 2004 - Day 13
Today started off with the usual daily routine for the Candidates. After morning PT, each company had a class on drug and alcohol awareness with Capt. Forrest, USMS. First, Second, and Fourth Companies had their last Honor Lecture, and Fourth Company had the opportunity to go to the waterfront for their Water Survival and Small Boats Class. Late in the afternoon the monotony of indoc life changed as the candidates and Midshipman Officers left for Shea Statium to see the New York Mets take on the Montreal Expos. It was an exhilarating game that kept everyone attention. The game was tied until the final minutes when late in the eight inning the Mets pulled ahead of the Expos to win 5 to 4.
20 July 2004 - Day 12 Day twelve began as usual with the daily seven exercises followed by exercise stations, a run, or time in the pool for Band Company Candidates. First, Second, and Third Companies went to the Bland Memorial Library where they were given a tour by the knowledgeable staff. The Bland Memorial library is the most extensive maritime library of its kind in the country. All of the companies went to the tailor to be fitted for their dress white uniforms, which they will be wearing for Parent's Weekend, and other formal occasions. Fourth Company had a safety class at the waterfront in the morning where they were introduced to the emergency signals that can be used aboard ship. In the afternoon they returned for some time out on the school's sailing vessels. After Indoc, the Candidates will have the opportunity to become a crew member on any one of the vessels at the waterfront.
19 July 2004 - Day 11
This morning the plebes had their usual PT session at 0545 in the morning. After this, Band and Third Companies went to the waterfront for Water Survival and Small Boats Class. Each Company got a chance to go to the tailor to get their combination covers issued to them. First and Second Companies went to the CAORF simulator. Here they got to see first hand how hard it is to be at the helm or in the engine room of a ship with out being in any real danger. Midshipmen in their Second and First Class years will have mandatory simulator classes were they learn the finer techniques of ship handling. As usual, the rest of the candidates day was filled with drill practice. As most can tell, they are beginning to come together with their drill movements.
18 July 2004 - Day 10
Today, the candidates of the class of 2008 had an interruption in their daily routine. They had a reprieve from the strenuous physical conditioning of morning PT and an opportunity to sleep in until 0630. Throughout the day, each candidate was also given the opportunity to make a five minute call home. During the day, First and Second Companies had their chance to visit the waterfront for Underway Operations with the power squadron, sailing team, dingy team, and crew team. Band Company held band practice in the afternoon so that they will be ready to perform with the rest of the regiment when the academic year begins. In the late afternoon, all companies met with their respective Company Academic Officers to learn the importance of good study habits while at the academy. After they finished meeting with the Academic Officers candidates went right back to drilling and practicing marching. After dinner, all candidates marched to Ackerman Auditorium to take their first Plebe Knowledge Test (PKT). The PKT is one of many tasks the candidates must accomplish to become full fledged midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
17 July 2004 - Day 9 Early this morning all of the companies had to take the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). The PFA consists of a one and a half mile run and two minutes of pushups and sit-ups. After breakfast student athletes had a chance to meet with their respective coaches in O'Hara Hall. There will be a “Meet the Coaches Night” at the end of Indoctrination where candidates will have an opportunity to further discuss the upcoming sports season. Afterwards, each company got the privilege to visit the American Merchant Marine Museum located on campus; there they viewed an extensive collection of historical maritime rarities unseen any where else in the United States . The Long Island Sound was quite busy this afternoon as Band, Third, and Fourth Companies went to the waterfront to learn about Underway Operations with the power squadron, sailing team, dingy team, and crew team. The rest of the day was filled with drill practice as the candidates and Drill Instructors struggled to perfect their rifle movements in preparation for upcoming parades and drill competitions.
16 July 2004 - Day 8 Today started as usual with some early morning PT. The candidates then went to do calisthenics at PT stations or sprints on Tomb Field. After Colors, Band Company had band practice where they were able to march together with their instruments for the first time. Throughout the day, each company had their third one hour swimming class. Here they mastered the survival skills of floating and treading water. In order to be qualified to go to sea, each candidate must demonstrate proficiency in almost a dozen selected aspects of swimming. Third and Fourth Companies were given a class in the history of the Merchant Marines by the Academy's Training Officer, CDR Mund, USMS. While Second and Third Companies had their turn to relax in Land Hall and the Chapel, First and Fourth Companies were hard at work practicing drill with their newly received rifles. Several companies were sporting their new leather dress shoes and black socks, making them one step closer to graduating form Plebe Candidates into Plebes.
15 July 2004 - Day 7
The candidates are already one week into their indoctrination and are showing a lot of spirit and enthusiasm. After PT this morning, First and Third Company practiced their drill with newly issued rifles, while Second, and Third Company had their meeting with Naval Science Administration about their commitment upon graduation. In the afternoon, Band Company attended its second swimming class and visited Patten Medical Infirmary. At the Infirmary, candidates are given dental exams and physical checkups. Second, Third, and Fourth Companies each got a turn to escape from their Drill Instructors at the Waterfront for more rowing, Water Survival, and small boat handling. At the same time, First Company played Ultimate Frisbee for intramurals and got a quick lesson in weight training. Throughout the day each company visited the tailor to get fitted for another uniform issue.
14 July 2004 - Day 6
Today, Fourth and Band Company attended their second honor lectures after they visited Land Hall and the Chapel. In the Chapel, the candidates were introduced to Command Chaplain Pusateri and Chaplain Coyle. In the Chapel Recreation room, candidates got a chance to relax and enjoy juice and snacks. Land Hall is a safe haven for candidates where they can relax in the air conditioning and get away from all the pressures of the regiment. Ms. Cunningham, the Social Director, introduced basic service etiquette to the candidates. Third and Fourth Company candidates had a meeting with Naval Science Administration in Ackerman auditorium where they filed out paperwork, and asked questions regarding their commitment after graduation. First Company had their turn at the Waterfront learning how to row the monomoys. In the afternoon Second Company had the opportunity to go to the Waterfront for a class in Water Survival and small boat handling. Before dinner the Grinder was crowded as First, Third, and Fourth Companies practiced drill while Band Company played Ultimate Frisbee for intramurals.
13 July 2004 - Day 5 After morning PT and Breakfast, First Company went to the Waterfront to learn how to row monomoys. Other companies attended classes in honor, where they learned to take pride in the Academy's Honor Code, a midshipman will not lie, cheat, or steal. Fourth Company spent the afternoon in Patten Infirmary for their medical in-processing. Midshipmen Officers and Drill Instructors were on hand in the infirmary to make sure the candidates didn't relax too much. While waiting in line, candidates were quizzed on their chain of command, Academy history, and U.S. Government leaders. First Company went back to the Waterfront in the afternoon where they learned how to use life saving equipment commonly found aboard merchant vessels and how to safety handle and maneuver small boats. Most of the Candidates were able to take a turn at the wheel and learned how to dock and undock the boats.
The other companies had the oppurtunity to take part in a swimming class, and to also learn the basics of weight training.
12 July 2004 - Day 4
Monday was another busy day for the Plebe Candidates. First Company visited the Waterfront today and learned how to tie knots, the proper donning of a life vest, and the proper usage of firefighting and lifesaving equipment. Pictures of these activities can be found under the daily photos section. Band and Second companies had a swimming class were they were instructed in the basics of swimming. During their plebe year they will take a swimming class as well as aquatic survival. The members of Band Company were given their first opportunity to practice playing with the other new members of the Regimental Band. After lunch the candidates began to cheer for their company in order to show their spirit and pride of their respective companies in intense yelling competition that takes place daily. Over the next few days all candidates will visit the tailor to be fitted for their khaki uniforms. Every candidate received a pair of leathers today in their issue. These will have to be shined to a high gloss over the next several days.
11 July 2004 - Day 3
On Sunday, like everyday, candidates started the morning off with an hour and half of PT. After breakfast candidates have the option to attend the religious service of their choice, with USMMA offering services ranging from Roman Catholic to the Church of Later Day Saints . Sunday also gives candidates a chance to catch up on stowing their newly received gear, stenciling uniforms, and writing letters home. After a picnic style lunch candidates marched back to the barracks and prepared for another afternoon filled with drill practice and lessons in military etiquette. At 1800, candidates were ushered back into the dining hall for their final meal of the day and then released to the Senior Drill Instructors. The Drill Instructors passed information along to the candidates, discussed the day's performance, and increased motivation of the company. After each Senior Drill Instructor reviewed the day's performance a round of knowledge training was held and candidates prepared for bed.
10 July 2004 - Day 2
An early morning reveille call rudely awoke the sleeping candidates from their dreams of home as they began their first morning of PT (Physical Training). The first morning consists of an Initial Strength Assessment, a measure of how well the Candidates are prepared for the rigors that lie ahead. After a quick shower and breakfast, the candidates attended their first morning of colors, a ceremony celebrated by military installations worldwide at 0800. Several volumes of paperwork were completed after colors. All companies concentrated hard on drilling and squaring away the barracks. Room are beginning to look neat, trim and military like. Taps sounded at 2130, signaling the end to a very busy and productive day.
9 July 2004 - Day 1
All candidates report between 0800-1000 for in-processing. Each candidate is abruptly introduced to the Kings Point way of life. All receive fresh haircuts and new uniforms within the first hour. This first hour is very stressful as the new candidate is stripped of all his or her civilian possessions and thrown into the life of a plebe at a military academy. The candidates are re-taught how to do everything from speaking to walking. The candidates are forced to discipline themselves immediately to conform to their new environment. Midshipman Baker, the Regimental Commissary Officer, introduced the candidates to proper mess hall etiquette during meal times. The candidates sit six inches from the end of their chairs with their feet at a forty-five degree angle. Midshipmen Officers sit at the head of each table to ensure the candidates get enough to eat and drink in order to make it through each Kings Point day. The first day is a day all midshipmen never forget.
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